Supporting Autistic Children Through CCPT: Evidence-Based, Neurodiversity-Affirming Practice

Regine K. Chung

PhD, LPC, LMHC, RPT

Friday, June 19, 2026

12:30-3:45 PM (EST)

(APT Non-Contact CE Hours)

Disclaimer: UNC Charlotte encourages the following guidelines for CE credits for participating in Live Webinars/ Non-contact. All participants in live webinars must 1) actively participate in the Live Webinar through the chat feature and experiential activities; 2) have their camera on and each participant is onscreen for the Live Webinar; and 3) complete an evaluation and post-test questions within one week of the webinar. UNC Charlotte staff will monitor attendance. UNC Charlotte utilizes Zoom for their Live Webinars.

Session Description

Autistic children often participate in various early intervention and therapy services, such as occupational, speech, and behavior therapy; however, their mental health needs are frequently overlooked (Hume et al., 2021). This webinar highlights the unique role of Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) in filling this gap. As the most extensively researched play therapy approach (Ray, 2025), CCPT emphasizes relational connection, emotional safety, and child-led expression. Rather than aiming to “fix” behaviors or promote conformity to neurotypical standards, CCPT offers a neurodiversity-affirming framework that supports the whole child (Chung & Ray, 2025).

Drawing from the latest research (e.g., Chan & Ouyang, 2024; Chung & Ray, 2025; Schottelkorb et al., 2020; Ware Balch & Ray, 2015), this webinar explores how play therapists can adapt CCPT to meet the diverse support needs of autistic children. Through real CCPT case studies, participants will see how attuned therapeutic relationships can foster self-worth, promote emotional regulation, and support social engagement. The presenter will also offer practical modifications, language considerations, and therapist stance shifts that align CCPT more closely with neurodiversity-affirming care.

Primary Area: Play Therapy Seminal or Historically Significant Theories, Play Therapy Skills and Methods, & Play Therapy Cultural and Social Diversity Topics

Play Therapy Competencies Addressed: Clinical Play Therapy Skills

Theoretical Basis: Child Centered

Webinar Schedule:

12:30-3:45 pm- Present Content

2:00-2:15 pm- Break

2:15-3:45 pm Present Content

Learning Objectives

Integrate the CCPT perspective to better understand autistic children’s play behaviors
Articulate the holistic change process for autistic children in CCPT
Describe at least three neurodiversity-affirming strategies that align with CCPT practice "

Brief Bio:

Regine K. Chung, PhD, LPC, LMHC, RPT is an Assistant Professor of Professional Counseling at Texas State University and a Trainer at Minds in Action Counseling. She earned her PhD in Counseling from the University of North Texas (UNT). Dr. Chung’s identity as a counselor educator is grounded in extensive clinical experience, working with clients across the lifespan and with diverse cultural backgrounds. Her experience spans university community clinics, a domestic violence agency, and general and special education settings. She specializes in working with neurodivergent populations and addressing clinical issues related to anxiety, adverse childhood experiences, relational trauma, and bicultural identity development.

Dr. Chung is a Certified Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) and Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT) Trainer through UNT’s Center for Play Therapy and has presented at international, regional, and local counseling and play therapy conferences. As a trilingual counselor educator (English, Cantonese, Mandarin), her current research explores multicultural issues in counseling, play therapy, neurodiversity, and immigrant populations, with a particular focus on improving treatment accessibility and effectiveness.

Questions?

Please contact the Office of School and Community Partnerships at oscp-coed@charlotte.edu if you have any questions.