Understanding Neurodiversity in Schools

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Neurodivergent students and staff are part of every school community. Yet many of the systems, structures and expectations in education have not been designed with neurodiversity in mind. This can lead to misunderstanding, distress, and missed opportunities for connection and growth. This course is for anyone working in schools who wants to better understand and support neurodivergent individuals, with a particular focus on autism. Grounded in current research and shaped by lived experience, it offers a fresh perspective on what it means to be inclusive – not by expecting neurodivergent people to fit in, but by adapting our environments and relationships to work better for everyone. You’ll explore key concepts such as the social model of disability, sensory processing, communication difference and masking, alongside practical strategies for building safety, predictability and trust. Through reflection and interactive discussion, you’ll leave with the tools to support neurodivergent students with greater empathy, insight and confidence – and to contribute to a school culture that better understands and values neurodiversity.

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BENEFITS OF ATTENDING

• Gain deeper insight into autism and neurodiversity
• Learn practical strategies to help neurodivergent students thrive
• Understand differences in expression and reduce misunderstandings
• Create safer, more accessible learning environments for all
• See beyond behaviour to understand needs and challenges
• Help build a culture that values and supports neurodiversity

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PROGRAMME

10.00am: What do we Mean by Neurodiversity – and Why Does It Matter?

• Exploring the concept of neurodiversity: from difference to diversity
• Autism through a neuro-affirmative lens: challenging old models
• Myths, misunderstandings and the impact of mislabelling
• The social model of disability: environment vs deficit
• Understanding the ‘double empathy problem’
• Why understanding leads to belonging – and belonging leads to learning

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10.45am: Break

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11.00am: Seeing Beneath the Surface: The Inner Experience of Autistic Learners

• Exploring sensory sensitivities and processing differences
• Understanding autistic communication: expression and reception
• What anxiety looks like in autistic students – and why it’s often hidden
• Masking and camouflaging: the cost of trying to fit in
• What behaviour might be telling us: moving from control to curiosity
• Listening to lived experience: insights from autistic voices

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12.15pm: Lunch

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1.15pm: Creating Safer Environments and Stronger Relationships

• The role of predictability, clarity and structure in supporting wellbeing
• Reducing cognitive load and sensory overwhelm
• Building relational safety: connection before correction
• Inclusive communication: reducing ambiguity and increasing access
• Co-regulation and emotional safety in classroom and corridor
• Adapting approaches without lowering expectations

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2.45pm: Break

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3.00pm: Embedding Neuro-Inclusion Across Your School

• Small changes, big impact: inclusive tweaks to everyday practice
• Supporting autistic staff and promoting a whole-school understanding
• Working collaboratively with families and external professionals
• Dealing with moments of rupture and repair with empathy
• From awareness to advocacy: sustaining the conversation
• Closing reflections and next steps

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3.45pm: Depart