Course Description

About This Training:

This is a non-contact online/home study training that focuses on learning how to better serve, work with, and interact with those with autism.   

You will need internet access to complete this training. 

You will be asked to read through the PowerPoint (this is your training guide), you will also be asked to watch video clips, and complete experiential activities. 

It’s expected that you will complete all the exercises and not skip over any parts of this training. Many of the exercises are referenced on the post exam at the end of the training. 

Continuing education hours: 4 CE Hrs. approved by IBCCES (Certified Autism Specialist and Autism Certificate)

If you have any questions while completing the training, you may contact Jen Taylor info@jentaylorplaytherapy.com or Robert Jason Grant info@autplaytherapy.com.

Description: 

The Autism Friendly Training Program was created by the nonprofit group Stars for Autism. The online autism friendly training is a 4-hour training which allows attendees to understand what autism is and how to interact with, serve, and work with autistic individuals. This training promotes awareness of the communication, social, sensory, and behavioral barriers which affect individuals who have autism. Educators, case managers, government employees, medical professionals, first responders, service workers, and professionals across a variety of settings, gain valuable information for working with, serving, and interacting with autistic individuals. This training includes PowerPoint, video clips, and experiential exercises. Participants will need access to the internet (YouTube), paper, and a pencil to complete the online training. 



Learning Objectives:

  1. Participants will be able to describe autism spectrum disorder and list several characteristics of those who have autism.

  2. Participants will be able to define the communication, social, behavioral, and sensory manifestations/needs faced by autistic individuals.

  3. Participants will be able to discuss how autistic individuals typically interact and respond in social situations.  

  4. Participants will be able to list several ways to be more effective in communicating and interacting with those with autism.



Recommended Reading:

Barboa, L., & Luck, J. (2016). Autism friendly: Stars for autism training manual. Nixa, MO: KIP Educational Materials. 

Barboa, L., & Luck, J. (2017). The nuts and bolts of autism: Just the facts. Nixa, MO: KIP Educational Materials. 

Grant, R. J. (2018). Understanding autism spectrum disorder: A workbook for children and teens. Springfield, MO: AutPlay Publishing. 


Instructor

Robert Jason Grant, EdD, LPC, RPT-S, ACAS

Dr. Robert Jason Grant is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Advanced Certified Autism Specialist. He owns and operates the AutPlay Therapy clinic in Southwest, MO. Dr. Grant specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families, including working with autistic children, neurodivergent children, and those diagnosed with ADHD and other developmental disabilities. He is the creator of AutPlay® Therapy, an integrative family play therapy approach. He is also a Certified Autism Movement Therapy and trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy, a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder/trauma related therapy for children and adults. Dr. Grant is an international speaker and keynote presenter having presented for the American Counseling Association, Association for Play Therapy, American Mental Health Counselors Association, and The World Autism Congress. He is a multi-published author of several articles, book chapters, and books including the following titles: AutPlay® Therapy for Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum. Play-Based Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Understanding Sensory Processing Challenges, A Workbook for Children and Teens. Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder, A Workbook for Children and Teens. Understanding ADHD: A Workbook for Children and Teens. AutPlay® Therapy Play and Social Skills Groups: A Ten Session Model. Play Therapy Theories and Perspectives: Diversity of Thought in the Field. Dr. Grant is a founding board member for the non-profit organization Stars for Autism. He is currently serving on the board of directors (president elect) for the Association for Play Therapy. He is also a part time instructor in the Play Therapy Certificate program at Mid America Nazarene University (MNU). Dr. Grant is also a Certified Behavioral Life Coach through the PeopleKeys® program and provides life coaching, consultations, and play therapy supervision services. He is also a Board Certified Telepractice Specialist providing therapy and coaching through tele processes.

Course curriculum