250 | How to Approach Autism Concerns with Parents as a Child-Centered Play Therapist

Jan 2, 2025

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In this episode of the Play Therapy Podcast, I answer a question from Bracha in New York about working with children who might be on the autism spectrum. Bracha asks how to discuss concerns with parents without directly diagnosing, whether CCPT is appropriate for a four-year-old presenting at an 18-month-old developmental level, and how to adapt language for neurodivergent children. I share strategies for gently introducing parents to the idea of evaluations without pushing for labels, emphasizing advocacy and helping parents feel empowered with information.

I also explain why child-centered play therapy (CCPT) remains effective for neurodivergent children and offer tips for maintaining limits and choices with younger developmental presentations. This episode provides practical advice for handling sensitive conversations with parents while staying true to CCPT principles.

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If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com, where I host two weekly Zoom calls filled with advanced CCPT case studies and session reviews, as well as member Q&A. You can take advantage of the two-week free trial to see if the CCPT Collective is right for you.

Ask Me Questions: Call ‪(813) 812-5525‬, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com Brenna's CCPT Hub: https://www.playtherapynow.com CCPT Collective (online community exclusively for CCPTs): https://www.ccptcollective.com Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapypodcast.com APT Approved Play Therapy CE courses: https://childcenteredtraining.com Twitter: @thekidcounselor https://twitter.com/thekidcounselor Facebook: https://facebook.com/playtherapypodcast

Common 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. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). 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.