Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat

This episode is a cross-release from the Neurodivergent Pulse Podcast, hosted by Laetitia Andrac from Understanding Zoe. In this chat I shared big shifts to how we think about what 'communication support' should really look like for Autistic kids.
"We need to ensure that if somebody has a different way of communicating, we are supporting them to find their best way to communicate in that moment for that person, not for what the world around them is asking." - Adina Levy
We cover:
Why the word "speech" in speech therapy is part of the problem, and what communication support should actually prioritise
How to question goals and expectations for autistic children, including the difference between safety-based compliance and neurotypical conformity
Reframing "use your words" and table-sitting compliance goals into child-led, interest-based approaches
A beautiful moment where a five-year-old made her own AAC board because she just didn't feel like talking
A call to action for professional bodies and policymakers to actually live the inclusive values they claim to uphold
Connect with Laetitia, Understanding Zoe and the Neurodivergent Pulse Podcast:
Neurodivergent Pulse Podcast (hosted by Laetitia Andrac) - listen and subscribe - https://understandingzoe.com/podcast/
Understanding Zoe - Laetitia's incredible platform for parents of neurodivergent kids - https://understandingzoe.com/
Laetitia on Instagram - @understanding.zoe - https://www.instagram.com/understanding.zoe
Connect with Adina, Play. Learn. Chat:
Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Learning Hub Membership for professionals who support neurodivergent children - https://playlearnchat.com/learning-hub/
2026 Neurodiversity (Un)Conference - August 2026 - https://playlearnchat.com/neurodiversity-affirming-unconference/
Play. Learn. Chat. freebies (free webinars, resources, and parent checklist) - https://playlearnchat.com/freebies/
Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast - https://playlearnchat.com/exploring-neurodiversity-podcast/
Connect with me on Instagram - @play.learn.chat - https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat/
Differently Aligned Business Coaching - https://differentlyaligned.com/
Differently Aligned Podcast - https://pod.link/1729123916

In this joyful chat, AuDHDer and delightful clinical psychologist Brianna Thomas shares insightful, creative and practical strategies for building affirming spaces where neurodivergent and LGBTQI+ young people can explore their identities. We discuss the powerful intersection of neurodivergence and gender/sexual identity, why curiosity beats assumptions every time, and how creativity and parallel play can become your most powerful therapeutic tools. Also, flowers, glue and banana bread.
"If I don't regulate, how can they possibly be expected to do what we say if we are not doing it in front of them and really authentically living it out in that moment?" – Brianna Thomas
We cover:
The high crossover between neurodivergence and LGBTQI+ identities and what adults need to understand
How to create psychologically safe spaces through creativity, curiosity, thoughtful intake forms, and flexible communication
Why slowing the pace (without blocking exploration) helps everyone process identity journeys together
School strategies: bathroom accommodations, roll call flexibility, and family communication
The power of parallel play and co-regulation in therapeutic sessions
Bringing creativity into everything: why "making a sandwich" counts as creative practice
Moving beyond worksheets to rocks with googly eyes, paint, clay, and colorful chaos
Resources Mentioned:
Trans Hub: transhub.org.au – Information for clinicians, parents, and trans young people
The Gender Identity Workbook for Teens – Structured resource for exploring gender journey (with quizzes and activities for individuals, families, or therapists): https://www.thenile.com.au/books/andrew-maxwell-triska-msw-lcsw/gender-identity-workbook-for-teens/9781648765087
Beautiful Oops! by Barney Saltzberg – Picture book about finding opportunity in mistakes and imperfection: https://www.amazon.com/Beautiful-Oops-Barney-Saltzberg/dp/076115728X
Connect with Brianna Thomas:
ADHD IRL Podcast: Listen on Spotify
The Psych Hive: thepsychhive.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepsychhive/ and https://www.instagram.com/brianna_thomas_psych/

Daily deals on Neurodiversity Affirming Practice professional education - https://playlearnchat.com/deals-week (Ends 28 Nov 2025)
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As we head into the busiest part of the year with changes, unpredictable off-routine things, and maybe extreme weather, here's how to proactively regulate and prepare for difficult days. This helps the children you support, and yourself!
"When you're very proactive in putting supports in place, the amount of reactive support that's needed reduces greatly." - Adina Levy
In this episode, I share:
Why preparing for difficult days (hot weather, poor sleep, changes to routine) is particularly helpful for Autistic and anxious folks, and how to anticipate what might be challenging
How to build regulation toolkits with children: create short lists of what helps when dysregulated, model your own strategies, and practice strategies ahead of time, not just when things fall apart
What lowering expectations really means (hint: it's not about limiting potential forever), and why self-advocacy takes practice and confidence
Links:
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

Black Friday Deals Week! All the best Neurodiversity Affirming Practice https://playlearnchat.com/deals-week 
A new offer each day Monday 24th November - Friday 28th November.

Creating truly inclusive, accessible events is possible, practical and powerful... and not optional! In this incredibly insightful and delightful chat with Katie Koullas from Yellow Ladybugs, she shares the non-negotiables of creating inclusive events, and big ideas around building your unique event that is just what your community needs.
 
"Accessibility is about removing barriers, but inclusion is about belonging and safety once you're there." – Katie Koullas
 
In this guest speaker chat we cover:
• How to define your non-negotiables and articulate a clear 'why' that guides every event decision
• Practical choices that shape accessibility and felt-safety, from venue and timing to sensory supports and communication that respects capacity
• Ways to test interest, gather useful feedback, and move through impostor syndrome while protecting your energy and boundaries
Links & Resources mentioned
Yellow Ladybugs – Autistic-led charity supporting autistic girls, women and gender diverse people –  https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/
Local Connect (Yellow Ladybugs) – Find and connect with neurokin in your area –  https://www.yellowladybugs.com.au/Connect/LocalConnect
Neurodivergent Business Collective – Adina's membership and community for Neurodivergent business owners, where sealed-section episodes (including the juciest parts of Katie's chat!) and loads more support and resources live –  https://differentlyaligned.com/neurodivergent-business-collective/
Book Adina mentioned: Priya Parker, The Art of Gathering – Purposeful, people-centred approaches to events –  https://www.priyaparker.com/book-art-of-gathering
Differently Aligned Podcast - For Neurodivergent Business Owners -  https://differentlyaligned.com/podcast/
Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast - for adults who support neurodivergent children - https://playlearnchat.com/exploring-neurodiversity-podcast/