This one-day course at our Sighthill campus aims to help Health & Social Care Practitioners develop a foundation of knowledge and communication skills to provide more effective support for neurodiverse clients/patients.
The aim of this evidence-based course is in line with the Scottish Government Strategy highlighting the need to educate and train healthcare professionals in the area of autism, and responds to recent research demonstrating:
- A consistent rise in the prevalence of Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in recent years
- Limited knowledge and understanding of the needs of neurodiverse people among healthcare professionals
- The negative impact of healthcare professionals’ poor understanding of neurodiverse individuals' needs on the quality of care, eg. it is evident that autistic patients in the UK delay or avoid healthcare because they do not feel understood by healthcare professionals
This CPD course is designed to be of interest and relevance to professionals/trainees from a wide range of Health and Social Care settings including:
- Registered Nurses
- Allied Health Professionals
- Nursing Associates
- Healthcare Assistants
- Social work assistants
- Team Leaders
What will I learn?
By the end of this module you will be able to:
- Explain the concept of neurodiversity.
- Recognise how your attitudes towards neurodiversity may affect your behaviours in professional practice.
- Identify common difficulties, strengths, and unique attributes of neurodiverse individuals.
- Discuss the importance of integrating a strength-based approach in support of neurodiverse individuals.
- Demonstrate how to use strength-based language in professional practice while supporting neurodiverse clients/patients.
Who will teach me?
The course is delivered by an academic lecturer/researcher who is a Chartered Psychologist and a qualified CBT therapist, with personal experience of neurodiversity.
Entry criteria
This course is open to a wide range of Health and Social Care Practitioners (e.g. registered nurses, doctors), Allied Health Professionals, Nursing Associates, Healthcare Assistants, Social work assistants.
Course dates and duration
This course will run at our Sighthill campus on Thursday 10 September 2026.
Delivery mode
A wide range of learning activities and resources will be used. In addition to listening to PowerPoint presentation, you will have an opportunity to work on a clinical scenario (groupwork); complete online self-assessment tests measuring your knowledge and attitudes towards neurodiversity (individual work), and reflect on how your attitudes may affect your behaviours in professional practice (groupwork).
Cost
The course fee is £100.
Payment by invoice
If your employer is paying on your behalf, please complete our online application form, which includes a section for your employers details.
Additional information
What will I get after completion of the course?
On completion of the online course, you will receive a CPD certificate of attendance as demonstration of your learning.
What past participants have said
'I attended this one day course and can truly say it was well run and very informative and has led to improved patient care in our department. I increased my own awareness and knowledge of neurodiversity and the practical session allowed time to reflect during the course on what are we going to do next with this information to improve patient care for people trying to access and attending our outpatient services. We have gone on to implement change in the department as a direct result of knowledge gained. This has improved patient experience as outlined in feedback we have received.' - Dr SB, Consultant, NHS Fife