Date: September 25th, 2026
Time: 8:30am-11:30pm
Presenter : Molly Rush
Time: 3 Hours
Location: 1310 Papin Street, St. Louis MO 63103
Description:
In this workshop, participants will learn and explore the history of the treatment of symptoms of neurodiversity. We will differentiate between the medical model of neurodevelopmental/developmental disorders and a neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based framework to working with neurodiverse children on their goals. Participants will explore adaptations to play therapy work, making connection more accessible to neurodiverse children.
Objectives
Describe potential differences in play and play style in neurodiverse children
Examine the efficacy of play therapy techniques in working with neurodiverse children
Apply neurodiversity-affirming framework to play therapy work with neurodiverse children and their caregivers
Schedule
8:30-8:35 Introduction and Housekeeping
8:35-9:00 Explore and examine history of ASD and ADHD as neurodevelopmental and developmental disorders (lecture)
9:00-9:30 Identify and examine new paradigms of neurodiversity and approaches to create (lecture/small group collaboration)
9:30-9:45 Working with caregivers of neurodiverse children (large group discussion)
9:45-10:30 Analyze impacts of play and play-based interventions and adaptations for neurodiverse children and families (lecture/large group collaboration)
Break
10:40-11:00 Practicing adaptations to play therapy skills and modalities (role-play)
11:00-11:30 Neurodiversity in play-based practices; applications for groups and classrooms (lecture/large group discussion)
Date: September 25th, 2026
Time: 8:30am-11:30pm
Presenter : Molly Rush
Time: 3 Hours
Location: 1310 Papin Street, St. Louis MO 63103
Description:
In this workshop, participants will learn and explore the history of the treatment of symptoms of neurodiversity. We will differentiate between the medical model of neurodevelopmental/developmental disorders and a neurodiversity-affirming and strengths-based framework to working with neurodiverse children on their goals. Participants will explore adaptations to play therapy work, making connection more accessible to neurodiverse children.
Objectives
Describe potential differences in play and play style in neurodiverse children
Examine the efficacy of play therapy techniques in working with neurodiverse children
Apply neurodiversity-affirming framework to play therapy work with neurodiverse children and their caregivers
Schedule
8:30-8:35 Introduction and Housekeeping
8:35-9:00 Explore and examine history of ASD and ADHD as neurodevelopmental and developmental disorders (lecture)
9:00-9:30 Identify and examine new paradigms of neurodiversity and approaches to create (lecture/small group collaboration)
9:30-9:45 Working with caregivers of neurodiverse children (large group discussion)
9:45-10:30 Analyze impacts of play and play-based interventions and adaptations for neurodiverse children and families (lecture/large group collaboration)
Break
10:40-11:00 Practicing adaptations to play therapy skills and modalities (role-play)
11:00-11:30 Neurodiversity in play-based practices; applications for groups and classrooms (lecture/large group discussion)
