Working Creatively with Neurodiverent Children
Tracks
PRINCE ROOM - In-Person Only
| Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 1:45 PM - 2:15 PM |
Overview
Brianna Thomas & Dr Jane Goodman, The Psych Hive
Presenter
Dr Jade Goodman
Co-Director
The Psych Hive
Working Creatively with Neurodiverent Children
Presentation Overview
In this dynamic workshop, participants will discover how to move beyond worksheets and traditional talk therapy to create truly engaging and affirming therapeutic experiences for neurodivergent children. Drawing on the power of play, imagination, and children’s unique interests, presenters Jade and Brianna will share actionable strategies for fostering genuine connection and growth in clinical practice.
This session will equip clinicians with practical tools to design therapy sessions that feel natural, enjoyable, and tailored to each child’s strengths - therapy that doesn’t look (or feel) like therapy. Attendees will learn how to implement neurodiversity-affirming approaches that honour each child’s individuality, making sessions more meaningful and effective.
Whether you are new to neurodiversity-affirming work or seeking to deepen your therapeutic toolkit, this workshop will inspire you to reimagine your practice and support every child’s mental health journey with creativity and compassion.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Harnessing Play and Special Interests:
Participants will learn how to incorporate play, imagination, and children’s unique interests into therapy sessions, making interventions more engaging and tailored to each child’s strengths.
2. Moving Beyond Traditional Approaches:
Attendees will discover practical strategies to move beyond worksheets and conventional talk therapy, creating sessions that feel natural, enjoyable, and affirming for neurodivergent children.
3. Implementing Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices:
Clinicians will gain tools to design and deliver therapy that honours neurodivergent identities, fosters genuine connection, and supports mental health in a way that is respectful, meaningful, and effective.
This session will equip clinicians with practical tools to design therapy sessions that feel natural, enjoyable, and tailored to each child’s strengths - therapy that doesn’t look (or feel) like therapy. Attendees will learn how to implement neurodiversity-affirming approaches that honour each child’s individuality, making sessions more meaningful and effective.
Whether you are new to neurodiversity-affirming work or seeking to deepen your therapeutic toolkit, this workshop will inspire you to reimagine your practice and support every child’s mental health journey with creativity and compassion.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Harnessing Play and Special Interests:
Participants will learn how to incorporate play, imagination, and children’s unique interests into therapy sessions, making interventions more engaging and tailored to each child’s strengths.
2. Moving Beyond Traditional Approaches:
Attendees will discover practical strategies to move beyond worksheets and conventional talk therapy, creating sessions that feel natural, enjoyable, and affirming for neurodivergent children.
3. Implementing Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices:
Clinicians will gain tools to design and deliver therapy that honours neurodivergent identities, fosters genuine connection, and supports mental health in a way that is respectful, meaningful, and effective.
Biography
Jade is a Clinical Psychologist with experience supporting neurodivergent children, adolescents, and adults across community, school, and hospital settings. Accredited with EMDRAA, she fosters safe, collaborative spaces for clients and families. Jade completed her PhD at the University of Newcastle, researching the long-term impact of childhood trauma on memory and behaviour. As co-founder of The Psych Hive, she is passionate about empowering neurodivergent children to understand their brains, embrace their identities, and advocate for themselves within a neuroaffirming environment.
Ms Brianna Thomas
Director
The Psych Hive
Working Creatively with Neurodiverent Children
Presentation Overview
In this dynamic workshop, participants will discover how to move beyond worksheets and traditional talk therapy to create truly engaging and affirming therapeutic experiences for neurodivergent children. Drawing on the power of play, imagination, and children’s unique interests, presenters Jade and Brianna will share actionable strategies for fostering genuine connection and growth in clinical practice.
This session will equip clinicians with practical tools to design therapy sessions that feel natural, enjoyable, and tailored to each child’s strengths - therapy that doesn’t look (or feel) like therapy. Attendees will learn how to implement neurodiversity-affirming approaches that honour each child’s individuality, making sessions more meaningful and effective.
Whether you are new to neurodiversity-affirming work or seeking to deepen your therapeutic toolkit, this workshop will inspire you to reimagine your practice and support every child’s mental health journey with creativity and compassion.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Harnessing Play and Special Interests:
Participants will learn how to incorporate play, imagination, and children’s unique interests into therapy sessions, making interventions more engaging and tailored to each child’s strengths.
2. Moving Beyond Traditional Approaches:
Attendees will discover practical strategies to move beyond worksheets and conventional talk therapy, creating sessions that feel natural, enjoyable, and affirming for neurodivergent children.
3. Implementing Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices:
Clinicians will gain tools to design and deliver therapy that honours neurodivergent identities, fosters genuine connection, and supports mental health in a way that is respectful, meaningful, and effective.
This session will equip clinicians with practical tools to design therapy sessions that feel natural, enjoyable, and tailored to each child’s strengths - therapy that doesn’t look (or feel) like therapy. Attendees will learn how to implement neurodiversity-affirming approaches that honour each child’s individuality, making sessions more meaningful and effective.
Whether you are new to neurodiversity-affirming work or seeking to deepen your therapeutic toolkit, this workshop will inspire you to reimagine your practice and support every child’s mental health journey with creativity and compassion.
Three Key Learnings:
1. Harnessing Play and Special Interests:
Participants will learn how to incorporate play, imagination, and children’s unique interests into therapy sessions, making interventions more engaging and tailored to each child’s strengths.
2. Moving Beyond Traditional Approaches:
Attendees will discover practical strategies to move beyond worksheets and conventional talk therapy, creating sessions that feel natural, enjoyable, and affirming for neurodivergent children.
3. Implementing Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices:
Clinicians will gain tools to design and deliver therapy that honours neurodivergent identities, fosters genuine connection, and supports mental health in a way that is respectful, meaningful, and effective.
Biography
Brianna Thomas, a clinical psychologist and proud AuDHDer, is dedicated to providing trauma-informed and neurodiversity-affirming care. As a neurodivergent woman, she celebrates diverse brains and strives to make every client feel seen, heard, and understood. Brianna is passionate about educating and empowering individuals, families, and the community to foster inclusion and emotional safety for all. With extensive experience working with children, adolescents, and adults facing ADHD, autism, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, body image issues, eating disorders, and trauma, Brianna brings a wealth of knowledge to her practice across various settings.
