This course introduces Positive Psychology-informed Strengths-based approaches to Neurodiversity & Inclusion at work.

It is an informative and insightful course designed for those practicing, managing, and leading… and those who are neurodivergent themselves!

The concept of neurodiversity and being more inclusive of neurodivergent individuals in professional settings is on that has been gaining visibility. This introductory course explores concepts within Positive Psychology such as Strengths, Authenticity, Resilience, Positive Emotions, and Motivation within the context of Strengths-based approaches to Neurodiversity & Inclusion at Work.

Neurodiversity refers to a difference in the way that the brain receives and interprets information. The term includes autism, attention deficit, dyspraxia, dyslexia, and other conditions that affect the way we think, interpret, react and interact with the world around us.

All too often, these differences in how the brain functions are seen as weaknesses not only by the workplace but sometimes also by the neurodivergent individuals themselves. Our aim is to help educate people on neurodiversity and highlight some of the strengths that these individuals can bring to their work, whether they are employed or self-employed.

Please note this is an introductory course that will provide you with information and reflective practice guidance to support your personal and/or professional development.

To gain a richer understanding of Neurodiversity & Inclusion at work, and become qualified to practice in this area, we recommend applying for our Level 3 Certificate in Neurodiversity & Inclusion (Train the Trainer) qualification, which includes full access to this CPD course.

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1. Course Overview

This introductory course explores the concept of neurodiversity and inclusion at work and how to create a positive organisational culture that includes neurodivergent individuals. It will raise your awareness of neurodiversity and a strengths-based approach to including neurodivergent individuals at work. It does this while also encouraging you to reflect on yourself and take action (or not) where needed.

This course will provide you with self-paced 6 x 2-hour recorded training sessions as follows:

Session 1: Introducing Neurodiversity & Inclusion

This session introduces neurodiversity and inclusion policy at work, and the concept of Psychologically Informed Environments – in other words, professional spaces where neurodivergent individuals feel safe to be themselves, engage their strengths, do their work, form positive working relationships, and ultimately be well and thrive.

Session 2: Engaging Neurodivergent Strengths

This session introduces Positive Psychology Character Strengths and Virtues and how to spot them in yourself and your team members or employees. You will learn how to identify strengths in your neurodivergent team members and facilitate team discussions and individual reflections on how to integrate neurodiverse strengths into organisational culture.

Session 3: Authenticity, Mental Health & Wellbeing

This session explores what authenticity is, why it matters to mental health and wellbeing from a neurodiverse perspective. It also explores the emotional and cognitive aspects of hope and fear, and obstacles and pathways to being authentic at work for neurodivergent individuals.

Session 4: Resilience in Systems, Groups & Individuals

This session explores the dynamics of resilience in individuals, groups, and systems at work. It explores the relevance of negative states and communications styles, and how organisational and professional communications can be developed to be more supportive to neurodivergent individuals.

Session 5: Positive Emotional Environments

This session introduces the concept of Positive Emotional Environments at work. It explores how to create positive emotional experiences in the workplace while making sense of the more challenging ones. It includes the emotional experiences of neurodivergent individuals and how emotions for some individuals may be experienced differently.

Session 6: Motivating & Engaging Neurodivergent Individuals 

This final session explores what neurodivergent individuals might want and need at work. It introduces motivational styles and how to tap into your motivational style – to motivate yourself and others. You will discuss and present what you have learned so far with your trainer and group, and identify actions to help carry your learning process forwards.

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2. Course Benefits

• CPD Certificate of Participation (24 hours)
• Positive Psychology Educational Tools (diagrams, worksheets)
• Introduction to Positive Psychology (Strengths, Authenticity, Resilience, Positive Emotions & Motivation)
• Reflections on application of Neurodiversity & Positive Psychology concepts and theories to self
• Reflections on application of Neurodiversity & Positive Psychology concepts and theories to work

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Who should attend?

This CPD course is designed to be of interest and relevance to:

• Managers & Leaders
• HR Professionals, L&D Professionals
• Organisational Development Specialists
• Executive Coaches & Trainers
• Psychology Practitioners
• Psychology Students

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3. Course Delivery

This course is delivered online by the Positive Psychology Guild’s online Academy. It is mapped at Level 3 to signify the level of complexity and emphasises practical learning.

There are six online workshops which are recorded and may be viewed at your own pace. Each workshop lasts 2 hours and covers a presentation, short break, discussion, individual reflections, and group sharing on concepts learned. You will also engage in practical and reflective activities in between the workshops. Please allow a further 2 hours each week for these.

On successful completion of this course, you will receive a Certificate of Participation with 24 CPD points accredited by the Positive Psychology Guild.

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4. Next Steps

As this course is fully recorded and self-paced, you may apply and start your course at any time of the year.

The course recordings are available for a fee of £250 plus VAT (20%) if you live in the UK.

To apply for access, please fill out the application form here.

The course fees include:

• Access to the Positive Psychology Academy
• 6 x 2-hour group training sessions (recorded)
• Additional learning materials and reflective practice guidance
• Certificate of Participation on completion of the course
• £250 discount on the Level 3 Certificate Neurodiversity & Inclusion (Train the Trainer) course progression

We recognise that some students may wish to purchase textbooks on Positive Psychology to supplement their learning resources. If you wish to budget in advance for this, we recommend setting aside a further £20-30.

To enrol on this course or enquire further, please email: training@ppnetwork.org

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Corporate Bookings

You may also request for this course to be made accessible to your team or employees at work. Corporate rates are available on request.

To book your place or enquire further, please email: training@ppnetwork.org

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Course Progression

To qualify as a Strengths-Based Neurodiversity & Inclusion Practitioner, you may apply for the following qualification on completion of this course:

• Level 3 Certificate Neurodiversity & Inclusion (Train the Trainer)

This course will certify you to run training sessions on Neurodiversity & Inclusion using Positive Psychology-informed Strengths-based approaches, and introduce Neurodiversity & Inclusion policy development into a work environment to help develop more inclusive organisational processes and cultures.

If you wish to apply for this course directly, you will receive automatic access to the CPD Introduction to Strengths-Based Approaches to Neurodiversity & Inclusion at Work.

Alternatively, if you complete the CPD course first then you will receive £250 discount on the Level 3 Certificate course fee. Please make sure you include completion of this CPD course in your application form.

For further details, please email: training@ppnetwork.org

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This course is delivered by the Positive Psychology Academy in partnership with our Positive Psychology Autism Centre. For further information on the Autism Centre, please visit its website here.