Shows
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersYou deserve to get paid (without the chase)You're tired of the admin and heartache of chasing unpaid invoices. You want a clear, effective way to get paid without the stress. This episode is for you! I'll give you the exact email template that got my client paid her long-overdue invoices within two hours! "It can be hard to hold together these two ideas of 'I'm here to help people' and 'I deserve to get paid for it'. I need you to feel those two truths at the same time, your business will not be viable without it." - Adina Levy In this...
2025-11-2814 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatPreparing for Difficult Days - Proactive Regulation!Daily deals on Neurodiversity Affirming Practice professional education - https://playlearnchat.com/deals-week (Ends 28 Nov 2025) ----- 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 r...
2025-11-2613 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersWhy your AI content sounds generic (and how to fix it)If you've ever asked AI to create some content for you and cringed at how robotic, weird and generic it sounded, this episode is your fix! "I had this vision of being able to, with the press of a button, take words, thoughts, ideas, writing, transcripts of, me speaking or things straight from my brain, pressing a button and having that be turned into all other types of content where let's say it's 99%. Great. You know, I'm happy with it. I can tweak it and I can improve it, and then it goes out into...
2025-11-1820 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatCreating and hosting inclusive and accessible events: Non-negotiables and uncovering your unique 'why' with Katie KoullasCreating 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...
2025-09-3053 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersCreating and hosting inclusive and accessible events: Non-negotiables and uncovering your unique 'why' with Katie KoullasCreating 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 s...
2025-09-3054 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatWhen NDIS promoted Autism resources do more harm than goodGovernment-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...
2025-09-0917 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersWhy you're losing clients (and money) before they even bookMany neurodivergent business owners are missing out on clients and income before anyone even books in. In this episode, I share the five biggest reasons why and what to do about it so your clients actually make it through the door. "Nobody cares about your business as much as they care about their own problems... if you think that you've given them information at a certain point, do not assume that the person has read or remembered what was already on that website. Remind them, make it easy for them at all points to find the information that the...
2025-08-2920 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersDon't Put all your Eggs in 1 Basket - Why and How to Diversify How you Make MoneyWant to build a business that won't break when life throws curveballs? This episode is your guide to thinking beyond time-for-money and getting creative with how you make income. "If what you're offering is time-for-money, one-on-one therapy or coaching, there's a huge risk. Making money relies on you turning up and doing the thing, and we can't always do that." - Adina Levy In this episode, I share: • Why I've renamed my business 'Differently Aligned Business Coaching' and what's shifting behind the scenes - which relates to all the diversified offers I have created!
2025-07-2316 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersHow to decide what to spend money on in your businessLearn a practical, six-step framework for deciding what to spend money on in your business, so you can invest wisely and actually create more time, clarity, and space to grow without falling into the trap of needless expenses or limits. "The cost of holding yourself back because the level you're on limits something that limits your actual business growth. It's a trap that we may all easily fall into." - Adina Levy In this episode, I share: • My six filters for business spending, showing you exactly how I decide what's truly worth investing in, from software to p...
2025-07-0221 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatNDIS Pricing Freeze - What Allied Health Business Owners can do Right Now to Remain SustainableIf you're an Allied Health business owner facing the NDIS pricing chaos, this episode gives you the practical steps you can take right now (today!) to steady your business, support your clients, and stop spinning in uncertainty. "When you strengthen your business with a solid, sustainable model, your clients and community are the ones that are going to benefit, as well as you, as well as your team." —Adina Levy In this episode, I speak directly to Allied Health professionals facing the NDIS pricing freeze (or backslide), and offer practical, grounded ways to respond with clarity, sustainability and self-care. Even if t...
2025-06-1830 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersNDIS Pricing Freeze - What Allied Health Business Owners can do Right Now to Remain SustainableIf you're an Allied Health business owner facing the NDIS pricing chaos, this episode gives you the practical steps you can take right now (today!) to steady your business, support your clients, and stop spinning in uncertainty. "When you strengthen your business with a solid, sustainable model, your clients and community are the ones that are going to benefit, as well as you, as well as your team." —Adina Levy In this episode, I speak directly to Allied Health professionals facing the NDIS pricing freeze (or backslide), and offer practical, grounded ways to respond with clarity, sustainability and self-care. Even if t...
2025-06-1830 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersWhy it's so important to surround yourself with people who GET youSpending time with other neurodivergent people isn't just lovely... it can fundamentally change how you see yourself, your energy, and your business. "Spending time with other neurodivergent people just helps with that self-acceptance, that self-compassion. Which is the most beautiful starting point because from there you can do anything but not everything." - Adina Levy In this episode, I share: • How the Yellow Ladybugs Conference reminded me why connecting with neurokin matters so much • Why measuring ourselves against neurotypical norms is unfair, and how to stop • What doing business differently from 'expected' can actually look like (hint: it...
2025-06-0609 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatYou can do the right hard things! (With the right support, at the right time)Being neurodiversity affirming doesn't mean avoiding challenge. It doesn't mean staying where you are, only doing what's easy or comfortable. We can do hard things. We can learn new stuff, try new stuff, stretch ourselves – and we absolutely should. The key is doing the right hard things, for the right reasons, with the right support, at the right time. That's how growth happens without stress, burnout, or disconnection from who we really are. "You get to define what the hard thing is in any one moment. If it feels hard, it is hard. That's a valid, real exp...
2025-05-0821 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersYou can do the right hard things! (With the right support, at the right time)Being neurodiversity affirming doesn't mean avoiding challenge. It doesn't mean staying where you are, only doing what's easy or comfortable. We can do hard things. We can learn new stuff, try new stuff, stretch ourselves – and we absolutely should. The key is doing the right hard things, for the right reasons, with the right support, at the right time. That's how growth happens without stress, burnout, or disconnection from who we really are. "You get to define what the hard thing is in any one moment. If it feels hard, it is hard. That's a valid, real exp...
2025-05-0821 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersBehind the Scenes of My Quiet, Slow Project Week - Why I did it, Why it was hard, and Why you should have Project time too!This episode is your permission slip to slow down, zoom out, and get strategic in a way that actually fits your neurodivergent brain. "This kind of deep, intentional work feels really different to business-as-usual wins. It's quiet, slow, and sometimes flat, but I know it's going to pay off. Rather than jump at all the little ideas I had for making the membership better, I decided to go slower, which was really hard to slow ADHD me down and not put all the ideas into place." - Adina Levy You'll hear me sharing about:
2025-05-0236 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersMy Fave Business Tools & Systems for my ADHD/Autistic BrainSharing the tech tools I actually use (and love) as an Autistic ADHDer running two businesses, how I use them and how they help me. "ADHD brain was struggling big time having too many different bits of information and too many spreadsheets, and the second I think, oh, I need to go and get that information from the other spreadsheet, I half open it up and I'd go on another side quest because I realized I needed to rename a file and move it over there. And suddenly I'm building an automation to move the file and...
2025-04-1029 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatQ&A - How to do an affirming communication assessment?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 and sharing thoughts about: • why standardised assessments often fail to c...
2025-04-0316 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatQ&A - What to do when another therapist isn't ND Affirming (in a client's care team)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 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! "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 ar...
2025-04-0215 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat"Autistic kids should learn to speak, otherwise people won't understand them" and other Myths about ND Affirming PracticeWant 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 speech, is a radical and essentia...
2025-03-2513 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersInnovative & Creative Accessibility for Teams with Haylea HodgesIn today's episode, I'm excited to share parts of a guest speaker chat from the Neurodivergent Business Collective. Our guest, Haylea, a late identified AuDHD psychologist and passionate advocate for neurodivergent individuals, discusses innovative accessibility, balancing creativity, team accommodations, and sustainable business growth. We dive into how to manage a small, thriving team of neurodivergent employees and explore personal strategies for maintaining balance between work and personal life, all while fostering a business that truly sees and hears its people. Haylea shares how her journey and experiences can provide shortcuts to those navigating similar paths. I...
2025-02-1922 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatThe Nuance Behind Behavioural Strategies for Supporting Autistic ChildrenIn 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 - Download here Webinar: Affirming Approach to Understanding and Supporting Behaviour (Use code POD10 fo...
2025-02-1320 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersEmail Management for Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs In this episode, we're diving into email management for neurodivergent business owners. I've traditionally been really bad at this, but I've spent an inordinate amount of time trying to get better, automate, and shift my processes. If managing your inbox feels overwhelming, join me as I discuss ways to automate, systemise, and bring order to the chaos. Key points: I talk about my firm rule: treating the inbox as a to-do list, and why it works for me I'll share my journey toward inbox zero, the struggles along the way, and the expectations vs. the reality of managing multiple inboxes Ti...
2025-02-0416 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersDo LESS to help you and your business thrive This episode dives into why doing less can make your business more sustainable, enjoyable, and impactful. I share how curating, slowing down, and focusing can help you avoid burnout and align your business with your energy and needs. Key Points: Doing less allows you to focus deeply, build momentum, and improve consistency Automate, defer, or stop tasks to free up your time and energy Simplify your offers by selling fewer, more impactful products or services Curate your tasks and priorities to align with your capacity and fluctuating energy Register for my free Aligned Action Reset Webinar...
2025-01-2815 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersHow I saved my failing promotionReflections and a full breakdown of my recent promotion that was about to flop... I share how I saved the promotion with mindset shifts and strategy shifts mid-promotion, and ended up exceeding my revised goals! Register for my free Aligned Action Reset Webinar - https://ndbusiness.co/aligned-action-reset-webinar/ Learn more about my group coaching program Your Aligned Business Journey - https://ndbusiness.co/group-coaching/ LINKS: Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/h-D-eY36N2c Grab the transcript and listen on the blog - https://ndbusiness.co/podcast/ Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business Check out my business buddy's incredible, cre...
2025-01-2430 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatPractical Strategies for Gestalt Language Processors (AAC users too!) with Alex Zachos from Meaningful SpeechIn 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 hi@playlearnchat.com or get in...
2025-01-2245 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersListen to this if you're feeling overwhelmedSharing my 3-step process to help you move through overwhelm in your business. Register for my free Aligned Action Reset Webinar - https://ndbusiness.co/aligned-action-reset-webinar/ Learn more about my group coaching program Your Aligned Business Journey - https://ndbusiness.co/group-coaching/ LINKS: Watch on YouTube Grab the transcript and listen on the blog - https://ndbusiness.co/podcast/ Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business
2025-01-1614 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersBONUS: What’s been going on + A Special Invitation for Allied Health Business Owners!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...
2024-12-1204 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatBONUS: What's been going on + A Special Invitation for Allied Health Business Owners!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...
2024-12-1204 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatRedefining Evidence: On NDIS Changes, Valuing Lived Experience, and Calling out Privilege In this episode, we're redefining what 'evidence' means in the context of disability support and questioning who gets to decide what counts as valid. I'll also share updates about Australia's National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), including changes related to art and music therapy. The NDIS is meant to fund and support disabled people to access what they need for a decent quality of life, but there are challenges worth discussing. Language warning! I get a little bit sweary in this episode because I feel strongly about these topics. If you're listening with kids nearby, you might want to pop on so...
2024-11-2823 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business Owners4 Steps to Map out Your Aligned 2025Here's my simple 4-step plan for setting yourself up for a VERY aligned, fabulous business year ahead. 0. Figure out your best, most preferred way of planning. Assemble all your best markers if that's your vibe! 1. Map out unmovable dates 2. Add time off for yourself! 3. Put in promos & events 4. Build your content plans around this!
2024-11-2018 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatSay more "Yes" in times of Big ChangeWith the end of the year coming in fast, many of us are experiencing a lot of change at the moment. For my family, this is a house move, and my daughter starting school soon. We're all about saying "yes" as much as possible, to help us feel okay and connected during this busy and potentially tricky time. In this episode, I share the 5 types of "yes" that you can consider, to support neurodivergent kids and adults, and anyone at all of course, through change: Sensory Yes Activity Yes Control Yes Relationship Yes Flexibility Yes ...
2024-11-1224 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersStreamline your business to reduce friction, free up time & free your brainspace In this episode, I'm sharing about why streamlining, systematising, and automating are so important for neurodivergent business owners. I'll help you figure out where to even get started with systematising, and how these systems "cheat codes" can help you ditch the boring, repetitive stuff, free up your brainspace, making life a little easier. You deserve a business that's more easful! If you're ready to dive deeper, check out my Streamline Your Business for Time Freedom course! Get 20% off with code POD20 because you're a fabulous podcast listener! Get it here: https://ndbusiness.co/streamline-your-business-course/
2024-11-0512 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatGestalt Language Processing, Natural Language Acquisition & the State of Research with Marge BlancIn this episode, I had the absolute joy of chatting with Marge Blanc about Gestalt Language Processing (GLP) and Natural Language Acquisition (NLA). Marge has spent over 50 years supporting children's language development, and her openness and curiosity have shaped so much of what we know today. We discuss how paying close attention to children's unique communication and interactions can inform how we support them. We cover these areas and more: Key terms - Marge defines GLP, ALP, and NLA History and shifts in our understanding of GLP and NLA The state of research and the various forms that our 'evidence...
2024-10-2252 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersYour Aligned Action Reset - Listen when you're overwhelmed & need BIG time clarity! Welcome to the Aligned Action Reset. You'll hear three training sessions that I shared to support neurodivergent business owners like you in moving from overwhelmed to unstuck. We go through these three steps: Session 1: Clarify Session 2: Do Less Session 3: Take Aligned Action This week, I had the absolute joy of running these sessions with many neurodivergent business owners. Some joined live, and I know many are watching the recordings. I also decided to make this available for you on the podcast. It is a visual experience because it was presented as a webinar, and there is a...
2024-10-181h 22
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatHow Autistic Folks Experience Eye Contact - Diverse PerspectivesIn this episode, I share the results of a recent survey I ran where almost 40 Autistic people shared their perspectives and experiences with eye contact. I created this survey and am sharing the responses to address the question of 'WHY eye contact is no longer an OK goal for Autistic people'. Listen in to hear the surprising and diverse insights that came through! Read the full responses from all the participants here: www.playlearnchat.com/eye-contact I hope that you will share this podcast episode and that blog post as resources to support other people in your life to understand ju...
2024-10-1028 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersUnleash your brand's true personality - with Shan FitzgeraldIn this episode, Shan Fitzgerald (Copywriter and Brand Strategist, and fabulous ND human from WildSpark) brings the fun and important, actionable ideas as she shows you how to tap into your brand's true personality and quit being boring. Language note: Some swears in this one! Connect with Shan Fitzgerald: https://wildsparkcopy.com/ https://www.instagram.com/wildspark.co/ https://www.threads.net/@wildspark.co https://www.pinterest.com.au/wildsparkcopy/ Resources mentioned to help you Suss out your Archetype: Shan's What's your Brand Spark Quiz Medley Think's Brand Personality Quiz Check out the Aligned Action Reset for Neurodivergent Business Owners! Registe...
2024-10-0217 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatIntersectionality, identity and community as a Black AuDHDer - with Christina SchmidtWhat a fabulously important (and fun!) chat with Christina Schmidt as she shared perspectives as a Black AuDHDer, Speech Therapist and deep thinker. Join us for some fabulous metaphors, and stay for the essential intersectional and cultural competency discussions. Connect with Christina Schmidt: https://www.freetobemespeech.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/freetobeme.speech/ https://www.facebook.com/freetobemespeech 2024 Autism in Black Women and Girl's Summit - https://funnel.autisminblack.org/black-autistic-girls-and-womens-summit?aff=Christina-Schmidt Christina's free tool: Improving Cultural Competency: A Practical Resource for SLPs and Teachers - https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Improving-Cultural-Competency-A-Practical-Resource-for-SLPs-and-Teachers-12056756?st=2b5e1be4ea72a0105...
2024-09-241h 03
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatADHD strengths (and some challenges) as a business ownerToday I'm sharing some of the ways that being an ADHDer is a strength for me as a business owner, and a few ways it makes things challenging. If you're listening on my Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast, and you'd like to learn more from me in my 'other hat' where I support Neurodivergent Business owners, here's how you can find me: Subscribe to the Differently Aligned Podcast Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business Through Play. Learn. Chat., my course for Speech Therapists 'Affirming Communication for Autistic Children': https://playlearnchat.com/acac-course/ Grab 20% off my already-low-cost workbook - The Aligned Business Workbook for...
2024-09-1919 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersBalancing life, business & joy – Lessons from 3 weeks away (that you can try too!)In this episode of Differently Aligned, I'm sharing the lessons I learned from stepping away from business for three weeks. From discovering what's truly essential to keeping your business running, to creating a balance between work and life, I'll offer actionable takeaways you can implement in your own business. Key takeaways include: - How doing less can keep your business thriving - The importance of having a flexible plan for content and activities - Creating space for creativity in your everyday routine - Why it's okay to take breaks from social media without losing momentum Tune in to hear how yo...
2024-09-1728 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersADHD strengths (and some challenges) as a business ownerToday I'm sharing some of the ways that being an ADHDer is a strength for me as a business owner, and a few ways it makes things challenging. If you're listening on my Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast, and you'd like to learn more from me in my 'other hat' where I support Neurodivergent Business owners, here's how you can find me: Subscribe to the Differently Aligned Podcast Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business Through Play. Learn. Chat., my course for Speech Therapists 'Affirming Communication for Autistic Children': https://playlearnchat.com/acac-course/ Grab 20% off my already-low-cost workbook - The Aligned Business Workbook f...
2024-09-0519 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatAutistic strengths (and some challenges) as a business ownerToday I'm sharing some of the ways that being Autistic is a strength for me as a business owner, and a few ways it makes things challenging. I first shared this episode on my podcast for Neurodivergent Business Owners - Differently Aligned. I feel like this will be useful for anyone supporting ND children to see 1 version (my own experience) of how an ND human might create a work/business life for themselves that fits their neurotype and strengths. If you're listening on my Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast, and you'd like to learn more from me in my 'other hat' where I...
2024-08-2817 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersAutistic strengths (and some challenges) as a business owner Today I'm sharing some of the ways that being Autistic is a strength for me as a business owner, and a few ways it makes things challenging. Here's how you can find me & get more support: Subscribe to the Differently Aligned Podcast Follow me on Instagram @neurodivergent.business Grab 20% off my already-low-cost workbook - The Aligned Business Workbook for Neurodivergent Business Owners. Use code POD20 here: https://courses.ndbusiness.co/offers/kdZKBFa3?coupon_code=POD20
2024-08-2017 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatWhat 'Evidence-Based Practice' really means & is Gestalt Language Processing even a thing? Chat with Dr Katherine SanchezIn this episode, I had the joy of chatting with Dr. Katherine Sanchez, a speech pathologist, science communicator, and lecturer. We talk about the nuances and complexities of what 'evidence-based practice' really is, including the importance of integrating lived experience into clinical decisions, how to assess research critically, and tools to facilitate evidence-based practices. And we go there… We talk about where the research is at for Gestalt Language Processing, a pretty hot-button topic these days! LINKS Connect with Dr Katherine Sanchez: www.proteatherapy.com.au www.instagram.com/proteatherapy Resources & Research Tools we discussed: ASHA Evidence-based process - https://www...
2024-08-1257 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersManaging Burnout and Prioritising Achievable Self-Care in Business - Chat with Anna Clarke, PsychologistI had the fabulous pleasure of chatting with, and learning from Anna Clarke, a psychologist, play therapist, and EMDR Accredited Consultant. Anna has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced sexual assault and family violence. They are passionate about supporting clients through a trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming lens. Anna discusses: - Managing Demand Avoidance - Anna offers insights on managing demand avoidance if you feel triggered by requests that your clients put to you, by understanding the reasons behind their requests and setting compassionate boundaries. - Balancing Mental Health and Business - Strategies for balancing mental health and b...
2024-08-0515 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatIs a Neurodiversity Affirming approach to behaviour support a permissive approach?In this episode I examine the question: Is a Neurodiversity Affirming approach to behaviour support a permissive approach? We talk about whether 'permissive' is a bad word, saying yes before saving no, boundaries, and I share examples of different approaches to supporting behaviour. LINKS Grab you FREE CHEATSHEET: Neurodiversity Affirming Approaches to Supporting Behaviour - https://playlearnchat.ck.page/7193b7c5f3 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
2024-07-3016 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersWhat is 'busy' helping you avoid?A good friend asked me a very powerful question recently, which I'm sharing with you today. And this is what has been tumbling around in my head for days. What is 'busy' helping you avoid? I share my reflections from the brink of burnout, and how I'm coping with 'quiet' now. Learn more and join the collective waitlist here: https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/ Brand new - Aligned Business Workbook ndbusiness.co/workbook 20% discount for fabulous podcast listeners! Use the code POD20 Learn more about future events: https://ndbusiness.co www.instagram.com/neurodivergent.business
2024-07-1614 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatMy hopes for the future for Autistic ChildrenIn today's episode, I'm keeping it short and sweet. I'm going to share eight of my biggest hopes for the kids, today and tomorrow. I'll also share a few wonderful hopes that some beautiful folks shared on Instagram. I have such desire to go deep into commenting further on each one of these hopes. Into the practical, how we get there, but I'm going to leave that for myself in future episodes. I think it's really important sometimes to pull it back and remember why we're here. What is the big dream? The big vision, the big hope. A...
2024-07-0907 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersPrioritising tasks in your business - What you should focus on firstIn this episode, I'm going to cover prioritising tasks in your business and what you should focus on first. One of the members of my neurodivergent business collective recently asked me this question: 'I'm not sure of the order to follow. What should I set up first? What will help my business? How much time could be allocated to different business tasks?' This question, and I feel like many of you will benefit from hearing the answer. So I thought I would make today's podcast episode all about this. I think an important factor here is that depending o...
2024-07-0315 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatBONUS - Turning Affirming Webinar Replay (Listen before 3rd July!)In this bonus episode, I'm going to be sharing the audio from the Turning Affirming Webinar, where you'll learn three key neurodiversity affirming strategies that you can get started with today to support your autistic clients or students. This episode will self destruct on 3rd July 2024! Affirming Communication for Autistic Children Course for Speech Therapists - Info here: https://playlearnchat.com/acac-course/ (Registrations open until 5th July) Register to watch the webinar recording - https://playlearnchat.com/free-speechie-webinar/ (Available also until 3rd July) Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.chat Facebo...
2024-06-2750 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat5 Simple Shifts to be more Truly Neurodiversity AffirmingIn today's episode, I'm going to run you through five simple shifts that you can make to take your practices from what we might call old ways towards a truly neurodiversity affirming approach. We're going to cover interest based learning, accepting old play as valid, understanding and honoring sensory challenges or differences, whether we should be teaching children to learn flexibility or not, and what we should do instead of saying "use your words" to children, which is probably one of my most hated phrases. Keep learning with me! Speech Therapists - Here's how I c...
2024-06-2714 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersManaging Finances in Business for Neurodivergent Brains - with Tina MathamsIn today's episode, I'm going to be sharing a small pot of a wonderful guest speaker chat that I had recently with Tina Mathams, the ADHD Accountant from Diverse Accountants, about managing finances for neurodivergent business owners. Tina shares practical tips on: tracking business finances understanding profit managing cash flow making finance work for various neurodivergent brains. Connect with Tina Mathams: www.diverseaccountants.com.au Instagram: @theadhdaccountant & @diverseaccountants 🎧 Podcast: ADHD Money and Finance Free things for neurodivergent business owners: ndbusiness.co/freebies Learn more about future events: https://ndbusiness.co www.instagram.com/neurodivergent.business
2024-06-1818 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatThe contrasts at the intersection of being an Autistic ADHDer - Chat with Stephanie RobertsonIn this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down for a wonderful chat with Stephanie Robertson, who is a great friend colleague and really wise autistic ADHD. She's an occupational therapist and has many other identities as well. This chat that we're going to have is about the intersection between being an autistic ADHD and how it's sometimes work for us or works against us. Keep learning with me! Speech Therapists! Affirming Communication for Autistic Children course opening very soon, join the waitlist early June if you're listening when this comes ou...
2024-06-111h 21
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersShift your Business from Burnout to BoundlessIn this episode, I wanted to give you an easy way to listen in on a live webinar that I delivered to over 50 amazing Neurodivergent Business owners. The webinar is called shift your business from burnout to boundless. I shared with everybody key areas where you can get some quick wins in many cases, and really look at how aligned your business is for your brain, your needs, your life. And make some shifts that are going to support you and your business and help your business support you. Neurodivergent Business Collective doors are open right now...
2024-06-0448 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatHow to Include Children in their Own Collaborative TeamsIn this episode, I wanted to share with you a brief section from my recent webinar, Collaborative Connections, where I talked all about how you can actually get children involved in their collaborative teams. I'm going to share practical suggestions about how you can actually involve children in these situations so that they can be a core part of their own journey. Their self advocacy ability can increase when you support and guide them and you're including them in their whole process. You're supporting self determination, choice making, and honouring them as a whole human by showing them the value o...
2024-05-2811 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersStop Something Good to Invite Something Better into Your BusinessIn this episode, I'll be sharing more about the concept of sunk cost fallacy and why we tend to hold on to things that we've already invested in, such as time, money, or effort, and how this affects our business decisions. Whether it's reassessing our business services, business model, team dynamics, or even our calendar schedule. I want to help you maximise your joy in life, your profit in business, your ease and flow and goodness of business and alignment of the business to you. And we don't just do that by only cutting out things that...
2024-05-2114 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatMy Journey through AuDHD (Autistic + ADHD) Identification / DiagnosisIn this episode, I'll share my journey to identification as an Autistic ADHDer. I recently got an email from another speech therapist who is in the neuro questioning phase. And she asked me this "As I understand you were late diagnosed. I wanted to ask you about your experience getting diagnosed and what you feel have been the benefits and drawbacks of it" and I really, really thank you for this email. And interestingly, I think within a day I got a message on Instagram from somebody else with a very similar question. So I thought it is probably high t...
2024-05-1431 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersFinding your authentic voice, public speaking and advocacy (rewriting the rules) - Chat with Annie CroweIn this podcast shortie version of our chat, Annie Crowe and I talk about: How to find the balance between being a bit cheeky and pushing the envelope, and possibly offending people... while making the changes that you want in the world How to decide which speaking opportunities to say yes or no The 'neuronormative' rules about public speaking and advocacy that we can ditch, to be more authentically ourselves Join the Collective and get access to the video & full chat with Annie! https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/ Aligned Business workshop - https://ndbusiness.co/aligned-business-workshop/
2024-05-0721 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatHow to Navigate Conflicting Perspectives when you Collaborate to Support Neurodivergent ChildrenIn this episode, I'm going to be sharing some practical ideas about how you can tackle a challenge that a lot of us experience. Whether you're a therapist, a teacher, a parent, or a carer of a neurodivergent child. At some point when supporting this child, you're going to be interacting with a team around them. And at some point you're going to be experiencing different approaches to how you will support that title, how you believe that child should be supported. It can be incredibly hard to navigate these different perspectives and to find that common ground and...
2024-04-3013 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersMy Strategic (sometimes Chaotic) Content Creation Workflow as an Autistic ADHDer & Business OwnerIn this episode, I'll be sharing my content creation workflow and process. When you own a business, whether you signed up for this part of it or not, you are a marketer. A certain part of your job is going to be marketing, sharing messages, telling people what you have for sale, what great ideas you have, helping people connect with you. And a lot of that happens through content creation. Content Get it Done Day: https://courses.ndbusiness.co/offers/yYWB79Ga/checkout Instagram Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5rkaxtMqUB/?img_index=1 Learn more about future events: ht...
2024-04-2321 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatResponsive Relationship Strategies for Building Connection with Autistic ChildrenIn this episode, I'm super excited to be talking about a topic that is just deeply embedded in my clinical practice, in my worldview and in how I support autistic children in my whole life. And that topic is Responsive relationship strategies for building connection with the autistic children in your life. We'll be outlining some of the ideas behind what forms responsive relationships. And the opposite, what forms directive relationships and why that can be quite damaging or challenging for your relationship with the autistic kids in your world. Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com...
2024-04-1515 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersAutomating & Streamlining your Business to support your Neurodivergent NeedsIn this episode, I'm going to be sharing my love of streamlining, automating, and systematising. I totally love nerding out on automating computerised bits and pieces of my businesses. It is one of my SpIns (also known as special interests). If you already love automating and streamlining and systematising, then probably you're going to tune in and you'll be like, cool. This is my jam. Let's talk. If this doesn't sound like something you love and I'm already starting to lose you, I would actually seriously encourage you to stay tuned! LINKS: 1:1 Business Coaching or Consulting Support: https://ndbusiness.co/1-1...
2024-04-0430 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatIngredients of Self-AdvocacySelf-advocacy is not as simple as just learning one skill or one isolated thing. In the neurodiversity affirming world and in the therapy world, we love talking about self-advocacy, but what is it and how do you get there? I like to think of the components of self-advocacy is being broken up into four main sub parts: Supportive Environment & Community - Safe people and spaces that encourage, believe you, facilitate and offer support Self-awareness of Needs & Preferences - You need to be aware of what you like, need, and don't like or don't want Self-worth & Confidence - You need to be...
2024-04-0118 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersListening to your Body to Thrive in Business: Sensory Needs & Interoception - with Steph Robertson This epsiode is some fabulous highlight snippets from my guest speaker webinar that Steph Roberston recently did for my Neurodivergent Business Collective members: Listening to your Body to Thrive in Business - Exploring Sensory Needs and Interoceptive Awareness. You'll hear Steph sharing and our chats about: What is sensory processing? Different types of sensory processors Strategies to support your sensory system and interoceptive system How to recognise early signs of stress or burnout & what you can do to support yourself LINKS: Get Steph's full chat and Sensory Questionnaire in the Neurodivergent Business Coaching & Consulting: https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/ Alphabet Soup! Exp...
2024-03-2621 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat"But you seem so sociable" - Experiences of High-Masking Autistic FolksIn this episode, I explore the reasons and impacts of masking for high-masking autistic people (who are often, but not always girls, AFAB, or non-binary folks). I talk some ways that high-masking autistic people can appear in the world, and share my hope for the future of Autistic kids and people everywhere to feel freer and more comfortable to know and be themselves! Yellow Ladybugs Conference that I mention: https://ylbconference2024.vfairs.com/ - If you have ANY Autistic people in your life who are girls/women/AFAB/nonbinary, this is the event of the YEAR. It's 3 days o...
2024-03-1820 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersA tale of 1000 businesses - My business model journey & what I've learnedI'm sharing my business model journey and what I learned through all the different types of business that I've had so far. I hope that you'll take away some thoughts and ideas for your next, more aligned business direction! Links & Resources: Books by Mike Michalowicz: The Pumpkin Plan and Profit First Jenny Blake's Podcasts (her books are great too!): https://www.pivotmethod.com/podcast https://itsfreetime.com/ Neurodivergent Business Collective https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/
2024-03-1126 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersBONUS [Listen before 11th March] Shift your Business from Burnout to Boundless - Webinar ReplayBONUS episode - Available to listen to until Monday 11th March In this episode I'm sharing the audio from my webinar that I ran live on 5th March - Shift your Business from Burnout to Boundless. I teach 4 neurodivergent-friendly ways to build a business that is fun, calm, profitable, and aligned with your brain, life and values. Watch the webinar: https://courses.ndbusiness.co/watch-now-burnout-to-boundless Download the Workbook: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1m58U-ogekSkkvVetMa_MpyxIjtH4zrjI/view Join the Neurodivergent Business Collective for resources, coaching & community. https://ndbusiness.co/neurodivergent-business-collective/ Intro pricing is available until Monday 11th March, 2pm Sydn...
2024-03-0550 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatOn Masking & Finding Community - Chat with Chelsea Luker, AuDHD Psychologist 📺 Watch the video of our chat on YouTube: https://youtu.be/22ZWxDEFtSw?si=V0OqWgrIsYkNenh3 Get in touch with Chelsea Luker: www.connectuspsychology.com @Connectuspsychology (Instagram) - https://www.instagram.com/connectuspsychology/ Connect Us Psychology (FB) - https://www.facebook.com/connectuspsychology Grab her book Square Me Round World https://connectuspsychology.com/product/square-me-round-world-hardcover-book/ - this is the preferred link for the hardcover version. International should be able to find the book on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Waterstones etc. https://www.amazon.com.au/Square-Me-Round-World-Stories/dp/0648605515 Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1625478932 Website: www.playlearnchat.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/play.learn.ch...
2024-03-0439 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersJust get started - How to move forward in your business when you're feeling stuckHave you ever said any of these things to yourself or even out loud? "I just can't get started because I don't know where to start." "It's going to cost me $10,000 to set up my website and get a logo. So I can't get started yet because I don't have the funds for that." "I don't have time to do everything perfectly. So I'm just waiting until I do." In this episode, I talk about how you can just get started, whether that's getting started in business or getting started on a big project in your business. 5 ways you can mov...
2024-02-2824 min
Differently Aligned - For Neurodivergent Business OwnersCome on in to the Differently Aligned Podcast for Neurodivergent Business OwnersWelcome in to the Differently Aligned podcast, for Neurodivergent Business Owners! In this shortie welcome episode, I share who the Differently Aligned Podcast is for: It's for you if you're neurodivergent (including if you're not sure whether you are, or if you're self-diagnosed. You're welcome here!) and you're a business owner (including sole traders, contractors and entrepreneurs. You're also welcome here!). Join me for ideas, support, conversations and guidance to grow your business without burning out. Let's turn up the fun, the flow, and the alignment. Neurodivergent Business Coaching & Consulting
2024-02-0506 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatWhat's next for the Exploring Neurodiversity Podcast? Complete the 3 minute podcast survey to help me plan 2024! playlearnchat.com/survey Neurodivergent business owners, please join me for the Aligned Business Workshop! Through my new business Neurodivergent Business Coaching & Consulting - https://differentlyaligned.com/workbook/ 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
2023-12-1307 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat5 Reasons Why Multimodal Communication is Essential for Autistic ChildrenIt's non-negotiable to be supporting, modelling, using, teaching multimodal communication to autistic kids. And I share why in this episode. Here are my 5 reasons why multimodal communication is essential for autistic children: 1. We all use multimodal communication 2. It is a human right to be able to access communication in different modes 3. Speech or mouth words can be hard for many reasons. And it's not the ultimate or 'best' way of communicating 4. The most important thing about communication is that it can lead to connection 5. Many autistic children have processing challenges and sensory challenges which can lead to varying communication abilities. M...
2023-11-2709 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatOld way/New way - Upgrading to Neurodiversity Affirming Strategies for Autistic ChildrenI'm sharing 3 strategies that we need to leave in the past, and 3 strategies that are more aligned with a Neurodiversity Affirming approach - let's call them 'Old way' and 'new way'! OLD WAY: First do the boring 'work' task, then do the fun activity NEW WAY: Use intrinsic motivation: Ensure that the 'main' activity is motivating for the child OLD WAY: Intrude - Insert yourself into the child's play when they're playing solo NEW WAY: Join in with the child... Sometimes. Let them play solo sometimes. Honour their sensory & social capacity OLD WAY: Shape an Autistic child's play to look mor...
2023-11-2015 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatIngredients for a Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy Assessment In this episode, I'm sharing with you the ingredients that go into a Neurodiversity Affirming speech therapy assessment. We'll talk about my framework 'CPIE' — Child, Partner, Interaction, Environment — and how it frames our approach to understanding the communication skills of Autistic children within the context of their relationships & worlds. Whether you're a speech therapist, educator, parent, or caregiver, you'll gain insights on the importance of seeing beyond the child's immediate abilities and considering their functional opportunities, important relationships, and environmental impacts. Discover why Neurodiversity Affirming, holistic assessments are vital, and how it can strengthen the support we provide to Autistic childr...
2023-11-1308 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatExperiencing the Health & Allied Health Systems as a Pregnant Autistic ADHDerThis episode is a very personal one where I'm going to share my experiences and insights as an autistic ADHDer who was pregnant at the time of recording, with a particular focus on the positives and negatives that I've experienced throughout the pregnancy in terms of how I've been supported (or not...) through the medical system. I also share some points about where I think things need to improve in all of these different medical and allied health settings, to be more accessible and neurodivergent-friendly. LINKS: Lap desk - Officeworks & Amazon My Streamline and Automate Your Private Practice Webinar - htt...
2023-10-3021 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatHow I Experience My Auditory World as an Auditory-Sensitive Autistic PersonSHOW NOTES: In this episode, I delve into the world of auditory sensitivities as experienced by an autistic person... that's me! I give you a glimpse into my own personal journey with significant auditory challenges. First I discuss how I navigate and process my unique auditory experiences. Then I shed light on some effective strategies that benefit me and also my daughter. Whether you're supporting an autistic or auditory-sensitive child, or even looking for insights into your own experiences, these insights and strategies might just be what you need! LINKS:
2023-10-1615 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatWhy Neurodivergent Kids aren't 'Lazy' or 'Naughty'SHOW NOTES: 'Naughty' and 'lazy' are two words that I can't stand, especially when it comes to describing young kids, neurodivergent kids. I don't believe, in the vast majority of cases, neurodivergent kids are lazy or naughty. However, unfortunately, these are some of the labels that often get placed onto these kids by people who don't understand them much. In this episode, I break down these ideas - why neurodivergent kids aren't lazy or naughty. LINKS: My free webinar for Allied Health Professionals - available for you anytime! Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Kickstart Webinar - I share three actionable tips that you...
2023-10-0212 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatIs it Neuroaffirming to Work on Pretend Play Skills with Autistic Children?Show Notes: In this episode I share my answer to this question I hear often: Is it Neuroaffirming to Work on Pretend Play Skills with Autistic Children? And my short answer is... it depends! Tune in to hear the things you need to ask yourself and keep in mind to weigh up a more personalised answer to this question. LINKS: Allied Health Professionals, you're invited to my FREE on-demand webinar: Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Kickstart - Register here to kick off or clarify your next steps on your Neurodiversity Affirming Practice journey! https://playlearnchat.com/free-neurodiversity-webinar/ Podcast Link: https://pod.link/1...
2023-09-1911 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatBeing a Part-time AAC user, Internalised Ableism & Mental Health - Chat with Harriet Richardson (Hat Talks)Show notes: In this episode, I chat with the amazing Hat, also known as Harriet Richardson, a significant voice in the neurodivergent community. Hat not only is an autistic ADHDer but also shines in her roles as a speech and language therapist, blogger, and public speaker. We discuss AAC, Internallised Ableism, Joy of claiming ND identity, mental health, consent for goals, and her beautiful dog Meeno. Watch this chat on Youtube: https://youtu.be/G2QpnnR2GJ4 LINKS: Hat's Website: www.hattalks.uk Hat on IG...
2023-09-1246 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatCrafting a Genuinely Supportive World for Neurodivergent Children - A Remedy to the Double Empathy Problem!Show Notes: In this episode I share a few practical ideas of what it actually looks like to be changing the world around a child, to be most supportive and enable positive social interactions and connections for neurodivergent children. I talk about changes to the world around the child in 3 ways: • changes to other people • changes to the physical environment • changes to schedules and expectations Links: Get your FREE PDF DOWNLOAD -💡 Cheatsheet of Ideas: Social Supports - Changing the World Around the Child https://playlearnchat.ck.page/d8fca3bbc9 More freebies here! playlearnchat.com/freebies Learn more about supporting...
2023-08-2213 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatRadical Acceptance & Building Trusting Relationships with Kids with Chrissie DaviesShow Notes: In this episode I chat with the fabulous Chrissie Davies, from Chaos to Calm Consultancy and author of books including the wonderful 'Love Me Love my ADHD' and 'Love your Brain'. We discuss all kinds of big ideas around trauma-informed practice in schools, tips for families supporting neurodivergent children, practicing radical acceptance, and building trusting relationships with children. Watch our interview as a video on YouTube if that's your groove! https://youtu.be/OF6LG5Bqtv8 LINKS: Chrissie's website: https://www.chaostocalmconsultancy.com/ Find Chrissie on IG: https://www.instagram.com/chrissiechaostocalm/ Chrissie's book 'Love Me Love my ADHD...
2023-08-0753 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatPower of Silence, Valuing Relationship-Building Time & Growing into Advocacy - Strategies for Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy for Autistic ChildrenSharing 3 key strategies for therapists supporting Autistic children: 🤫 The Power of Silence 🤗 Valuing Relationship-Building Time 🗣 Growing into Advocacy This is a shortie version of my free webinar for Speech Therapists who support Autistic Children - Turning Affirming! Speech Therapists ➝ You're welcome to register to get the full webinar free - https://playlearnchat.com/free-speechie-webinar/ - it's available on-demand 🙂 My course for speech therapists 'Affirming Communication for Autistic Children' is open for enrollment (at the time this episode is out!) and doors close on 1st August 2023. If you're seeing and hearing this after that date, no worries, get on the waitlist to be first to h...
2023-07-2722 min
SLP Coffee TalkNeurodiversity Affirming Approaches to Supporting Autistic Children with Adina LevyReady to start taking some neurodiversity-affirming approaches in your therapy sessions so that you can better support your autistic students? In this episode of SLP Coffee Talk, I sat down with Adina Levy to talk about ways that we as SLPs can learn to fix the environment around our autistic students so that they can be successful and other neurodiversity-affirming strategies for therapy. Adina is an Autistic DHDer, speech therapist, and professional educator who runs Play. Learn. Chat. and her podcast - Exploring Neurodiversity.To...
2023-07-1727 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat3 Ways to Teach Neurodivergent Kids Self-AdvocacyToday I'm sharing a shortie, practical episode - all about how you can teach neurodivergent children about self-advocacy in these 3 ways: - Explicit teaching (this doesn't mean swear words!) - Model when you did and didn't self-advocate - Incidental teaching as natural opportunities arise Listen in to hear some ideas for how these teaching strategies can look in action with the neurodivergent kids that you support! LINKS: Speech Therapists! Join my Affirming Communication for Autistic Children course: https://playlearnchat.com/acac-course/ And also for speechies, you're invited to my free webinar 'Turning Affirming', which is running live on Monday 24th July 2...
2023-07-1712 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatThe Role of 'Play' in Speech Therapy for Autistic ChildrenIn this episode I share my perspectives about the role that 'play' should take in speech therapy sessions for autistic children. I also share my ideas for how you can support learning and progression towards various goals for a child, through connecting with the way they enjoy playing! If you're a Speechie and you're keen to learn more with me, this course is for you - Affirming Communication for Autistic Children: https://playlearnchat.com/speechie-course/ 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
2023-07-1011 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat8 Ways to Do Neurodiversity Affirming TherapyI'm sharing 8 key ways you can do Neurodiversity Affirming Therapy - You can find all of the points I discuss on the free PDF download here: Neurodiversity Affirming Speech Therapy Practices for SLPs supporting Autistic Children: https://playlearnchat.ck.page/76b2db1d09 Here are the 8 key practices that I encourage you to do, as a Neurodiversity Affirming Therapist: Accept all forms of communication as valid - actions, gestures, sounds, signs, AAC, visuals Plan sessions around using child's interests and motivating topics as the main activities Join the child (sometimes), playing in their way. Or let them play in their wa...
2023-07-0420 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatNeuroAccessibilty & being a Neurodivergent Parent with Annie CroweIn this episode I chat with the wonderful Annie Crowe. Friend, Neurodivergent Empowerment Coach and NeuroAccess Consultant who brings her lived experience as a late-identified Autistic ADHDer 2e PDAer, together with her professional experience as a human rights lawyer to help neurodivergent adults gain the skills, confidence and community needed to live their best neurodivergent life! We go all sorts of places in our chat, including: • How healthcare settings can be more NeuroAccessible & supportive for neurodivergent people • What to do with non-affirming information that many of us learn at university • How Annie advocates for her son's needs with his childcare educato...
2023-06-2655 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. Chat3 Practical Ways to Kickstart your Neurodiversity Affirming Practice JourneyToday I'm sharing three actionable, practical changes that you can make (or start to make) today around language, relationship strategies, and a commitment to keep learning, to support you on your Neurodiversity Affirming Practice journey. This is an abridged version of my recent webinar (Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Kickstart: 3 Actionable Tips to do Today), where I share actions you can start doing right now to help you become more confident that your approach as a professional who supports neurodivergent kids is aligned more and more with a Neurodiversity Affirming approach. LINKS: All the resources that I discussed and more are linked he...
2023-06-1221 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatNeurodivergent Acceptance & Finding Personal Joy - Chat with Stephanie Roberston - Neurodivergent OTIn this fabulous chat with Stephanie Robertson, Neurodivergent OT, we chat about all kinds of topics including: her journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance the impact of masking on mental health and well-being the need for systemic change and neurodiversity affirming practices to create an inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent people moving away from behaviourism understanding the intergenerational nature of parenting and education promoting empathy, acceptance, and a broader version of social norms holistic ways to support neurodivergent children the need for self-care and finding personal joy in life. Connect with Steph - SGR Occupational Therapy: www.sgroccupationaltherapy.com Instagram: @sg...
2023-05-2957 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatCollaboration & Advocacy: When others aren't aligned with your Neurodiversity Affirming approach to supporting Neurodivergent KidsIn this episode for parents and professionals who support autistic and neurodivergent children, I share my response to a very common question - What should I do when other people don't agree with my neurodiversity affirming approach to supporting autistic or neurodivergent kids? I've got 7 ideas to share about how to collaborate and advocate when you're not aligned with the other person's approach. Here's the short list: Build relationships - connection over compliance Regulate yourself Find their ways of learning Educate in their way Understand their barriers - get curious Go slooooow Know when to walk away I share a lot...
2023-05-1611 min
The Neurodivergent WomanLanguage and Communication with Adina LevyToday’s guest is Adina Levy. Adina is an AuDHDer, speech therapist, professional educator, and podcaster. She runs Play. Learn. Chat., and her podcast is called The Exploring Neurodiversity podcast. Adina loves intertwining her personal and clinical experiences with the lived experiences and perspectives of other neurodivergent people. She is dedicated to helping professionals and families to better understand the unique interests, individual strengths, and support needs of neurodivergent children. In this episode we focus on understanding language and communication differences in neurodivergence, and the role that speech therapists can play. Adina talks to us about wha...
2023-05-151h 21
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatDon't Teach Kids through Trauma - Teach through ConnectionPicture this. You take your child to swimming class and it's a pretty unfamiliar environment. They haven't met the teacher before. It's noisy. It's all new and pretty overwhelming. It might also be quite enticing and interesting, but there's also a huge dose of new and unknown in there. The time comes around for your child's lesson to start. And you take your child over to the edge of the pool. The teacher's standing in the pool, looking up. Checking the clock and saying, "just pass it to me. She'll be okay." Your child does not agree. Your child is cl...
2023-05-0213 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatAll Communication is Valid: Why it Might be Hard for an Autistic Child to SpeakWe're tucking in to this idea that All Communication is Valid. Busting the ableist bias that speech is the best way of communicating. In this episode I share some of the reasons why it might be hard for an autistic child (or anyone!) to speak. More non-speech might be needed when… Speech skills are hard for someone (physical/motor skills or motor planning) Language skills are hard The content of language in that situation is complex Emotions are heightened They're experiencing sensory dysregulation The situation is new The situation is less preferred Other people around aren't familiar, connected or trusted Whe...
2023-04-1817 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatHow to be an Excellent Ally this Autism Acceptance MonthAutism Acceptance Month is here! This April, how can YOU be a fantastic, genuine and helpful ally to the autistic community? Here's how you can be an excellent ally this Autism Acceptance Month: 1️⃣ Listen to diverse autistic people 2️⃣ Share the work of autistic creators 3️⃣ Get comfortable with feeling uncomfortable. Challenge your existing beliefs & biases 4️⃣ Call out ableist, negative, incorrect views of autism 5️⃣ Celebrate autistic joy! 6️⃣ If you mess up, own it. Help others learn. 7️⃣ Don't leave your advocacy in April. Make it a life-time thing. Links 👩💻 Therapists & Allied Health Professionals: Check out my Neurodiversity Affirming Practice Introductory 2-hour workshop here: https://playlearnchat.com/neurodiversity-affirming-pract...
2023-04-0412 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatAn Alternative, Affirming Approach to Behaviour Support - Understand the Deep WhyShow Notes: In this episode, I discuss the issue with looking at children's behaviour through a lens of 'what triggered that behaviour?'. We talk about the need to understand the Deep Why behind a child's behaviour, before you can work out how best to support them. I share a very relatable example for any parent - a child 'refusing' to leave the house when you need to get out the door, and how two very different approaches to understanding WHY the behaviour is happening leads to two very different outcomes! Here's a summary of some of the possible 'Deep Wh...
2023-03-2118 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatWhat do Neurodiversity Affirming Goals look like for Autistic children?In this episode we discuss a range of key considerations to ensure that goals for autistic children's support are Neurodiversity Affirming, useful and relevant to each child. We'll discuss the need for goals that support an autistic child's regulation, connection, and overall well-being. Goals should not only seek to change the skills of a child, but we should instead have goals that aim to change the world around the child. This includes supporting other people's knowledge, perspectives, and skills in supporting and accepting each child, as well as their physical environment. We talk about the importance of meeting an autistic c...
2023-03-0719 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatNeurodiversity Affirming 'Social Skills' Support for Autistic Children - Part 2: What Is and What Isn't AffirmingIn this episode, we dive into the specifics of what a Neurodiversity Affirming approach looks like when supporting social interactions for autistic children. The key point is that we do not want to teach neurodivergent children that they need to act more neurotypical. This means all our goals, therapy approaches and resources need to teach that autistic children might be different, and socialise in different (but not wrong) ways to neurotypical kids. We need to stop sending the message that kids are missing social skills... because they DO have social skills, just different perhaps from neurotypical social skills.
2023-02-2114 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatNeurodiversity Affirming 'Social Skills' Support for Autistic Children - Part 1: The Big Ideas'Social skills' is a massively important area of support that we all need to pause and examine what we've been teaching neurodivergent kids. We need to check if the programs, resources and goals we've worked on previously still apply under a Neurodiversity Affirming approach. There's a lot that we need to change. In short, we do not want to be teaching neurodivergent kids that they should act 'more neurotypical' to be accepted and socially connected. Today we discuss some of the bigger ideas that underpin what affirming social supports look like, and in the next episode we'll cover specific aspects of...
2023-02-0714 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatWords Matter: Exploring Neurodiversity Affirming LanguageSo… you're ready to be part of the Neurodiversity Affirming movement to support an autistic and neurodivergent child in your world. Awesome, welcome in! The language you use matters. I'm kicking off this podcast series by sharing the language that you need to put in the bin, and the language to use instead. In today's episode, we delve into neurodiversity versus neurodivergent, why identity first language is preferred by most autistic people. We discuss getting comfortable with the term 'autistic' rather than 'on the spectrum' and why 'high-functioning' & 'low-functioning' terms should be left in the past. ...
2023-01-3115 min
Exploring Neurodiversity with Adina Levy from Play. Learn. ChatExploring Neurodiversity with Play. Learn. Chat - Coming Soon!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 or neurodivergent child. Join me, speech therapist, Adina Levy, as I share realistic ideas, practical strategies, and open conversations to help you better understand and celebrate your autistic or neurodivergent child. We'll discuss your child's strengths, their unique mind, preferences, their challenges, and the supports that they need to thrive. I bring a neurodiversity-affirming approach, an open heart and an open mind to the pod world. Let's connect! Subscribe and join me...
2022-05-2100 min
Siento DesilusionarteLa Realidad Creativa. Ft. Adina ShorLa creatividad es una cualidad intrínseca del Ser humano. Adina nos comparte sobre su proceso creativo y nos invita a descubrir el proceso de cada uno de nosotros.
"El uso de la creatividad nos hace diferentes al resto de las especies y es nuestro gran tesoro, no sólo como artistas sino como humanos." - Ximena Wohlmuth
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2022-03-1440 min