A different approach for kids who don’t fit the mold

Play therapy and parent support for neurodivergent families

When you first become a parent, it’s easy to imagine the exciting milestones:

  • first words

  • starting school

  • making friends

  • and all the things we’re told to expect.

But for some families, things don’t go exactly to plan.

  • your child isn’t communicating the way you hoped.

  • school feels harder than it should.

  • they don’t seem interested in other kids.

You’re left wondering why what works for other families doesn’t seem to work for yours. 

You might even be wondering…
is this normal?

Here’s the reality:

Mainstream parenting advice is designed for mainstream kids.

When you first noticed these differences, you may have felt confused, frustrated, or even guilty. Over time, that can turn into shame, fear that you’re failing your child, or exhaustion from constantly trying to “fix” things.

But when your child’s brain works differently, those approaches can fall flat. Not because you’re doing anything wrong, but because they were never designed with your family in mind.

A differently wired brain can affect communication, emotional regulation, learning, and social connection. With the right support, these challenges don’t have to define your child, or your relationship with them.

If your child struggles with behavior, school, or connection at home, a different approach can help you understand what’s actually going on and how to support them in ways that work.

Services

AutPlay Therapy

A play therapy protocol that supports families and individuals with ADHD, autism, cognitive delays and other neurodivergent diagnosis.

Parenting Support

Being a parent can be hard and sometimes we need some help. There are many parent focused therapies that guidance for many different parent child relationships.

Clinical Supervision

Seeking your clinical license in the state of Oregon? I offer clinical supervision that focuses on neurodivergent acceptance.

Hi there!

I’m Samuel (he/him), but you can call me Sam.

I’m a family therapist who specializes in working with neurodivergent kids and the adults who care for them. My work is grounded in the belief that kids aren’t problems to be fixed, they’re people trying to make sense of a world that often wasn’t designed with them in mind.

My work with children who experience social or emotional challenges is what ultimately led me to AutPlay Therapy- a play therapy protocol specifically designed for neurodivergent kids. AutPlay supports children who are autistic, ADHD, socially anxious, highly sensitive, or navigating learning, developmental, or physical disabilities. I’m now a Certified AutPlay Therapy Provider and I provide clinical supervision to professionals dedicated to providing neurodiversity-affirming child and family therapy.

Through this work I have helped many families, just like yours, in finding and taking that different approach. One that builds understanding, strengthens connection, and helps kids develop skills they can carry with them.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Individual, and family therapy and professional trainings.

  • Click the button below to schedule a consultation.

  • Yes! Along with my training to support children and their families, I also have the education and training to support a multitude of mental health concerns across several ages.

  • I am paneled with Moda insurance and then offer a sliding scale fee for those seeking support otherwise. This will be discuss during the initial consultation.

Let’s talk about what support could look like

for your family

Schedule Consultation