What is Neurodivergent Play Therapy?

Neurodivergent play therapy incorporates traditional techniques to accommodate and celebrate the differences in how neurodivergent clients experience and interact with the world. Play therapy allows clients to express feelings, process trauma, and develop social skills in a safe and structured environment, using play as a supportive tool. In neurodivergent play therapy, therapists adjust their methods to support diverse communication styles, sensory needs, and emotional expressions.

Key Principles for Neurodivergent Play Therapy

1. Flexible Structure

While play therapy includes a guiding framework, flexibility is essential when working with neurodivergent clients. Many clients may respond better to certain types of play over others, or need more time to adjust to therapy routines. Therapists can meet the client where they are by allowing for flexibility in session pacing and play styles.

2. Sensory Sensitivity

Neurodivergent clients often have heightened or lowered sensory sensitivities. Creating a therapeutic playroom that accommodates sensory needs is critical. Consider providing toys, textures, and materials that are soothing or engaging for different sensory preferences. For instance:

• Soft lighting and minimal sounds in games may support a client sensitive to noise.

3. Visual Communication and Nonverbal Play

Many neurodivergent clients communicate nonverbally or prefer visual aids to help express their thoughts. Using our picture feeling cards, visual storybooks, or role-playing with Sandtray figurines can be particularly effective for those who find verbal communication challenging. Encouraging nonverbal play, such as drawing, building with virtual blocks, or exploring textures in the Sandtray, allows clients to express emotions and thoughts in ways that feel natural to them.

4. Respecting Repetitive Play

Repetitive play, such as engaging in the same play activity multiple times, is common in neurodivergent clients. Rather than redirecting the client away from repetitive behaviors, it can be helpful to observe and engage with them, using these activities as an entry point to understand the client’s emotional or cognitive world. Repetitive play can serve as a comforting routine or an important part of processing emotions.

5. Creating Predictability

Neurodivergent clients may find comfort in structure and predictability. Clear communication about what to expect in sessions can reduce anxiety.

Tailoring Play Therapy Across Age Groups

Children

For neurodivergent children, play therapy is often a space to explore social interactions, develop emotional regulation, and process sensory input. Child-led, or non-directive play allows therapists to gain insight into the child’s interests and how they see the world.

Adolescents

Adolescents may benefit from play therapy that focuses more on symbolic or creative play, using art, music, or games. Many neurodivergent teens may still feel more comfortable expressing themselves through indirect means, and offering PlaySpace activities like single/multiplayer games, drawing, or role-playing scenarios can help them process their emotions without the pressure of direct conversation.

Adults

Neurodivergent adults may find play therapy helpful for managing stress, navigating social relationships, or understanding complex emotions. For adults, play therapy might include art therapy, therapeutic board games, or even interactive storytelling as a way to work through personal challenges.

Challenges and Benefits of Neurodivergent Play Therapy

One of the key challenges therapists may encounter is the need for ongoing adaptability. Each client is unique, so methods that work for one client may not work for another. However, the benefits of tailoring play therapy for neurodivergent clients are significant. It fosters a therapeutic space where clients feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions in ways that align with their neurological needs.

Neurodivergent play therapy offers a deeply individualized approach to emotional and psychological healing, allowing neurodivergent clients to engage in therapy in a way that honors their unique experiences. As therapists develop their play therapy practices, it is crucial to remain open, flexible, and mindful of sensory and communication needs, building trust with clients through patience and creativity.

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