Play Perceptions
Explore how we have come to understand play in early childhood
Spirals not Stages
Explore an alternative framework for understanding how play progresses in childhood(s)
Practical Tips
Turn pedagogy and theory into practice right away and develop the confidence to explore alternative practices
About the course
Play is often treated as universal, but children do not all play in the same ways, for the same reasons, or on the same timelines. This short course explores neurodiversity and play in early childhood, helping educators notice and value a wider range of play patterns without rushing to correct, normalise, or interpret difference as deficit. You will learn how autistic and otherwise neurodivergent play can look and feel different (and still be rich, meaningful, and developmentally important), and how environments and adult expectations can either expand or restrict children’s access to play. Expect practical ideas you can use immediately: how to observe play more generously, how to support connection and regulation through play, and how to design spaces and interactions that honour children’s interests, sensory needs, and rhythms.
Curriculum
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1
Welcome to the Pathway Playback
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(Included in full purchase)
Welcome
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(Included in full purchase)
Housekeeping
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(Included in full purchase)
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2
Pathway Playback
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(Included in full purchase)
Watch the recording here
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(Included in full purchase)
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3
Take-aways and Digital Tools
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(Included in full purchase)
Key takeaways
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(Included in full purchase)
Digital Tool: Play Dictionary
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(Included in full purchase)
Course Evaluation
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(Included in full purchase)
What people are saying
Hear about the feedback we had for this session below...
Kerry is a welcome voice in early childhood. Compassionate, wise, and practical, and unusual combination. I'm so glad to have these resources to use and direct others to.
Pathway Participant
As a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, play is central to our therapy and the support we provide. Traditionally, OT training in paediatrics has focused on developmental milestones for typically developing or able-bodied children. In practice, we can see that this is not helpful for many of the children we work with who are neurodivergent or have a disability. This training really challenges the concept of ‘typical’ developmental milestones, reframes what we mean by ‘play’, and encourages us to view a child’s play from their unique perspective, rather than pathologising their preferred style of play.
Pathway Participant
I would definitely recommend the Neurodiversity Affirming Practice online training sessions. The sessions are very informative and interesting with brilliant resources provided after each session. I like the pace of the sessions and that there are opportunities to ask questions and contribute in ways that feel comfortable for each participant. I also like that the sessions are recorded so that you can catch up in your own time if you miss the live session. As a Childminder I will definitely use what I have learned to develop my knowledge and practice.
Pathway Participant
The resources are utterly brilliant, they are beautifully designed, it was fascinating to understand more about how Diverse Pathways' thinking has evolved and drawn on all the other current research. I found Kerry as a trainer warm and relate-able. Finally, the reassurance that 'child-led play' is not the holy grail, but that trusted adults can join in various ways, scaffold, etc, which I have seen work in my own practice. I think I'm doing quite well on my journey as an advocate of NDA play, but it's important that I can convincingly explain to staff and families in the various settings I work in, so having all these resources is powerful and to be honest, a relief!
Pathway Participant
Kerry is a welcome voice in early childhood. Compassionate, wise, and practical, and unusual combination. I'm so glad to have these resources to use and direct others to.
Pathway Participant
I would definitely recommend the Neurodiversity Affirming Practice online training sessions. The sessions are very informative and interesting with brilliant resources provided after each session. I like the pace of the sessions and that there are opportunities to ask questions and contribute in ways that feel comfortable for each participant. I also like that the sessions are recorded so that you can catch up in your own time if you miss the live session. As a Childminder I will definitely use what I have learned to develop my knowledge and practice.
Pathway Participant
As a Paediatric Occupational Therapist, play is central to our therapy and the support we provide. Traditionally, OT training in paediatrics has focused on developmental milestones for typically developing or able-bodied children. In practice, we can see that this is not helpful for many of the children we work with who are neurodivergent or have a disability. This training really challenges the concept of ‘typical’ developmental milestones, reframes what we mean by ‘play’, and encourages us to view a child’s play from their unique perspective, rather than pathologising their preferred style of play.
Pathway Participant
The resources are utterly brilliant, they are beautifully designed, it was fascinating to understand more about how Diverse Pathways' thinking has evolved and drawn on all the other current research. I found Kerry as a trainer warm and relate-able. Finally, the reassurance that 'child-led play' is not the holy grail, but that trusted adults can join in various ways, scaffold, etc, which I have seen work in my own practice. I think I'm doing quite well on my journey as an advocate of NDA play, but it's important that I can convincingly explain to staff and families in the various settings I work in, so having all these resources is powerful and to be honest, a relief!
Pathway Participant
Don't delay, sign up today!
Start your neurodiversity-affirming journey today
£20.00