Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat

Adina Levy
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Welcome to the Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast for adults who support Neurodivergent children. Whether you're an allied health professional, medical professional, education professional or a parent of a Neurodivergent child, you are welcome here. I'm Adina from Play. Learn. Chat. I'm an Autistic ADHDer, a speech therapist, professional educator speaker, and I also support Neurodivergent Business owners in my other business, neurodivergent Business Coaching and Consulting. I'm obsessed with creating a world where Neurodivergent people are understood, embraced, supported, and celebrated. A world where we Neurodivergent people can understand ourselves and thrive in a life aligned with our individual strengths, wants and needs. On the Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast, you'll get my perspectives and conversations with my Neurodivergent friends. All about how adults can best support Neurodivergent children in our lives. I bring a Neurodiversity Affirming approach and indeed a human-affirming approach to the support that we all provide for Neurodivergent kids in our lives.

  1. Jul 27

    Why Autistic Joy Matters and How to Find your Joy with Stephanie Robertson

    Stephanie Robertson is back on the podcast! Steph is a multiply Neurodivergent OT, speaker and founder of SGR Occupational Therapy, and she's presenting her Autistic Joy workshop on day two of the Neurodiversity Affirming (Un)Conference this August. In this episode we explore why Autistic joy isn't just a nice to have, what the research now tells us about centring joy, and how you can make yourself a joy menu, rebuild your joy filter and go on a joy treasure hunt. "Your play and your engagement with children, the laughter, the joy seeking, it is all evidence-based now. So you can do those things that feel good in your interactions with children, and know that you are achieving so many wonderful things and helping facilitate their development." - Stephanie Robertson You'll hear: What Autistic joy feels like in Steph's whole body, and why the neuronormative expectation that adults don't flap, bounce or squeal is just custard What the research now shows when we centre joy in therapy, from better regulation and stronger sense of identity to reduced masking and burnout How to make yourself a joy menu, rebuild your joy filter and go on a joy treasure hunt, plus a taste of Steph's Autistic Joy workshop on day two of the (Un)Conference Steph's joy menu prompts: Reflect back on the last week and ask yourself: What's something that made me smile? What made me curious? What made me lose track of time? What sensory experiences feel good, or do I tend to seek out? What made my shoulders soften? What made me laugh? LINKS Neurodiversity Affirming (Un)Conference - 19th and 20th August 2026, all online. 19 incredible Neurodivergent speakers, with Steph's Autistic Joy workshop on day two. Recording-only tickets available (day one is recorded, day two is live only) Connect with Stephanie Robertson - SGR Occupational Therapy: Podcast: Alphabet Soup - Exploring Complex Neurodiversity Website: SGR Occupational Therapy Instagram: @sgroccupationaltherapy Facebook: SGR Holistic and Family Focused Occupational Therapy Facebook group: The Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement YouTube: The Spiritual OT

    Why Autistic Joy Matters and How to Find your Joy with Stephanie Robertson

  2. Jul 24

    Supporting AAC Users and Understanding Cultural Differences with Kaishawna Fleming

    Meet Kaishawna Fleming, a Black DeafBlind Autistic advocate, clarinettist and writer who communicates through AAC, sign language and speech, sharing what it really takes to support AAC users, especially Black and Brown AAC users, and why cultural difference has to be part of the conversation. This conversation is a taste of what Kaishawna brings as one of the speakers at the Neurodiversity Affirming (Un)Conference, a two-day online event centring lived experience and neurodiversity affirming practice for the people who support neurodivergent kids. "Listening and active engagement serves to help and improve the understanding of cultural significance when it comes to autism. When we actively listen, we allow their lived experiences to guide us through their journey." Kaishawna Fleming You'll hear about: How Kaishawna communicates through AAC, sign language and speech, and why the mode shifts with mood, energy and cognitive load Why autism can present differently for Black, Indigenous and Brown learners, and what real listening asks of families and educators What professionals need to unlearn, from white privilege and fragility to the way words like woke get taken and distorted Life's Moments, the novel Kaishawna is writing about a couple navigating disability, race and ableism together, and their call for beta readers LINKS Neurodiversity Affirming (Un)Conference: two-day online event on 19th and 20th August 2026, where Kaishawna is one of the speakers, with Day 1 available as recordings: neurodiversityunconference.com Connect with Kaishawna: Instagram: @kaishawna_music YouTube: youtube.com/@kaishawna Email: flemingkaishawna@gmail.com Support Kaishawna: if you have benefited from Kaishawna's insights, connection and understanding, please consider supporting them with funds, via Venmo or PayPal

    Supporting AAC Users and Understanding Cultural Differences with Kaishawna Fleming

  3. Mar 26

    Rethinking Speech Goals: Communication That Truly Supports Autistic Kids (Neurodivergent Pulse Podcast cross-release with Laetitia Andrac)

    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

    Rethinking Speech Goals: Communication That Truly Supports Autistic Kids (Neurodivergent Pulse Podcast cross-release with Laetitia Andrac)

  4. Feb 4

    LGBTQI+ identity and creative expression: Supporting neurodivergent children with Brianna Thomas

    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/

    LGBTQI+ identity and creative expression: Supporting neurodivergent children with Brianna Thomas

  5. 11/26/2025

    Preparing for Difficult Days - Proactive Regulation!

    Daily deals on Neurodiversity Affirming Practice professional education - https://playlearnchat.com/deals-week (Ends 28 Nov 2025) ----- 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

    Preparing for Difficult Days - Proactive Regulation!

  6. 09/30/2025

    Creating and hosting inclusive and accessible events: Non-negotiables and uncovering your unique 'why' with Katie Koullas

    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/

    Creating and hosting inclusive and accessible events: Non-negotiables and uncovering your unique 'why' with Katie Koullas

  7. 09/09/2025

    When NDIS promoted Autism resources do more harm than good

    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/

    When NDIS promoted Autism resources do more harm than good

  8. 08/06/2025

    "Don't Give Up and Prove Everyone Wrong" Following Dreams, AAC, and Horses with Kayla Ireland

    "Don't give up and prove everyone wrong" - Kayla Ireland shares how horses, AAC, and a fierce sense of self-advocacy help her chase her dreams and redefine what's possible for herself and others.   There are intentional silences left in this recording. Normally I edit out long pauses, but when speaking with an AAC user like Kayla, it's important to honour the natural pace of her communication and make space for her to share in her own way. This different flow of conversation may feel unfamiliar, but it's valuable to experience and listen to.   In this episode, you'll hear: • Kayla's journey with cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and discovering accessible ways to communicate • Honest insights into AAC, the importance of communication partners having patience, and the power of listening to lived experience • Why therapeutic horse riding gives her freedom, confidence, and a sense of joy that medicalised therapies can't   Watch this chat on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VuyKBLO_iAA    Kindly Neurodivergent with Kay: YouTube / Instagram / Facebook Email: kindlyneurodivergentwithkay@gmail.com Silver Speech Speaking Series: YouTube Rock The World with Kay & Michelle: YouTube / Instagram / Facebook Inside Scoop of Living with Cerebral Palsy: Facebook / Instagram / YouTube Kayla Interviewing Adina: YouTube / Facebook       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

    "Don't Give Up and Prove Everyone Wrong" Following Dreams, AAC, and Horses with Kayla Ireland
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Welcome to the Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast for adults who support Neurodivergent children. Whether you're an allied health professional, medical professional, education professional or a parent of a Neurodivergent child, you are welcome here. I'm Adina from Play. Learn. Chat. I'm an Autistic ADHDer, a speech therapist, professional educator speaker, and I also support Neurodivergent Business owners in my other business, neurodivergent Business Coaching and Consulting. I'm obsessed with creating a world where Neurodivergent people are understood, embraced, supported, and celebrated. A world where we Neurodivergent people can understand ourselves and thrive in a life aligned with our individual strengths, wants and needs. On the Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast, you'll get my perspectives and conversations with my Neurodivergent friends. All about how adults can best support Neurodivergent children in our lives. I bring a Neurodiversity Affirming approach and indeed a human-affirming approach to the support that we all provide for Neurodivergent kids in our lives.

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