Course Description

About This Training:
This is a non-contact online/home study training that focuses on implementing sandtray work with autistic children and adolescents.  

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 read articles/readings, 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. 

The Autplay Therapy Clinic – Robert Jason Gran Ed.D is solely responsible for the creation, content, and continuing education hours of each home study training. The AutPlay Therapy Clinic – Robert Jason Grant Ed.D utilizes Jen Taylor Play Therapy as a hosting site for home study and online trainings. Any technical issue such as not being able to login to a training should be directed to Jen Taylor Play Therapy info@jentaylorplaytherapy.com.  All governance issues related to any training should be directed to The AutPlay Therapy Clinic – Robert Jason Grant Ed.D.  If you have any questions, contact us at info@autplaytherapy.com.

Description:  
Using sandtrays with autistic children and adolescents can be a rewarding and challenging process. Professionals must understand the special considerations and various nuances when working with autistic children in the sandtray. This training explores how to use traditional sandtray therapy methodology, and unconventional methods to help autistic children develop skills in relation to connection and engagement, regulation and sensory processing, and social navigation. Special considerations will be covered, sand alternatives will be explored, and research and limitations will be presented. Participants will learn several interventions that can be implemented with autistic children and will engage in article reading, watching video clips, and completing experiential exercises. 

Learning Objectives:
1) Describe the basic definition and setup of sandtray therapy. 
2) Define what typically works and does not work for autistic children when using sandtrays.
3) Identify the AutPlay® Therapy limit setting model when using sandtray work with autistic children. 
4) Describe special considerations when attempting sandtray work with autistic children.  
5) List at least two engagement and connection interventions using the sandtray. 
6) List at least two social navigation interventions using the sandtray.

Continuing Education:
This training is approved for 6 CE Hrs for the below continuing education bodies. Upon completion of the training materials, training evaluation, and post exam (with a score of 80% or higher), the training certificate of completion will be issued to the participant. 

- Robert Jason Grant Ed.D APT Approved Provider #12-318 for continuing education. If you are counting this training toward the 150 hours to become an RPT or RPT-S, the 6 hours can be calculated as any combination of 6 toward special topics, 6 toward applicants’ choice.

- Robert Jason Grant Ed.D Certified Training Partner for IBCCES (International Board for Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards) #CE159432.

- AutPlay Therapy Clinic has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6595. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. AutPlay Therapy Clinic is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.



Instructor

Robert Jason Grant, EdD, LPC, RPT-S

Dr. Robert Jason Grant is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor. 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

  • 1

    START HERE

  • 2

    Course Materials

    • Using Sandtrays with Children with ASD Powerpoint Presentation (Updated)

    • Sandtray Therapy Demonstration of a Teenager Video

    • Play Therapy Reachig the Child with Autism

    • Hand Burying and Brushing Tray Exercise

    • Calming Relaxing or Sand Grab Tray Exercise

    • Turn Taking Tray Exercise

    • Symbolic and Pretend Play in Sandtray Work (Updated)

    • References
  • 3

    Finish Course and Get Certificate

    • Course Evaluation (Required)

    • Quiz (Required)