Autism & Neurodiversity Support Through AutPlay® Therapy

Helping children, teens, and families better understand autism, neurodiversity, sensory differences, social communication, and evidence-based therapeutic support—including AutPlay® Therapy.

Did You Know?

✔ Autism affects approximately 1 in 31 children in the United States.

✔ Every autistic child has unique strengths and support needs.

✔ Early support can help children build confidence, emotional regulation, communication, and social skills.

Understanding Autism & Neurodiversity

Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference that influences how individuals experience the world, communicate, process information, and interact with others. Autism exists on a spectrum, meaning every autistic person has their own unique combination of strengths, interests, communication styles, and support needs.

Many autistic individuals experience differences in sensory processing, social communication, routines, emotional regulation, executive functioning, or flexibility. Some children may need significant daily support, while others may require only occasional accommodations.

Being autistic is not something that needs to be "fixed." Instead, therapy focuses on helping children better understand themselves, develop practical skills, strengthen relationships, and navigate environments that may not always meet their needs.

Strengths Often Seen in Autistic & Neurodivergent Children

  • Incredible honesty

  • Strong memory

    Creative problem solving

  • Passionate interests

  • Attention to detail

  • Deep empathy

  • Loyalty

  • Persistence

  • Unique perspectives

  • Innovative thinking

What Is Neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity recognizes that human brains naturally develop and function in many different ways. Rather than viewing neurological differences as deficits, neurodiversity emphasizes understanding, acceptance, and individualized support.

Examples of neurodivergence include:

  • Autism

  • ADHD

  • Dyslexia

  • Dyspraxia

  • Tourette Syndrome

  • Sensory Processing Differences

Every neurodivergent child brings unique strengths, perspectives, creativity, and ways of learning. Therapy helps children build upon those strengths while developing skills that increase independence, confidence, and emotional well-being.

Common Signs of Autism

Every autistic child is unique, and no two children will exhibit the same characteristics. Some children may show many signs of autism, while others display only a few. These traits can range from subtle to more noticeable and may change as a child grows and develops.

It's also important to remember that many children display one or two of these behaviors from time to time. Autism is identified by looking at the overall pattern of development, communication, social interaction, and behavior—not by one characteristic alone. If you have concerns about your child's development, speaking with your pediatrician or a qualified mental health professional can help determine whether a comprehensive evaluation is appropriate.

💬 Social Communication

  • Limited eye contact

  • Difficulty understanding social cues

  • Preference for solitary play

  • Challenges initiating conversations

  • Literal interpretation of language

  • Difficulty maintaining back-and-forth conversations

🎧 Sensory Processing

  • Sensitivity to loud noises

  • Discomfort with certain clothing textures

  • Strong reactions to lights or smells

  • Seeking movement or deep pressure

  • Avoiding certain foods because of texture

❤️ Emotional Regulation

  • Meltdowns

  • Difficulty identifying emotions

  • Anxiety

  • Frustration during transitions

  • Difficulty calming after becoming upset

🔄 Repetitive Behaviors & Routines

  • Repetitive movements

  • Strong interest in specific topics

  • Difficulty with unexpected changes

  • Preference for predictable routines

  • Repeating words or phrases

🧠 Executive Functioning

  • Organization challenges

  • Flexible thinking difficulties

  • Time management struggles

  • Trouble initiating tasks

  • Difficulty shifting attention

Common Co-Occurring Conditions

Many autistic individuals also experience:

  • ADHD

  • Anxiety

  • Depression

  • OCD

  • Sensory Processing Challenges

  • Sleep Difficulties

  • Emotional Regulation Challenges

  • Learning Differences

Treating the whole child means recognizing all of the factors that contribute to daily functioning—not just one diagnosis.

 At Nurture Nest Play Therapy and Counseling, we understand that every child is unique and requires an individualized approach to therapy. That's why we are proud to offer Autplay therapy as one of our specialized services for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other developmental disorders.

How AutPlay® Therapy Helps

💬 Social Communication

  • Conversation

  • Friendships

  • Perspective taking

  • Social confidence

  • Practicing eye contact with the Clinician

  • Exploring cooperative play

🎧 Sensory Processing

  • Understanding sensory preferences

  • Developing regulation strategies

  • Supporting transitions

  • Building body awareness

  • Developing coping strategies for sensory regulation

❤️ Emotional Regulation

  • Identifying emotions

  • Managing frustration

  • Coping skills

  • Self-regulation

  • Communicating needs with others

🔄 Repetitive Behaviors & Routines

  • Adapting to changes in routine

  • Building flexible thinking

  • Managing transition-related anxiety

  • Expanding interests through play

  • Coping with unexpected situations

  • Supporting healthy routines

  • Increasing tolerance for new experiences

  • Developing alternative coping strategies

🧠 Executive Functioning

  • Planning

  • Organization

  • Flexibility

  • Attention

  • Problem-solving

What Is AutPlay® Therapy?

AutPlay® Therapy is a specialized Play Therapy approach developed specifically for neurodivergent children and adolescents, including autistic children, children with ADHD, and children with other developmental differences.

AutPlay combines Play Therapy with behavioral, developmental, relationship-based, cognitive-behavioral, and sensory-informed interventions to create highly individualized treatment plans that support each child's unique strengths and needs.

Rather than following a one-size-fits-all model, AutPlay focuses on meeting children where they are developmentally while building practical skills in meaningful, engaging ways.

At Nurture Nest Play Therapy and Counseling, we are committed to helping children and families thrive. Let us help you and your child achieve your goals and reach your full potential through our Autplay therapy services.

Every child deserves to be understood for who they are—not compared to who others expect them to be. Our role is to build on each child’s strengths while helping them develop the skills they need to thrive.
— Rebecca Patterson, LPCC-S, RPT-S, Certified AutPlay Therapist

Parent Involvement Matters

Parents are essential members of the therapy team.

Throughout treatment, families receive guidance, education, and practical strategies they can use at home to strengthen emotional regulation, improve communication, support daily routines, and encourage continued growth between therapy sessions.

Our goal is not only to support the child but to empower the entire family.

Family Relationships are Improved in Therapy Through:

  • Parent coaching

  • Improving Communication

  • Routine development

  • Collaborative problem solving

Family receiving therapy at Nurture Nest

Your Questions, Answered

Every Child Deserves to Be Understood

Every neurodivergent child has unique strengths, challenges, and ways of experiencing the world. At Nurture Nest, we believe therapy should celebrate those strengths while providing compassionate, individualized support that helps children and families thrive.

Whether your child has recently received an autism diagnosis, is exploring neurodiversity, or simply needs additional support with emotional regulation, social skills, or daily functioning, we're here to help.