A Dramatherapist’s Perspective on Neurodivergence in Therapy

As Neurodiversity Week comes to a close, I reflect on my work as a dramatherapist with neurodivergent children and young people (CYP). As we celebrate the richness of neurodiversity, I’m particularly mindful of how neurodivergence shapes not only the therapeutic process but also the opportunities for growth and learning. My role is to support CYP in exploring their identities, emotions, and challenges through creative expression. But what happens when both the therapist and the child/young person share a neurodivergent experience?

We Are Bettertogether

Being neurodivergent myself, I approach therapy with a deep understanding of how the brain and body respond to the work. It means embracing the uniqueness of self and other in the creative process, using these experiences to connect with CYP in ways that might otherwise be overlooked. However, when I meet a young person who shares similar neurodivergent characteristics, but processes the world in their own distinct way, the challenges are clear.

Every individual’s brain is wired uniquely. The child/young person may have different sensory sensitivities, focus difficulties, or struggles with social communication that can make our sessions unpredictable and, at times, disjointed. Yet, these challenges present opportunities for growth for both of us. Dramatherapy offers a powerful foundation for this exploration. Through role-play, movement, and storytelling, we express feelings that are often too difficult to articulate with words. These creative tools help externalise the internal world, providing a path for self-expression that can be difficult for neurodivergent individuals.

The real magic happens when we adapt the tools to meet the child/young person where they are. It’s not about fitting them into a conventional framework but creating a space of trust, openness, and flexibility. As we celebrate neurodiversity, we honour each individual’s unique attributes and foster an environment where growth and creativity flourish.