Neurodiversity in the Playroom – Live Webinar
Workshop Description:
Go beyond diagnostic labels and explore how to support neurodivergent children through a neurodiversity-affirming play therapy approach. In this experiential workshop, participants will apply play therapy theories and interventions to work with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. The impact of sensory processing differences on the play therapy experience will be explored, along with practical strategies for adapting interventions and playroom environments. Participants will also have the opportunity to share playroom photos and receive feedback on creating inclusive, affirming spaces that align with 2025 APT standards.
Workshop Objectives:
- Review the diagnostic criteria and identify common presenting symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through a play therapy lens.
- Examine a play therapy case example of a child with ASD and identify developmentally appropriate play therapy interventions aligned with neurodiversity-affirming practice.
- Review the diagnostic criteria and identify common presenting symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) through a play therapy lens.
- Analyze a play therapy case example of a child with ADHD and select play therapy interventions that support regulation, connection, and engagement.
- Define the primary sensory processing systems and experientially process how these systems impact the play therapy experience of neurodiverse child clients.
- Discuss how sensory processing differences inform the planning and adaptation of play therapy interventions for neurodivergent clients.
- Examine key components of a neurodiversity-affirming play therapy environment and identify specific strategies to adapt playrooms to support the sensory, emotional, and relational needs of neurodivergent child clients.
Instructor: Keslie Redel, LCPC, LPC, ATR-BC, RPT™, AS
Workshop Schedule:
8:30-10:00 Sign-In, Play Check-In & Training Begins
10:00-10:15 Morning Break
10:15-12:00 Training Continues
12:00-12:30 Lunch
12:30-2:30 Training Continues
2:30-2:45 Afternoon Break
2:45-5:00 Training Continues & Workshop Conclusion
Live Webinar Policy:
For a successful Live Webinar that ensures full CE credit, you will need:
- A device (computer or tablet preferred) with a working camera and microphone.
- A strong and reliable internet connection.
- A designated safe space of your choosing free from disruption.
- A reliable childcare plan (if applicable).
- A commitment to keep your webcam on the entire workshop.
- The workshop supplies nearby that have either been requested in the workshop email or provided in the supply shipment (if applicable).
Workshop Cancellation:
- Cancellation requests should be submitted by email to Heartlandpti@gmail.com no later than 7 calendar days prior to the scheduled workshop date in order to receive a full refund of the paid workshop fee. Cancellation and/or rescheduled requests that are submitted after 7 calendar days prior to the scheduled workshop date will result in a refund of the paid workshop fee – with the exception of a $25 administrative fee for a half-day workshop, a $50 administrative fee for a full-day workshop a $75 administrative fee for 2-day workshop.
- Heartland Play reserves the right to cancel a workshop due to insufficient enrollment. Heartland Play will email workshop students at least 5 calendar days in advance of the scheduled workshop date to notify students of the cancellation. Notice will be provided with the option to reschedule for a future course date or to receive a full refund of paid workshop fees.
- Heartland Play reserves the right to cancel a workshop due to inclement weather, instructor illness or instructor family emergency. If a workshop is canceled, students will be notified via e-mail prior to the workshop start time. Heartland Play will notify the students of a reschedule date for the workshop within 10 calendar days of the cancelled workshop. Notice will be provided with the option to reschedule for the future course date or to receive a full refund of the paid workshop fee.