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

Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com
Play Therapy Training HQ: https://www.playtherapynow.com
Email me: [email protected]
Follow me on Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor

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.

Listen to the Play Therapy Podcast on Apple Podcasts

Listen to the Play Therapy Parenting Podcast on Spotify

Subscribe to my email newsletter JUST FOR THERAPISTS!

Join the CCPT Collective Online Community just for Child-Centered Play Therapists!

We bring together aspiring and seasoned child-centered play therapists to support and inspire each other with the shared goal of preserving and advancing the effectiveness of the child-centered model so that we can positively impact children and families worldwide.

Join the Collective!

Discover The Kid Counselor® Family

Get Brenna’s Latest Book

Device Detox: A Parent’s Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids.

Buy Now

“Dr. Brenna Hicks does an excellent job of sketching the problem, but the book shines brightest when Dr. Hicks offers a suite of practical, evidence-based strategies for coping with screen overuse in children. A valuable book that deserves to be read by parents everywhere.”

ADAM ALTER

New York Times bestselling author of IRRESISTIBLE and DRUNK TANK PINK