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/