Positive about neurodiversity
It is estimated that 1% of the Scottish population is autistic and approximately 3-5% has ADHD and that 1 in 7 of the UK population is neurodivergent. This means that a significant proportion of people in every business, school and therapy clinic is neurodivergent.
As well as being a human right and legal obligation to support everyone according to their need, it just makes sense to ensure that everyone is able to be their best self. When we feel valued, we feel better and are likely to contribute more. If everyone’s needs are met, then productivity, creativity, wellbeing, and harmony are certain to increase.
I have many years’ experience delivering training and workshops in a variety of contexts, both online and in person. Some examples are: Sheffield and Midlothian councils; multiple primary and secondary schools; parents' workshops in conjunction with CAMHS and Speech and Language Therapy; the Thistle Foundation and Edinburgh Rape Crisis.
I work in partnership with other practitioners when different areas of expertise or lived experience will enhance the aims of the project. I would be delighted to discuss your needs and how we can work together to create a package that enhances understanding of autism and neurodiversity in your context, and to develop strategies that work for everyone in your organisation. Please contact me to arrange an initial discussion.
I’m preparing some future sessions for private practitioners in counselling and therapy who want to improve their work with neurodivergent clients. Please contact me if you would like further information.
Great training , really enjoyed it and found it so helpful to make sure I am always thinking about my practice.
It was an absolutely excellent session and is really appreciated. And I am not just saying that - I'm always honest in these forms!!
Thank you for the friendly, knowledgeable approach. The day whizzed by.
Lots of time for discussion and interaction. Lived experience perspective.
I really appreciated not being put on the spot - so many trainings force a check in/check out or pick on people which is so stressful! I felt very relaxed in this session and able to absorb all the information. Thank you both!
I have noticed we work with a lot of neurodivergent service users and I want to ensure I know how best to make my support accessible and helpful for them. I learned a lot! I have not come across many of the concepts before including masking, monotropism. Great to reflect on practical considerations.
Thank you it's been one of the best training I've done in ages!
Do you have an issue around neurodiversity and you're not quite sure where to start?
Maybe you want to create policies which support colleagues?
Maybe you were recently diagnosed and are finding it all a bit overwhelming?
Maybe something happened which you feel you'd like to talk through but you're not sure where to begin?
I can probably help you.
25 years ago I began working as a teacher with autistic young people, their families, and staff in schools. 10 years ago I discovered my own neurodivergence and also began working with adults and learning about how ADHD and autism show up in women. I'm an active member of the movement which is celebrating neuro- and all kinds of diversity. I've facilitated countless practical training sessions and supported hundreds of people to find answers and solutions, in families and in the workplace.
The skills I've honed as a therapist and coach and my many years' lived and professional experience make me confident I can help you find your answers and solutions.
To learn more about how I can help your organisation be more supportive of autism and neurodiversity, contact me to arrange an initial discussion.