It’s Not Just an F Code: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach to Trauma-Informed Play Therapy with Autistic Children

Autistic children benefit greatly from therapeutic support, yet many therapists feel unsure of how to best support them. Using a neurodiversity affirming approach, this training will help better prepare clinicians to work with autistic children and their caregivers. To guide treatment, this presentation will explore considerations when treatment planning and goal setting, as well as clinical considerations that help inform effective treatment options and directions. This presentation will explore several theoretical frameworks, including Child Centered Play Therapy, Internal Family Systems, somatic approaches, and concepts from Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, to help clinicians implement these approaches to best support treatment. Attendees will learn common trauma targets that are prevalent for autistic children, how to discuss them, and how to help children and caregivers process them. Practical interventions will be discussed to tailor treatment to autistic children to promote identity development, strengths-based approaches, safety, and autonomy. Finally, attendees will examine ways to support caregivers and other systems that the client is part of to promote advocacy efforts and equal access to all spaces. 

You do not need EMDR training to participate in this event. This is NOT a Basic EMDR Training.

If you have completed EMDR training, you are eligible to receive EMDRIA credit. To obtain this credit, you must submit your certificate before the training. If you are currently undergoing training, you will need to provide details about your training, such as dates and the training host. 

Presenters: Margaret Phipps-Bennett, MSW, LCSW, RPT™, EMDRIA Certified Therapist™ & Devyn Pugh, MA, NCC, LCMHCA, EMDR Trained

Objectives: Participants will be able to do the following: 

1. Describe at least three neurodiversity-affirming beliefs that guide ethical and effective play therapy with autistic children.

2. Differentiate therapeutic goals that promote well-being, self-determination, and identity development from goals focused on compliance or reducing autistic traits.

3. Identify at least three factors (e.g., developmental level, caregiver capacity, and support needs) that should be considered when developing an individualized play therapy treatment plan for an autistic child.

4. Compare the application of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT), the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and somatic approaches in conceptualizing and treating autistic children.

5. Recognize common therapeutic targets for autistic children, including the impact of stigma, bullying, chronic misunderstanding, late diagnosis, traumatic experiences, and negative self-beliefs.

6. Demonstrate the ability to select neurodiversity-affirming play therapy interventions that incorporate children's strengths, special interests, body awareness, and autism identity.

7. Develop strategies for collaborating effectively with caregivers to support autistic children's emotional development, autonomy, and well-being across home, school, and community settings.

8. Identify risk factors and appropriate clinical responses and play therapy interventions related to suicidality and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in autistic children, including when to coordinate care with external providers.

CE Information: 

Tabonuco Counseling and Consulting PLLC is approved for the following and maintains responsibility for all aspects of the program: 

• APT as an APT Approved Provider (23-694). This training is approved for 6.0 APT contact hours. Play therapy credit is only awarded to mental health professionals.

• NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 8037. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. 

• We have applied to provide 6.0 EMDRIA credit hours and will update the website with additional details. 

Forms and other required CE materials will be available on-site. If you have questions regarding the program, continuing education learning objectives, presenter bios, or grievance issues, contact Tabonuco Counseling and Consulting PLLC at 980-403-9161 or trainings@tabonucocounseling.com 

NOTE: To receive continuing education credit, applicants must complete all CE materials, sign in/out at designated locations, and submit an evaluation form for the sessions attended.

NOTE: It is the responsibility of the attendee to determine if CE credit offered by Tabonuco Counseling and Consulting meets the regulations of their state licensing/certification board.

Non-Credit Events: Registration, breakfast, lunch, reception events, committee/business meetings, networking sessions.

Academic Credit: This program is not “academic” credit and CE hours awarded are not eligible toward fulfillment of a degree.

Instructional Methodology: This may include lecture, demonstration, audio/visual, case examples, experiential practice of techniques, and small group discussion.

Accessibility Statement: Tabonuco Counseling and Consulting PLLC is committed to making our programs accessible. The program site is ADA compliant. If you need an accommodation to access the program and/or program materials, please contact no later than five business days before the program. A good faith effort will be made for any request made less than five days in advance.

Refund and Cancellation Policy: A $25 administrative fee will be charged for canceled registrations before August 28, 2026. No refunds or cancellations will be offered after September 11, 2026. 

Grievance Policy: When a complaint, either verbally or written, is filed with Dr. Phipps, the following guidelines are followed with respect to achieving resolution: 

1. Complaints relative to a speaker or workshop leader, contents of instructional materials being presented, or an individual educational style being utilized, the individual voicing disapproval is requested to first address concerns to the presenter. If the presenter is not available, place his/her comments in writing. Dr. Phipps will convey these comments to the speaker while maintaining the confidentiality of the complainant.

2. If the complaint concerns a continuing education activity, its content, level of presentation, or facilities in which the event is being held, Dr. Phipps will attempt to resolve the matter as expeditiously as possible. If the offered resolution (resolutions may include, but not be limited to partial/full refund of fees paid; credit toward future event) not satisfactory to the individual filing the complaint, then further action may be taken. In the latter instance, the individual is requested to place his/her complaint in writing to the attention of Dr. Phipps. The complaint is then reviewed by Dr. Phipps. A written response will be issued within 30 days of receipt of the written complaint. Within 30 days of the resolution rendered by Dr. Phipps, the complainant may file a written appeal to Dr. Phipps. The decision of the Dr. Phipps is final.

Provider Responsibility: Tabonuco Counseling and Consulting PLLC maintains responsibility for this program and its content in accordance with APT, EMDRIA, and NBCC requirements.