Supporting Neurodivergent Play

This session forms part of this year's Neurominded Early Learning Webinar Series

Further information about the series and other webinars included in the course is available here https://collections.humanitix.com/neurominded-webinar-series-2026

Session overview

Play is the language of childhood, the gateway to learning, connection and wellbeing - but not all play looks the same.

This webinar celebrates the diversity of play and explores how autistic and neurodivergent children may use play to connect, regulate, explore and communicate in different ways. Participants are encouraged to move beyond normative expectations and recognise play as a meaningful expression of a child’s inner world.

The session supports educators to join, support and extend play in ways that are respectful, responsive and neuro-affirming.

What we’ll explore in this session

During this 2‑hour webinar, we will explore:

• Different ways neurodivergent children may engage in play

• The relationship between play, regulation and connection

• Rethinking assumptions about “appropriate” functional play

• How to join children’s play respectfully

• Practical strategies to extend play while honouring children’s intent

The focus is on understanding play as exploration, fun, learning and connection in ways that are true to the authentic self.