Hi Reader,

"how can [kids] possibly be expected to do what we say, if we’re not doing it in front of them and really authentically living it out in that moment?"

​Bri Thomas is a multiply neurodivergent clinical psychologist, play therapist, and co-director of The Psych Hive in Canberra, and all-round excellent human! We had such a great chat about the intersection of neurodivergence and LGBTQI+ identity in the kids and young people we support.

We talked about:

• Why curiosity and openness matter more than having all the answers when a child is exploring gender or sexuality
• How parallel play and creative expression (think clay, googly eyes on rocks, decorated feathers) can build safety in ways that talking alone can't
• Why co-regulation starts with us, not with the child

One thing I really loved: Bri reminded us that something as ‘mundane’ as making a sandwich is creative. You created something that didn't exist before. The idea that creativity is something we can all easily access is such a delightful reminder, and could spark something for you to share more creativity with the kids around you, or even just with yourself!

Listen to this fabulous episode of the Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast now!

Ohhhh and one more thing, I've been holding and planning and brewing for a very long time and I'm deeeeelighted to share!

The Neurodiversity Affirming (Un)Conference is happening.

Save the date: Wed 26th and Thu 27th August 2026. Online. Worldwide.

Two days of different professional learning for allied health professionals, teachers, educators, and medical professionals who support neurodivergent children.

Day 1: The Conference. Presentations and panels from lived-experience speakers.

Day 2: The Unconference. Workshops, creative sessions, mentor conversations, and peer-sharing.

This event is Neurodiversity Affirming - not as an afterthought, but as the foundation and at every level. You’ll experience the kind of different learning we’re sharing about!

The call for speakers and facilitators is open now! If you have lived experience and something to share with professionals around Neurodiversity Affirming support for kids, I'd love to hear from you. Submit your Expression of Interest here.

Want event updates? Get the info and join the interest list here.

Have a beaut weekend, and thanks for being here!

Adina

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"

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