Play Therapy, Autism, and Big Behavior
AutPlay® Therapy to Support Dysregulated Behavior in Kids
- Speaker:
- Robert Jason Grant, EdD, LPC, NCC, RPT-S™
- Duration:
- 1 Hour 21 Minutes
- Format:
- Audio and Video
- Copyright:
-
Jun 03, 2026
- Product Code:
- POS150716
- Media Type:
- Digital Seminar
Description
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
Credit
Speaker
Robert Jason Grant, EdD, LPC, NCC, RPT-S™ Related seminars and products
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 of Missouri Association for Play Therapy.
Additional Info
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.
Objectives
- Describe at least three play therapy interventions that help autistic children reduce distress and dysregulation.
- Describe the AutPlay® Therapy model of regulation/dysregulation.
- Identify play therapy interventions to address regulation needs (creating a regulation play time).
- Apply a neurodiversity affirming framework for addressing big behavior in autistic children.
Outline
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
Target Audience
- Play Therapists
- Child Therapists
- Licensed Clinical/Mental Health Counselors
- Marriage & Family Therapists
- Psychologists
- Social Workers
- Physicians
- Nurses
Reviews
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