The AutPlay (R) Therapy Handbook: Integrative Family Play Therapy with Neurodivergent Children

The AutPlay Therapy Follow Me Approach (FMA) is a play therapy intervention that helps children with limited or no engagement ability, address regulation and trauma issues, and use technology. It empowers therapists to work confidently and effectively with these populations.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 27 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

AutPlay Therapy is a powerful therapeutic approach that focuses on using play to engage and connect with children who may have limited or no engagement ability. Developed by Dr. Jamie Smith, AutPlay Therapy is based on the principle that play is a natural and universal language that can be used to communicate and express emotions, thoughts, and experiences.

The therapy consists of three phases:

Phase 1: Establishing a Safe and Secure Relationship: In this phase, the therapist works to establish a safe and secure relationship with the child. This involves building trust, creating a non-judgmental environment, and providing a sense of comfort and support.

Phase 2: Exploring and Expressing Emotions: During this phase, the therapist encourages the child to explore and express their emotions through play. This can include using toys, games, and other play-based activities to help the child identify and understand their feelings.

Phase 3: Building and Strengthening Relationships: In this phase, the therapist works to build and strengthen relationships with the child and their family. This can include providing support and guidance to the family, collaborating with other professionals, and developing strategies to support the child's social and communication skills.

The primary target areas of AutPlay Therapy include:

Social and Communication Skills: AutPlay Therapy helps children develop and improve their social and communication skills. Through play, children learn to interact with others, share their thoughts and feelings, and develop empathy and compassion.

Emotional Regulation: AutPlay Therapy is effective in addressing emotional regulation issues. By using play, children can learn to identify and express their emotions in a safe and controlled environment, which can help them manage stress and anxiety.

Trauma and Stress Management: AutPlay Therapy can also be used to address trauma and stress issues. Play provides a safe and non-threatening environment for children to process and cope with their experiences, which can help them heal and move forward.

AutPlay Therapy can be used with children across the spectrum, with various presentations. The AutPlay Therapy Follow Me Approach (FMA) is a specific approach developed by Dr. Smith to work with children who have limited or no engagement ability. The FMA involves using a variety of play-based activities and toys to engage and motivate the child, and to encourage them to participate in therapy.

In addition to working with children with limited or no engagement ability, AutPlay Therapy can also be used to address regulation and trauma issues. Play provides a safe and non-threatening environment for children to explore and process their experiences, which can help them develop coping strategies and build resilience.

Technology can also be used as an adjunct to AutPlay Therapy. For example, virtual reality therapy can be used to create immersive and therapeutic experiences for children who may have difficulty engaging with traditional play-based activities.

Empowering therapists to work confidently and effectively with the autistic and neurodiverse populations is a key goal of AutPlay Therapy. The therapy provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and responding to the unique needs and challenges of these populations, and helps therapists develop skills and strategies to provide high-quality care and support.

In conclusion, AutPlay Therapy is a powerful therapeutic approach that uses play to engage and connect with children who may have limited or no engagement ability. The therapy consists of three phases, focuses on building and strengthening relationships, and addresses a range of target areas, including social and communication skills, emotional regulation, trauma and stress management, and regulation and trauma issues. AutPlay Therapy can be used with children across the spectrum, and the AutPlay Therapy Follow Me Approach (FMA) is a specific approach developed to work with children with limited or no engagement ability. Technology can also be used as an adjunct to AutPlay Therapy to create immersive and therapeutic experiences for children with difficulty engaging with traditional play-based activities. Empowering therapists to work confidently and effectively with the autistic and neurodiverse populations is a key goal of AutPlay Therapy.

Weight: 690g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032075488