The course is intended to help you understand how to work as a coach with people who are diagnosed as neurodivergent or who appear to show traits associated with neurodivergence.
At the end of the course, you will:
- understand the typical strengths and difficulties associated with common neurotypes
- understand what is important in your coaching work to meet the needs of neurodivergent individuals
- know what wider support is available.
The course consists of 3 x 3-hour online sessions spread over 5 months. This will allow you to reflect on your learning, read around the topic and discuss your learning from one session to the next. The course is intended to fit around work and home commitments.
The course will involve formal teaching inputs, exercises, case study material and some pre-reading. A suggested biography will be provided for background reading while you are on the programme. There will also be some reflective work between the sessions.
Programme Dates
- Friday 19 July
- Friday 20 September
- Friday 22 November
10.30am - 1.30pm.
Cost
- Standard price - £500
- OBU staff and alumni - £450
Sessions
Session 1: Setting the Context for coaching neurodivergent individuals
- understanding the language of neurodivergence
- what is neurodivergence?
- what is the legal context?
- discussion of common neurotypes: dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD ,autism and dyscalculia. Taking a look at acquired neurodivergence.
- how is neurodivergence recognised?
- understanding the strengths and challenges of neurodivergence
- do stereotypes matter?
- intersectionality and neurodivergence
- having a diagnosis - a cause for shame or relief?
- exploring some ways neurodivergent people may see themselves.
Session 2: Themes in coaching neurodivergent individuals
Themes to include:
- gender, ethnicity/race, age, heritage
- organisation, time management, communication, memory, overwhelm, teamwork
- identity and neurodivergence
- building self-esteem and valuing of self
- exploring your own assumptions
- how will you know when you are ready to stand in someone else’s shoes?
- case study and exercise.
Session 3: Developing your coaching approach
- models, tools and techniques
- evidence base
- self as an instrument of coaching
- ongoing personal and professional development
- wider support for neurodivergent individuals.