This workshop will help therapists identify clients who come in for play therapy who may need a referral for testing for Autism Spectrum Disorders. In addition, three common types of ASD therapy will be discussed, with play therapy interventions that are consistent with those models of therapy. A brief look at current neuroscience research into ASD will give more opportunity for play therapy interventions to be explored.

By the end of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

1) Identify at least 3 symptoms that may emerge in a play therapy session that would suggest a need for referral for ASD testing.

2) Explain 3 major types of therapy for ASD and how play therapy can be used as an adjunct to them.

3) Understand some of the neuroscience of ASD, and relate how play therapy can be used in an effective manner to address these problems.