Course description
This training counts for 6 hours of the 25 hours required in the special populations category and/or 15 hours required in the applicant’s choice category.
Description –
Using sandtrays with children with autism spectrum disorder can be a rewarding and challenging process. Professionals must understand the special considerations and various nuances when working with children with ASD in the sandtray. This training explores how to use traditional Sandtray Therapy methodology and unconventional methods to help children with ASD develop skills in relation to connection and engagement, regulation and sensory processing, and social skills. 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 children with ASD and will engage in article reading, watching video clips, and completing experiential exercises.
Note: This training uses a PowerPoint as a guide to completing the training. Participants will be asked to watch video clips, complete readings, and complete experiential exercises. Participants will need access to YouTube to complete the training.
Learning Objectives –
1) Describe the basic definition and setup of sandtray therapy.
2) Define what typically works and does not work for children with autism when using sandtrays.
3) Identify the AutPlay limit setting model when using sandtray work with children with autism.
4) Describe special considerations when attempting sandtray work with children with autism.
5) List at least two engagement and connection interventions using the sandtray.
6) List at least two social skill interventions using the sandtray.
Dr. Robert Jason Grant is a licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, and Advanced Certified Autism Specialist. He owns and operates the Robert Jason Grant Ed.D AutPlay Therapy Clinic.
Dr. Grant specializes in working with children, adolescents, and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
He is the creator of AutPlay® Therapy, an ASD and neurodevelopmental disorders therapy incorporating play therapy, behavioral therapy, and relationship development approaches. He is also a Certified Autism Movement Therapy provider and trained in many established ASD treatment approaches. Dr. Grant is also 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 best-selling books:
AutPlay® Therapy for Children and Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum
Understanding Sensory Processing Challenges, A Workbook for Children and Teens
Understanding ASD, A Workbook for Children and Teens
Let’s Play, A Relationship Skill Building Book Game
Dr. Grant is a founding board member for the non-profit organization Stars for Autism. He is a current board member 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). You may contact Dr. Grant to schedule an appointment or inquire about scheduling him to speak at your support group, workshop, or seminar. Feel free to connect with him via his Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn accounts. If you have questions for Dr. Grant you may email him at drgrant@robertjasongrant.com.