Autism and Play Therapy
Live/Virtual Training
Dates
May 15, 2026
October 9, 2026
TIME
9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. CDT
Location
4500 Mercantile Plaza Dr., Ste 307
Fort Worth, TX 76137
or
ZOOM VIRTUAL CLASSROOM
CE
APT – IN PERSON – 6 CONTACT CE
APT – VIA ZOOM –
6 CE NON-CONTACT HOURS
NBCC HOURS: 6 (INCLUDES 6 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY HOURS)
Cost
$210.00 (Non-Refundable)
APT APPROVED PROVIDER #22-656
NBCC ACEP NO. 7206
Training Description
This play therapy training is offered Live In-Person for contact hours and Virtual via Zoom Platform for non-contact hours.
Autism does not refer to one single experience; it covers a broad range of neurodevelopmental differences, affecting relationships, behaviors, emotional experience, and the client’s experience in the world. For this reason, being a Play Therapist with clients experiencing autism is not a “paint by numbers” or “one shoe fits all” approach, instead it is best done as a customized approach tailored to the client in front of you and their support systems.
In this training we explore both directive and non-directive play therapy approaches as evidence based, neuroaffirmative approaches to play therapy with clients experiencing autism. The aim of this training is not to tell you exactly what to do in your play room, but to instead help you find your authentic voice as a play therapist as you navigate through a neurodiverse play room and world.
Learning Objectives
1. Demonstrate two directive approaches that may be used with Play Therapy clients experiencing autism spectrum disorder
2. Identify two adaptations to child centered play therapy for Play Therapy clients experiencing autism spectrum disorder
3. Discuss the importance of including support systems in the treatment of clients experiencing autism spectrum disorder
4. Discuss the research on both directive and non-directive play therapy on its use with clients experiencing autism spectrum disorder
5. Discuss how to account for and adapt to sensory issues while using play therapy with clients
6. Discuss how to use a strengths-based approach when discussing neurodiversity with caregivers, teachers, and the community to advocate for our play therapy clients
Schedule
9:00 am – Definitions and History
10:30 am – Break
10:45 am – Non-Directive Approaches
12:15 pm – Lunch Break
12:45 pm – Directive Approaches
2:15 pm – Break
2:30 pm – Putting it all together
VIRTUAL TRAINING INFORMATION
- If you register for the Virtual Classroom training, make sure you have a good WIFI connection.
- Your computer will need a camera for you to be visible throughout the entire training to receive the certificate.
- We will be using Zoom for the training, and we will send you a link at least 24 hours before the start of the training.
- You will need to download the Zoom program to be able to use the link.
- Please note that during the training there will be two 15-minute breaks in the morning and afternoon and a 30-minute lunch break.
WHY COME IN PERSON?
- Receive in-person contact CE hours
- Enjoy staying in Fort Worth, Texas with hotels within walking distance
- Tour our 7500 square foot counseling practice and continuing education facility
- Build relationships with other participants
- Informal conversations during breaks and lunch with our trainer
Nik Johnson
LPC-S, Registered Play Therapist™- Supervisor, EMDR Consultant
Nik has been a private practice counselor in Texas since 2017. He works with children aged (4+), adolescents, and adults, specializing in complex trauma, dissociative disorders, and play therapy. Previously Nik worked at an agency in Missouri providing play therapy to children in the foster care system. He offers continuing education to professionals especially within the topics of working with developmental trauma, dissociative disorders, and play therapy.
ADA
Our facilities meets the requirements to be accessible according to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If a participants needs additional accommodations please email info@playtherapytrainingresources.com
APT- APPROVED CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDER
Play Therapy Training Resources has been approved by APT as an Approved Continuing Education Provider #22-656. Programs that do not qualify for APT credit are clearly identified. Play Therapy Training Resources is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
NBCC- APPROVED CONTINUING EDUCATION PROVIDER
Play Therapy Training Resources has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7206. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Play Therapy Training Resources is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Allocation of Training Hours
Per the RPT Standards set by the Association of Play Therapy:
Participants are responsible for determining how each training aligns with their required primary areas.
“Please review the training materials for each workshop and use your best clinical judgment to allocate hours across the various primary areas. Often, a single training will address multiple primary areas.”
Privacy Policies
training class size
Per APT guidelines, all Live/Virtual trainings are limited to 50 total participants. The number of participants both in-person and virtual combined cannot exceed this amount.
cancellation and refund policy
This training is non-refundable, unless cancelled by training provider. Event will be cancelled if fewer than 6 participants.