FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Watoto Play Receives National Autistic Taskforce Founder’s Award to Launch Accessible Parent Wellbeing Programme Across Yorkshire
Watoto Play’s Finding My Steady with Glad We Talked® programme has received a Founder’s Award from the National Autistic Taskforce, created in memory of the late Dr Dinah Murray (1946–2021) and in celebration of her lasting contribution to the neurodiversity movement.
The award will enable Watoto Play to launch a family pilot of the five-part Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programme across LS21 and HG1 as part of its wider Emotionally Healthy Towns campaign, supporting emotional wellbeing, communication, and connection within families and communities.
Designed for neurodiverse families and communities, Finding My Steady with Glad We Talked® helps parents and carers better understand emotional regulation, nervous system responses, communication patterns, and relational wellbeing through practical and accessible tools.
For families within the LS21 and HG postcode areas, the programme will operate on a “pay what you decide” basis, allowing people to contribute whatever feels accessible to them – from 10p to £100 or more – helping remove barriers to emotional wellbeing support while also raising funds for The Principle Trust Children’s Charity and Otley Community Larder.
Dr Dinah Murray is widely respected for her contributions to autistic advocacy and education, including co-developing the Theory of Monotropism – a groundbreaking framework describing the autistic tendency toward deep and focused attention.
She also helped establish the National Autistic Taskforce to ensure autistic people had a stronger independent voice within research, policy, and society.
Watoto Play founder Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar said the award carries deep personal and professional meaning.
“To receive an award that honours Dr Dinah Murray’s memory and legacy feels incredibly meaningful,” she said.
“We know many families want support but often feel overwhelmed, isolated, or unsure where to turn – particularly following a diagnosis.
“Through both my professional work and lived experience as a neurodivergent trauma and relationship counsellor, I want families to know that psychoeducation, emotional awareness, and healthier communication tools can genuinely help people build steadier relationships, healthier communication, and more supported lives.
“This programme is about making emotional wellbeing support feel more accessible, human, and achievable for families and communities.”
Watoto Play is a female neurodivergent-owned and led mental health and wellbeing technology company creating creative and psychoeducational resources for families, schools, corporates, practitioners, and communities.
Its Emotionally Healthy Towns campaign aims to encourage more open conversations around emotional wellbeing, communication, neuro-inclusion, and relational health, particularly within communities navigating increasing mental health pressures and family stress.
According to NHS Digital, around 1 in 5 children and young people in England had a probable mental disorder in 2023, highlighting growing national concern around anxiety, emotional wellbeing, and access to early support for families.
Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar was previously featured as a Children’s Mental Health Ambassador by The Principle Trust Children’s Charity in recognition of her work supporting children and families across Yorkshire.
Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar was previously featured as Children’s Mental Health Ambassador by The Principle Trust Children’s Charity in recognition of her work supporting children and families across Yorkshire.
About Watoto Play
Watoto Play develops emotional wellbeing, communication, and psychoeducational resources focused on emotional regulation, neuro-inclusion, creativity, and healthier relationships. Its projects include Glad We Talked®, Scribbledeedo®, Neurosloth Academy®, Polyvagal Teen®, and World Stop Shouting Day.
Image courtesy of National Autistic Taskforce Social Media Faacebook Account
Details About Program
- Glad We Talked® Otley and Surrounding Areas LS21
- Glad We Talked® and Surrounding Areas HG
- For those outside this postcode for now there will be a self-paced paid version available from June 20206 – we will release details in June.
References:
- NHS Digital report:
Mental Health of Children and Young People in England 2023
Media Contact
Yasmin Shaheen-Zaffar
Watoto Play
yasmin@watotoplay.com
www.watotoplay.com
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