I received my Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership (with a research emphasis in leadership qualities of counseling center and clinic directors), my Master’s Degree in Counseling, and my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S™). I specialize in working with children, adolescents, families, and adults primarily serving neurodivergent individuals (autism, ADHD, sensory differences, learning disorders, and developmental disabilities). I am the creator of AutPlay® Therapy, an integrative family play therapy framework designed to help address the mental health needs of neurodivergent children and adolescents. I am also trauma informed and trained and utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

I am a supervisor, consultant, and life coach and I utilize several years of advanced training and my own lived neurodivergent experience to provide affirming services to children and their families. I have infused my experience and love for education and mental health care to create training programs for professionals and caregivers. I am an international trainer and keynote presenter having presented for the American Counseling Association, Association for Play Therapy, American Mental Health Counselors Association, and The World Autism Congress. I am also a multi-published author of several articles, book chapters, and books including the following titles:

The AutPlay® Therapy Handbook: Integrative Family Play Therapy with Neurodivergent Children

Play Interventions for Neurodivergent Children and Adolescents: Promoting Growth, Empowerment, and Affirming Practices.

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

Understanding Sensory Differences: A Neurodiversity Affirming Guidebook for Children and Teens

Understanding Autism: A Neurodiversity Affirming Guidebook for Children and Teens

Understanding ADHD: A Neurodiversity Affirming Guidebook for Children and Teens

Implementing Play Therapy with Groups: Contemporary Issues in Practice

Play Therapy Theories and Perspectives: Diversity of Thought in the Field

Trauma Impacts: The Repercussions of Individual and Collective Trauma

In 2015, I was awarded Play Therapist of the Year by the Missouri Association for Play Therapy. In 2017, I was presented with the APT Service Award by the National Association for Play Therapy. I have served on the board of directors for the Association for Play Therapy and am a board member for the Digital Play Therapy program. I have also taught part time (10 years) as an instructor in the Play Therapy Certificate program at Mid America Nazarene University (MNU). For speaking, training, and consultation inquires, you may contact me at (417)-755-9042 for more information. You may also email me at drgrant@robertjasongrant.com.