Neuro-Affirming Play-Based Support for Autistic Children

Moving away from traditional models that prioritize normalization, this session empowers SLPs to embrace and celebrate the unique ways autistic children engage with play. Participants will explore current research, practical strategies, and real-world examples that respect sensory needs, communication preferences, and play styles.

Explore Course

This webinar offers a neuro-affirming lens on play-based support for autistic children. Moving away from traditional models that prioritize normalization, this session empowers SLPs to embrace and celebrate the unique ways autistic children engage with play. Participants will explore current research, practical strategies, and real-world examples that respect sensory needs, communication preferences, and play styles. Emphasis will be placed on fostering authentic connection, autonomy, and self-acceptance. By the end, practitioners will walk away with concrete tools to co-create playful, affirming environments where autistic individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered to be themselves.

This course will be available to view on demand after Aug. 21, 2025.

Presenters

Shontaye Glover Jones
MS CCC-SLP
Shontaye is a children's book author, pediatric SLP, content creator, and professional speaker. In 2016, she founded her private practice Having Our Say, LLC to create a space where families and children would feel seen, valued, and be heard. Shontaye works with organizations and school districts around the country with a focus on literacy and creating equitable spaces for all students. Written under the pen name "Taye Jones," her debut picture book, "Liam's First Cut" (2020) is a story that centers family and neurodiversity as Liam, an autistic Black boy, prepares for his first trip to the barbershop. Her second book The Season of Yes! (2023) is a love letter to her favorite time of year, summer, and spending quality time with her mom during the season of endless opportunities for fun!

Learning Objectives

Differentiate between traditional, deficit-based approaches to play and neuro-affirming, strengths-based practices when supporting autistic children.
Describe common autistic play styles and communication preferences, and explain how these reflect valid, meaningful forms of self-expression and regulation.
Apply at least three neuro-affirming strategies to create inclusive, sensory-friendly, and child-led play environments that foster autonomy, connection, and authentic engagement.

Agenda

5 minutes	Welcome & Intentions
10 minutes	Rethinking Play
15 minutes	What Neuro-Affirming Play Looks Like
15 minutes	Strategies for Supporting Autistic Play
10 minutes	Case Examples & Reflective Practice
5 minutes	Resources

Disclosures

Financial Disclosures:	Shontaye is the owner and founder of Having Our Say and is the Director of Business Development for Bright Ideas Media. She is receiving compensation for this course.
Non-Financial Disclosures:	Shontaye has no non-financial relationships to disclose.
Content Disclosures:	Shontaye has no additional content information to disclose.

ASHA

This course is offered for .1 ASHA CEUs, Intermediate Level, Professional Area

Neuro-Affirming Play-Based Support for Autistic Children: $29.00
Moving away from traditional models that prioritize normalization, this session empowers SLPs to embrace and celebrate the unique ways autistic children engage with play. Participants will explore current research, practical strategies, and real-world examples that respect sensory needs, communication preferences, and play styles. Includes access to the recorded course and optional ASHA reporting.

Add-ons

Neuroaffirming IEPs: Moving Beyond Compliance

$29.00

Explore how to create neuroaffirming IEPs that go beyond compliance to center student identity, autonomy, and strengths. Special Educators (and SLPs) will learn to design goals, supports, and environments that honor neurodivergent communication and regulation. Gain tools to advocate for inclusive, student-centered practices.