Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Course Overview

In today’s diverse workplaces, understanding and supporting neurodiversity is no longer optional — it is a key driver of inclusion, innovation, psychological safety, and talent retention. Neurodiversity recognises that conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and others represent natural variations in human cognition, each bringing unique strengths alongside specific processing and environmental needs. Many workplace behaviours traditionally labelled as “challenging” are often symptoms of unmet needs, neurological differences, or overload rather than deliberate attitude problems. When these needs go unrecognised or unsupported, they can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, burnout, masking, reduced performance, and higher turnover — particularly among neurodivergent employees who may be masking traits to fit in.

This practical, strengths-based one-day course moves beyond awareness to actionable skills and mindset shifts. Participants will learn to:

Recognise common neurodivergent traits and strengths without jumping to diagnosis
Identify when “challenging” behaviour may signal unmet needs rather than choice.
Use neuro-affirming tools to prevent friction and build trust
Adapt communication, feedback, meetings, and environments to support diverse brains
Create psychologically safe teams where everyone — neurodivergent and neurotypical — can thrive

Who Should Attend

This training is designed for anyone who works closely with others and wants to lead or collaborate more inclusively in neurodiverse teams. It is especially valuable for:

Line managers and team leaders
HR business partners and employee relations specialists
Learning & development / DEI professionals
Project managers and supervisors
Anyone in collaborative or client-facing roles (e.g., consultants, trainers, service leads)
Senior leaders wanting to build modern, neuro-affirming cultures
Colleagues who regularly work in mixed neurotype teams and want to reduce friction and increase cohesio

PLEASE NOTE: The information provided in this course is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. It is not a substitute for professional legal counsel or organisational compliance training. Participants remain responsible for ensuring adherence to applicable laws and policies, including any duties related to neurodiversity under equality legislation. PTP accepts no liability for any decisions made based on this training.

This course qualifies for Continuous Professional Development hours. Learn more about CPD

Timetable

9.30: Coffee and Introductions

Course Objectives, Introduction to Neurodiversity, Key ways to recognise Neurodivergent traits in workplace settings.

10.15 am: Appreciating Neurodivergent Strengths and Differences

Identify key strengths and unique perspectives that neurodivergent individuals often bring. Challenge deficit-based views by reframing common behaviours through a neurodiversity lens.

11.00 am: Coffee break.

11.10 am: Understanding conflict.

How misunderstandings arise in neurodiverse interactions. Identify team level conflict patterns influenced by differing neurotypes.

12.00: Conflict Resolution Strategies and Models

Apply key models to analyse and resolve conflicts.

1.00: Lunch break

2.00 pm: Emotional Intelligence and Assertiveness

Recognise personal and others’ emotional triggers in neurodiverse contexts. Practise assertive communication techniques.

2.45 pm: Management styles and de-escalation strategies

Compare different styles and their impact in neurodiverse teams. Apply de-escalation techniques to manage heightened situations. Deliver constructive feedback.

3.15pm – 4.30pm: Building Psychological Safety and Supportive Practices

Understand the importance psychological safety in neurodiverse teams. Identify the knowledge, attitude, skills, and habits needed to foster inclusion and self-care. Commit to personal and team actions for ongoing support while protecting their own well being.

Benefits

Increased confidence in handling a wide range of workplace behaviours without jumping to judgment or personalising them
Reduced stress and conflict — learn to de-escalate situations (especially meltdowns/shutdowns) quickly and calmly instead of escalating or feeling helpless
Stronger psychological safety — create environments where people feel safe to be themselves, leading to more honest communication and innovation
Improved communication skills — master clear, direct, neuro-affirming ways of giving feedback, setting expectations, and asking for needs
Enhanced leadership & management capability — adapt your style to diverse brains → become a more inclusive, effective leader
Personal emotional resilience — use tools to manage your own triggers and reactions when faced with unexpected behaviours
Personal growth — shift from “How do I make them change?” to “How can we all work better together?” — a more compassionate, effective mindset

Managing Neurodiversity in the Workplace

Course Overview

Timetable

Benefits