How To Be a Neurodiversity Affirming Play Therapist

(Fatima) Natascha Lawrence (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor Supervisor, BC Registered Play Therapist Supervisor, Certified Synergetic Play Therapy Supervisor and EMDR practitioner. She is a BIPOC first-generation Canadian settler of mixed Asian ancestry, an ADHDer, Queer and has a mobility disability due to a chronic pain neurological condition.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor and Registered Play Therapist with over 20 years of community mental health experience. My first introduction to the mental health field was in 1994 as a high school student where I provided after-school care for a student with Down’s Syndrome. Since that time, I have had the pleasure of working in a variety of settings related to social services, mental health and therapy.

Jessica C. Kitchens, is a therapist, author, advocate, consultant, and speaker based in Northwest Arkansas. She owns two private mental health practices providing neurodiversity-affirming counseling, training, and consulting, with a focus on autism and strength-based approaches for neurodivergent communities. With over 18 years of clinical experience, she holds specialized credentials in play therapy, substance use and addictions, and cognitive disorders. Jessica is currently a PhD candidate in Change Leadership for Equity and Inclusion, where her scholarship integrates neurodiversity-affirming, decolonial, and Indigenous Knowledge leadership perspectives. A late-diagnosed autistic adult, mother of five neurodivergent children, and member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, she centers lived experience in her research, advocacy, and writing. Her work emphasizes autistic autonomy, mental health, participatory research, and Indigenous and decolonizing perspectives on autism.

Find Jessica at Allied Collaborative or the social links below.

Dr. Kade Sharp (he/they) is a white disabled fat queer autistic trans demi Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, Certified Sex Therapist, and Child Mental Health Specialist practicing in Washington state. He has his PhD in Clinical Sexology through Modern Sex Therapy Institutes. He specializes in supporting queer, trans and non-binary autistic and AuDHD clients of all ages, as well as neurodivergent supervisees. Kade loves helping people figure out they're autistic, playing board & card games, roleplaying, reality TV, true crime, and his 2 adopted senior cats. You can find Kade at Curious Cryptid Learning, Spectrum Counseling, Aces Up Your Sleeve podcast, and Neurokink.

I received my Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership (with a research emphasis in leadership qualities of counseling center and clinic directors), my Master’s Degree in Counseling, and my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S™). I specialize in working with children, adolescents, families, and adults primarily serving neurodivergent individuals (autism, ADHD, sensory differences, learning disorders, and developmental disabilities). I am the creator of AutPlay® Therapy, an integrative family play therapy framework designed to help address the mental health needs of neurodivergent children and adolescents. I am also trauma informed and trained and utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

SarahRose has supported children, adults, and families since 2008. As a Kingston resident and parent, she brings both personal and professional experience to her work, specializing in trauma therapy, family therapy, and strength-based comprehensive autism, ADHD, and OCD assessments. She owns and works at Giving Tree Counseling.