Jogo Behaviour Support Conference 2025 Brochure - Flipbook - Page 18
• To equip participants with knowledge and tools to design therapy spaces that
actively resist sensory suppression and control, prioritising regulation, safety,
and sensory freedom. Participants will learn to create environments where
neurodivergent children can be their authentic selves without the pressure to
conform or mask, using sensory-friendly elements to support connection and
well-being.
• To support participants in unlearning traditional, limiting rules of play therapy
and encourage the embracing of neurodivergent play as valid, powerful, and
liberatory. Participants will develop skills necessary to join children in their
preferred forms of play, including repetition, scripting, and sensory
engagement, while resisting the urge to pathologise natural expressions of self
and play.
• To foster a practice of ongoing self-reflection, where participants will identify
and dismantle internalised ableism within their therapeutic practices and
spaces. By cultivating curiosity, compassion, and critique, participants will learn
to continuously challenge and adapt their approaches to align with
neurodiversity-affirming values and create truly inclusive, safe, and supportive
environments for all children.
Biography:
Mathew Walk-Ley 3 MA Play Therapy and Special Educational Needs
Mathew is a children and family therapist with five years9 experience in therapeutic
practice and 18 years of working with children in both mainstream and special
education settings. He holds a Master9s degree in Play Therapy and a Master9s in
Special Educational Needs with a focus on autism. Mathew is the founder of Horizon
Play Therapy, where he provides neurodiversity-affirming, trauma-informed support to
children, families, and schools.
As an author, Mathew has written several books for parents, teachers, and
professionals, focusing on open communication, grounding techniques, emotional
regulation, play-based support, and neurodivergent-friendly approaches. His work is
practical, compassionate, and rooted in real-world experience.
Mathew is committed to creating supportive spaces where children and families can
build emotional strength and connection.
Workshop C
Gender and Sexual Diversity in Play Therapy
Presented by: Jenny Reid
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