Disability/Developmental Delay Playgroups

MyTime Support groups for families with a child with a disability or chronic medical condition

MyTime groups provide local peer support to parents or carers of a child up to age 16 with a disability or chronic medical condition.

MyTime gives parents the chance to socialise and share ideas with others who understand the rewards and intensity of their caring role. Parents can meet with people in similar circumstances to have fun, share stories and find out about available community support. Research-based parenting information is available at group meetings.

Each group has a play helper who can lead children in activities such as singing, drawing, playing with toys, blocks or sand so parents can spend time focusing on catching up with others.

Parents and carers build a social support network that supports their parenting as they navigate some of the additional challenges they experience, while children who attend have a positive and accessible play experience.

MyTime is operated nationally by the Parenting Research Centre and funded by the Australian Government. Playgroup NSW is a co-ordinating partner for MyTime in NSW. Visit the MyTime national website.

PlayConnect groups for families with a child with autism

Playgroup NSW also runs facilitated groups, called PlayConnect, specifically for children aged 0-6 years with autism-like behaviours and their families. PlayConnect creates a peer-support environment for families and provides play experiences that are responsive to the needs of children with autism.

These groups welcome families who are unable to access other autism specific services if they are waiting on a diagnosis or do not fully meet the criteria for diagnosis.

PlayConnect provides an opportunity to create support networks, share experiences and get assistance to navigate autism support services. Siblings of children with autism are also welcome to attend PlayConnect playgroups. PlayConnect is funded by the Australian Government.