Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat

A year after the very dangerous act of sleep left me with chronic nerve pain, I'm reflecting on internalised ableism, the accommodations that help, and the fears that have held me back from doing big, scary things, plus I'm sharing the big scary exciting ways I'm not letting them stop me!

"There's no one right way to be human. There's no one right ideal of productivity or capacity. There's no one right way to do anything at all."

In this episode I share:

• How internalised ableism shows up in the shoulds I say to myself, and the standards we hold ourselves to that we'd never hold anyone else to
• The accommodations that help when my body doesn't body very reliably, and why pain can still suck with all of them in place
• Why any support you offer needs to be visible and easy to reach, so no one has to beg for it

Links:

• I'm doing a one-day training in Wollongong with The Thrive Spot and I'm so, so excited! I'd absolutely love to train your team too: speaking and training
• Save the date for Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st January 2027: Outside the Lines Workshop! A two-day training in Sydney for Speech Therapists and Occupational Therapists, co-produced with the fabulous Steph Robertson. We've been mumbling and mulling over this for, well, actually years, and now it's happening! Join the waitlist here to get more info!
• The Aligned Business Summer Series from my other business Differently Aligned Business Coaching: three live online workshops on business, systems and AI (the Aligned Business Workshop, the Aligned Systems Workshop and the Aligned AI Workshop). I'm buzzing with excitement! Head here for more info

Connect with Adina - Play. Learn. Chat.:

• Podcast: Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast
• Website: Play. Learn. Chat.
• Instagram: @play.learn.chat

Come on a whirlwind tour through my first Neurodiversity Affirming (Un)Conference, with something I learned from every one of the 18 Neurodivergent speakers.

"It was a whole mix of reflecting and connecting and creating and unthinking and thinking sideways and existing and being, and feeling."

In this episode I share:

• The whole mission of the (Un)Conference: moving away from the pedestal types of learning we usually hear at a conference, and why every single speaker had lived experience of being Neurodivergent
• From Day 1: the Neurodiversity Paradigm as an autonomy model, restoring occupation rather than productivity, and why it's on the world to ask and adjust rather than leaving Neurodivergent people to do all the self-advocating
• How Day 2 got into my body, and why joy, rage and belonging that shouldn't have to be earned are changing how I live (sticker books included)

Announcements:

From September 2026, I'm adding a paid guest speaker every month to the Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Learning Hub. Podcast listeners can use POD20 for 20% off every month for as long as you're a member. Join by Friday 4th September 2026 to keep the current lower membership price before it increases.

The Neurodiversity Affirming (Un)Conference is coming back in 2027. You can join the email list for 2027 updates, and you can still get three months' access to the Day 1 recordings with 20% off using POD20.

Links:

• Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Learning Hub - keep learning from Neurodivergent people and developing your Neurodiversity Affirming Practice. Use code POD20 for 20% off every month. Join by Friday 4th September 2026 to keep the current lower membership price before it increases.
• Neurodiversity Affirming (Un)Conference - Get the Day 1 recordings (Use code POD20 for 20% off - available immediately!) and get 2027 event updates!
• Differently Aligned Podcast, Episode 47: I ran my first (Un)Conference. Here's what worked (and what I'll never do again) - Listen to the business half of this Double Up episode, where I share how I set it up, the systems, how I made decisions, and which ones played out
• Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast, Episode 64: Supporting AAC Users and Understanding Cultural Differences with Kaishawna Fleming - Hear a little of my (Un)Conference chat with Kaishawna Fleming on supporting AAC users and understanding cultural differences

The speakers I learned from at the Neurodiversity Affirming (Un)Conference:

Day 1

• Sonny Jane Wise (they/them) - Website - Instagram
• Hibak Hassan (she/her) - Website - Instagram
• Kelsie "Mick" Olds (they/them) - Website - Facebook - Instagram
• Yenn Purkis (they/them) - Website - Facebook - Instagram
• Lumen Gorrie (they/them) - Website - Instagram - Appetite for Change Project - Appetite for Change Project on Instagram - LinkedIn
• Lorena Slade (she/her)
• Hayden Moon (he/they) - Instagram - Email
• Erin Tee (she/they) - Website - Instagram
• Kaishawna Fleming (they/them) - YouTube - Instagram - Email
• Laetitia Andrac (she/her) - Website - Instagram - LinkedIn
• Jessica Otter (she/her) - Instagram - Instagram - Aussie Autism Family - Facebook
• Michael Coles (he/him) - Website - Facebook - Instagram
• Sharen Lui (she/her) - Website - Instagram

Day 2

• Stephanie Robertson (she/they) - Website - Facebook - Instagram
• Christina Schmidt (she/her/hers) - Website - Facebook - Instagram
• Allison Davies (she/her) - Website - Facebook - Instagram
• Sarah Middleton (she/her) - Website - Facebook - Instagram
• Chenai Mupotsa-Russell (she/her) - Website - Facebook - Instagram

Connect with Adina - Play. Learn. Chat.:

• Podcast: Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast
• Website: Play. Learn. Chat.
• Instagram: @play.learn.chat

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

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: [email protected]
• Support Kaishawna: if you have benefited from Kaishawna's insights, connection and understanding, please consider supporting them with funds, via Venmo or PayPal

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

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/