2.0 Continue education units will still be provided. There will be no breaks.
Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this educational program, participants will be able to:
1. List three indicators of sensory processing and social-emotional challenges in the play of children/adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
2. Demonstrate an introductory understanding to the best practice DIR/Floor Time model of play therapy techniques used to support specific sensory processing challenges.
3. Discuss how to facilitate emotional regulation and expression in children/adolescents with autism spectrum disorder.
4. Explain how the DIR/Floor Time model of play therapy facilitates adaptive interpersonal relationships in families with children/adolescents impacted with autism spectrum disorder.
Workshop Description: This course offers an interactive opportunity to understand the child therapist’s role in the treatment of children/adolescents with ASD through the developmental/relational therapy DIR/Floor Time. Adaptations of this model will be examined through clinical footage. Additionally, attendees will present their own cases for further understanding of this treatment model.
Description/Abstract/Needs Assessment: In an understanding of brain development, which dated back to the 1880’s, it was previously believed that if an injury happens to one area of the brain, then that function is gone forever. We now know that the brain's capacity for adaptability in far greater and that that quality, known as brain plasticity, meaning that given the right opportunities for neuronal growth, one area of the brain can take over the functioning of an area that had previously been damaged or delayed. For this new neuronal growth to occur, experiences and especially emotional experiences full of affective co-regulated opportunities needs to happen. This workshop will offer a best practice approach to theoretical conceptual and practical understanding of the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder through the developmental play therapy model known as DIR/Floor Time. Adaptations of clinical play therapy techniques utilizing this model will be examined for uses with these children and adolescents in individual, family and group therapy contexts as the primary area of focus.
Using the DIR/Floor Time approach, you will also learn the importance of an interdisciplinary collaboration that includes mental health, occupational therapy/physical therapy, education, speech and language therapy and medicine all working together to help promote optimal developmental growth. Participants will gain a better understanding of relationship-based intervention to guide their practice in the home, clinic, school-based and work place setting. Video case studies as well as participants own clinical practices will be discussed to create an interactive 'hands on' medium that will illustrate practical solutions to complex developmental problems.
The informal networking is not part of the CEU portion of the program. Participants and speakers may remain for questions if they wish or can simply network without any structure. You most certainly may announce that you are willing to stay during that time slot to address any questions.
