I recently completed my training and certification in AutPlay® Therapy and I am eager to help others learn more about this approach for helping neurodivergent children and adolescents by providing a spotlight on AutPlay® Therapy!
This model was created by Dr. Robert Jason Grant to be used with autistic children, children with ADHD, sensory differences, social anxiety, and disabilities. AutPlay® is an integrative psychotherapy model that utilizes play therapy along with relationship development approaches to help children and adolescents reach gains in mental health struggles. The approach includes parents and children as change-agents and collaborators along with the therapist. Through the use of the powers of play children and families are able to address emotion-regulation and sensory challenges, strengthen social skills, increase interpersonal connections, reduce symptoms of anxiety, fortify executive functioning and grow self-esteem.
AutPlay® Therapy Protocol
There are 3 phases:
Phase 1: Intake and Assessment
Phase 2: Structured Play Intervention
Phase 3: Termination
Dr. Robert Jason Grant has created the AutPlay® Follow Me Approach which is a child-led approach designed and implemented to foster interpersonal engagement, authentic rapport and connection that integrates with more directive and structured play-based interventions based on the individual child’s presenting and developmental needs.
Recently Dr. Grant has written in this article about the exponential growth and inclusion of the neurodiversity awareness and anti-ableism movement as an essential under-pinning of AutPlay® Therapy. He has helped me to engage in my own self-examination as to ableist conditioning and to listen to the voices of neurodivergent people.
You can access some FREE play therapy training generously offered by Dr. Robert Jason Grant:
Understanding Ableism and Neurodiversity in Play Therapy
Neurodiversity Affirming Play Therapy
If you are a mental health professional interested in becoming trained and certified as an AutPlay® therapist check out in-person training events and the home-study courses.