2025 Supporting Clients with a Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Play Therapy August 14
Overview:
The Canadian
Medical Association states that Autism in Canada
is represented by 1-2 % of the
population (Hawthorne, 2024). More individuals visit the play therapy room with a neurotypical presentation than ever before. Join your colleagues to balance gaining theoretical
knowledge with practical clinical experiences.
Case conceptualization and treatment planning will inform directive and
non-directive treatment. Participants
will gain knowledge of autism spectrum disorder while learning about a variety
of interventions that they can integrate into play therapy practice.
Learning Outcomes:
1.
List diagnostic criteria for ASD that
are relevant for play therapy.
2. Name common
myths/misinformation about ASD that might hinder progress
in Play Therapy.
3. Explain the
concept of Executive Function and how
it applies to Play Therapy.
4.
Describe the grief process of parents/caregivers and
how it impacts Play Therapy.
5.
Name research-based play therapy
interventions that would
be appropriate for clients on the spectrum.
6.
Conceptualize a case for children/teens on the spectrum
and create Play Therapy
treatment plans that address dysregulation, lagging social skills, sensory
based challenges, executive functioning and the superpowers of having autism.
7.
Identify directive and
non-directive play therapy approaches that address: dysregulation issues,
lagging social skills,
sensory based challenges and executive functioning.
8. Discuss ways to
involve caregivers in the play therapy process.