Autism spectrum disorder and developmental disabilities -- Foundations of autplay therapy -- The autplay therapy approach -- Research and case studies -- Emotional regulation interventions -- Social skills interventions -- Connection interventions -- Additional resources.

The AutPlay® Therapy Handbook provides a thorough explanation and understanding of AutPlay® Therapy (an integrative family play therapy framework) and details how to effectively implement AutPlay® Therapy for addressing the mental health needs of autistic and neurodivergent children and their families. This handbook guides the mental health therapist working with children and adolescents through their natural language of play. Opening with an extensive review of the neurodiversity paradigm and ableism, the chapters cover AutPlay® Therapy protocol, phases of therapy, assessment strategies, and common need areas along with understanding neurodiversity affirming processes. Additional chapters highlight the therapeutic powers of play, integrative play therapy approaches, understanding co-occurring conditions, working with high support needs, and using AutPlay® Therapy to address regulation, sensory, social/emotional, and other mental health concerns that neurodivergent children may be experiencing. The handbook serves as a thorough guide for play therapists, child therapists, and family therapists who work with neurodivergent children and their families.

AutPlay® Therapy Play and Social Skills Groups provides practitioners with a step-by-step guide for implementing a social skills group to help children and adolescents with autism improve on their play and social skills deficits in a fun and engaging way. This unique 10-session group model incorporates the AutPlay Therapy approach focused on relational and behavioral methods. Group setup, protocol, and structured play therapy interventions are presented and explained for easy implementation by professionals. Also included are parent implemented interventions that allow parents and/or caregivers to become co-change agents in the group process and learn how to successfully implement AutPlay groups. Any practitioner or professional who works with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder will find this resource to be a unique and valuable guide to effectively implementing social skills groups.

"The AutPlay Therapy Handbook provides a thorough explanation and understanding of AutPlay Therapy (an integrative family play therapy framework) and details how to effectively implement AutPlay Therapy for addressing the mental health needs of autistic and neurodivergent children and their families. This handbook guides the mental health therapist working with children and adolescents through their natural language of play. Opening with an extensive review of the neurodiversity paradigm and ableism, the chapters cover AutPlay Therapy protocol, phases of therapy, assessment strategies, and common need areas along with understanding neurodiversity affirming processes. Additional chapters highlight the therapeutic powers of play, integrative play therapy approaches, understanding co-occurring conditions, working with high support needs, and using AutPlay Therapy to address regulation, sensory, social/emotional, and other mental health concerns that neurodivergent children may be experiencing. The handbook serves as a thorough guide for play therapists, child therapists and family therapists who work with neurodivergent children and their families"--

More than 30 games and activities help the child on the spectrum: follow directions, stay focused, and strengthen motor skills; interact with peers and develop social skills needed for playdates; build vocabulary, expand communication, and answer questions.

AutPlay Therapy is a play therapy based approach to working with children and parents dealing with autism disorders and other developmental disabilities. AutPlay Therapy is a combination of behavioral and developmental approaches that is both therapist and parent-led. The AutPlay Therapy method is influenced by theoretic orientations of play therapy and cognitive and behavioral therapy. AutPlay Therapy functions as a comprehensive model that assists children and adolescents in gaining needed skills and abilities in the areas of emotional regulation, social functioning, and connection.

Group Play Therapy presents an updated look at an effective yet underutilized therapeutic intervention. More than just an approach to treating children, group play therapy is a life-span approach, undergirded by solid theory and, in this volume, taking wings through exciting techniques. Drawing on their experiences as clinicians and educators, the authors weave theory and technique together to create a valuable resource for both mental health practitioners and advanced students. Therapists and ultimately their clients will benefit from enhancing their understanding of group play therapy.