Play to Learn Consulting

01/22/2026

This was a doozy! When advocacy is labeled as aggression, start to reconsider. As a parent, is this what you really want for your autistic or ADHD child? As a professional, are behavior plans really going to drive connection? Sure, you’ll make a child compliant. But at what cost?
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There is another way! I’m doing a live webinar with PESI on February 19th. I submitted my slide deck and am so ready to give the world a different perspective on behavior through the lens of executive function skills and relationships. Come spend the day with me on Thursday, February 19th. You won’t regret it! 🔗 in bio to register 😉

01/17/2026

Thank you Moms Who Think for the feature! I consider myself lucky that I get to write about what I do and insert tidbits from the therapy world by making them accessible to others. Also, I’m the only one quoted!!!

When your child says, "I'm bored," is it actually a good thing? An expert weighs in on why boredom is beneficial.

01/06/2026

I hear these terms all the time: aggressive, behavioral, noncompliant, oppositional, violent. And what’s used for kids who struggle with executive function skills? All the nonsense that doesn’t work: sticker charts, freshly outlined behavior plans, rewards, punishments, and of course, calls to parents to tell them, “Your child pushed someone and that’s inappropriate!” Right…blame the child rather than change the system.
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What’s missing isn’t more sensory “corners” or fidgets. It’s actual training and a deeper understanding of what it takes for an ADHD or autistic or AuDHD child to be in school. Seriously. Just to step into the building. It’s the kind of education that should be required.
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I know I can’t make it a requirement (yet). What I can do is offer it myself! I’m teaching a live webinar through on February 19th. Link in bio to register. Looking for a discount code? I got that too! Comment CODE and I’ll DM you.
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Let’s bring this discussion into all schools!

01/04/2026

Tell me that you’re tired of just hearing that your autistic or ADHD child is in fight-flight mode, and the only answer is to let them scroll on a device because it is seemingly calming. When I speak to parents who are stuck walking on eggshells, they are the ones who are afraid to do anything that could possibly, potentially, kind of pose as a challenge. Isn’t that exhausting?
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Yes, a stress response is real. And you’re also missing the fact that resilience can be dampened! When your nervous system, more specifically your HPA axis, is constantly upregulated, cortisol is running rampant. Now, with anything that goes up, science tells us it must come down, which means that your HPA axis can also become downregulated. This is dangerous because then, when cortisol is needed for a natural stress response, the reaction is stunted.
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The antidote to heightened stress? It’s not the iPad that’s for sure. It’s the one thing that your brain, my brain, your kid’s brain, and ALL brains are wired for. Connection. Real life, sit by my side, lend me your regulated system type of connection. No gimmicks, just reality.
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Make those connections coordinated with rhythmic movement, and you can start making changes that will improve your life. Like, follow, and share with others who you know can benefit!

01/03/2026

A bow of gratitude to my clients, readers of my newsletters, and those who follow this account because I put effort and thought into every word, every post, and every comment I make. It’s intentional, authentic, and unapologetically me.
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Heading into 2026 with 3 words “Мастерство не пропьёшь” that capture the following: This expression emphasizes the RESILIENCE and invincibility of true mastery, which is unaffected by temporary weaknesses or external circumstances. Neurodivergence is resilience. I can only promise to continue the advocacy, the push for true understanding, and the support that I give daily so that every child can benefit from a neurodiversity affirming perspective - so remember to follow along, share and comment.
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Stay tuned for more news in 2026 (I have 3 courses coming!!!). PS isn’t my dad adorable?!

12/30/2025

This morning I shared my final newsletter for 2025 where I talked about:
- my 8 yo immigrant self from 1993 absorbing the message of “you’re not wanted here”
- learning how to study patterns of behaviors in people so I could survive the day and disconnect from myself
- and the neurodivergent kids I see today who walk into classrooms only to be met with “you’re too much,” your emotions are inconvenient, and your presence is unwelcome.
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The first response I got was from an associate professor of clinical psychology who told me that she’s been an “avid reader” of my emails. And the fact that I’m her inspiration! 🤩 If you’re part of my newsletter family, check your inbox 📥 (I promise it’s a good one) and let me know your biggest takeaway ⬇️
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For those who missed it, there’s a 🔗 in my bio to hit subscribe. So much more to come in 2026!

12/19/2025

For autistic and ADHD kids, connection and relationships are everything! As a clinician, I can get into the mind of a child by embracing who they are and what they need. That’s the power of co-regulation. It’s how we build all executive function skills. Yes, ALL of them!
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This holiday season, find the connection and focus on the relationship. The rest will follow.
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p.s. I’m teaching a course for PESI all about play and executive functioning live in February 2026. 🔗 in bio for details! Want a discount code? Follow me for updates.

12/10/2025

Letting the story speak for itself. I’m on a mission to change the world for autistic and ADHD kids. Hold space for those who can’t yet stand up to an adult in power who makes them feel small and unwanted.
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What brings you back to your younger self?
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12/07/2025

Shifting the entire educational industry is a massive undertaking and I finally realized that I can’t do it alone. As one parent said to me, “My sweet child is going through so much stress and now I feel like there is a path forward, even if I have to fight really hard.” That path comes from taking the reigns, trashing the behavior charts, and confidently stating what’s true:
1- My child isn’t obsessive. They notice the tiniest details.
2- My child isn’t distracted. They go deep into their minds to find the solution.
3- My child isn’t non-compliant. They stand their ground.
4- My child isn’t behavioral. They protect their nervous system.
5- My child isn’t antisocial. They hand select trustworthy friends.

Give me one word that you wish was never used to describe your child and I will change it into a unique autistic trait.

11/27/2025

Thanksgiving and holiday related because your autistic or ADHD child is going to be processing a ton of information. Make sure to save this! Because I’m about to info dump.
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Information will be coming at them from every direction. The brain is going to be maxed out faster. Too many people and moving objects to keep track of. Possibly a new location (and yes it’s new even though they went to Uncle Bob’s last year). Coupled with an underdeveloped executive function system that struggles with integration. Bake all of those ingredients together and you get…
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1- what looks like misbehavior - but is actually (not a need for autonomy) a hard time keeping track of all the moving parts…literally
2- “no” to every offer while struggling to make a decision - but is actually working memory overload that needs you to choose (which can also mean doing nothing)
3- “I’m dying of boredom” - but is actually difficulty getting started with a single idea because you also need to know where to take that idea
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Know that your stillness and silence can be empathic. Know that your connection to the hurt means you get it. Know that they’re not looking for you to “fix it.”
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As I burrow into my new🔬🐇 🕳️ , I’ll be sharing even more of my insights. Be sure to follow along!

11/25/2025

It’s happening! The course that I’ve been working on for is going live! This isn’t just another executive function training. You pretty much get insight into my brain 🧠 and practical strategies that work.
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Here’s what you can do:
1- Like, follow, and share with a friend
2- Check out the link in my bio to register
3- DM me for a coupon code
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Let’s change the way we connect with neurodivergent kids.
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11/13/2025

If no one has told you yet, your child is not a behavior problem.
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If no one has told you yet, you don’t have behavioral students in your classroom.
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If no one has told you yet, calling an autistic or ADHD child “behavioral” and adding sticker charts, will never address the struggle.
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Because you’re not looking at a behavior. You’re looking 👀 at:
1- a regulation challenge
2- a weak working memory (verbal and visuospatial)
3- an inefficient sensory system that lacks integration
4- a brain that needs support (the kind that gets to the core of the challenge - not the kind that works like a bandaid 🩹)
5- a child who simply wants to feel valued and connected
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That’s your kid! That’s your student! That’s your client! And I’m so glad you’ve landed on my page. Give me a follow and share me with a friend who also needs to read this message today.
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