Neurodiversity Affirming Ethical Play Therapy for Autistic Youth

A 6.5 hour beginners course focused on providing affirming and ethical Play Therapy for autistic youth!

Presented by a RPT-S with lived experience.
A 7 page Autism Screening tool is included!
Neurodiversity Affirming Ethical Play Therapy for Autistic Youth promo image

The course itself

With 1 in 36 children being autistic in the United States, it’s important that play therapists and mental health professionals know how to ethically support these clients! This beginner course is great for anyone, regardless of previous Play Therapy knowledge.

Participants will explore what it means to be autistic and how to support their young autistic clients, leaving with a 5 part framework they can begin using right away. Learn how to effectively screen clients for autistic traits, what to do with that info (including how to talk to guardians), and examples of how to adapt common Play Therapy modalities to suit their needs!

In our 6.5 hours, we will cover:
  • how to apply ethical considerations to Play Therapy interventions for autistic youth
  • the neurodiversity paradigm 
  • identifying personal biases that may affect clinical services
  • how to thoroughly screen for autism during the Play Therapy process - with video examples!
  • an overview of Rejection Sensitivity and Persistent Drive for Autonomy (PDA)
  • how and when to have diagnostic conversations
  • autistic culture and representation
  • how to work with their guardians
  • book and resource recommendations
  • and so much more!!


Bonus content includes:
📘 7 page fillable and reusable Autism screening tool (The 5 S Framework)
📄 1 page fillable and reusable Support Plan template
▶️ 45 min convo between Kade & Matt Lowry, LPP, about autistic culture & youth
🔎 Screening tool ideas for adult clients & relatives
🔑 Access to Neurodiversity Affirmative Resources list
🔑 Access to School Accommodation Ideas document

Additional Information

🕒 You can access this course at any time after you purchase it. It's self-paced and pre-recorded.

Total run time is 7 hr 32 min 23 sec, not including activities and external videos & resources. Continuing education time is 6 hr 47 min 04 sec.

🚫 This course is not based on AutPlay and is not used for AutPlay provider certification.

📋 Case studies and session materials are only shared with client consent on file. Do not redistribute.

🌟 Originally recorded as part of a 2-day event with Affirming Play Therapy with Trans Youth. (Best taught in combination to support intersectionality.)

✅ You will have free access to future content uploaded to this course, such as answered questions, after you purchase.

🏆 This product does currently provide Continuing Education credits. Completion and passing the post-test qualifies for 6.5 non-contact APT CE credits.

❔If you have any questions, please direct them to hello@cryptidlearns.com .

🚫 Due to the nature of digital products, we cannot offer a refund. It is very important that you read this product page and its description thoroughly.

Course Lessons

Learning Objectives

Participants will...
  1. Apply ethical considerations to Play Therapy interventions with autistic youth
  2. Describe the neurodiversity paradigm and how it reinforces the need for neurodiversity affirming Play Therapy for autistic youth
  3. Identify personal biases, such as internalized ableism, that may impact Play Therapy services
  4. Describe how to screen for autism during the Play Therapy process
  5. Modify common Play Therapy techniques and the play room to affirm autistic identities
  6. Explain how Play Therapy techniques can support autistic clients in meeting their goals
  7. Describe what Autism is through a neurodiversity affirming lens to both clients and their guardians during the Play Therapy process
Bundle offer

Trans Autistic Affirming Play Therapy Bundle

13 hours of content that's perfect for folks looking to refresh their work with trans & autistic youth! Lived experience is highlighted throughout both courses. Real activity examples will spark your imagination and inspire your work! 15% off!
Courses included:

Presented by

Dr. Kade Sharp

PhD, LICSW, CMHS, CST, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™
Dr. Kade Sharp (he/they) is a white disabled fat queer autistic trans demi Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Certified Sex Therapist, and Child Mental Health Specialist practicing in Washington state. He has his PhD in Clinical Sexology through Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. He specializes in supporting queer, trans and non-binary autistic and AuDHD clients of all ages, as well as neurodivergent supervisees. Kade loves helping people figure out they're autistic, playing board & card games, roleplaying, reality TV, true crime, and his 2 adopted senior cats. You can find Kade at Curious Cryptid Learning, www.kadesharp.com and www.neurokink.org .

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this training qualify for Continuing Education credits/hours?

Yes! Currently, completion of this course qualifies for 6 non-contact Association for Play Therapy Continuing Education credits. There is a post-test that must be passed in order to receive the certificate.
Curious Cryptid Learning is an APT Approved Provider #25-797.

Is this about in-person or telehealth sessions?

Both styles of sessions are discussed, though the focus is primarily on in-person work.

What level is this course?

This is a beginner-level course; no prior knowledge about play therapy or autistic people needed.

Is this geared toward child/young clients?

Yes, the focus is primarily on youth age 2 to 17. There are resources provided regarding how to screen adults.

Conflict of Interest and Financial Declaration:

The presenter will receive financial gains from the purchase of this pre-recorded webinar. The presenter is the owner of this learning platform and has no other conflicts of interest. Matt Lowry, LPP, receives no proceeds; please visit his website or listen to his podcast The Autistic V.O.I.C.E. Project to learn more about his work.

Policy for Complaints:

If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the quality of this course or any other issue related to this training, please email us at hello@cryptidlearns.com and we will respond within 48 business hours.

What if I need accommodations?

Curious Cryptid Learning aims to be inclusive and understands there are many different ways people need to access learning information & materials. Curious Cryptid Learning strives to provide ADA compliant content to the public for physical, visual, and auditory disabilities.

If you need accommodations for this pre-recorded course, please contact us at hello@cryptidlearns.com and let us know your needs.

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