Hi Reader,

The language we use in reports, notes, and everyday conversations about neurodivergent children shapes how they're seen and supported.

Swapping "poor social skills" for "unique style of social interaction" isn't just about being polite. It's about shifting from a deficit lens to seeing difference as valid.

Neurotypical isn't better. It's different.

Neurodivergent isn't worse. It's different.

The way we write and talk about neurodivergent children must respect the child's experience, preferences and choices as valid, rather than comparing them to a neurotypical standard.

But when you're sitting down to write reports with tight deadlines, big caseloads, and endless admin, it's not always easy to know what to say or why it matters.

Here are 8 reframes to get you started:

Reframe 1

Instead of "poor social skills" → "a unique style of social interaction that differs from some peers"

Reframe 2

Instead of "restricted interests" → "deep, focused interests that bring joy, purpose and expertise"

Reframe 3

Instead of "has difficulty with transitions" → "benefits from predictability and advance notice of changes"

Reframe 4

Instead of "refusing to cooperate" → "showing us that something about our expectation is hard for them right now"

Reframe 5

Instead of "doesn't speak" → "communicates through body movements, gestures, sounds, and their AAC device"

Reframe 6

Instead of "attention-seeking behaviour" → "communicating a genuine and valid unmet need for connection and support"

Reframe 7

Instead of "rigid thinking" → "values consistency and clear expectations"

Reframe 8

Instead of "inappropriate play" → "plays in their own way, like lying on the floor watching car wheels spin"

I’d love to hear from you - which reframe is most surprising, or which one do you want to know more about? Reply and let me know!

​

Take care. Wishing you a fabulous week!

​

Adina Levy AuDHDer, Speech Therapist & Professional Educator Play. Learn. Chat. hi@playlearnchat.com • www.playlearnchat.com ​ Learn with me Neurodiversity Affirming Practice – Introductory Workshop Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Webinars for Professionals Affirming Communication for Autistic Children Course for Speech Therapists Neurodiversity Affirming Practice PD for Teams (Group discounts) 🙋🏼‍♀️ Hi! I'm Adina, a neurodivergent Speech Therapist and professional educator from Sydney, Australia. I’m so happy you’re here! I’m an AuDHDer, (Autistic ADHDer). My life’s stories and experiences intertwine with my clinical experiences, and the lived experiences and perspectives of diverse neurodivergent people. These perspectives inform everything that I teach and share. I’m dedicated to helping families, therapists, educators, teachers and communities to understand neurodivergent children better, and develop a deeper acceptance of children’s unique interests, passions, individual strengths and support needs. I am an educator, podcaster, speaker, and I send helpful emails around Neurodiversity Affirming practice and support, that I hope will help you support the neurodivergent children in your life with more clarity and confidence! ⚫️🟡🔴​ 🔵⚪️🟢​​ ​I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands on which I ​live, work and play - the Gadigal and the Bidjigal people. I recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. I pay my respects to Elders past​ and present.​ I acknowledge the traditional owners of the lands where you are reading this from today. GET LESS EMAILS FROM ME: If you want to stop receiving regular weekly emails but you'd like to still get any other emails you've signed up for (e.g. if you've purchased a webinar, course, you're on a waitlist, you're a Community Member) - reply saying "LESS EMAILS"

​