A Neurodivergent Perspective, Neurodiversity & Relationship Dynamics – 2 part training

What you'll learn

BSL-interpreted

An introduction to… A Neurodivergent Perspective 

According to several (admittedly questionable) mainstream newspapers, everyone is claiming to be neurodivergent nowadays, and autism and ADHD are being over-diagnosed by greedy service providers looking to cash in…

The truth is that statistics suggest that approximately 10%-30% of the population are likely to meet the diagnostic threshold of at least one neurodivergent condition, but rate of diagnoses falls far below those figures. What does this mean and why is it important? It means that many of us will embody certain neurodivergent traits, possibly enough to meet the diagnostic threshold, but may not recognise it. It is important, because without accurate framing, people are more likely to view those traits as character flaws. Re-framing that narrative helps to remove the element of shame and instead creates opportunity.

This workshop will take you through several topics related to both neurodiversity and neurodivergency; taking time to understand the community history as well as the evolving terminology that is in use. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about executive function and cognitive load theories, with regular opportunities to discuss the application of the theory in the context of our professional roles.

By the end of this workshop you will have an introduction to neurodiversity… from a neurodivergent perspective.

Learning outcomes:

• Understand the history of neurodiversity and the neurodivergent community
• Explore our understanding of relevant language and terminology
• Learn about executive function and cognitive load theories
• Begin to apply theoretical knowledge to professional practice

Neurodiversity and Relational Dynamics 

*This workshop is suitable for those who have attended the previous introductory workshop, or who already have a sound theoretical knowledge of neurodiversity*

Research has shown that effective communication, and positive social engagement, is more likely to be achieved when the participants share a neurotype – a similar way of processing information. It also shows that in mixed neurotype groups, communication is increasingly likely to break down, with participants experiencing more challenging relational dynamics. During this workshop, you will be encouraged to examine your own relational style, and how that intersects with others.

This workshop will build on some of the concepts presented in ‘An introduction to… A Neurodivergent Perspective’, thinking in more depth about executive functions and sensory processing; with a specific focus on interoceptive awareness – the sense related to understanding our thoughts and feelings. I will also introduce you to some of the social and cultural differences in neurodivergent communication styles, before using this knowledge as a basis for discussing our own internal biases and how they can influence our perception of events.

Learning outcomes:

• Use relevant theoretical knowledge as a framework to foster self-awareness and understand the lived experiences of others
• Expand understanding of how our own internal narratives can shape our social interactions
• Learn about social and cultural variations in neurodivergent communication styles
• Recognise how our knowledge informs the relationships we build with colleagues and clients