Other Neudivergencies

Celebrating Diversity At The Kids Counsellor

We celebrate the unique diversity of every child and teen who walks through our doors.Our space is safe, non-judgmental, and neuro-affirming, designed to meet your child exactly where they are. As trauma-trained professionals, we create sessions that are not only therapeutic but also enjoyable and engaging.Our sensory space allows for exploration and body breaks, and we offer a variety of approaches to suit your child’s needs, including Play Therapy, Sand Therapy, Art Therapy, Sensory Play, Social Stories, Talk Therapy, Somatic (movement) Therapy, Journaling, Crafting, and Coaching. We communicate at your child’s level, making sure they feel understood and empowered. We practice in a kid-oriented way—your child won’t be expected to sit in a chair and talk the entire time (unless that’s what they choose).They will be encouraged but never be forced to participate, and if they’re not enjoying an activity, we will offer them different ones until we find one that they do like. Your child is at the heart of their sessions, and everything we do is centred around their needs, interests, and comfort.

We believe that everyone deserves the chance to grow and thrive in a space that truly values and celebrates who they are.

At The Kids Counsellor, we support Neuro-Divergent children and their families as they navigate the ups and downs that can come with being Neuro-Divergent. We believe every child is incredible, and we celebrate their unique strengths while helping them work through challenges. We assist children and families who are neuro-divergent—whether they self-identify, have a formal diagnosis, or are awaiting one. We understand that accessing a diagnosis isn’t always possible or within reach for families due to various reasons, and we believe this should never be a barrier to receiving support.Our goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where kids feel valued, understood, and free to be themselves and where neuro-diverse children and their families feel valued and empowered to thrive. We celebrate each child’s unique strengths and needs, offering tailored support that meets them where they are. We believe that everyone deserves the chance to grow and thrive in a space that truly values and celebrates who they are.

Child-Centred Therapies for Children

1.Play as Therapy: Through play, children express emotions, process experiences, and explore solutions in a way that feels natural and safe to them.

2.Sand Tray: Using sand trays and miniatures, children can create and explore their inner worlds, making it easier to express feelings and resolve conflicts.

3.Art and Craft as a Therapy: Art provides a creative outlet for children to express emotions they might struggle to put into words, while also fostering self-discovery.

4.Sensory Play: Engaging with sensory materials helps children regulate their emotions, explore their senses, and develop coping skills in a calming way.

5.Social Stories: Tailored stories help children understand social situations, develop skills, and navigate changes or challenges with confidence.

6.Talk and Narrative Therapy: Conversations are adapted to the child’s level of understanding, allowing them to share their thoughts and feelings in a supportive space.

7.Somatic Therapy (Movement): Movement-based activities help children release stored emotions, connect with their bodies, and build resilience.

8. Role play: drama based activities are a creative and interactive approach that allows kids to explore emotions, practice social skills, work through and practice skills in a safe space by acting out real-life or imagined scenarios.

9.Journaling: Writing or drawing in journals helps children process their thoughts and emotions privately, fostering self-awareness and emotional growth.

10. Craft, Dough and Clay: Hands-on activities like crafting encourage creativity, focus, and self-expression, making therapy engaging and enjoyable.

11. Coaching: Focused guidance and skill-building empower children to develop practical strategies for challenges like emotional regulation, friendships, and resilience.These therapies are tailored to each child’s unique needs, ensuring a supportive and enjoyable experience that puts them at the centre of their journey.

12. CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy): helps children by teaching them to identify and reframe negative thoughts, develop coping strategies, and build emotional regulation skills to manage anxiety, stress, and challenging behaviors

Our Commitment to Neuro-Affirming Practice

Celebrating Diversity
We believe neurodivergency is a natural and valuable part of human diversity. Whether your child is autistic, has ADHD, or experiences other neuro-divergencies, we respect and affirm their individuality.
Strength-Based Approach - Instead of focusing solely on challenges, we highlight and nurture your child’s strengths. By building on their abilities and interests, we help them develop confidence, self-awareness, and resilience whilst still aknowleging and working with them on challenging aspects of their unique neuro-type.
Supportive Environment - We create spaces where children feel understood, respected, and empowered to express themselves without fear of judgment. Our practices are tailored to meet the sensory, emotional, and communication needs of each child.
Collaboration with Families - We work closely with families to develop strategies that honour each child’s unique needs and perspectives and their families values system. Together, we create an environment where your child can feel seen, valued, and supported.
Challenging Stereotypes - Neuro-affirming practice is about breaking down harmful stereotypes and promoting positive views and equity for all people. We advocate for acceptance, inclusion, and equity in all aspects of life.
Empowering Your Child - Neuro-affirming practice helps children understand that they are not defined by their challenges but by their potential and individuality. It’s about fostering a sense of self-worth, building skills for navigating the world, and encouraging every child to bloom in their own unique way. Whilst not taking away from the struggles they may experience, which is why we support them in finding ways to navigate the world and life.
At The Kids Counsellor, we are proud to support all neurotypes and their families on their journey toward growth, understanding, and empowerment.

Why Understanding Neuro-Divergence Matters

Recognising and supporting neuro-divergencies helps create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive. This supports all people and all children to be fully who they are and be comfortable in their own skin. People who are neuro-divergent bring unique perspectives, talents, and ideas to the world. By celebrating their strengths and providing appropriate support for challenges, we can foster growth, confidence, and well-being. At The Kids Counsellor, we are neuro-affirming, which means we embrace neurodiversity and work to create a safe, welcoming space for children and families to explore their potential and feel supported in their unique journey.

At The Kids Counsellor, we support Neuro

What is Neuro-divergence?

Whilst we are all Neuro-Diverse because each of our brains and nervous systems are unique and individual to us, Neuro-divergence refer to variations in the way the brain processes information, learns, and responds to the world. Instead of viewing these differences as deficits or disorders, we embrace the idea that diverse ways of thinking and experiencing life are natural and valuable parts of human diversity. Whilst celebrating neuro-diverse minds we also appreciate that for some neuro-diverse people these differences can cause distress and disrupt their lives. The areas of neuro-divergencies we support at The Kids Counsellor include:Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) - A developmental condition that can affect communication, social interaction, and behaviour. People with autism often have unique strengths in areas such as pattern recognition, attention to detail, and creativity.Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - A condition that influences focus, impulse control, and energy levels. People with ADHD often thrive in dynamic environments and bring creativity and enthusiasm to their activities.Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - A condition where individuals experience repetitive thoughts and behaviours. Those with OCD may show remarkable dedication and attention to detail.Sensory Processing Differences - Some individuals may be more sensitive to sensory input (lights, sounds, textures) or seek sensory stimulation. These differences are common in neuro-divergent individuals, particularly those with autism or ADHD however SPD can be a stand alone diagnosisODD - Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioural condition in children and teens characterised by persistent patterns of anger, irritability, defiance, and argumentativeness toward authority figures.PDA Profiles - A PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance) profile is a behaviour profile, characterised by an extreme need to avoid everyday demands and expectations due to high anxiety, coupled with a strong need for autonomy and control. Acquired Neuro-Divergence - Developmental Trauma disrupts brain neurodevelopment by altering stress-response systems and literally rewiring the brain as it grows and develops which in turn leads to impairing key areas like emotional regulation, memory, and executive functioning, making it an acquired neuro-divergence due to its lasting impact on brain structure and function.

Aquired Neuro-Divergence

Developmental Trauma, occurring during critical periods of a child’s growth, can significantly impact the way their brain develops and functions. Chronic exposure to stress, or adversity in early life activates the brain's stress response systems, often wiring it to remain in a heightened state of alert. This can literally alter the brain's structure and connectivity, particularly in areas responsible for emotional regulation, executive functioning, and social interaction. Over time, these changes may manifest as Neuro-Divergent traits, such as heightened sensitivity, difficulty with focus and impulse control (similar to ADHD), or challenges in processing and responding to social cues (resembling Autism). While these adaptations are a survival mechanism in response to trauma, they can shape how a child interacts with the world long-term. Recognising and supporting these patterns with trauma-informed care helps children heal and thrive, honouring their unique journey. The great thing about our brains is that they’re adaptable, which means we can change how they are wired to help overcome challenge, this is known as neuroplasticity based on the understanding that young brains are highly adaptable (neuroplastic), meaning they are better able to develop new skills and build stronger foundations when supported during critical developmental windows throughout childhood.

At The Kids Counsellor, we take a caring and gentle approach, focusing on each child’s unique strengths while supporting them through their difficulties. Step by step, we help create a world where they feel safe, build confidence, and have the opportunity to thrive.

Hyper link to more clinical overview

Can Developmental Trauma Be Considered Neurodivergence?

Developmental trauma isn’t officially classified as neurodivergence, but it can lead to changes in the brain that feel very similar. Neurodivergence, like Autism or ADHD, is a natural variation in how someone’s brain is wired, often present from birth. Developmental trauma, on the other hand, happens when a child experiences ongoing stress, or adversity during critical stages of growth. This can reshape how the brain works as a way of coping with those early experiences.

For example, developmental trauma can lead to:

Challenges with emotional regulation, much like ADHD or Autism.
Heightened sensitivity to sensory input, such as sounds or touch.
Struggles with social interactions or relationships.
Difficulty with focus, organisation, or impulse control.
Executive functioning issues.

Sometimes, these changes are referred to as acquired neurodivergence, because the brain adapts to trauma in ways that can feel permanent.

At The Kids Counsellor, we understand that trauma impacts how children experience and respond to the world. Whether it’s neurodivergence, trauma, or both, we focus on meeting kids where they are, celebrating their strengths, and helping them navigate their unique challenges in a safe and supportive way.