Woods Awarded Grant from the Eagles Autism Foundation

Woods Awarded Grant from the Eagles Autism Foundation

Woods Services is among 20 organizations selected to receive funding from the Eagles Autism Foundation this year.  A total of 34 projects received $6.2 million for research and projects that enhance the lives of individuals affected by autism.

Woods recently opened the Center for Behavioral Health, which treats children and adults with mental and behavioral health challenges. Among the services provided are autism assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of children and youth. Woods plans to install sensory-friendly play equipment that can be accessed before, during, or after assessments and treatment to provide a milieu that encourages children to trust and relax so that their evaluations and therapy sessions may be less stressful.

Sensory play equipment needed for the space includes oversized musical instruments and a learning wall. Sensory stimulation provides relaxation and leisure activities for children with autism. The benefits include self-led exploration on sensory play panels that help children develop their senses. The high-touch panels provide many ways to develop cognitive, tactile, sensory/motor, emotional/social, and language skills and invite children to use their imaginations. The musical instruments allow children to explore rhythm, experience subtle shifts in tone, and discover the many ways individual sounds can be combined through metallophones and drums. Engaging in sensory play is calming, releases endorphins, improves brain function, and stimulates creativity.

Sensory play opportunities will also support the development of communication skills, an enhancement of sensory skills, hand-eye coordination, and cause-and-effect response. Sensory play can also assist in the development of social and emotional skills, reduce tension and increase relaxation, provide fun and enjoyment, and improve levels of concentration, alertness, calmness, and general awareness.

The Center is aligned with Woods’ population health management approach, which considers the impact of the social determinants of health and integrates physical and behavioral health. Through this lens, the Center conducts the evaluation and treatment of children and youth with autism.