Q&A: What To Do When You’re “Stuck” With A Client On The Autism Spectrum

Aug 3, 2023

A listener from the UK emailed me with questions about a client on the autism spectrum. She is feeling “stuck” and was looking for some advice.

In this episode I talk about the following topics:

– Progress with ASD kids takes longer
– The proper use of “I wonder” statements
– Play with kids on the spectrum looks different
– Feeling “pressure” to get results
– Staying true to the child-centered model (don’t deviate!!)
– However small, document progress with the presenting problems
– Never child-centered play therapy – plus, something else!

Pro Tip: 5 Tips For Working With Children On The Autism Spectrum From A Child-Centered Play Therapy Approach

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References:

Cochran, N., Nordling, W., & Cochran, J. (2010). Child-Centered Play Therapy (1st ed.). Wiley.
VanFleet, R., Sywulak, A. E., & Sniscak, C. C. (2010). Child-centered play therapy. Guilford Press.
Landreth, G. L. (2002). Play therapy: The art of the relationship (2nd ed.). Brunner-Routledge.
Bratton, S. C., Landreth, G. L., Kellam, T., & Blackard, S. R. (2006). Child parent relationship therapy (CPRT) treatment manual: A 10-session filial therapy model for training parents. Routledge/Taylor & Francis Group.
Benedict, Helen. Themes in Play Therapy. Used with permission to Heartland Play Therapy Institute.

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