Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat

In this episode, I'm super excited to be talking about a topic that is just deeply embedded in my clinical practice, in my worldview and in how I support autistic children in my whole life. And that topic is Responsive relationship strategies for building connection with the autistic children in your life. We'll be outlining some of the ideas behind what forms responsive relationships. And the opposite, what forms directive relationships and why that can be quite damaging or challenging for your relationship with the autistic kids in your world.  Register for the Communicate and Connect Webinar Series for Professionals who support Neurodivergent Children: https://playlearnchat.com/c-and-c using discount code POD10 for 10% off!   The 3 webinars in the series are: Responsive Relationships: Communication Strategies for Professionals to Connect with Neurodivergent Children Collaborative Connections: Coach and Communicate with Carers & Teams of Neurodivergent Children Supportive Spaces: Creating Inclusive and Accessible Environments to Support Neurodivergent Children in their Communities   Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat

Self-advocacy is not as simple as just learning one skill or one isolated thing. In the neurodiversity affirming world and in the therapy world, we love talking about self-advocacy, but what is it and how do you get there?     I like to think of the components of self-advocacy is being broken up into four main sub parts: Supportive Environment & Community - Safe people and spaces that encourage, believe you, facilitate and offer support Self-awareness of Needs & Preferences - You need to be aware of what you like, need, and don’t like or don’t want Self-worth & Confidence - You need to believe you’re worthy of support, and feel confident and secure enough to ask for what you want/need Ability to Communicate - You need to be capable of communicating your preferences, choices and protests in a way that others around you understand   In this episode, I outline what each of those parts are, why they're so important. And some ideas and examples for how this can look in practice.   Keep learning with me!   Register for the Communicate and Connect Webinar Series for Professionals who support Neurodivergent Children: https://playlearnchat.com/c-and-c   The 3 webinars in the series are: Responsive Relationships: Communication Strategies for Professionals to Connect with Neurodivergent Children Collaborative Connections: Coach and Communicate with Carers & Teams of Neurodivergent Children Supportive Spaces: Creating Inclusive and Accessible Environments to Support Neurodivergent Children in their Communities     Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat

In this episode, I explore the reasons and impacts of masking for high-masking autistic people (who are often, but not always girls, AFAB, or non-binary folks). I talk some ways that high-masking autistic people can appear in the world, and share my hope for the future of Autistic kids and people everywhere to feel freer and more comfortable to know and be themselves!   Yellow Ladybugs Conference that I mention: https://ylbconference2024.vfairs.com/ - If you have ANY Autistic people in your life who are girls/women/AFAB/nonbinary, this is the event of the YEAR. It's 3 days online and the 3rd day is also in person, in Melbourne. I'll be there! I'm also on a panel for the 2nd year and adore this organisation and conference.   Want to learn more with me? Register for my free webinar to kickstart your ND Affirming Practice journey: https://playlearnchat.com/free-neurodiversity-webinar/     Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932  Website: www.playlearnchat.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat   

📺 Watch the video of our chat on YouTube: https://youtu.be/22ZWxDEFtSw?si=V0OqWgrIsYkNenh3      Get in touch with Chelsea Luker: www.connectuspsychology.com @Connectuspsychology (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/connectuspsychology/ Connect Us Psychology (FB) - https://www.facebook.com/connectuspsychology   Grab her book Square Me Round World https://connectuspsychology.com/product/square-me-round-world-hardcover-book/ - this is the preferred link for the hardcover version.   International should be able to find the book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Waterstones etc. https://www.amazon.com.au/Square-Me-Round-World-Stories/dp/0648605515     Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat

Complete the 3 minute podcast survey to help me plan 2024! playlearnchat.com/survey Neurodivergent business owners, please join me for the Aligned Business Workshop! Through my new business Neurodivergent Business Coaching & Consulting - https://ndbusiness.co/aligned-business-workshop/   Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat

It's non-negotiable to be supporting, modelling, using, teaching multimodal communication to autistic kids. And I share why in this episode.   Here are my 5 reasons why multimodal communication is essential for autistic children: 1. We all use multimodal communication 2. It is a human right to be able to access communication in different modes 3. Speech or mouth words can be hard for many reasons. And it's not the ultimate or 'best' way of communicating 4. The most important thing about communication is that it can lead to connection 5. Many autistic children have processing challenges and sensory challenges which can lead to varying communication abilities. Multimodal communication offers a range of ways to take on and share messages to accommodate for fluctuating needs   LINKS: My Affirming Communication for Autistic Children Closes on 30th November 2023 - join now and access it any time in the next 12 months! Or add yourself to the waitlist for the next round: playlearnchat.com/acac-course   If you're a speech therapist, I hope you'll join me for my free 3-day challenge 'Evolve Your Affirming Practice'. You can find out all the info and register at playlearnchat.com/challenge.   Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast Episode 7: All Communication is Valid - Why it might be hard for an autistic child to speak - https://pod.link/1625478932/episode/55ffb7ac277b9a40deef79b6b984caa4   Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat

I'm sharing 3 strategies that we need to leave in the past, and 3 strategies that are more aligned with a Neurodiversity Affirming approach - let's call them 'Old way' and 'new way'!   OLD WAY: First do the boring ‘work’ task, then do the fun activity NEW WAY: Use intrinsic motivation: Ensure that the ‘main’ activity is motivating for the child   OLD WAY: Intrude - Insert yourself into the child’s play when they’re playing solo NEW WAY: Join in with the child... Sometimes. Let them play solo sometimes. Honour their sensory & social capacity   OLD WAY: Shape an Autistic child's play to look more 'normal'... More like neurotypical children's play NEW WAY: Honour & enjoy the child’s individual way of playing. And sometimes add small new ideas as an offer, with no pressure   LINKS: If you're a speech therapist, you're invited to join my FREE 3-day Challenge 'Evolving your Affirming Practice' - www.playlearnchat.com/challenge   Registrations are open now (from 21st Nov - 30th Nov 2023) for my Affirming Communication for Autistic Children Course for Speech Therapists! Head over here to check it out and add yourself to the waitlist if the course isn't open when you're listening, or if you're not quite ready to join this time! https://playlearnchat.com/acac-course/   Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat

In this episode, I'm sharing with you the ingredients that go into a Neurodiversity Affirming speech therapy assessment. We’ll talk about my framework 'CPIE' — Child, Partner, Interaction, Environment — and how it frames our approach to understanding the communication skills of Autistic children within the context of their relationships & worlds.   Whether you're a speech therapist, educator, parent, or caregiver, you'll gain insights on the importance of seeing beyond the child's immediate abilities and considering their functional opportunities, important relationships, and environmental impacts. Discover why Neurodiversity Affirming, holistic assessments are vital, and how it can strengthen the support we provide to Autistic children and to the other people in their lives.     LINKS: Register for my totally FREE webinar for Speechies: Turning Affirming - for Speech Therapists Supporting Autistic Children - It's available on-demand, any time you are! Register today for the 30 minute webinar and I'll send you the link to watch: https://playlearnchat.com/free-speechie-webinar/   The Affirming Communication for Autistic Children Course is open to the waitlist right now! And opens officially for registration between 21st Nov - 30th Nov 2023. This is the last time the doors will be open this year! Learn more and join or join the waitlist here: https://playlearnchat.com/acac-course/   Link to view the CPIE visual: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JxrICr0qSwulkH2LFjNkwnhuDapLfkmd/view?usp=sharing   Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat

This episode is a very personal one where I'm going to share my experiences and insights as an autistic ADHDer who was pregnant at the time of recording, with a particular focus on the positives and negatives that I've experienced throughout the pregnancy in terms of how I've been supported (or not...) through the medical system.   I also share some points about where I think things need to improve in all of these different medical and allied health settings, to be more accessible and neurodivergent-friendly.   LINKS: Lap desk - Officeworks & Amazon My Streamline and Automate Your Private Practice Webinar - https://courses.playlearnchat.com/offers/p2PBzwLq/checkout Annie Crowe's upcoming book ‘NeuroAccessibility: How to Build Accessible Healthcare for Neurodivergent People’ – https://www.amazon.com.au/NeuroAccessibility-Accessible-Healthcare-Neurodivergent-People-ebook/dp/B0BZL7HGKH   Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat

SHOW NOTES: In this episode, I delve into the world of auditory sensitivities as experienced by an autistic person... that's me! I give you a glimpse into my own personal journey with significant auditory challenges. First I discuss how I navigate and process my unique auditory experiences. Then I shed light on some effective strategies that benefit me and also my daughter. Whether you're supporting an autistic or auditory-sensitive child, or even looking for insights into your own experiences, these insights and strategies might just be what you need!   LINKS: Speech Therapists! Get yourself on the waitlist for the Affirming Communication for Autistic Children course, which is for speech therapists all around the world: https://playlearnchat.com/speechie-course Secret waitlist doors will open in November 2023 for those who are already on the waitlist - you'll get the best valued offer if you join then! (and if you're reading this after that date, join the waitlist to find out when the course is next open!)   Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat

SHOW NOTES: 'Naughty' and 'lazy' are two words that I can't stand, especially when it comes to describing young kids, neurodivergent kids.   I don't believe, in the vast majority of cases, neurodivergent kids are lazy or naughty. However, unfortunately, these are some of the labels that often get placed onto these kids by people who don't understand them much.   In this episode, I break down these ideas - why neurodivergent kids aren't lazy or naughty.   LINKS: My free webinar for Allied Health Professionals - available for you anytime! Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Kickstart Webinar - I share three actionable tips that you can do right away when you watch it - Register at www.playlearnchat.com/free-neurodiversity-webinar   Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat

Show Notes: In this episode I share my answer to this question I hear often: Is it Neuroaffirming to Work on Pretend Play Skills with Autistic Children?   And my short answer is... it depends! Tune in to hear the things you need to ask yourself and keep in mind to weigh up a more personalised answer to this question.     LINKS:  Allied Health Professionals, you're invited to my FREE on-demand webinar: Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Kickstart - Register here to kick off or clarify your next steps on your Neurodiversity Affirming Practice journey! https://playlearnchat.com/free-neurodiversity-webinar/   Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat

Show notes:  In this episode, I chat with the amazing Hat, also known as Harriet Richardson, a significant voice in the neurodivergent community. Hat not only is an autistic ADHDer but also shines in her roles as a speech and language therapist, blogger, and public speaker. We discuss AAC, Internallised Ableism, Joy of claiming ND identity, mental health, consent for goals, and her beautiful dog Meeno.   Watch this chat on Youtube: https://youtu.be/G2QpnnR2GJ4   LINKS: Hat’s Website: www.hattalks.uk Hat on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hat.talks.uk/  Hat's Etsy shop with resources including her communication cards: https://www.etsy.com/shop/hattalks/?etsrc=sdt   Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat

Show Notes: In this episode I share a few practical ideas of what it actually looks like to be changing the world around a child, to be most supportive and enable positive social interactions and connections for neurodivergent children. I talk about changes to the world around the child in 3 ways: • changes to other people • changes to the physical environment • changes to schedules and expectations     Links: • Get your FREE PDF DOWNLOAD -💡 Cheatsheet of Ideas: Social Supports - Changing the World Around the Child https://playlearnchat.ck.page/d8fca3bbc9 • More freebies here! playlearnchat.com/freebies   • Neurodiversity Affirming Approaches Social Support webinars for parents and professionals - Get 10% off with code POD10! • Webinar for Allied Health Professionals: Affirming Ways to Support Social & Peer Interactions - https://courses.playlearnchat.com/offers/2ARTUmfd?coupon_code=POD10 • Webinar for Parents of Neurodivergent Children: Affirming Ways to Support your Neurodivergent Child's Social Interactions - https://courses.playlearnchat.com/offers/a5QFXWCf?coupon_code=POD10     Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932  Website: www.playlearnchat.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat   

Show Notes: In this episode I chat with the fabulous Chrissie Davies, from Chaos to Calm Consultancy and author of books including the wonderful 'Love Me Love my ADHD' and 'Love your Brain'.   We discuss all kinds of big ideas around trauma-informed practice in schools, tips for families supporting neurodivergent children, practicing radical acceptance, and building trusting relationships with children.   Watch our interview as a video on YouTube if that's your groove! https://youtu.be/OF6LG5Bqtv8     LINKS: Chrissie's website: https://www.chaostocalmconsultancy.com/ Find Chrissie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/chrissiechaostocalm/ Chrissie's book 'Love Me Love my ADHD' - https://www.chaostocalmconsultancy.com/love-me-love-my-adhd Chrissie's book 'Love your Brain' - https://www.chaostocalmconsultancy.com/product/love-your-brain  

Sharing 3 key strategies for therapists supporting Autistic children: 🤫 The Power of Silence 🤗 Valuing Relationship-Building Time 🗣 Growing into Advocacy   This is a shortie version of my free webinar for Speech Therapists who support Autistic Children - Turning Affirming! Speech Therapists ➝ You're welcome to register to get the full webinar free - https://playlearnchat.com/free-speechie-webinar/ - it's available on-demand 🙂   My course for speech therapists 'Affirming Communication for Autistic Children' is open for enrollment (at the time this episode is out!) and doors close on 1st August 2023. If you're seeing and hearing this after that date, no worries, get on the waitlist to be first to hear when doors open next & get super duper offers!   Learn more about the course here: https://playlearnchat.com/acac-course/     Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat  

Today I'm sharing a shortie, practical episode - all about how you can teach neurodivergent children about self-advocacy in these 3 ways:   - Explicit teaching (this doesn't mean swear words!) - Model when you did and didn’t self-advocate - Incidental teaching as natural opportunities arise   Listen in to hear some ideas for how these teaching strategies can look in action with the neurodivergent kids that you support!     LINKS: Speech Therapists! Join the waitlist for my course Affirming Communication for Autistic Children: https://playlearnchat.com/acac-course/ Doors officially open on 24th July 2023 (but if you're listening at a different date, head over there to find out when the course is open!)   And also for speechies, you're invited to my free webinar 'Turning Affirming', which is running live on Monday 24th July 2023 and the recording will be available afterwards so register any time! Here's your link ➝ https://playlearnchat.com/free-speechie-webinar/ You'll learn 3 practical, Neurodiversity Affirming strategies to support your Autistic clients.   Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat      

In this episode I share my perspectives about the role that 'play' should take in speech therapy sessions for autistic children.   I also share my ideas for how you can support learning and progression towards various goals for a child, through connecting with the way they enjoy playing!     If you're a Speechie and you're keen to learn more with me, hop on the Waitlist for my upcoming course - Affirming Communication for Autistic Children! You'll be first to hear when doors open and get a bonus and discount!: https://playlearnchat.com/speechie-course/   Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat  

I'm sharing 8 key ways you can do Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy - You can find all of the points I discuss on the free PDF download here: Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy Practices for SLPs supporting Autistic Children: https://playlearnchat.ck.page/76b2db1d09   Here are the 8 key practices that I encourage you to do, as a Neurodiversity Affirming Therapist:   Accept all forms of communication as valid - actions, gestures, sounds, signs, AAC, visuals Plan sessions around using child’s interests and motivating topics as the main activities Join the child (sometimes), playing in their way. Or let them play in their way solo Support the child to listen and attend to others in their own way Observe & use the child’s sensory preferences to build engagement and support their participation at all times Assess children using holistic tools and qualitative approaches that consider child & family perspectives & quality of life Set collaborative goals that are for the child’s benefit - leading to wellbeing and connectedness Set collaborative goals that are about changing the world around the child (other people, environments, expectations) to be most supportive   👩‍🎓 🌈 If you're a Speechie and you're keen to learn more with me, hop on the Waitlist for my upcoming course - Affirming Communication for Autistic Children! You'll be first to hear when doors open and get a bonus and discount!: https://playlearnchat.com/speechie-course/     Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat  

In this episode I chat with the wonderful Annie Crowe. Friend, Neurodivergent Empowerment Coach and NeuroAccess Consultant who brings her lived experience as a late-identified Autistic ADHDer 2e PDAer, together with her professional experience as a human rights lawyer to help neurodivergent adults gain the skills, confidence and community needed to live their best neurodivergent life!   We go all sorts of places in our chat, including: • How healthcare settings can be more NeuroAccessible & supportive for neurodivergent people • What to do with non-affirming information that many of us learn at university • How Annie advocates for her son’s needs with his childcare educators... shifting their perception of autism to a more strengths-based understanding • Some great nuggets of advice for neurodivergent parents • Using tech tools for 'knowledge management' - technology that supports our executive functioning challenges   Watch our interview as a video on YouTube if that's your groove! https://youtu.be/6IpaIvNXGL0   LINKS: Annie's Links - https://linktr.ee/anniecrowe Annie on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_anniecrowe/ Princess & the Pea Podcast - https://pod.link/1621639421 Annie's book 'NeuroAccessibility: How to Build Accessible Healthcare for Neurodivergent People' - https://www.amazon.com.au/NeuroAccessibility-Accessible-Healthcare-Neurodivergent-People-ebook/dp/B0BZL7HGKH ABC News article we mentioned - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-21/managing-autism-in-hospital-setting/102364014     Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/play.learn.chat