At Playroom Therapy, we recognise neurodiversity as a natural and valuable part of human diversity. We believe that neurological differences- including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, intellectual disability, and other neurodevelopmental differences are not deficits to be "fixed", but authentic ways of experiencing, understanding and engaging with the world.

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Our goal is to work alongside children, families and their support networks to foster emotional wellbeing, meaningful relationships, self-understanding, confidence and participation in everyday life.

We do not wish to change who children are.

 

What Neurodiversity-Affirming Means to Us

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Being neurodiversity-affirming means we:

• Respect each child's unique way of thinking, communicating, learning, playing and relating.

• Support children in understanding themselves rather than encouraging them to mask or suppress their natural ways of being.

• Focus on building safety and connection before asking for compliance or performance.

• Value children's autonomy, consent and right to communicate "no" in developmentally appropriate ways.

• Collaborate with families to identify strengths alongside areas where additional support may be helpful.

• Recognise that children need responsive and accepting environments to promote opportunities to thrive - ie. a child’s distress often arises from environments that are not responsive to their needs, rather than from the child's neurodivergence itself.

 

Our Therapeutic Approach

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Our focus is on developing emotional resilience, relationships, self-advocacy and wellbeing. Our play therapists tailor therapy to each individual child rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach. 

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This may include:

• Following the child's interests, motivations and preferred ways of engaging.

• Respecting sensory preferences and sensory needs within the therapy environment.

• Supporting emotional regulation through co-regulation rather than behaviour management.

• Adapting communication to suit each child's strengths, including visual supports, movement, play, creative expression and non-verbal communication.

• Working at the child's pace and respecting their readiness for therapeutic work.

• Recognising that there is no single "right" way to play, communicate or participate.

 

Supporting Families

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We understand that parenting a neurodivergent child can involve navigating multiple systems, differing opinions and significant advocacy.

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We aim to partner with families by:

• Listening to your expertise about your child.

• Providing evidence-informed guidance grounded in current understanding of neurodevelopment.

• Helping parents interpret behaviour through a relational and developmental lens.

• Working collaboratively with schools, early childhood services and other professionals where appropriate.

• Supporting children and families to identify accommodations that promote success rather than expecting children to adapt to environments that do not meet their needs.

 

Our Ongoing Commitment

 

Neurodiversity-affirming practice is not a checklist, but rather an ongoing process of learning, reflection and listening.

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We are committed to continually engaging with current research, the voices of neurodivergent people, lived experience, and emerging evidence to ensure our practice remains respectful, ethical and responsive.

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Above all, we want every child who walks through our doors to experience therapy as a place where they are understood, accepted and valued exactly as they are.