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

Join us for a dynamic and experiential presentation designed for mental health therapists working with autistic children. Discover how the playful power of child-centered therapy can be woven into the structured framework of EMDR to support emotional processing, sensory regulation, and trauma integration. This session will explore creative, neurodiversity-affirming ways to adapt play therapy using play-based interventions that resonate with autistic clients. With real-world case examples, hands-on tools, and a touch of fun, therapists will walk away with practical strategies to make therapy both accessible and meaningful through the language of play.

This event will provide a skills-focused workshop for therapists who support autistic children using trauma-informed techniques. We’ll dive into how child-centered, relationship-based play can enhance the therapeutic process, while honoring sensory needs, communication differences, and neurodiversity-affirming care. Additionally, this training will cover how to work with caregivers through psychoeducation and collaboration to maximize the effectiveness of treatment.

Through demonstrations, hands-on activities, and case examples, you’ll learn how to:

• Build safety and connection using child-led play therapy

• Create sensory-friendly resourcing strategies in play therapy

• Support emotional expression without forcing verbal processing

• Integrate EMDR principles into a play-based flow that feels natural for autistic kids

The tone is relaxed and fun, with lots of practical ideas you can start using right away. Whether you’re new to working with autistic clients or looking to deepen your toolkit, this session offers creative, accessible approaches that make therapy more meaningful, and more enjoyable, for the children you serve.

Participants can get 6 hours of NBCC and RPT contact credit for this presentation, Tabonuco has applied for EMDRIA credit for those trained in EMDR.

This is an live event at Tabonuco Counseling. You will get an email from Margaret at trainings@tabonucocounseling.com with additional information about the presentation. All other details about this event are on our website.

Contact Margaret at trainings@tabonucocounseling.com with any questions.