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.

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.

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.

Play-Based Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Other Developmental Disabilities contains a wide selection of play therapy interventions for use with children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, dysregulation issues, or other neurodevelopmental disorders. The structured interventions focus on improvement in social skills, emotional regulation, connection and relationship development, and anxiety reduction. Special considerations for implementing structured interventions and an intervention tracking sheet are also presented. This valuable tool is a must have for both professionals and parents working on skill development with these populations.

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.

Art as a Language for Autism addresses the clinical challenges that are common in working with autistic spectrum disorder by exploring how artistic expression can provide a communicative language for younger clients who are set in their thought processes and preferences. Exploring how both art and play-based approaches can be effective tools for engaging therapeutic work, this book introduces strategies to help young clients find expressive "languages" that can fully support communication, expression, and empathic understanding, as well as build skills for relaxation, calming, and coping. Building from a foundation of a client’s individual strengths and interests, this playful and integrative approach is informed by an awareness of the individual sensory profiles and the developmental needs of children and adolescents with autism. Through a greater awareness of these materials and processes for therapy, the reader will be able to create a space for their young clients to share what they know and care about. This exciting new book is essential reading for clinicians working with children and adolescents on the autism spectrum.

The authoritative guide to implementing the Joint Attention, Symbolic Play, Engagement, and Regulation (JASPER) intervention. With a strong evidence base, JASPER provides a clear, flexible structure to bolster early skills core to social communication development. The authors show how to assess 1- to 8-year-olds with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), set treatment targets, choose engaging play materials, tailor JASPER strategies to each individual, and troubleshoot common challenges.

Empowering strategies for anyone who works with children and teens on the spectrum. International best-selling writer and autist Temple Grandin joins psychologist Debra Moore in presenting nine strengths-based mindsets necessary to successfully work with young people on the autism spectrum. Examples and stories bring the approaches to life, and detailed suggestions and checklists help readers put them to practical use. Temple Grandin shares her own personal experiences and anecdotes from parents and professionals who have sought her advice, while Debra Moore draws on more than three decades of work as a psychologist with kids on the spectrum and those who love and care for them. So many people support the lives of these kids, and this book is for all of them: teachers; special education staff; mental health clinicians; physical, occupational, and speech therapists; parents; and anyone interacting with autistic children or teens. Readers will come away with new, empowering mindsets they can apply to develop the full potential of every child.

Phase 1. Embracing the spirit of play - - phase 2. Setting the stage for play - - phase 3. Observing children at play - - phase 4. Guided participation in play.