It's not just an F Code: Integrating Play Therapy & EMDR 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 touch on the body brain connection of autism

then explore creative, neurodiversity-affirming ways to adapt EMDR phases—especially preparation and resourcing—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 EMDR both accessible and meaningful through the language of play.

This event is a playful, skills-focused workshop for therapists who support autistic children using EMDR. We’ll dive into how child-centered, relationship-based play can enhance every phase of EMDR—especially preparation, resourcing, and early processing—while honoring sensory needs, communication differences, and neurodiversity-affirming care.

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

• Build safety and connection using child-led play

• Create sensory-friendly resourcing strategies

• Adapt bilateral stimulation in gentle, engaging ways

• Support emotional expression without forcing verbal processing

• Integrate EMDR 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 EMDR more meaningful—and more enjoyable—for the children you serve.