2027 MIAPT Annual Conference
Thursday-Friday, February 25-26, 2027
Michigan Association for Play Therapy is proud to announce:
Keynote: Robert Jason Grant, EdD, LPC, NCC, RPT-S™
Location in Mt. Pleasant, MI
DAY 1: Thursday, February 25, 2027 | 9:15 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Addressing Sensory Processing Needs in Play Therapy
This training explores using play therapy approaches and interventions to address sensory processing differences through a neurodiversity affirming lens. Current research and definition of neurodiversity will be covered including understanding the sensory different neurodivergent child. An overview of the sensory processing system will be presented along with descriptors of the eight sensory processing areas.
The benefits of non-directive and structured play therapy will be explained as well as the foundations for using play therapy with sensory needs. The concept of a sensory regulation play time will be defined and explored. Several play therapy interventions designed to help with sensory needs will be explained and presented through case examples and video clips. Participants will also have the opportunity to understand how to create a sensory friendly playroom.
Learning Objectives:
- Define what is meant by sensory processing differences and how these differences can present in play therapy sessions.
- Identify several play therapy interventions that can be used to address sensory needs.
- Describe the eight sensory processing areas, screening processes, and implementing a neurodiversity affirming approach in play therapy work.
- Outline a sensory regulation play time to help children with sensory and regulation needs.
- Identify how to make a play therapy room and office spaces sensory friendly.
- Explain research related to play, play therapy, and sensory processing differences.
Falls under APT's primary instruction areas of “Play Therapy Skills & Methods"
DAY 2: Friday, February 26, 2027 | 9:45 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Neurodivergence & Trauma: AutPlay® Therapy & Beyond
This training will explore the unique manifestations of trauma in autistic and other neurodivergent children. Trauma will be discussed from two perspectives: a traditional view of trauma impact and neurodivergence as a lived trauma response. Participants will be introduced to the AutPlay® Therapy framework to help address trauma issues and how to integrate and affirmingly adapt other evidence-based trauma approaches for neurodivergent children will be covered. Research related to trauma, neurodivergence (autism and ADHD), and play therapy will be highlighted. Participants will also learn about and engage in experiential play therapy techniques to address trauma issues with neurodivergent children.
Learning Objectives:
- List at least two reasons play therapy is appropriate for addressing trauma.
- Define the five-paradigm process of neurodivergence as a trauma response and the implications for play therapy work.
- Identify the AutPlay Therapy process to help neurodivergent children who are struggling with trauma issues.
- Identify how the AutPlay Therapy neurodiversity affirming framework integrates with established trauma protocols.
- Describe at least three play therapy interventions that help neurodivergent children develop regulation ability.
- List at least two play therapy interventions that help neurodivergent children develop emotion identification and expression.
Falls under APT's primary instruction areas of “Play Therapy Skills & Methods” and “Cultural and Social Diversity Topics"
PRESENTER BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:
Robert Jason Grant received his Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership (with a research emphasis in leadership qualities of counseling center and clinic directors), his Master’s Degree in Counseling, and his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor™. He specializes in working with children, adolescents, families, and adults primarily serving neurodivergent individuals (autism, ADHD, sensory differences, learning disorders, and developmental disabilities). Dr. Grant is the creator of AutPlay® Therapy, an integrative family play therapy framework designed to help address the mental health needs of neurodivergent children and adolescents. He is also trauma informed and trained and utilizes EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).
Dr. Grant is a supervisor, consultant, and life coach. He utilizes several years of advanced training and his Highly Sensitive Person lived neurodivergent experience (late diagnosed SPD, Misophonia, and dysorthography) to provide affirming services to children and their families. He has infused his experience and love for education and mental health care to create training programs for professionals and caregivers. He is 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. He is 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; AutPlay® Therapy Play and Social Groups: A Neurodiversity Affirming Model; Play Interventions for Neurodivergent Children and Adolescents: Promoting Growth, Empowerment, and Affirming Practices; Understanding Sensory Differences: A Neurodiversity Affirming Guidebook for Children and Teens.
In 2015, Dr. Grant was awarded Play Therapist of the Year by the Missouri Association for Play Therapy. In 2017, he was presented with the APT Service Award by the Association for Play Therapy. He has served on the board of directors for the Association for Play Therapy (including Chair of the Board) and taught part time (10 years) as an instructor in the Play Therapy Certificate program at Mid America Nazarene University (MNU).
Full payment is due at the time of registration. If payment isn't received within seven (7) days of registration, your registration may be canceled.
WORKSHOP LOCATION:
Mt. Pleasant Comfort Inn & Suites
2424 S Mission Street
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
989-772-4000
To reserve a room: https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/WP41A5 or call 989-772-4000 and use the group name.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE:
Thursday, February 25, 2027
08:30-09:15 am Registration
09:15-10:45 am KEYNOTE Presentation
10:45-11:00 am Break and Exhibits
11:00-12:30 pm KEYNOTE Presentation
12:30-01:45 pm Lunch (ON YOUR OWN)
01:45-03:15 pm KEYNOTE Presentation
03:15-03:30 pm Break and Exhibits
03:30-05:00 pm KEYNOTE Presentation
Friday, February 26, 2027
08:30-09:15 am Registration
08:45-09:15 am MIAPT Business Meeting & Awards
09:15-10:15 am KEYNOTE Presentation
10:15-10:30 am Break and Exhibits
10:30-12:15 pm KEYNOTE Presentation
12:15-01:15 pm Lunch (ON YOUR OWN)
01:15-03:00 pm KEYNOTE Presentation
03:00-03:30 pm Break and Exhibits- Silent auction/raffle
03:30-05:00 pm KEYNOTE Presentation
REGISTRATION COSTS:
FOOD: Food is NOT provided at this conference
*Continuing Education:
CE Processing Fee: $35. This fee is payable to The Institute for Continuing Education at the time you submit a completed CE Packet. DO NOT include this fee with your registration.
Member
One Day: $120
Both Days: $210
Non-Member
One Day: $160
Both Days: $260
**Student
One Day: $60
Both Days: $105
*Continuing Education: A single fee of $35 is applicable to all workshops you attend if you meet CE requirements.
**Student: A participant registering as “student” must be a full-time student at a college or university and provide at registration, a written letter from their university verifying the status.
***An early bird registration discount of $25 has been applied to prices listed above. An additional $25 will be added to registration costs after 2/1/27.
HOTEL INFORMATION: Mt. Pleasant Comfort Inn & Suites, 2424 S Mission Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858. 989-772-4000. There is a block of discounted rooms under “Michigan Association for Play Therapy” available on a first come first serve basis.
To reserve a room: https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/WP41A5 or call 989-772-4000 and use the group name.
HANDOUTS: Our policy is to email all handouts. Please include a valid email address with your registration to receive the handouts.
EXHIBITS: Books and therapeutic materials will be on display and available for sale at the event.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you notify MIAPT you are canceling prior to 2/1/2027, and we are able to fill your spot, you will receive a refund for the registration fee minus $30 administrative fee. No refunds will be issued for cancellations following 2/1/2027 or related to weather. If registration payment isn’t received at the time of registration, your registration will be canceled.
PHOTO RELEASE: By registering for this conference, you are giving permission for MIAPT to use any photographs that are taken at the event containing your likeness for as long as MIAPT deems appropriate and desirable. Photographs may be used on the MIAPT website, social media pages, and/or newsletter for any purpose. By completing the registration, you are also consenting to waive any rights to the photographs indefinitely.
If you do not wish to have your photo used, it is your responsibility to notify mymiapt@gmail.com at registration of your request to be omitted.
HEALTH AND SAFETY: Covid 19 Statement: Our goal is to offer a safe, healthy event to our in-person participants. We expect our participants (including vendors, speakers, and attendees) to make a good faith effort to avoid spreading Covid-19 through a combination of vaccination, negative rapid testing and self-screening for symptoms prior to travel, and to adhere to any public health policies that may be in place at the time of the event. By registering and attending this event you are accepting responsibility to manage your own risk and absolve MIAPT event planners of responsibility for your health-related decisions.
By participating in person, you agree to follow the meeting’s health and safety policies as mandated by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the federal, state, local government, and venue requirements.
ACCEPTANCE: By registering for and attending MIAPT events, I hereby agree that I accept the terms stated above and indemnify and hold harmless MIAPT, its affiliates, and their respective directors, employees, and agents (including , without limitation, any agent acting on its behalf) from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or debt, and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees) resulting from attendance at MIAPT events.
Michigan Association for Play Therapy: MIAPT is a professional organization striving to advance the theory and practice of play therapy through activities such as conferences, seminars, and networking in order to serve the mental health needs of Michigan children, families, schools and communities through the power of play. For more information on the Conference visit our website at www.miapt.org.
ADA/Section 504: If you have special needs, please contact mymiapt@gmail.com.
CONTINUING EDUCATION: This program is co-sponsored by the Michigan Association for Play Therapy and The Institute for Continuing Education. The Conference offers a total of 12.00 contact hours (6.00 hrs. per day). Continuing education is awarded on a daily basis with full attendance required for the days attended. Partial daily CE credit is not offered. CE packet will be added soon.
The continuing education processing fee is $35.00 per person, to be paid when completed CE materials are submitted to The Institute for Continuing Education for processing. CE verification is provided to Conference attendees following the Conference. CE materials will be made available to Conference participants by MIAPT. If you have questions regarding continuing education, the program, faculty, learning objectives, or other issues, contact The Institute at: instconted@aol.com
NOTE: To receive continuing education credit, applicants must complete all CE materials, sign in/out at designated locations, and submit an evaluation form for the evens attended.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the attendee to determine if CE credit offered by The Institute for Continuing Education meets the regulations of their state licensing/certification board.
Psychology: The Institute for Continuing Education is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Institute for Continuing Education maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Counseling/MFT: The Institute for Continuing Education and the Michigan Association for Play Therapy are co-sponsors of this event. This co-sponsorship has been approved by NBCC. The Institute for Continuing Education is an NBCC approved continuing education provider, ACEP 5643. The Institute for Continuing Education is solely responsible for this program, including the awarding of NBCC credit.
Social Work: This program has been approved for 12.00 hrs. ( 6.00 hrs. per day) for social work continuing education hours for re-licensure, in accordance with 258, CMR, NASW-MA Chapter CE Approving Program. Authorizations: D-10628 / D-10629.
Indiana Board Social Work/ Counseling/MFT: The Institute for Continuing Education is recognized as a provider of continuing education by the Indiana Board of Counseling, Social Work, MFT. Provider: 98000996-A.
Michigan Social Workers: Regulations for MI Social Workers indicate that approved CE events include programs granted approval by (1) a state chapter of NASW; (2) approved by another state board of social work.
Play Therapy: The Institute for Continuing Education is approved by The Association for Play Therapy to sponsor continuing education specific to play therapy. The Institute for Continuing Education maintains responsibility for the program. APT Provider 98-040.
Non-Credit Events: Registration, meal/break events, committee/business meetings, networking sessions.
Ethics Hours/ Academic Credit: This program offers no “ethics hours.” This program is not “academic” and CE hours awarded are not eligible toward fulfillment of a degree.
Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced. Attendees are urged to review the session description to determine appropriateness for professional and personal needs.
Instructional Methodology: May include lecture, demonstrations, audio/visuals, case examples, experiential practice of techniques, and group discussions.
