Info-dumping & boundaries – what’s a Neurodiversity Affirming approach? by Adina Levy Here’s a question that I was asked off the back of my post about generally seeing info-dumping as a positive thing: “When I am truly over hearing about his...
Why multimodal communication isn’t optional by Adina Levy First up, let’s get clear on what multimodal communication is: Multimodal communication is when you combine different modes of communication. That might include speech, visuals, gestures, writing,...
5 Reasons Why Multimodal Communication is Essential for Autistic Children Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 26 by Adina Levy It’s non-negotiable to be supporting, modelling, using, teaching multimodal communication to autistic kids. And I share...
Out with the old, in with the neurodiversity affirming! by Adina Levy In my podcast episode ‘Old way/New way – Upgrading to Neurodiversity Affirming Strategies for Autistic Children’, I shared 3 of the biggest changes that I had to make, and that so...
Old way/New way – Upgrading to Neurodiversity Affirming Strategies for Autistic Children Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 25 by Adina Levy I’m sharing 3 strategies that we need to leave in the past, and 3 strategies that are more...
Your assessments need to zoom out to be more neurodiversity affirming by Adina Levy See…. Pie? 👀 🥧 or… CPIE! Stick with me to find out what on earth I’m on about here…’CPIE’ is how I remember the essential ingredients that need to...
Ingredients for a Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy Assessment Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 24 by Adina Levy In this episode, I’m sharing with you the ingredients that go into a Neurodiversity Affirming speech therapy assessment. ...
What ‘all communication is valid’ actually looks like – supporting AAC by Adina Levy I love talking about this inclusive idea of ‘all communication is valid’, decentring speech as the ‘ultimate’ or ‘best’ form of...
More than 80 appointments later… My experiences with the health & allied health systems as a pregnant, Autistic ADHDer by Adina Levy I now have a healthy, happy 7 week old baby 😊, however I had a HECK of a time during the pregnancy, with over 80 medical and...
Experiencing the Health & Allied Health Systems as a Pregnant, Autistic ADHDer Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 23 by Adina Levy This episode is a very personal one where I’m going to share my experiences and insights as an autistic ADHDer...
I’m deeply auditory-sensitive – here’s why coffee-related noises are OK by Adina Levy In my podcast episode ‘How I Experience My Auditory World as an Auditory-Sensitive Autistic Person’, I delve into the world of auditory sensitivities...
How I Experience My Auditory World as an Auditory-Sensitive Autistic Person Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 22 by Adina Levy Show Notes: In this episode, I delve into the world of auditory sensitivities as experienced by an autistic person…...
When miscommunications are misconstrued as misbehaviour… by Adina Levy I’ve been thinking a lot lately about misunderstandings and perspectives. One person’s actions can be perceived so many different ways by other people. Unfortunately for autistic children, their...
Here’s why neurodivergent kids aren’t lazy or naughty by Adina Levy I wanted to share some thoughts and insights from my podcast episode ‘Why neurodivergint kids aren’t naughty or lazy’. This is for you if you’re a parent,...
Why Neurodivergent Kids aren’t ‘Lazy’ or ‘Naughty’ Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 21 by Adina Levy Show Notes: ‘Naughty’ and ‘lazy’ are two words that I can’t stand, especially when it comes...
Is it Neuroaffirming to Work on Pretend Play Skills with Autistic Children? Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 20 by Adina Levy Show Notes: In this episode, I share my answer to this question I hear often: Is it Neuroaffirming to Work on Pretend Play...
The Role of ‘Play’ in Speech Therapy by Adina Levy Ever wondered about the role ‘play’ has in speech therapy, especially for our beautiful autistic children? Well, let’s address the question: Is there a right or wrong way to play? The...
“Stop trying so hard to fit in” by Adina Levy Here’s a big idea, shared with me on the podcast episode ‘Being a Part-time AAC user, Internalised Ableism & Mental Health’ from my friend and fellow AuDHDer Speech Therapist, Hat (a.k.a....
Being a Part-time AAC user, Internalised Ableism & Mental Health – Chat with Harriet Richardson (Hat Talks) Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 19 by Adina Levy Show Notes: In this episode, I chat with the amazing Hat, also known as Harriet...
How and why we should change the world around neurodivergent kids, NOT ask them to change by Adina Levy In my podcast episode ‘Crafting a Genuinely Supportive World for Neurodivergent Children – A Remedy to the Double Empathy Problem!’ I went through some...
Crafting a Genuinely Supportive World for Neurodivergent Children – A Remedy to the Double Empathy Problem! Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 18 by Adina Levy Show Notes: In this episode I share a few practical ideas of what it actually looks like...
Should I use a Neurodiversity Affirming approach when I don’t know if a child is neurodivergent? by Adina Levy Here’s a question I was asked recently: Should I use a Neurodiversity Affirming approach when I don’t know if a child is...
You don’t have to do it alone – on Radical Acceptance & Building Trusting Relationships with Chrissie Davies by Adina Levy On the Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast ‘Radical Acceptance & Building Trusting Relationships with Kids’ I shared...
Radical Acceptance & Building Trusting Relationships with Kids – with Chrissie Davies Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 17 by Adina Levy Show Notes: In this episode I chat with the fabulous Chrissie Davies, from Chaos to Calm Consultancy and...
My Cycle of Neurodiversity Affirming Support (a.k.a. the Hexagon of Helpful Support…) by Adina Levy I wanted to share with you my Cycle of Neurodiversity Affirming Support – specifically thinking about therapists and our process when we support...
Power of Silence, Valuing Relationship-Building Time & Growing into Advocacy – Strategies for Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy for Autistic Children Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 16 by Adina Levy Show Notes: Sharing 3 key strategies for...
3 Ways to Teach Neurodivergent Kids Self-Advocacy Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 15 by Adina Levy Show Notes: Today I’m sharing a shortie, practical episode – all about how you can teaching neurodivergent children about self-advocacy in...
Should PLAY be a goal? Or an activity? by Adina Levy What is the role of play in therapy for autistic children? This is a question that comes up time and time again. Many of us have done training over the years to learn about how to “teach play”. In my...
The Role of ‘Play’ in Speech Therapy for Autistic Children Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 14 by Adina Levy Show Notes: In this episode I share my perspectives about the role that ‘play’ should take in speech therapy sessions...
8 Ways to Do Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 13 by Adina Levy Show Notes: I’m sharing 8 key ways you can do Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy – You can find all of the points I discuss on the free PDF...
The core of self-advocacy – your needs are VALID! by Adina Levy This podcast episode ‘NeuroAccessibility & being a Neurodivergent Parent’ is a wonderful, meandering chat with my friend Annie Crowe, who is a Neurodivergent Empowerment Coach,...
NeuroAccessibilty & being a Neurodivergent Parent with Annie Crowe Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 12 by Adina Levy Show Notes: In this episode I chat with the wonderful Annie Crowe. Friend, Neurodivergent Empowerment Coach and NeuroAccess...
3 Practical Ways to Kickstart your Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Journey Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 11 by Adina Levy Show Notes: Today I’m sharing three actionable, practical changes that you can make (or start to make) today around...
Neurodivergent Acceptance & Finding Personal Joy – Chat with Stephanie Roberston – Neurodivergent OT Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 10 by Adina Levy Show Notes: In this fabulous chat with Stephanie Robertson, Neurodivergent OT, we...
Things not to say to kids: “Don’t be silly” by Adina Levy Things not to say to kids, that I’ve heard (and almost said myself, recently!): “Don’t be silly” Children (everyone) need their emotions validated to develop emotional...
When others aren’t aligned with your Neurodiversity Affirming approach to supporting Neurodivergent Kids… by Adina Levy In one of my Exploring Neurodiversity podcasts, I share 7 ideas about Collaboration & Advocacy: When others aren’t aligned...
Collaboration & Advocacy: When others aren’t aligned with your Neurodiversity Affirming approach to supporting Neurodivergent Kids Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 9 by Adina Levy Show Notes: In this episode for parents and professionals who...
My journey to identification as an Autistic ADHDer by Adina Levy I love sharing and reflecting on my personal experiences as a neurodivergent, late-identified person, and blending that in with clinical experience and training that I share with parents &...
Teaching through connection not trauma: How to set tiny goals for children’s participation in any activity by Adina Levy In my podcast episode – Don’t Teach Kids through Trauma – Teach through Connection (13 min listen) – I share a story...
Don’t Teach Kids through Trauma – Teach through Connection Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 8 by Adina Levy Show Notes: Picture this. You take your child to swimming class and it’s a pretty unfamiliar environment. They...
Wait… can I ask for support for a child and still be Neurodiversity Affirming? by Adina Levy I’ve had a blast sharing Neurodiversity Affirming Practice knowledge, ideas and info with parents and allied health professionals across 2 workshops/webinars. One of the...
All Communication is Valid: Why it Might be Hard for an Autistic Child to Speak Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 7 by Adina Levy Show Notes: We’re tucking in to this idea that All Communication is Valid. Busting the ableist bias that speech is...
How to be an Excellent Ally this Autism Acceptance Month Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 6 by Adina Levy Show Notes: Autism Acceptance Month is here! This April, how can YOU be a fantastic, genuine and helpful ally to the autistic community?...
How you can be an excellent ally during Autism Acceptance Month by Adina Levy Here’s how you can be an excellent ally during Autism Acceptance Month: 1️⃣ Listen to diverse autistic people – start here on my Resources page 2️⃣ Get comfortable with feeling...
An Alternative, Affirming Approach to Behaviour Support – Understand the Deep Why Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 5 by Adina Levy Show Notes: In this episode, I discuss the issue with looking at children’s behaviour through a lens of...
What drives children’s behaviors? Exploring the ‘Deep Why’ by Adina Levy Behaviour. What a loaded word. It’s so important to remember that this is just a neutral word to describe any action that someone does. But often we think about...
What do Neurodiversity Affirming Goals look like for Autistic children? Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 4 by Adina Levy Show Notes: In this episode we discuss a range of key considerations to ensure that goals for autistic children’s support are...
5 things to include in Neurodiversity Affirming Goals for neurodivergent kids by Adina Levy Like many people, I’m sure you’ve been busy learning about what kinds of goals are not Neurodiversity Affirming – that is, goals that asked children to mask,...
Neurodiversity Affirming ‘Social Skills’ Support for Autistic Children – Part 2: What Is and What Isn’t Affirming Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 3 by Adina Levy Show Notes: In this episode, we dive into the specifics of what a...
The problem with teaching kids to ‘fit in’ by Adina Levy I’ve been thinking and talking a lot recently about how it’s possible and helpful to support autistic children’s social interactions, BUT it must be done in Neurodiversity...
Neurodiversity Affirming ‘Social Skills’ Support for Autistic Children – Part 1: The Big Ideas Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 2 by Adina Levy Show Notes: ‘Social skills’ is a massively important area of support that we...
Words Matter: Exploring Neurodiversity Affirming Language Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast – Episode 1 by Adina Levy Show Notes: So… you’re ready to be part of the Neurodiversity Affirming movement to support an autistic and neurodivergent child in your world....
8 ideas for supports you can ask for at childcare, for your neurodivergent child by Adina Levy Your child is starting a new childcare, preschool, school, or moving to a new class. This can come with a LOAD of emotions for you, and for your child. Naturally, you...
But I won’t fit in the tent. by Adina Levy But I won’t fit in the tent. But I’m too tired to move off the couch. But I’m too distracted thinking about all the other junk on my mind. If I’d given in to these BUTs I would have missed out on this joyful...
A story about rocks, and saying YES by Adina Levy Here’s a story about rocks. A couple of months ago we went on a van trip, driving from Perth to Adelaide over 3 weeks. Absolutely rad. One evening, night my daughter picked up some rocks on the way to the shower block....
A time for reflecting on your practice – How Neurodiversity Affirming are YOU? by Adina Levy This is such a wonderful time of year to reflect on… well everything! If you’ve been thinking hard this year about your clinical practice and working to be a...
Ideas for types of support your child needs at childcare, preschool or school by Adina Levy For many of you, you’re supporting your neurodivergent child to transition to a new year of care – a new class, new teacher, new childcare educators, or even...
Ideas for types of support your child needs at childcare, preschool or school by Adina Levy For many of you, you’re supporting your neurodivergent child to transition to a new year of care – a new class, new teacher, new childcare educators, or even...
Why questions aren’t the way by Adina Levy You want to help your child’s language development. I get it! You want them to learn new words and you want them to be able to express themself better. Here’s one of the absolute biggest keys to supporting...
Speech is not better by Adina Levy All communication is OK, and valid. Speech (a.k.a mouth words, a.k.a ‘verbal’ communication but this terminology should be phased out – see below) is not better than non-speech communication. For some people, speech is...
Sometimes by Adina Levy I teach a lot about the idea of SOMETIMES. Sometimes it’s a great idea to narrate what your child is doing so they can hear interesting words and language. Sometimes it’s appropriate to be silent and let your child have quiet space....
There are no rules for conversations by Adina Levy Here’s my thought for today: There are no rules for conversations. No set, specific way that conversations ‘should’ or ‘must’ go. Natural conversations out in the real world don’t...
The Problem with Theory of Mind (ToM) as it Relates to Autistic People by Adina Levy Theory of Mind (ToM) is a theory talking about the ability for people to understand another person’s mind, perspective, thoughts and feelings. The main idea that is now solidly...
Here’s what I’ve learned about travelling with a toddler sometimes, or always… by Adina Levy I’ve so missed big travel and adventures! We’re a few days in to a Perth 🚐 ➡️ 🚐 Adelaide van trip (around 3,000km!) with my 3 year old, and having a great...
Reasons why your child might not use speech (mouthwords) to communicate sometimes, or always by Adina Levy Here are some reasons why your child might not use speech (mouthwords) to communicate sometimes, or all the time: 1️⃣ Speech skills are hard for them (motor...
Stop waiting! Why speech therapy waitlists don’t mean you should ‘just wait’ by Adina Levy We have such a massive issue with therapy and medical waitlists in Australia, quite possibly in the world! If you’re one of many, many people waiting for...
3 key ideas to help your autistic child if they’re a ‘fussy eater’ by Adina Levy As a neurodivergent person with a lifetime of sensory challenges, I know deeply how hard eating a range of foods can be sometimes. I also come to you as a speech...
Coping with Uncertainty and Change by Adina Levy Here’s a question I get asked a lot: How can I help my child deal with uncertainty and changes to plans? Even for a lot of grown-ups, coping with uncertainty and change can be really tricky. It’s very...
Connection not compliance by Adina Levy Connection with your child starts with a respect for their perspective. Compliance is about power. If you frequently require that your child does what you say, choose, demand, you’re asking them to comply with your...
How 1 simple activity can build so many communication skills by Adina Levy Every single moment with your child is a chance to help them build communication skills. Once you have a few ideas of skills you want your child to be working on, you’ll see these...
The deep WHY behind your child’s behaviour by Adina Levy There is a reason behind any behaviour, any action, that someone does. I call this the ‘deep why’. People also talk about the reason being an ‘unmet need’. This can be different...
PLAY is the absolute best way to help your autistic child learn & connect with you *Psst play is also amazing for EVERYONE!* by Adina Levy I love play. Play is the best. All learning for kids really happens through play the best learning for everyone happens in...
3 Key Ideas to Help you and Your Autistic Child Communicate and Connect by Adina Levy I had a wonderful chat with Jessica, (@aussieautismfamily on Instagram) about 3 key things for parents to know, if your child is early in an autism diagnosis journey, so you can...
BOOKS! What should I do when I read to my toddler? by Adina Levy 3 things to keep in mind when you share books with your young child 1️⃣ Let your child explore books in the way that suits their sensory preferences and interests. It’s OK to flick pages, tap on...
Using books and TV to help your child understand social dynamics by Adina Levy 3 ways to use books and TV to help your child understand social dynamics 1️⃣ Discuss the clues that help you and your child work out what someone else might be thinking or feeling 2️⃣ Make...
1..2……..3! How small routines can lead to BIG communication by Adina Levy One of the strategies that I share with families often is using ‘verbal routines’ with kids – this is things like “ready, set, GO!”. My personal...
Welcome to the Exploring Neurodiversity with Play. Learn. Chat podcast! by Adina Levy Transcript: Welcome to the Play. Learn. Chat – Exploring Neurodiversity podcast. Here, we’re going to share conversations to help you connect and grow with your autistic...
What is ‘Self-Advocacy’ and how do we teach this to kids? by Adina Levy If you’ve heard the term ‘self-advocacy’ you might be wondering what exactly it means and how this relates to speech therapy. Self-advocacy is all about speaking up...
“How much should I play with my kids?” by Adina Levy Recently a very big Instagram account posted that parents don’t have to play with kids and it’s not your job to do so. While I get the sentiment – she wanted to help parents feel less guilt about...
“He never listens to me!” 4 tips to help your child understand you better by Adina Levy There’s that amazing moment when you ask your child to do something… and they DO it! If this feels rare for your family, a big part of the challenge is...
The power of WAITING… for your child (or partner, parent, friend…) to talk by Adina Levy Here’s a tip that seems so simple. It’s powerful. It’s also really hard to put into practice! It’s WAITING! 🌟 When you WAIT for your...
Why your child might need to use non-verbal ways of communicating by Adina Levy This week I filmed a 30 min video for my Connect & Grow community called ‘All Communication is Valid! Finding a Place for Verbal and Non-Verbal Communication’. Today I...
What a Neurodiversity Affirming approach looks like, and how this fits with the Secret Agent Society program. by Adina Levy You may have heard of one or some of these terms: Neurodiversity Neurodiverse Neurodiversity-affirming Neurotypical What does it...
3 ideas to help your fussy eater (and help your whole family!) by Adina Levy A family I’m working with shared this with me today: “My son doesn’t try new foods and I have to cook 2 meals for the whole family” Sound familiar? Here...
Add PLAYFULNESS to the every-day. Add joy, connection and ease. by Adina Levy Here’s a thing I believe, live, and teach. Play doesn’t just happen at ‘play times’. Play is about FUN. It’s a lightness. It’s playfulness. Play can and...
How to help your child deal with big feelings (good or challenging ones!) by Adina Levy Feelings are hard, confusing, and we all experience them different. Your child might need some help navigating emotions… their own, others, and how to deal with big feelings...
The Power of a Simple Snack to Help your Child Communicate More by Adina Levy I wanted to share a simple idea today. Here’s how you can build in a bit of fun and give your child more opportunities to communicate with you when you’re having a snack or a...
The only playdough recipe you’ll ever need & how it can help your child talk, play & listen! by Adina Levy Let’s talk about play-dough! I love it and can lose hours squishing the stuff, and my daughter loves it too. If play dough is something you...
3 things to do when you don’t understand what your kid is saying by Adina Levy There are so many reasons why we sometimes miss what kids are telling us. Just some of the reasons can be: Unclear speech sounds, like using different sounds in words or missing...
Coping with BIG changes: A recipe to help your kid cope with change by Adina Levy For many of you in Sydney and Melbourne, you’re heading out of lockdowns and kids are going back to school! This can bring with it so many feelings for kids and parents alike. You...
Building Resilience in Kids: What Bluey can Teach Us by Adina Levy We ALL learn new things by trying, trying and trying again. Resilience is when you can cope with the set-backs, and keep at it, and then you GROW 🌷 Read on for how we can build resilience in kids....
Helping your child talk more and learn new words… at Bathtime! by Adina Levy Language learning happens everywhere! Many parents want their kids to learn new words, and it’s common to think that we need to set aside ‘special learning time’ or...
3 ways to help your child have better conversations by Adina Levy Lots of parents tell me that they want their kids to have better conversations, whether that’s a more detailed chat at the end of the school day, sharing over the dinner table, or better conversations...
Using ‘People Games’ to Boost your Child’s Language Development by Olivia Taylor & Adina Levy Many parents ask me to recommend games and toys that will help encourage their child’s communication development. One of my favourite categories of games is ‘people...
Giving Kids a Choice: Create more calm and empower your child by Adina Levy Imagine you wake up in the morning at a time defined by someone else. You get up and get dressed in clothes that someone else has picked out for you. Breakfast? Someone’s served you...
Why is Pretend Play so Important for Kids? by Adina Levy Pretend play is an essential play skill for children to develop, and it helps kids learn language, tune in to other people and develop social skills. Whether your child likes playing with dolls, trucks,...
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