What is "AutPlay®" Therapy?

AutPlay® Therapy was created by Dr. Robert Jason Grant. It is a neurodiversity affirming framework for implementing play therapy.The AutPlay framework is neurodiversity paradigm informed and designed to help child and play therapists address the mental health needs of neurodivergent children ages 3-18 (autistic children, those with ADHD, social anxiety, sensory differences, learning differences, highly sensitive, and developmental and physical disabilities).

AutPlay Therapy Overview

AutPlay conceptualizes psychological/counseling theory and approaches of play therapy through a diverse, understood, and informed process for working with Neurodivergent clients. It is designed to assist child and play therapists in the selection and implementation of play therapy interventions for children and adolescents toward gains in addressing mental health needs. Parents and children are valued and understood as partners in the therapy process with the therapist.

Phases of AutPlay Therapy

AutPlay framework generally describes three overarching phases of play therapy: 1) Intake and Assessment Phase, 2) Structured Play Intervention Phase (theory and approach selection), and 3) Termination Phase. Additionally, child and play therapists gain confidence in individualization with Neurodivergent clients, including prescriptive and integrative play therapy processes such as the AutPlay Follow Me Approach (FMA) – a child-led (non-directive based philosophy to meet engagement, connection, and relationship development needs.

The Essence of the AutPlay Therapy Framework

AutPlay Therapy is a neurodiversity informed and affirming collaborative 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. Providing purposeful mental health therapy for neurodivergent children and adolescents means supporting positive self-worth, taking a strengths-based approach, creating an affirming identity understanding, and teaching advocacy.

Therapeutic Benefits of Play

The therapeutic powers of play (core change agents) are understood in addressing 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, advocacy, stigmatization, identity appreciation, the social model of disability, autonomy, inclusion needs, and parent/child relationship struggles.