AutPlay® Therapy: Introduction and Foundations
April 11, 2026 | Colorado Springs, Colorado
About AutPlay
About the Training
Forge Counseling Collective is proud to host an in-person AutPlay Training with AutPlay Creator, Dr. Robert Jason Grant.
DATE & TIME: Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 9am - 5pm
LOCATION: The University of Colorado Colorado Springs, The University Center Room 122
COST: Register by January 28, 2026 to take advantage of Early Bird Pricing: $200 per individual or $160 per student.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: March 25, 2026
This training presents an introduction to AutPlay Therapy, an integrative family play therapy framework to working with neurodivergent children. The neurodiversity paradigm, movement and being neurodiversity affirming will be covered. The phases of therapy, common mental health needs, and parent involvement will be covered. Several play therapy interventions and reflective exercises designed for affirmingly addressing the mental health needs neurodivergent children will also be presented through experiential participation, session clips, and case examples.
The cost of your registration includes a day of training with AutPlay Creator Dr. Robert Jason Grant, printed training materials, 6 CE credits, and a boxed lunch.
AutPlay Therapy is a neurodiversity paradigm informed framework for implementing child and play therapy with neurodivergent children and their families. AutPlay was created by Dr. Robert Jason Grant to better understand neurodivergence in addressing the unique needs of neurodivergent children and adolescents (sensory differences, autistic, ADHD, learning disorders, intellectual developmental disorder, etc.) who enter a therapeutic process with a mental health professional. AutPlay presents a neurodiversity framework that is integrated with theoretical counseling underpinnings in humanistic, family systems, developmental, and cognitive behavioral theories. Various seminal play therapy theories such as Child Centered Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Theraplay, Cognitive Behavioral Play Therapy, Gestalt Play Therapy, and Family Play Therapy are also conceptualized within neurodiversity affirming practices. The overall AutPlay framework follows a prescriptive and integrative play therapy design. More specific content and protocol of AutPlay Therapy can be reviewed on the AutPlay Therapy website – www.autplaytherapy.com. A current list of providers who have completed the AutPlay Therapy Certification Program is maintained and displayed on the AutPlay website as well.
About Dr. Robert Jason Grant
I received my Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership (with a research emphasis in leadership qualities of counseling center and clinic directors), my Master’s Degree in Counseling, and my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S™). I specialize in working with children, adolescents, families, and adults primarily serving neurodivergent individuals (autism, ADHD, sensory differences, learning disorders, and developmental disabilities). I am the creator of AutPlay® Therapy, an integrative family play therapy framework designed to help address the mental health needs of neurodivergent children and adolescents. I am also trauma informed and trained and utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
I am a supervisor, consultant, and life coach and I utilize several years of advanced training and my own lived neurodivergent experience to provide affirming services to children and their families. I have infused my experience and love for education and mental health care to create training programs for professionals and caregivers. I am an international trainer and keynote presenter having presented for the American Counseling Association, Association for Play Therapy, American Mental Health Counselors Association, and The World Autism Congress. I am also a multi-published author of several articles, book chapters, and books including the following titles:
The AutPlay® Therapy Handbook: Integrative Family Play Therapy with Neurodivergent Children
Play Interventions for Neurodivergent Children and Adolescents: Promoting Growth, Empowerment, and Affirming Practices.
AutPlay® Therapy Play and Social Groups: A Neurodiversity Affirming Model
Understanding Sensory Differences: A Neurodiversity Affirming Guidebook for Children and Teens
Understanding Autism: A Neurodiversity Affirming Guidebook for Children and Teens
Understanding ADHD: A Neurodiversity Affirming Guidebook for Children and Teens
Implementing Play Therapy with Groups: Contemporary Issues in Practice
Play Therapy Theories and Perspectives: Diversity of Thought in the Field
Trauma Impacts: The Repercussions of Individual and Collective Trauma
In 2015, I was awarded Play Therapist of the Year by the Missouri Association for Play Therapy. In 2017, I was presented with the APT Service Award by the National Association for Play Therapy. I have served on the board of directors for the Association for Play Therapy and am a board member for the Digital Play Therapy program. I have also taught part time (10 years) as an instructor in the Play Therapy Certificate program at Mid America Nazarene University (MNU). For speaking, training, and consultation inquires, you may contact me at (417)-755-9042 for more information. You may also email me at drgrant@robertjasongrant.com.
Note: email, phone, and social media correspondence is not typically an encrypted nor HIPAA compatible means of transferring and sharing information you might want kept confidential.
More information
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1) Identify the components of AutPlay Therapy including the phases of therapy and parent/family involvement.
2) Outline the theoretical underpinnings of AutPlay Therapy including integration of various play therapy theories and approaches.
3) Demonstrate the assessment process in AutPlay Therapy that can be used to help identify neurodivergent needs.
4) Identify play strengths and differences and how to structure effective play therapy interventions for autistic and neurodivergent children.
5) Explain what neurodiversity (and neurodiversity affirming) means in play therapy.
6) List several play therapy interventions used in AutPlay Therapy to address the needs of autistic and neurodivergent children.
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Introduction to AutPlay recorded webinar - The 4 hrs can count as any combination of 2 toward cultural and social diversity, 2 toward seminal theories, or all 4 in special topics or applicants’ choice.
Book Certificate - The 8 hrs can count as any combination of 4 toward cultural and social diversity, 2 toward seminal theories, 2 toward skills and methods or all 8 in special topics or applicants’ choice.
Two Day 12 Hr AutPlay Training - Any combination of 6 toward cultural and social diversity, 4 toward seminal theories, 2 toward skills and methods, or all 12 toward special topics or applicants’ choice.
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Refunds and cancellations are not accepted.
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If you require accommodations, please reach out to Megan Bates, megan.bates@forge-cc.com to request them at least 24 hours prior to the event.
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Please direct questions about the training to Megan Bates, megan.bates@forge-cc.com
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Location: The University of Colorado Colorado Springs
The University Center, Room 122
Parking: Parking is free on the weekends. Utilize lots 122 and 124.
Click here for a parking map
