Storying Beyond Social Difficulties with Neuro-Diverse Adolescents
In 2020 Belinda Dean contributed to a publication called Storying Beyond Social Difficulties with Neuro-Diverse Adolescents: The "Imagine, Create, Belong" Social Development Programme. This publication was the work of 6 researchers from Australia with the intent to increase the capacity of young people ages 11-15 years to understand and respond appropriately to social situation through play.
'Imagine, Create, Belong' is an exceptionally innovative 8-session program that fills a gap for neuro-diverse youth aged 11-15 who struggle with responding to and understanding social situations. It is both culturally and developmentally sensitive and identifies the importance of missing links in early foundational play development. A first of its' kind, the program focusses on neuro-responsive social scaffolding using play-based movie-making activities. Engaging and fun, it is inclusive of neuro-diverse students in both main-stream and special-education settings. 'Imagine, Create, Belong' presents break-through concepts in how to assist youth who struggle with social engagement. This is an essential program for all child and youth therapists!
Lorri Yasenik, PhD, RSW, RPT-S, CPT-S, Co-Director of Rocky Mountain Play Therapy Institute
Written by
Sophie Goldingay is a senior lecturer and Associate Head of School, Teaching and Learning, in the School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
Karen Stagnitti is Emeritus Professor in the School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia.
Belinda Dean is a lecturer in Play Therapy at Deakin University, Geelong, Australia, and holds a Master's degree in Child Play Therapy.
Narelle Robertson is a researcher at the Centre for Project Evaluation at Melbourne University, Australia.
Donna Davidson is an occupational therapist and play therapist.
Eleanor Francis is a speech pathologist who has worked with children and adults in a variety of settings.
See the Imagine Create Belong Website here: https://www.imaginecreatebelong.com/
And to engage in Imagine Create Belong training go to Learn to Play Events here: https://www.learntoplayevents.com/events/
