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AutPlay® Therapy Play and Social Groups: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Model

Author(s) : Robert Jason Grant, Author(s) : Tracy Turner-Bumberry

Reviews and Endorsements

As an autistic therapist and a passionate advocate for neurodiversity-affirming practices, I am deeply inspired by both of the authors' dedication to championing Social Navigation over Social Skills. This book stands as a testament to their profound understanding of the autistic experience. Covering crucial subjects like ableism, strength-based practice, collaborative problem-solving, and more, the authors adeptly illuminate what neurodiversity-affirming practice entails and how to implement it effectively within a therapeutic playgroup setting. These inclusive groups are ideal for all neurodivergent children and adolescents and should serve as the standard for any group focusing on social navigation. This book should be considered essential reading for all professionals working with neurodivergent children, regardless of their setting. The principles outlined within the neurodiversity-affirming paradigm are not only crucial for practitioners but also hold significance for educators, enabling them to integrate these strength-based perspectives on autism into their clinical and educational approaches. This integration fosters greater inclusivity and cultural sensitivity, enriching the experiences of neurodivergent individuals within society.
Jessica Kitchens, LPC, RPT, MAC, LADAC, BCCS, Therapist/Neurodiversity Consultant and Advocate/Owner: Kitchens Counseling Services and Allied Collaborative

It can be far more complicated to be consistently affirming than one might think. From systemic barriers to the generational transmission of implicit bias, the field of mental health desperately needs more and more resources to support healers in becoming more inclusive and affirming of the wide range of neurodiverse presentations and needs. This book will immediately benefit the emerging canon of literature attempting to impact this goal and the authors bring a compassionate, thoughtful and practical perspective to this urgent topic.
Marshall Lyles, LMFT-S, LPC-S, RPT-S, EMDRIA AC, co-author of Advanced Sandtray Therapy

In the transformative guide AutPlay Groups, Grant and Turner-Bumberry challenge the outdated and harmful perceptions that have long dominated the field of mental health. With a deep commitment to neurodiversity-affirming practices, this essential book rejects the ableist notion that neurodivergent children are broken and need fixing. Instead, it offers clinicians a compassionate and revolutionary roadmap to help these children thrive on their own terms. This guide not only empowers clinicians but also honors each child's unique neurotype. It provides strategies for children and adolescents to navigate social situations authentically, fostering their autonomy without forcing them to conform to societal expectations. AutPlay Groups is more than a resource—it's a catalyst for change, encouraging a shift towards a more inclusive and empathetic approach to group therapy.
Emily Kircher-Morris, LPC, host of The Neurodiversity Podcast