» Events

APCA Skill Building Workshop – Joyful Connections: Using Therapeutic Laughter and Play in Autism Coaching, 9/25/26, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM ET

Please email [email protected] for the link to register.

This event is open to AANE’s Autism Professional Coaching Association (APCA) members only. To learn about becoming an APCA member please visit the webpage, schedule a call, or submit a contact form.

Event Type
Date
September 25, 2026
Time
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location
Price
Time Commitment
Audience
Organizer
Description

In the traditional and creative coaching arenas, coaches often encounter barriers that their clients face: executive dysfunction and planning, sensory and systemic burnout from masking, and navigating traditional verbal communication. However, while coaching can be profoundly challenging work, it does not always have to feel stressful.

In this application-based workshop, participants will have the opportunity to explore and experience the role of laughter and humor in neurodivergent affirming coaching. By introducing purposeful therapeutic laughter techniques and play into your practice, you will learn creative methods to bypass hyper-rational defense mechanisms and focus on autistic joy, as well as unmasking and reducing nervous system burnout.

Therapeutic laughter has the unique power to make the coaching relationship collaborative, inclusive and affirming. Trevor is looking forward bringing these techniques into your coaching practice

Speaker:


Trevor Smith, B.A. M.S. M.Ed. has been a LifeMAP Coach at AANE since 2023. He has a bachelor’s degree in education, a master’s degree in counseling psychology and a master’s degree in Therapeutic Recreation. He is also a Certified Laughter Leader through the World Laughter Tour. He has skillfully used the principles of recreation therapy and therapeutic laughter, as coaching tools in guiding and supporting his clients. In his practice, Trevor has helped his clients learn to reduce stress, improve communication skills, increase self-confidence, and become more creative in functioning as productive and successful members of their community. For fun, he is an avid kayaker, loves to play pickleball and travel. In the summer you can find him on a day hike or a traveling adventure. Otherwise, he enjoys his home life and spending time with those he loves. Especially his dog Omar!

Audience

This event is open to Autism Professional Coaching Association (APCA) members only. To learn about becoming an APCA member, please visit the webpage, schedule a call, or fill out a contact form.


Registration

Advanced registration is required. Email [email protected] to register.  After you have registered, a confirmation email is sent with a link to attend the program. Registrants who do not receive the confirmation email should check their email spam folder.

Financial Assistance

Refund Policy for Social & Support Groups

Accommodations

Event & Group Information

Codes of Conduct

Technical Support

FAQs

Stay Current

Subscribe for AANE weekly emails, monthly news, updates, and more!