Critical neurodiversity awareness training
Your business can’t afford to stay in the dark about neurodiversity.
It’s about supporting diversity – and supporting your business objectives. Neurodiverse people offer novel solutions and skills that can help your business thrive. We offer courses that help you get more from your people.
You can also take an expert-led workshop on a specific type of neurodivergence. And if your business has specific needs, we can run tailored workshops to precisely suit your requirements.
To arrange a workshop, gives us a call on 0208 133 6046
or
What is workplace neurodiversity awareness training?
Workplace neurodiversity awareness training is a programme aimed at increasing everyone's understanding and acceptance of the differences in cognitive processing and neurodevelopmental conditions within the workplace. These neurological differences could span autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Asperger and more.
This type of training is hugely beneficial, equipping employees and employers with the knowledge and tools to create a more inclusive work environment. It addresses misconceptions and biases, encourages accommodation, and fosters effective communication and collaboration.
Why is neurodiversity training important in the workplace?
Neurodiverse individuals have many distinct talents and skills that hold significant value in the workplace. However, they often encounter challenges because many workplaces are not conducive to their learning styles, stopping them from performing at their best.
Neurodiversity training aims to rectify this issue by promoting awareness about neurodiversity and the simple adjustments that can enhance employee performance. Throughout the training, employees will gain insights and appreciation for the diverse work approaches of neurodivergent individuals.
By cultivating a safe and supportive workplace, your business can boost employee confidence and enhance both team collaboration and individual productivity.
What does the neurodiversity training cover?
Neurodiversity training comprehensively covers several key areas. Simply put, it educates participants about different neurodivergent conditions like autism, ADHD and dyslexia, reducing stigma and fostering empathy.
It emphasises the importance of accommodating neurodivergent individuals by providing strategies for reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
The training addresses common misconceptions and biases related to neurodiversity and offers guidance on effective communication and collaboration with neurodivergent colleagues. It also highlights legal requirements for accommodations and ethical considerations.
Ultimately, neurodiversity training is designed to create a more inclusive and accepting workplace culture that leverages the unique strengths and talents of neurodivergent individuals, leading to a more diverse and innovative workforce.
Who is the training suitable for?
Neurodiversity training is ideal for a wide audience, including employers, managers, and employees seeking to expand their knowledge about neurodiversity support in professional settings. This programme can extend to both the public and private sectors, as well as voluntary organisations.
Why choose Exceptional Individuals for your neurodiversity training courses?
At Exceptional Individuals, we’re dedicated to supporting businesses in their mission to become more neuro-inclusive We’re passionate about opening up employment opportunities for those with autism, ADHD, and other neurological conditions, and with over half our team being neurodivergent with lived experience, we’re the best people for the job.
How neurodiversity can impact an employer and employee
Employer
Neurodiversity can have a huge impact on the business, and much of this is positive as long as the business has taken steps to become neuro-inclusive.
There are many positive elements to hiring neurodiverse employees, however, it’s important to consider the challenges if your workplace hasn’t undergone neurodiversity training. Neurodiverse employees may have different needs and need more time with certain working elements. If not considered and understood, neurodiversity can be a challenge for employers in the workplace.
At Exceptional Individuals, our neurodiversity training offers businesses in the UK and internationally an insight into the many strengths of neurodiversity. For example:
- Neurodivergent employees can bring unique perspectives and problem-solving skills to the business.
- Creating a diverse team creates a more inclusive company culture that will attract and retain more employees.
- By considering neurodiverse employees, you’re tapping into a broader talent pool that can help you create an exceptional team.
- Neurodiverse individuals bring creative thinking, strong focus, and attention to detail.
Employee
Neurodiversity can impact an employee greatly, especially if the workplace hasn’t taken the necessary steps to become neuro-inclusive. Neurodivergent people may have to face challenges every day at work, including:
- Sensitivities to bright lights, loud or repetitive noises, and interruptions
- Difficulty staying organised
- Communication issues between colleagues
- Difficulty navigating social interactions
- Difficulty adjusting to default systems and practices if they are not streamlined
- Problems managing workload, e.g. prioritisation, breaking down large tasks, consistent scheduling etc.
By taking part in neurodiversity awareness training, they can create a workplace that is more inclusive, supportive, and empowering for neurodiverse individuals.
The benefits of neurodiversity staff training:
Creating an open and inclusive workplace
Neurodiversity training helps neurodiverse individuals feel more comfortable in the workplace and feel safe to talk about their needs. It starts the conversation and makes it easier for neurodiverse employees to share their experiences and ideas.
Improving communication in the workplace
Our training encourages understanding of different communication styles which leads to better teamwork and reduced misunderstandings. For example, employees can begin to understand how neurodiverse people may take in information in a different way to them, and they can alter their way of communicating to match. Some individuals may be visual learners, whereas others may need written step-by-step instructions.
Reduced bias
Neurodiversity training raises awareness about unconscious bias, which creates a fairer workplace. This can help managers become more aware of their unconscious bias and begin to focus on a variety of strengths.
Increased staff retention
A supportive workplace can improve job satisfaction and retention of staff. The more a workplace adjusts to the needs of their neurodiverse employees, the more they are likely to stay for a long time. A huge part of staff turnover is employees feeling uncomfortable in their environment, either physically or mentally, and neurodiversity training can prevent this.
Access to specialised knowledge and expertise
Our neurodiversity trainers have first-hand experience and knowledge of neurodiversity in the workplace, with over half of our staff at any given time being neurodivergent themselves.
Lived experiences
Our Exceptional Individuals providers have unique lived experiences of neurodivergency and can, therefore, demonstrate the benefits of a truly inclusive environment, encourage disclosure, and express their personally understood experiences and resolutions.
The difference between neurodiversity training and consultancy
neurodiversity training and consultancy work together to help create a more inclusive work environment, but what’s the difference? Training has the end goal of creating an inclusive environment for all. It provides employers and employees with the knowledge and tools they need to help neurodivergent employees thrive whilst reducing stigma in the workplace.
Neurodiversity consultancy, on the other hand, offers advice and guidance on all things neurodiversity depending on your business’ unique needs and circumstances.
FAQs
What are some examples of reasonable accommodations for neurodiverse employees?
There are many ways businesses can make neurodivergent employees feel comfortable enough to perform to the best of their ability at work, including flexible working hours, adjusted communication methods, quiet spaces, and assistive technology.
How long does the training take?
At Exceptional Individuals, we have a suite of training programmes with sessions ranging from 60 minutes to 2 hours. The length of your training will depend on the programme you choose and the needs of your business.
Do you offer online training?
Most of our training is predominantly online due to the nature of our team and the availability of our trainers. We may be able to arrange face-to-face training at your request.
How many people can join one session?
During an online training session, we can have 25-100 people on the call. Face-to-face training sessions depend on the capacity of the venue.
Can neurodiversity training help prevent discrimination?
Our neurodivergent training can raise awareness of unconscious bias and provide employers and employers with the tools they need to address it and prevent it in the workplace.
Your neurodiversity workshop & training team
Meet the people who’ll make neurodivergence work for you.
Click on their pictures to discover more.
What our clients say
We’ve delivered over 1,200 workshops, creating inclusive, better-balanced teams across the country. See what those teams have to say…
Want to see how neurodivergence training could transform your business?
Contact us or call 0208 133 6046.