1. Robert Jason Grant Ed.D, LPC, RPT-S, CAS www.robertjasongrant.com Copyright, Robert Jason Grant Ed.D 2014 Brain Play: Brain Based Play Therapy Techniques for Children with Autism and Dysregulation Issues

2. Play and the Brain Play teaches socially and culturally appropriate ways of behaving. Play allows us to take charge of events in our lives. Play helps to conquer fears. Play allows us to learn quickly from our mistakes without negative consequences. --Eric Jensen (Learning with the Body in Mind) Copyright, Robert Jason Grant Ed.D

3. Play and the Brain Copyright, Robert Jason Grant Ed.D Play provides connectivity between social, physical, and emotional factors. Play helps orchestrate the intricate tuning of emotions, social skills, cognition, and motor development. No other activity facilitates so many important leaning skills while integrating social, cognitive, and motor learning. --Eric Jensen (Learning with the Body in Mind)

4. An Issue of Dysregulation Copyright, Robert Jason Grant Ed.D The left and right hemispheres are not “talking” to each other The connective tissue (corpus callosum) serves as a conduit or the bridge between the left and right hemisphere. Studies indicate that this bridge can be strengthened in order to transmit information between the left and right hemisphere.

5. Right/Left Brain Activities Copyright, Robert Jason Grant Ed.D Help improve: Core cognitive functioning Problem solving Flexibility and adaptability Concentration, focus, and attention Working memory Academic improvement Motor skills Emotion management Stress and anxiety

6. Whole Brain Thinking Copyright, Robert Jason Grant Ed.D Whole brain thinking means using the left and right side of the brain to function as a whole. When we use both sides of our brain instead of just the left or right, we are able to apply both logical thinking and creative thinking to the same problem. There are numerous benefits to using the whole brain to solve problems and think. Benefits of whole brain thinking can include higher levels of thinking, increased creativity, better understanding of emotions, and the ability to utilize all processes of thought.

7. Brain Based Play Therapy Copyright, Robert Jason Grant Ed.D Emphasizes the concept and approach of whole brain thinking. Uses play based activities to promote whole brain thinking. Play based activities are designed to simultaneously activate and strengthened the right and left hemispheres. Counselor processes activities with child’s real life issues/situations.

8. Diagnosis and Struggle Areas Autism Spectrum Disorder ADHD Tourette Syndrome Bi Polar Disorder Dysregulation Issues Anxiety Issues Learning Difficulties Focus and Attention Problems

9. Play Interventions – Video Elliot, 10 years old Diagnosis: Aspergers, ADHD, Bipolar NOS Techniques: Punching Bag Moves Concentration Ball

10. Play Interventions Emotion Word Scramble Backwards Moves What Is Different Patty Cake Categories Make Me Look

11. Play Interventions - Video Zion, 7 years old Diagnosis: Autism, Anxiety, Sensory Processing Technique: Sword Play

12. Play Interventions Midline Moves Under Which Cup Bubble Pop Brain Blast Play Doh Brain Hula Hoop Balloons

13. Keep In Touch! Robert Jason Grant Ed.D www.robertjasongrant.com AutPlay Therapy www.autplaytherapy.com

14. Resources Play Based Interventions for Autism, ADHD, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and Developmental Disabilities by Robert Jason Grant, www.autplaytherapy.com More Play Based Interventions for Autism, ADHD, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, and Developmental Disabilities by Robert Jason Grant, www.autplaytherapy.com Learning with the Body in Mind by Eric Jensen Brain Gym by Paul and Gail Dennison

15. Resources Classroom Fitness Breaks to Help Kids Focus by Sarah Longhi Children and Stress: A Handbook for Parents, Teachers, and Therapists by Marty Loy The Autistic Brain by Temple Grandin AutPlay Therapy Handbook by Robert Jason Grant, www.autplaytherapy.com