This is an intensive 12 hour training that focuses on teaching the AutPlay Therapy framework – a diversity understanding for implementing play therapy with neurodivergent children (autistic, ADHD, sensory differences, learning differences, developmental disabilities, etc.) and their families. The AutPlay Therapy framework highlights neurodiversity affirming and informed constructs within the therapeutic powers of play and seminal play therapy theories and approaches. Emphasis is placed on understanding and addressing mental health needs for neurodivergent children and adolescents.  

 

This training provides awareness for the play therapist in working with neurodivergent children and adolescents and how to be in healthy, safe, and affirming therapeutic relationship. Participants learn how to conceptualize the neurodivergent child’s spectrum of presentation and how to assess for needs (therapy goals). AutPlay inventories and worksheets will be highlighted along with how to affirmingly include parents and children as partners in the play therapy process. Concepts will be covered and explored through experiential play interventions designed to address therapy goals.  

 

The three general therapy phases in play therapy implementation will be covered which include intake and assessment, structured play interventions (theory and approach selection), and termination. Affirming understanding of neurodivergent play and regulation and dysregulation concepts will be covered. The AutPlay Therapy Follow Me Approach (FMA) is explained which details how to work with children with little to no engagement and attunement ability creating integrative play therapy to improve connection and relationship development. Several play therapy interventions are explained and demonstrated through session video clips. Experiential activities are presented, and case conceptualization and planning are discussed.

 

Once you have registered for the training, you will be emailed a pre-training form with a few instructions before your two-day in-person training. The instructions include processes for completing the full AutPlay certification program. This includes instructions for purchasing and reading the book The AutPlay Therapy Handbook: Integrative Family Play Therapy with Neurodivergent Children by Robert Jason Grant and watching the recorded webinar – Introduction to AutPlay Therapy. 

 

Continuing Education for the Registered Play Therapist Credential:

Registered Play Therapist (RPT) Credential Categories:

• Introduction to AutPlay recorded webinar - The 4 hours can count as any combination of 2 toward cultural and social diversity, 2 toward seminal theories, or all 4 in special topics or applicants’ choice.  

• Book Certificate - The 8 hours can count as any combination of 4 toward cultural and social diversity, 2 toward seminal theories, 2 toward skills and methods or all 8 in special topics or applicants’ choice.  

• Two Day 12 hour AutPlay Training - Any combination of 6 toward cultural and social diversity, 4 toward seminal theories, 2 toward skills and methods, or all 12 toward special topics or applicants’ choice.  

• Attendees wishing to receive NBCC, APT, or IBCCES continuing education hours must meet the guidelines established by these organizations.

 

This training is relevant for Registered Play Therapists, Licensed Counselors, Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Psychologists, School Counselors, Certified Counselors, and other Mental Health Professionals.

 

Continuing Education for Other Professionals:

This training is approved for 24 CE hours by IBCCES for the Certified Autism Specialist and Autism Certificate Credentials.

Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Special Education Teachers, and other professionals in case management, education, and medical fields working with children and adolescents with autism and related conditions may complete the AutPlay training but will not receive certification status (certification is for mental health professionals only) and will not receive Play Therapy (APT) or NBCC continuing education hours.

 

All the above information is taken from Dr. Robert Jason Grant's website:www.autplaytherapy.com

 

Registration is open! Click here to Register!