Supporting Children's Communication The Play Way: Neurodiversity-affirming, Connection-focused Speech and Language Strategies

Welch, Lisa: - Lisa Welch is a paediatric Speech, Language and Communication Therapist, with over 15 years experience working with children and their families. She has spent time working both privately and for the NHS, supporting communication skills in homes, nurseries, schools and clinic settings. At the centre of her therapy is a play-based, connection centred approach to support children; using their play passions to support their communication needs. Her experience has found that this not only nurtures progress but ensures children feel safe and regulated, allowing them to find joy in communication and thrive. Lisa was diagnosed as ADHD in her mid-30s and has two neurodivergent children. This further fuels her passion for finding affirming and supportive strategies for children and their families, celebrating and unmasking differences, and finding inclusive ways to encourage progress within settings. She runs the Instagram account @Peachy_Speech, where she shares her neurodiversity-affirming therapy ideas, her own ADHD journey of discovery and how she supports her own neurodiverse household. Her work focuses on connection not perfection when setting up play opportunities or daily strategies that nurture new skills.