About

Neuro‑affirming support for Play, Development and Learning

Diverse Pathways helps educators, specialists, and families better understand and support neurodivergent children and young people.

We translate research into practical, compassionate strategies that honour difference, build capability, and improve everyday experiences at home, in classrooms, and across learning environments.

Whether you are teaching, supporting, or parenting, you will find clear guidance, evidence‑informed tools, and resources designed to meet children where they are.

Led by Kerry Murphy

Diverse Pathways for Early Childhood is led by Kerry Murphy, an early childhood specialist, lecturer, trainer and researcher working at the intersection of neurodiversity, play and inclusive practice.

This work draws on practice-based knowledge, academic research and collaboration with educators, families and specialists. All core frameworks and play patterns within Diverse Pathways are original work developed by Kerry Murphy and the Neurodiversity-Affirming Early Childhood Collective and should be used with attribution.

You can find more about the collective members under About Us.

Work with Kerry

Featured Project

Autistic Play Patterns

Autistic Play Patterns describe recurring ways autistic children explore, connect and make meaning through play.

They offer an alternative to deficit-led interpretations of play by recognising autistic play as meaningful, developmental and relational. Diverse Pathways exists to offer an alternative.

This work supports educators, parents and professionals to recognise difference, honour children’s ways of being, and move towards more affirming and relational practice.

They are designed to support educators, parents and professionals to observe play more carefully, plan more attuned environments, and advocate for autistic children without pathologising difference.

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Attribution and Use

All frameworks, play patterns, written guidance and visual materials on this site are original work developed by Kerry Murphy and The Neurodiversity Affirming Early Years Collective as part of the Diverse Pathways for Early Childhood project.

Materials may be used for personal learning, reflective practice and discussion with clear attribution. Reproduction, redistribution, adaptation, training delivery or commercial use without permission is not permitted. Please read our full attribution statement below.

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About

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Led by Kerry Murphy

Featured Project

Autistic Play Patterns

Attribution and Use

About

Choose your pathway...

For Educators

For Parents & Carers

For Specialists

For Specialists

For Parents & Carers

For Specialists

For Parents & Carers

For Parents & Carers

For Parents & Carers

Led by Kerry Murphy

Featured Project

Autistic Play Patterns

Attribution and Use

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