In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Dr. Jaclyn Halpern, Partner & Clinical Director of Psychology at Playful Therapy Connections, an organization that specializes in supporting neurodivergent children, teens, adults & families with a focus on anxiety, depression, & navigating a neurotypical-world while being Autistic and/or an ADHD’r as well as related parenting support.
Episode summary:
Introduction
Host Frances Shefter welcomes Dr. Jaclyn Halpern, a partner and clinical director of psychology at Playful Therapy Connections (https://playfultherapy.net). Dr. Halpern explains her practice’s neurodiversity-affirming approach, which serves clients of all ages through therapy, testing, and parenting support. Her focus is on meeting individuals where they are, recognizing their unique strengths, and addressing challenges within the environment rather than seeing disability as an inherent problem.
Understanding Neurodiversity and Affirming Practices
Dr. Halpern defines neurodiversity as the natural variation in how human brains function, with neurotypical and neurodivergent profiles equally valid. She explains the social model of disability, emphasizing that challenges often arise from a mismatch between a person’s needs and the environment, not from the individual. A neurodiversity-affirming approach focuses on adapting the environment, fostering strengths, and presuming competence, rather than trying to make neurodivergent individuals conform to neurotypical norms.
Therapy for Neurodiverse Clients
Therapy at Playful Therapy Connections is client-centered and non-directive, focusing on the individual’s unique needs and comfort. Building rapport is a priority, with therapy sessions often involving special interests, play, or sensory-friendly tools to create a safe and validating space. Dr. Halpern explains how therapy supports unmasking, allowing clients to be their authentic selves and unlearn harmful societal messages.
Sessions adapt to each client, whether that means typing instead of talking, using AAC devices, or turning off cameras during virtual therapy. For children, therapy may involve helping them find coping strategies, but always within the context of affirming who they are rather than pressuring them to conform.
Accommodations and Support in Schools
Dr. Halpern discusses how schools can better support neurodiverse students through accommodations like flexible seating, sensory tools, and movement breaks. She highlights the importance of prioritizing emotional regulation to enable learning and warns against compliance-based systems like behavior charts or reward systems that can cause shame and reduce motivation.
IEPs should be strengths-based, focusing on goals like self-advocacy and using coping strategies. These strategies should be taught and practiced before moments of dysregulation, as students cannot access them during heightened emotional states. She emphasizes shifting away from deficit-focused language in IEPs and behavior plans, instead framing differences as vulnerabilities to support.
Testing for Neurodiverse Individuals
Neurodiversity-affirming testing involves interpreting standardized measures through an affirming lens and focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Reports use positive language, avoiding terms like “disordered” or “impaired.” Dr. Halpern explains how testing also considers observations, uncovering needs related to attention, sensory processing, and communication. For individuals with higher support needs or nonverbal children, testing focuses on identifying their strengths and needs, even if full ability levels aren’t measurable.
Caregiver Tips for Supporting Neurodiverse Kids
Dr. Halpern shares advice for caregivers, emphasizing the importance of creating a low-demand, safe environment at home where children can decompress and engage in special interests. She encourages prioritizing connection through regular one-on-one time and collaboration in setting expectations. Punitive measures should be replaced with logical consequences, and caregivers are reminded to practice self-compassion and seek support for themselves.
Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Dr. Halpern encourages families to take small, manageable steps toward implementing strategies and to focus on what works best for their unique needs. For therapy or testing inquiries, Playful Therapy Connections can be reached through their website at http://playfultherapy.net. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of fostering understanding, connection, and self-compassion in both children and caregivers.
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
Affirming Support for the Neurodivergent Community with Dr. Jaclyn Halpern
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 80
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Dr. Jaclyn Halpern, Partner & Clinical Director of Psychology at Playful Therapy Connections, an organization that specializes in supporting neurodivergent children, teens, adults & families with a focus on anxiety, depression, & navigating a neurotypical-world while being Autistic and/or an ADHD’r as well as related parenting support.
Episode summary:
Introduction
Host Frances Shefter welcomes Dr. Jaclyn Halpern, a partner and clinical director of psychology at Playful Therapy Connections (https://playfultherapy.net). Dr. Halpern explains her practice’s neurodiversity-affirming approach, which serves clients of all ages through therapy, testing, and parenting support. Her focus is on meeting individuals where they are, recognizing their unique strengths, and addressing challenges within the environment rather than seeing disability as an inherent problem.
Understanding Neurodiversity and Affirming Practices
Dr. Halpern defines neurodiversity as the natural variation in how human brains function, with neurotypical and neurodivergent profiles equally valid. She explains the social model of disability, emphasizing that challenges often arise from a mismatch between a person’s needs and the environment, not from the individual. A neurodiversity-affirming approach focuses on adapting the environment, fostering strengths, and presuming competence, rather than trying to make neurodivergent individuals conform to neurotypical norms.
Therapy for Neurodiverse Clients
Therapy at Playful Therapy Connections is client-centered and non-directive, focusing on the individual’s unique needs and comfort. Building rapport is a priority, with therapy sessions often involving special interests, play, or sensory-friendly tools to create a safe and validating space. Dr. Halpern explains how therapy supports unmasking, allowing clients to be their authentic selves and unlearn harmful societal messages.
Sessions adapt to each client, whether that means typing instead of talking, using AAC devices, or turning off cameras during virtual therapy. For children, therapy may involve helping them find coping strategies, but always within the context of affirming who they are rather than pressuring them to conform.
Accommodations and Support in Schools
Dr. Halpern discusses how schools can better support neurodiverse students through accommodations like flexible seating, sensory tools, and movement breaks. She highlights the importance of prioritizing emotional regulation to enable learning and warns against compliance-based systems like behavior charts or reward systems that can cause shame and reduce motivation.
IEPs should be strengths-based, focusing on goals like self-advocacy and using coping strategies. These strategies should be taught and practiced before moments of dysregulation, as students cannot access them during heightened emotional states. She emphasizes shifting away from deficit-focused language in IEPs and behavior plans, instead framing differences as vulnerabilities to support.
Testing for Neurodiverse Individuals
Neurodiversity-affirming testing involves interpreting standardized measures through an affirming lens and focusing on strengths rather than deficits. Reports use positive language, avoiding terms like “disordered” or “impaired.” Dr. Halpern explains how testing also considers observations, uncovering needs related to attention, sensory processing, and communication. For individuals with higher support needs or nonverbal children, testing focuses on identifying their strengths and needs, even if full ability levels aren’t measurable.
Caregiver Tips for Supporting Neurodiverse Kids
Dr. Halpern shares advice for caregivers, emphasizing the importance of creating a low-demand, safe environment at home where children can decompress and engage in special interests. She encourages prioritizing connection through regular one-on-one time and collaboration in setting expectations. Punitive measures should be replaced with logical consequences, and caregivers are reminded to practice self-compassion and seek support for themselves.
Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Dr. Halpern encourages families to take small, manageable steps toward implementing strategies and to focus on what works best for their unique needs. For therapy or testing inquiries, Playful Therapy Connections can be reached through their website at http://playfultherapy.net. She concludes by emphasizing the importance of fostering understanding, connection, and self-compassion in both children and caregivers.
Learn more about Dr. Jaclyn Halpern:
***************************************************
Stress-Free IEP®:
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
Watch more episodes of Stress-Free IEP®:
Connect and learn more from your host, Frances Shefter:
Categories