As a stepmum to a wonderful child with ADHD, I’ve seen firsthand how differently children can experience and express the world around them. It’s taught me so much about patience, creativity, and the importance of celebrating individuality. Over the years, my curiosity and compassion have grown into a real interest in neurodiversity — in understanding how children think, play, and learn in unique ways. That’s why projects like ITV’s Play Time and the growing conversation around neurodiverse play resonate so deeply with me as both a parent and writer.
Neurodiversity in Early Childhood
The idea of neurodiversity recognises that every brain is different — and that’s something to celebrate. It shifts the focus from deficit to diversity, encouraging parents and educators to value each child’s unique way of thinking, playing, and learning.
In early childhood, this means accepting that neurodivergent children may communicate or explore the world differently from neurotypical peers. Rather than seeing difference as a delay, we can affirm individuality and celebrate the many possibilities of play that unfold when children are allowed to lead.
Play Time and the Joy of Neurodiverse Play
ITV’s Play Time offers a wonderful reminder of the power of imagination, inclusion, and creativity. It is a joyful, chaotic, and deeply human comedy experiment that celebrates the beauty of difference. Six neurodivergent comedians are challenged to create and perform a stage play, inspired entirely by the unfiltered ideas of a group of neurodiverse children aged between six and eight — all in just one day.
The result is pure magic: unpredictable, hilarious, and moving in equal measure. Play Time asks what happens when children’s creativity takes the lead and shows how play and neurodiversity can reshape the way we think about storytelling itself.
A love letter to imagination and inclusion, Play Time comes from Céin, who is autistic himself, and features Cariad Lloyd, Inel Tomlinson, Stuart Laws, Bec Hill, Aruhan Galieva, and Chris Barlow.
The film beautifully captures what educators and advocates like Kerry Murphy often emphasise — that neurodiverse play is not about achieving developmental milestones but about honouring each child’s voice and creativity. When we let children lead, the results can be both enlightening and transformative.
The Importance of Self-Directed Play
Experts agree that self-directed play is essential for learning and development, particularly for children with developmental differences. When adults step back and allow children to initiate play based on what the child likes, the result is often more meaningful, interactive, and developmentally appropriate.
Through self-directed play, children practise play skills, self-regulate, and build confidence. For autistic children and other neurodivergent children, this autonomy helps them make sense of their surroundings in a way that feels safe and authentic.
This type of play gives educators and parents valuable insight into how a child experiences the world. By observing play behaviours and play patterns, we can better recognise strengths and interests — turning intervention into connection rather than correction.
Recognising the Diversity of Play
Every child’s play-based journey looks different. Some children enjoy sensory exploration; others prefer imaginative storytelling or repetitive motion. None of these should be seen as inappropriate or signs of delay.
By embracing the diversity of play, parents and practitioners move away from comparisons with typically developing peers and toward genuine understanding. This approach also supports early intervention that feels empowering rather than restrictive.
Kerry Murphy, an educator and advocate for inclusive early years practice, reminds us that when adults see play as communication, they can better validate what the child is expressing and nurture emotional strength and connection.
Developmental Differences and Early Intervention
Many children with developmental differences thrive when given opportunities for self-directed play in supportive environments. Instead of imposing rigid structures, a play-based or neurodiversity-affirming approach helps children explore at their own pace and build on intrinsic strengths.
Effective early intervention recognises that behaviour is communication — a reflection of understanding, not a problem to fix. This shift in framework empowers children to develop new skills or knowledge through joyful discovery and interaction.
Educators adopting this model note higher well-being and more flexible play experiences across all abilities. It’s a reminder that a child’s way to play is a window into their mind — and one of the most powerful tools we have for inclusive education.
Supporting Neurodivergent Children at Home
Parents can nurture neurodiverse play at home by:
- Offering open-ended toys and materials to encourage creativity.
- Following the child’s lead to build trust and emotional safety.
- Observing without judgement to deepen understanding.
- Celebrating small moments of strength, curiosity, and connection.
These approaches affirm that every child — whether autistic, neurotypical, or otherwise — deserves respect for their individuality and a chance to flourish through play that makes sense to the child.
Why Understanding Neurodiversity Matters
The message from Play Time, from experts like Kerry Murphy, and from the growing community of inclusive educators is clear: when we affirm neurodiversity and allow children to express themselves freely, we see remarkable growth.
This understanding reframes how we think about developmental milestones, behaviour, and learning and development as a whole. It encourages a lifelong commitment to seeing every child as capable, creative, and infinitely valuable.
Final Thoughts
Children’s play is a mirror of the mind — a form of storytelling that reveals how each unique child experiences the world. Whether in classrooms, living rooms, or through inspiring projects like Play Time, recognising the richness of neurodiverse play opens up a world of inclusion, imagination, and empathy.
When adults view play through this lens of understanding and diversity, they help shape a more compassionate future — one where every child’s voice, action, and laughter matter.