Is there a need for neurodiversity training?
The term ‘neurodiversity’ is used to refer to the natural variability that exists across the range of human neurology,. Including types of neurology that have generally been (and often still are) pathologised, for example, Autism, ADHD, Tourettes, OCD, BPD, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia.
To embrace the Neurodiversity paradigm means not only to be aware of this variability as a fact but also to celebrate it and to insist that society makes proper provision for these types of difference (in educational settings, places of employment, healthcare provision, etc). And, in terms of the law, autistic people do have legal rights to have services adjusted to meet their needs.
The Equality Act ,2010 , says that services, including mental health services, have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for a person with a disability so they are not at a disadvantage when compared to someone who does not have a disability
The National Autistic Society, 2023.
Growth in awareness and understanding of the Neurodiversity paradigm is one of this decade’s key themes, and yet, in our sector (improving mental health outcomes by providing therapy services) there is still a lot of work to be done in educating ourselves and re-thinking how we approach the theory and practice of the therapy that we provide to our clients.
The most frequently reported barrier to accessing services for mental health was the therapist having no or limited knowledge or experience of autism or therapists and services refusing to make alternations to treatments to support the individual on the spectrum. Adams , D. and Young,, K. (2021) ‘A Systematic Review of the Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Accessing Psychological Treatment for Mental Health Problems in Individuals on the Autism Spectrum’
Vanguard Neurodiversity Training are at the forefront of this work. The trainers have many years of personal and professional experience in the areas of therapy, delivery of training, and working with neurodivergence, as well as of experience in supporting other therapists. We are available to provide live and interactive online training, to healthcare professionals and other professionals - such as to therapists, to students, to organisations, and to any group who has become aware of their need for accurate and up-to-date information and skill-building on this topic.
Our course for psychotherapists and counsellors is now open for registration ‘Certificate in Working Therapeutically with Autistic Adults’ so please do get in touch if you would like to register. Vauna and I will be hosting a Q&A session on Zoom on Wednesday 30th August and you are invited.
