AutPlay® Therapy was created by Dr. Robert Jason Grant and is an integrative family play therapy approach to help address the mental health needs of autistic and neurodivergent children (ages 3-18), including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental and physical disabilities.
AutPlay integrates psychological/counseling theory, models of play therapy, and relationship development approaches together in a collaborative protocol to assist children and adolescents toward gains in addressing mental health struggles. Parents and children are considered co-change agents in the therapy process and work as partners with the therapist.
AutPlay Therapy provides a collaborative assessment process designed to value the individual child and highlight their strengths as well as guide areas of intervention, goals, and approaches for addressing the needs of the child and family. The therapeutic powers of play (core change agents) are utilized to address a variety of possible needs including emotional regulation struggles, social navigation needs, engagement/connection growth, anxiety and fear reduction, sensory challenges, executive functioning struggles, depression and self-esteem issues, trauma issues, stigmatization, and parent/child relationship struggles.
NOTE: The information presented on this website primarily defaults to identity first language in support of research that shows that autistic adults prefer identity first language. Mental health and other professionals should always ask clients what language they prefer and respect the clients voice and choice.
To Learn more about AutPlay please click here.