Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat

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/

Government-promoted resources aren't always safe or supportive. In this episode, I take you inside the Autistics Guide to Adulthood, a resource promoted by NDIS, and show you why it misses the mark and what to look for instead.
 
"Just because something has a big shiny seal of approval from a big government body, it may or may not actually be a quality resource." – Adina Levy
 
In this episode I cover:
• Why the Autistics Guide to Adulthood resource, funded and promoted by NDIS, is outdated and harmful in key ways
• How to spot when a resource pushes masking, compliance, and neurotypical norms rather than affirming autistic communication and self-expression
• What to look for in genuinely neurodiversity affirming resources that support autistic people to thrive as themselves
 
Links & Resources mentioned
• Embracing You Course – by Stephanie Robertson, OT, Autistic adult and many other things too! A fabulouly affirming resource for neurodivergent adults – https://www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com/embracing-you-course
 
• Grab my Free Checklist: Neurodiversity Affirming Social Support Approaches for Autistic Children – practical guide to evaluate supports that are and aren't ND affirming – https://playlearnchat.kit.com/1fcf4c5759
 
• Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Learning Hub Bundle – discounted professional training bundle for those who support neurodivergent children. Already discounted, plus get an extra 10% off with the code POD10 – https://playlearnchat.com/learning-hub/