Course Introduction

This is a new, accredited and in-depth training course designed for coaches, mentors and disability professionals that would like to learn more about neurodiversity, to support neurodivergent clients in the workplace. There are 9 modules that have been organised into 6 interactive live online sessions.

Overall aim

The course, which is accredited by CPD UK, helps towards continued professional development. By the end of the course, participants will have gained knowledge across a range of disabilities and feel more empowered to confidently assist neurodivergent clients in the workplace.

Presenter bio

Tanja Conway-Grim is a specialist senior coach supporting neurodivergent people in the workplace. With firsthand experience as an autistic individual with ADHD and dyspraxia, Tanja offers a unique perspective. She is dedicated to mentoring coaches and developing comprehensive training programs on neurodiversity. She works with a wide range of organisations and services, including police, fire & rescue services, NHS, mental health trusts, charities, community organisations, universities, county councils, coaching organisations, and many more.

Overall learning outcomes

To develop a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and the main challenges, barriers and strengths:

• To be confident in your ability to work with neurodivergent people in the workplace and to support them in the most effective way possible.
• To increase understanding of what being neurodivergent may mean to a working individual.
• To demonstrate awareness for the potential of co-occurring conditions, sensory overwhelm, and masking behaviour.
• To be able to explain the importance of not making assumptions about understanding of communications – always check, clarify, rephrase, etc as necessary.
• To acknowledge assumptions and biases around perceptions of neurodivergent conditions.
• To demonstrate awareness of the likelihood of low self-esteem and high levels of anxiety when working with neurodivergent people in the workplace.
• To explain the importance of being non-judgemental and having an open mind when working with neurodivergent people in the workplace.
• To be able to explain an understanding of communication, environmental and sensory needs of the individual and make reasonable adjustments accordingly.
• To be able to critically reflect on current working practices such as interview questions and feel confident to support coaching clients.
• To be able and confident in putting together an effective coaching programme for neurodivergent people in the workplace.

Overview of the modules and learning outcomes

Module 1 –Introduction to neurodiversity

Learning outcomes: To be able to describe the main concepts of neurodiversity and describe the strengths and challenges of ND conditions.

Module 2 –Co-occurring conditions

Learning outcomes: To develop an understanding of co-occurring conditions and be aware of physical, mental & ND co-occurrences/co-morbidities.

Module 3 -Communication

Learning outcomes: To understand the basic principles of communication and to use effective communication with neurodiversity in mind.

Module 4 – Masking, camouflaging & scaffolding

Learning outcomes: Be able to explain what masking, camouflaging & scaffolding is and to feel confident to help a coaching client to unmask in a safe way.

Module 5 –Sensory, tactile & environmental impacts

Learning outcomes: To show awareness of sensory, tactile & environmental challenges and be able to develop strategies to support.

Module 6 –Neurodiversity coaching

Learning outcomes: To be aware of different coaching models and demonstrate an understanding of & confidence in using coaching strategies.

Module 7 – Autism Spectrum Conditions

Learning outcomes: To show an understanding of what autism is and is not. To be confident to support and work with ASC clients.

Module 8 – ADHD

Learning outcomes: To demonstrate an understanding of ADHD and it complexities and to be confident to support & work with ADHD clients.

Module 9 –Dyslexia & Dyscalculia

Learning outcomes: To develop an understanding of dyslexia & dyscalculia and feel confident to support and work with dyslexia & dyscalculia.

Module 10 – Dyspraxia & Dysgraphia

Learning outcomes: To demonstrate an understanding of dyspraxia & dysgraphia and develop confidence to support and work with dyspraxia & dysgraphia.