Capitalising on our different expertise, there are four different types of workshops you can attend, or organisations can purchase:
1. Neuroinclusive Practice (online or in-person at Sunderland City or St Peter’s Campus or a nearby location)
The workshop aims to share knowledge of concepts such as neurodiversity, neurodivergent and neurotypical. We support practitioners to better understand differences in practice and management styles that can empower all people. This is achieved through a mix of presentations, research, group tasks, personal testimonies and application to practice environments.
The workshop takes a positive approach in which difference is valued and normalised following universal design principles. We come from the perspective that if spaces are neuroinclusive, then everyone can flourish.
2. Introduction to Autistic People and Neurodiversity (online or in-person at London Campus)
This workshop aims to introduce the foundational knowledge about autistic people and the wider concept of neurodiversity. This has an ever-growing importance for everybody to understand and expose the myths and misinformation that currently exist. The workshop will include a presentation, group and/or independent discussion and thinking, video, games and exercises, and reflection.
The workshop offers a neurodivergent-affirming point-of-view in which the experiences of neurodivergent/autistic people are valued and their voices heard. The workshop is designed to be inclusive, so everyone can learn and develop.
3. Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed Education (online or in-person at London Campus)
The workshop aims to inform educators about up-to-date, relevant knowledge of neurodivergent people. With more discourse on accessible education and understanding what has been termed additional needs to inclusive pedagogy, the workshop strengthens through challenging practices. Reflection is central to the workshop design. The workshop will include a self- and group reflection, presentation, group and/or independent discussion and thinking, video, and games.
The workshop provides a neurodivergent-affirming perspective that values the experiences of neurodivergent individuals, ensuring their voices are heard. It is designed to be inclusive, allowing everyone to learn and grow.
4. Neurodiversity in the Criminal Justice System (in person only at Sunderland City or St Peter’s Campus or a nearby location)
The first part of the workshop will explore the experiences of neurodivergent victims in the criminal justice system. It will support professionals who work with victims of crime to understand the impact neurodivergence can have on an individual’s ability to engage with a criminal justice system which demands neurotypical communication and behaviour. This can significantly affect perceptions of credibility and access to justice. The workshop will use creative methods to make space for reflection and promote accessible and inclusive practice for all victims of crime.
The second part of the workshop will explore the experiences of neurodivergent individuals as they navigate the criminal justice system, with a particular focus on police custody. Given the overrepresentation of vulnerable adults in the criminal justice system in England and Wales, there is a noticeable increase in the neurodivergence population within this group. Police custody suites are busy, complex environments where custody sergeants must balance the exercise of authority with their responsibility for safeguarding and identifying vulnerabilities.
This session will address how neurodivergence and vulnerability are framed together, the impact of neurotypical structures and practices, and key considerations for practitioners. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss current practices and explore future considerations for improving the handling of neurodivergent individuals in police custody.
