Is a Neurodiversity Affirming approach to behaviour support a permissive approach?
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat
Release Date: 07/30/2024
Regulation & Co-Regulation - What we're getting wrong & how to get it right with OT Cheri Strecker
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat
What looks like “bad behaviour” is usually a nervous system asking for help. In this episode, we explore what regulation really is, why it’s really, really hard for kids to self-regulate, and what adults can do instead. From brain development to fidgets, co-regulation to Disney characters, we cover the real stuff that helps kids feel safe and supported. “A caregiver’s regulation is the very first exposure a child has to what regulation is.” - Cheri Strecker, Occupational Therapist from Learn and Grow OT Cheri and I would both love to hear your feedback and thoughts, so feel free...
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Q&A - How to do an affirming communication assessment?
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat
If your gut says “this test isn’t showing the full story,” trust it – especially when working with Autistic children. I'm sharing a live Q&A on Instagram (@play.learn.chat) every day Mon–Fri this week (31st March–4th April) – share a Q by DM or email me! Ask Qs about Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy support for Autistic Children, or Qs about my course Affirming Communication for Autistic Children! “We communicate in a different way. It’s not wrong. But standardised assessments will often make it seem like it is.” – Adina Levy Answering Qs...
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Q&A - What to do when another therapist isn't ND Affirming (in a client's care team)
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat
This Q&A chat is all about how to work alongside other professionals when your approaches to supporting an Autistic child don’t quite align. I'm sharing a live every day Mon-Fri this week (31st March - 4th April) - share a Q by DM or email me! Ask Qs about Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy support for Autistic Children, or Qs about my course Affirming Communication for Autistic Children! “There is no point just telling people stuff, talking at them, when you know you're disagreeing... You may not actually be meeting them where they are or answering the questions or...
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Q&A - PECS & Speech (Articulation) Therapy - Are they ND Affirming?
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat
Today's Q&As are on the topic of ALL COMMUNICATION IS VALID! Talking about PECS, and Artic therapy considerations I'm sharing a live every day Mon-Fri this week (31st March - 4th April) - share a Q by DM or email me! Ask Qs about Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy support for Autistic Children, or Qs about my course Affirming Communication for Autistic Children! “Speech, mouth words, are not the only valid way to communicate. If it’s not that person’s best form of communication in that moment, it’s not the best form of communication, full stop.” ...
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Q&A - ND Affirming Play! Goals, progress notes, how I played as an Autistic kid
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat
Curious how to support autistic kids in speech therapy without trying to change how they play? This 17 min episode is for you! “Play and genuine playfulness—that is the context where learning, engagement and all the other things happen.” I'm sharing a live every day Mon-Fri this week (31st March - 4th April) - share a Q by DM or email me! Ask Qs about Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy support for Autistic Children, or Qs about my course Affirming Communication for Autistic Children! In this session I'm answering Qs and sharing thoughts and examples about: •...
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"Autistic kids should learn to speak, otherwise people won't understand them" and other Myths about ND Affirming Practice
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat
Want to better support the Neurodivergent kids in your life, without falling for outdated myths? This episode is a must-listen. “When a child is in distress, it is not the time to try and enforce boundaries and teach them a lesson... it's only going to lead to trauma, shame, and withdrawal.” Adina Levy In this episode I cover: • Three common myths about neurodiversity affirming practice, and why they just don’t hold up • How to rethink structure, evidence, and communication in a way that truly centres the child • Why honouring all forms of communication, not just...
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Mythbusting ND Affirming practice - "If we just let kids do whatever they want they won’t learn" (That's not it...)
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat
In this episode, we are mythbusting ND affirming practice. I hear too often phrases from people who don't quite get what neurodiversity affirming practice is, like ‘If we just let kids do whatever they want and don't extend them, they won't learn essential life skills’. Join me as I discuss what it means to support neurodivergent children and explore how affirming practices don’t just allow children to do whatever they want but rather guide them in extending their abilities in a supportive environment. We'll explore different approaches to challenging situations, like swimming lessons...
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The Nuance Behind Behavioural Strategies for Supporting Autistic Children
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat
In this episode, we’re unpacking some of the nuances behind behavioural strategies when supporting autistic children. I discuss how neurodiversity-affirming approaches can look in practice, focusing on connection over compliance and the need to find the deep reason behind a behaviour. I also touch on how behavioural approaches show up in our work and why it's crucial to think deeply about whether these approaches truly serve the best interests of the child. Links and resources mentioned: FREE CHEATSHEET Neurodiversity Affirming Approaches to Supporting Behaviour - Webinar:...
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Practical Strategies for Gestalt Language Processors (AAC users too!) with Alex Zachos from Meaningful Speech
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat
In today's episode, I chat with the fabulous Alex Zachos from Meaningful Speech, a senior speech language pathologist with 20 years of experience. Alex specialises in Gestalt Language Processing and has revolutionised how we understand and support language development using Marge Blanc's Natural Language Acquisition framework. Alex shares practical tips for putting these theories into action when you connect with children who are GLPs, including how to support GLPs who are AAC users. Alex and I would both love to hear your feedback and thoughts, so feel free to email me or get...
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BONUS: What’s been going on + A Special Invitation for Allied Health Business Owners!
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat
In this episode, I want to thank you for listening to the podcast over the last year or however long you've been here. It has been such a joy, delivering these thoughts and ideas to your magical ears. I'm always open to feedback, questions, suggestions, what you'd like me to cover in the next year. As we wrap up the year, I invite you to revisit earlier episodes and if you are an allied health practitioner and you own a private practice, join my free mini-course, Streamline Your Practice. This course will help you streamline your processes and make your services more neurodiversity-affirming...
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