23/04/2025
AHS 2025: The connection between Autism and Play
Coming up Today ...
Date: 23-Apr 2025
Segment 5: Transformative Play Therapy Techniques
Topic: Innovative Play Therapy Approaches and Do We Need Costly Equipment to Develop Play?
Speaker: Dr. Robert Jason Grant
Dr. Robert Jason Grant's approach to play therapy emphasizes the fundamental principle that, despite the diversity of play therapy models, they all converge on one essential element—the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and the child. This relationship serves as the foundation for meaningful growth, providing a safe and supportive space where children can express themselves, process emotions, and develop essential skills.
Play therapy facilitates change in children due to the inherent therapeutic power of play itself. Through play, children engage in self-exploration, emotional regulation, and social interaction, leading to positive behavioral and developmental shifts. This process is not merely incidental—it is intentional and structured to harness the natural way children communicate and learn.
A common misconception persists that autistic children do not engage in play. However, Dr. Grant’s approach challenges this notion by affirming that autistic children do play—just in ways that are meaningful to them. Their play may differ from neurotypical patterns, but it remains a crucial avenue for self-expression, learning, and connection. Recognizing and honoring their unique play styles is key to fostering growth and understanding in therapeutic settings. By embracing the individuality of autistic children’s play, therapists can create interventions that resonate deeply, promoting meaningful therapeutic outcomes.
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