Autism and Play Therapy – February 6, 2025 – Live/Virtual

This play therapy training is offered Live In-Person (6-Contact CE’s) and Virtual via Zoom (6- Live-Webinar CE’s).

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.

NIK JOHNSON, M.S.
LPC, RPT, EMDR CONSULTANT
Nik has been a private practice counselor at the Center for Counseling and Family Relationships 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.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:
This training is non-refundable, unless cancelled by training provider. Event will be cancelled if fewer than 5 participants.