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Digital Seminar

Play Therapy, Autism, and Big Behavior

$69.99 Standard

Behaviors in autistic children often draw attention—whether they appear unusual, socially misunderstood, aggressive, isolating, or involve meltdowns. In play therapy, it’s essential to recognize that most challenging behaviors are not defiant but responses to distress or dysregulation. Understanding this distinction helps therapists respond with empathy and effectiveness.

This presentation provides practical tools and resources for addressing behavioral challenges in autistic children. You’ll learn how to identify distress-driven or dysregulated behavior, explore core causes, and apply the AutPlay® therapy model alongside play therapy interventions that affirm neurodivergent play and promote regulation.

You’ll learn:

  • The difference between distress-driven and dysregulated behaviors in autistic children
  • Underlying causes of behavior, including sensory and emotional factors
  • The AutPlay® therapy model supports regulation and reduces behavioral challenges
  • Play therapy interventions that affirm neurodivergent play and foster emotional resilience
  • Strategies to turn moments of dysregulation into opportunities for healing and connection

Here's What You'll Learn


Strategies for Being Neurodiversity-Informed and Affirming

  • Understanding neurodiversity and why affirming approaches matter
  • Common misconceptions about autistic behaviors
  • Creating a safe and validating play therapy environment

Key Considerations for Understanding Autistic Distress and Dysregulation

  • What distress-driven and dysregulated behavior looks like in autistic children
  • Core causes of dysregulation; sensory, emotional, and environmental factor
  • Recognizing signs of escalation and meltdown patterns

Implementing Play Therapy Techniques for Big Behaviors

  • Play-based strategies for co-regulation
  • Using sensory play and movement to support regulation
  • Practical tools for managing meltdowns in the playroom

Using Play Therapy Theories and Approaches to Reduce Autistic Distress

  • Overview of AutPlay® therapy model and its application
  • Affirming neurodivergent play while promoting emotional resilience
  • Turning moments of dysregulation into opportunities for connection and growth

Key Takeaways

  • Identify distress-driven vs. dysregulated behaviors in autistic children
  • Apply neurodiversity-affirming strategies in play therapy practice
  • Implement play therapy techniques that support regulation and reduce behavioral challenges
  • Use AutPlay® and other play therapy approaches to foster resilience and connection

Everything You're Getting


  • More than 1 hour of video content
  • Up to 1.25 CE credits
  • Certificate of completion
  • Handouts and resources

Meet Your Experts


Robert Jason Grant, EdD, LPC, NCC, RPT-S™

Toggle speaker biography

Dr. Robert Jason Grant is the creator of AutPlay® Therapy. He is a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, supervisor, and consultant. He utilizes several years of advanced training and his own lived neurodivergent experience to provide affirming services to children and their families. He is an international trainer and keynote presenter and multi-published author of several articles and books on the topics of child and play therapy and neurodiversity.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Robert Grant is the owner of AutPlay Therapy Clinic. He receives royalties as a published author. Robert Grant receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Robert Grant is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Mental Health Counselors, the Association American Counseling, the Association of Missouri American Mental Health Counselors, and the Association for Play Therapy.

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We’re that confident you'll find this learning experience to be all that's promised and more than you expected.

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Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)

Access never expires for this product.

Questions?

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Additional CE Info

For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepesi@pesi.com.

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Media Type:
Digital Seminar
Product Code:
POS150716
Duration:
1 hour, 21 minutes
Copyright:
Jun 03, 2026
Closed Captions:
Available
Format:
Audio and Video

ADA Needs


We would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs; please call our Customer Service Department for more information at 1-800-844-8260.

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