EDU_02EngagingTeam Education
Neurodiversity awareness training
Summary
Provide education and training for all staff on neurodiversity and neuroaffirmative approaches, co-designed with neurodivergent people.
Supporting information
Neurodivergent patients often face barriers in healthcare settings designed for neurotypical people. Team education can help staff feel more confident, reduce misunderstandings, and support better, more inclusive care for both patients and colleagues. Training helps staff provide affirming care that works with, rather than against, neurodivergent patients and staff.
Approaches to implementation:
- Deliver training co-designed with neurodivergent people and advocacy groups
- Cover autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other forms of neurodivergence through a neuroaffirmative lens
- Teach practical frameworks like Autistic SPACE: Sensory adjustments, Predictability, Acceptance, Communication adaptations, and Empathy
- Use education resources from Autistic Doctors International and neurodivergent-led organisations
- Cover autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and other forms of neurodivergence
- Focus on environmental modifications and flexible consultation approaches
- Challenge deficit-based models by highlighting neurodivergent strengths and perspectives
Key benefits: Improves healthcare experiences for neurodivergent patients and staff, reduces misunderstandings that lead to poor care, and creates more flexible, inclusive practice environments benefiting everyone.
Resources
Links open on other organisations' websites.