Embracing Difference is an important aspect of Neurodiversity

This Neurodiversity course has been developed to improve understanding and knowledge regarding neurodivergent individuals. 

It is studied by distance learning.  You can start at any time to suit you and work at your own pace.

It was written by experienced ACS writers with knowledge of neurodiversity, the myths and misconceptions regarding neurodiversity and how to embrace neurodiversity in education, counselling and the workplace.

During this Course 

• Students will develop their understanding of neurodiversity and how neurodivergence influences personal and professional lives.
• Students will be inspired by their learning and want to take their research and reading beyond the course materials.
• Understand the myths and misconceptions about neurodiversity and how neurodivergent individuals can benefit organisations through their problem solving skills, creativity and ways of thinking.

Students will Study 

• The impact of neurodivergence on individuals at work and at home.
• Techniques to support neurodivergent people in education and counselling.
• The benefits and difficulties of neurodiverse relationships – friendships and romantic relationships.

The course has eight lessons. Each lesson has carefully constructed activities, tasks and assignments to help students to gain an in-depth understanding of neurodiversity.

Lesson 1: Scope and Nature of Neurodiversity

• History of the term ‘Neurodiversity’
• What is neurodiversity today
• The difference between neurotypical and neuro divergent brains
• The neuro divergent experience
• Other considerations
  

Lesson 2: Neurodiversity & Childhood

• Gender and neurodiversity
• Education
• Stereotyped behaviour
• Mental health and neurodiversity
• Strategies to help neurodivergent children
  

Lesson 3: Neurodiversity & Adolescence

• The transition from childhood to adolescence
• Exercise and neurodivergent adolescents
• Bullying in adolescence 
• Neurodiversity and mental health in adolescents
• Adolescence and coping strategies
  

Lesson 4: Neurodiversity in Adulthood

• Neurodivergent adults and quality of life
• Barriers to quality of life in neurodivergent individuals
• Improving quality of life for neurodivergent individuals
• Practical coping strategies for neurodivergent adults
• Neurodiversity and work
• Professional development
  

Lesson 5: Neurodiversity and Relationships

• Relationships and neurodivergent individuals
• Interpersonal relations
• Neurodiverse work relationships
• Self-help groups
  

Lesson 6: Neurodiversity in Education

• Neurodivergent children and education
• Teaching strategies for neurodivergent students
• Identifying strengths
• Universal design for learning
• Presenting information
• General approaches in education
  

Lesson 7: Neurodiversity in the Workplace

• Underemployment and unemployment 
• The benefits of neurodivergent employees 
• "Neurodivergent jobs"
• Preparing for interviews
• Maintaining neurodivergent individuals in the workplace

Lesson 8: Counselling Neuro divergent Individuals

• Introduction
• Diagnosis
• Counselling neurodivergent clients
• Neurodiversity affirming support
• Counselling techniques
• Case study – counselling for ADHD
• Counselling young neurodivergent people
• International organisations that support neurodiversity
  
   

This detailed and thorough course requires a commitment from students to study and learn.

At the end of each lesson there is an assignment to submit to your tutor for marking and feedback.

Students can also contact the tutor with any questions throughout the course.

WHO IS THIS NEURODIVERSITY COURSE FOR?

The neurodiversity course is suitable for –

• Teachers
• Parents/foster parents
• Counsellors
• Support workers
• Human Resources Staff
• Trainers
• Teaching Assistants
• Charity Workers
• Volunteers
• Managers
• Anyone who works or knows a neurodivergent individual and wants to understand more.

THE LEARNING

The course contains psychological theory, but also practical strategies and approaches to understand more about neurodiversity and how to support neurodivergent individuals.

The course teaches people how to:

• Define neurodiversity.
• Understand the myths and misconceptions about neurodiversity.
• Support neurodivergent individuals in the workplace, education and counselling.
• Understand the challenges and benefits of neurodiverse relationships.

This course improves understanding regarding neurodiversity and enables students to embrace neurodiversity in the workplace and personally.