Our Story
Drs. Marija Colic and Sho Araiba launched Play Dojo in 2024 to address the critical need for a safe, neurodivergent-affirming space where autistic children can play together. Through our clinical and educational practice, we recognized a significant gap in social opportunities for these children. Despite a strong desire to interact with peers and build meaningful friendships, they lacked the supportive environments to do so. Play Dojo was born to bridge that gap.
Our Mission To equip every child with the tools, confidence, and community support necessary to build lasting social play experiences and navigate the world with joy.
Our Vision We envision a future where every child on the autism spectrum in the world experiences a profound sense of belonging and true social connections.
Our Culture By fostering an environment of neuro-inclusion, Play Dojo serves as a leading center for positive social experience —a place where differences are not merely accommodated, but celebrated as essential threads in the fabric of our community.
Our vision and mission
Rooted in the spirit of community and inclusion at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, Play Dojo was founded to bridge the gap between structured education and the natural joy of social play for children on the autism spectrum. Our journey began with a simple observation: that social growth flourishes best in environments where children feel safe to explore, interact, and be themselves. By blending evidence-based behavioral strategies with a high-energy, “dojo” inspired atmosphere of respect and practice, our mission is to empower neurodivergent keiki (children) to build meaningful friendships and navigate social landscapes with confidence. We are dedicated to fostering a supportive space where every child’s unique way of connecting is celebrated, ensuring that play is not just an activity, but a pathway to belonging.