This revamped second edition provides several play interventions designed to address a variety of common mental health needs that neurodivergent children face, such as social navigation, regulation, relationship development, anxiety issues, identity struggles, and self-advocacy. Completely reorganized and with the addition of several new chapters, the book begins with a thorough presentation of how and why structured interventions are used with neurodivergent children. Special focus is given to understanding neurodivergence, relationship and rapport building, therapy planning and goal setting, how to create a structured play intervention, the therapeutic powers of play, the role and level of involvement of the therapist, theory integration, avoiding ableist practices, and parent involvement. The second half of the book covers a wide selection of play therapy interventions for use with neurodivergent children and adolescents. The structured interventions focus on need areas related to social navigation, emotional expression, regulation, sensory processing, connection and relationship development, executive functioning, strengths, self-advocacy, and identity. These structured play therapy interventions designed uniquely for neurodivergent children and adolescents will be valuable resources for any mental health professional working with neurodivergent youth.

* The main themes look at describing AutPlay Therapy, the phases of therapy, the primary target areas, assessment procedures, intake and other therapy forms, and play therapy interventions to address therapy goals * Describes how to work with children across the spectrum with various presentations. The AutPlay Therapy Follow Me Approach (FMA) is described which explains how to work with children who have limited or no engagement ability. Additional issues are also coved such as using AutPlay Therapy to address regulation and trauma issues, and the use of technology in AutPlay Therapy * Empowers the therapist to confidence and effectiveness in working with the autistic and neurodiverse populations

Based on the award-winning Autism Friendly Training Program, created by the non-profit organization STARS for Autism, this book empowers the everyday professional to a better understanding and skill in working with, interacting with, serving, and teaching children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). After a thorough explanation of ASD and how it affects children, adults, families, and communities, this guide describes the Autism Friendly Training Program and gives the reader insight into what it means to become autism friendly and to be an autism friendly training presenter. This text will enable those who are neurotypical to gain insight into the person, the stories, and the lives of those with ASD. It is a guide to understanding autism at a deeper level to enable relationship and support processes that define being autism friendly. Providing the needed information, tools, and confidence to be autism friendly, this book will be beneficial to any and all businesses, organizations, groups, communities, families, and individuals who work with, serve, interact with, teach, parent, and experience life with an autistic person.

This revamped second edition provides several play interventions designed to address a variety of common mental health needs that neurodivergent children face, such as social navigation, regulation, relationship development, anxiety issues, identity struggles, and self-advocacy. Completely reorganized and with the addition of several new chapters, the book begins with a thorough presentation of how and why structured interventions are used with neurodivergent children. Special focus is given to understanding neurodivergence, relationship and rapport building, therapy planning and goal setting, how to create a structured play intervention, the therapeutic powers of play, the role and level of involvement of the therapist, theory integration, avoiding ableist practices, and parent involvement. The second half of the book covers a wide selection of play therapy interventions for use with neurodivergent children and adolescents. The structured interventions focus on need areas related to social navigation, emotional expression, regulation, sensory processing, connection and relationship development, executive functioning, strengths, self-advocacy, and identity. These structured play therapy interventions designed uniquely for neurodivergent children and adolescents will be valuable resources for any mental health professional working with neurodivergent youth.

* The main themes look at describing AutPlay Therapy, the phases of therapy, the primary target areas, assessment procedures, intake and other therapy forms, and play therapy interventions to address therapy goals * Describes how to work with children across the spectrum with various presentations. The AutPlay Therapy Follow Me Approach (FMA) is described which explains how to work with children who have limited or no engagement ability. Additional issues are also coved such as using AutPlay Therapy to address regulation and trauma issues, and the use of technology in AutPlay Therapy * Empowers the therapist to confidence and effectiveness in working with the autistic and neurodiverse populations

* Brings to light the many and varied experiences of facilitating play therapy with groups of children across challenging environments, multiple settings, and treatment populations * The book has three main sections - o Specific types of contemporary play therapy used in groups (such as Legoplay (TM), Animal Assisted Play Therapy, Social Skills Training, etc.) o Specific Settings where group play therapy is being implemented (online/digital format, school, hospitals, clinics, and residential treatment centers) o Special populations (military families, crisis intervention, sexual abuse, children of divorce, post-adoption, and utilizing body work in treating trauma) * Beneficial to students who are new to play therapy or professionals who have been working in the field and are interested in exploring different perspectives and experiences of facilitating group therapy using play therapy across a variety of settings, populations, and treatment models

Based on the award-winning Autism Friendly Training Program, created by the non-profit organization STARS for Autism, this book empowers the everyday professional to a better understanding and skill in working with, interacting with, serving, and teaching children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). After a thorough explanation of ASD and how it affects children, adults, families, and communities, this guide describes the Autism Friendly Training Program and gives the reader insight into what it means to become autism friendly and to be an autism friendly training presenter. This text will enable those who are neurotypical to gain insight into the person, the stories, and the lives of those with ASD. It is a guide to understanding autism at a deeper level to enable relationship and support processes that define being autism friendly. Providing the needed information, tools, and confidence to be autism friendly, this book will be beneficial to any and all businesses, organizations, groups, communities, families, and individuals who work with, serve, interact with, teach, parent, and experience life with an autistic person.

* Brings to light the many and varied experiences of facilitating play therapy with groups of children across challenging environments, multiple settings, and treatment populations * The book has three main sections - o Specific types of contemporary play therapy used in groups (such as Legoplay (TM), Animal Assisted Play Therapy, Social Skills Training, etc.) o Specific Settings where group play therapy is being implemented (online/digital format, school, hospitals, clinics, and residential treatment centers) o Special populations (military families, crisis intervention, sexual abuse, children of divorce, post-adoption, and utilizing body work in treating trauma) * Beneficial to students who are new to play therapy or professionals who have been working in the field and are interested in exploring different perspectives and experiences of facilitating group therapy using play therapy across a variety of settings, populations, and treatment models

This book explores the multitude of thoughts, theories, opinions, methods, and approaches to play therapy in order to highlight the unity and diversity of theory and perspective in the field. Each chapter is a common question related to play therapy to which ten established and experienced play therapists share their thoughts, theoretical perspectives, and opinions. The key characteristics of a well-trained play therapist, the role of technology in play therapy, the importance of speaking the client's language, and many more frequently asked play therapy questions and topics are explored. The reader will learn about the umbrella of play therapy thought and practice and connect with perspectives that might align with their own theoretical preferences. This book will be of interest to a wide range of mental health professionals working with children and adolescents. Those new to play therapy and those who are seasoned veterans will appreciate, value, and hopefully be challenged by the differing viewpoints surrounding many play therapy topics.

This book explores the multitude of thoughts, theories, opinions, methods, and approaches to play therapy in order to highlight the unity and diversity of theory and perspective in the field. Each chapter is a common question related to play therapy to which ten established and experienced play therapists share their thoughts, theoretical perspectives, and opinions. The key characteristics of a well-trained play therapist, the role of technology in play therapy, the importance of speaking the client’s language, and many more frequently asked play therapy questions and topics are explored. The reader will learn about the umbrella of play therapy thought and practice and connect with perspectives that might align with their own theoretical preferences. This book will be of interest to a wide range of mental health professionals working with children and adolescents. Those new to play therapy and those who are seasoned veterans will appreciate, value, and hopefully be challenged by the differing viewpoints surrounding many play therapy topics.

AutPlay Therapy is a behavioral play-based treatment approach to working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. This innovative new model contains a parent-training component (wherein the therapist trains parents to do directive play therapy interventions in the home) and can be utilized in any setting where children and adolescents with an autism disorder, ADHD, dysregulation issues, or other neurodevelopmental disorders are treated. This comprehensive resource outlines the AutPlay Therapy process and offers a breakdown of treatment phases along with numerous assessment materials and over 30 directive play therapy techniques.

Counseling Families: Play-Based Treatment offers an engaging and practical integration of expressive arts and play therapy within family counseling. Building upon the most current research in family counseling, this volume presents new and humanistic approaches of family play therapy, including family-based cognitive behavioral therapy, family theraplay, and filial therapy. Application of these methods is explored with children and families affected by autism, divorce, and trauma. Essential coverage of the ethics of family play therapy as well as the therapist's own self-care is also included in this comprehensive and valuable resource. Counseling Families: Play-Based Treatment provides clinicians and family counselors with an integrative and effective model of family counseling that will help children and families understand and develop their mental health needs.

AutPlay Therapy is a behavioral play-based treatment approach to working with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. This innovative new model contains a parent-training component (wherein the therapist trains parents to do directive play therapy interventions in the home) and can be utilized in any setting where children and adolescents with an autism disorder, ADHD, dysregulation issues, or other neurodevelopmental disorders are treated. This comprehensive resource outlines the AutPlay Therapy process and offers a breakdown of treatment phases along with numerous assessment materials and over 30 directive play therapy techniques.

Counseling Families: Play-Based Treatment offers an engaging and practical integration of expressive arts and play therapy within family counseling. Building upon the most current research in family counseling, this volume presents new and humanistic approaches of family play therapy, including family-based cognitive behavioral therapy, family theraplay, and filial therapy. Application of these methods is explored with children and families affected by autism, divorce, and trauma. Essential coverage of the ethics of family play therapy as well as the therapist's own self-care is also included in this comprehensive and valuable resource. Counseling Families: Play-Based Treatment provides clinicians and family counselors with an integrative and effective model of family counseling that will help children and families understand and develop their mental health needs.