UNDERSTANDING NEURODIVERGENCE
Introduction to Autism
This training offers a comprehensive introduction to Autism, designed for anyone looking to build a deeper, more respectful understanding.
This training can be tailored to anyone – whether you are part of a workplace team, hospital or community service, education setting, third sector organisation, or a family or support network.
What is this session about?
We explore the historical framing of Autism, how it has been viewed through a medicalised, deficit-based lens, and contrast that with today’s evolving, neurodiversity-affirming paradigm.
The session highlights the shift from “what’s wrong?” medicalising and pathologising perspectives to “what’s different?” neurodiversity-affirming perspectives and why that change matters.
This session is a starting point for more inclusive practice, more confident support, and more compassionate understanding, centring lived experience and challenging outdated narratives.
You will gain a foundational understanding of:
The historical understanding of Autism and how it has evolved
The move from a medical model to a neurodiversity-affirming approach
Sensory, social and information processing differences and how they shape experiences
Autistic culture
Stimming and regulation
Language and lived experience representation
FAQs
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Yes. The training draws on current research as well as the lived experiences of Autistic people. It is designed to challenge stereotypes and offer practical insights rooted in real-world experiences.
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Absolutely. The training is neurodiversity-affirming and inclusive. It is designed to be supportive and validating for Autistic people as well as informative for allies and professionals.
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Yes. We can adapt content to suit different sectors, healthcare, education, business, support work, etc. Let us know your focus and we will shape the session accordingly.
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No prior knowledge is needed. This is an introductory session, designed to be accessible, and informative for everyone.
Suitable for professionals, teams, individuals, families, and carers.
This training is suitable for anyone looking to build a more lived experience informed and inclusive understanding of Autism, whether you are part of a workplace team, a hospital or community service, an education setting, a third sector organisation, or a family or support network. It is also valuable for Autistic individuals seeking a broader context post-diagnosis.