Neurodiversity in the Workplace Training Solution

This immersive half or full day workshop, which can optionally be enhanced with professional actors, teaches participants how they can contribute to creating a neuro-inclusive workplace.

They’ll be immersed in activities, such as the memorable and experiential ‘New World Rules’ game, to reveal the nuances of neurodiversity, debunk myths, find practical ways to remove barriers and celebrate unique talents. With actionable strategies and a collaborative audit, participants will leave the session equipped to advocate for inclusion.

Learning outcomes:

Understand what is meant by neurodiversity and build confidence with related terminology including exploration of neurodevelopmental differences such as Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia.
Be familiar with many of the lived experiences of neurodivergent people.
Know how to reframe ideas and conversations about neurodiversity to advocate for inclusion.
Understand the mental and physical impact of neurodivergent people being expected to ‘fit in’.
Identify ways to remove barriers and make communication clearer and more accessible in the context of your organisation’s processes and communication norms
Have tangible actions to work towards influencing a neurodivergent inclusive workplace culture.

Client testimonial

“The neurodiversity awareness training offered by RightTrack Learning was truly enlightening. This workshop proved to be an invaluable resource, providing our team with a profound understanding of what it means to live with a neurodiverse condition and equipped us with practical strategies for better accommodating neurodiverse individuals in our daily operations.

Lauren shared insightful examples and invaluable practices, from navigating interactions with guests and team members to implementing inclusive hiring and training procedures specifically designed for neurodiverse employees at Bubala. The workshop can serve as a crucial resource for those aiming to foster a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all.”

Tom Rees – Bubala Diversity and Inclusivity Advocate

Workshop Outline...

(1) A New World: In the “New World Rules” experiential activity, participants are immersed in a simulated environment with unfamiliar rules. This innovative exercise challenges them to interact under a set of new, unconventional norms governing how they speak, listen, and respond. Through the activity, they experience first-hand the frustrations that arise from communication barriers.

(2) Defining Neurodiversity: Language is constantly evolving, so it’s important to explore what is meant by neurodiversity and other related terminology. We share some data and explore a range of neurodevelopmental differences, including Autism, ADHD, and Dyslexia.

(3) Masking and its Impact: We introduce terminology to describe neurodivergent experiences of “burnout” and “masking”. We will reflect on the New World Rules activity and the impact of having to adjust natural communication approaches to fit in, both on the organisation and the individual. We’ll use the insights gained from this activity to start building a personalised action plan.

How this looks with actors:
A scenario exposes the impact of masking, bringing attention to the factors that can lead to neurodivergent burnout. In a raw exchange, participants will be plunged into an emotive conversation, where they’ll have the chance to identify and understand communication differences, gaslighting, and barriers to neurodivergent inclusion. Participants will be invited to discuss the approach taken by the manager in this conversation and to consider how reasonable adjustments might be effective in supporting the employee. We take a person-centred approach, leading us forward into a discussion about the impact of assumptions on individuals and teams.

(4) Myth Busting: We delve into some of the common assumptions made about neurodivergent people and their impact. We will share some often-overlooked capabilities and unique attributes that neurodivergent people can bring to the workplace. Participants will be tasked to explore the ways in which these unique skill sets can complement our communities and teams.

How this looks with actors:
This comes to life with a scenario that explores the impact where a unique communication style leads to misunderstandings, conflict and tension, but can be reframed as an opportunity for collective growth and learning. The situation emphasises the need for awareness and understanding of neurodiversity. Participants will put their new-found knowledge into practice, questioning the characters to understand the background to the situation and collaboratively identifying potential next steps. These ideas will feed into development of personal action plans.

(5) Reframing Neurodiversity for Inclusion: Participants will be introduced to the medical vs. social model of disability to understand disability as championed by the disabled community. We examine three key areas that workplaces should focus on to support neurodivergent people: difference, not disadvantage; embracing the benefits; and removing the barriers. We’ll also remind participants of the legal framework and considerations, including reasonable adjustments.

(6) Collaborative Audit: Participants will examine barriers in workplace communication, including stereotypes of “effective” workers. Participants will collaboratively audit typical communication approaches within your organisation, identifying areas to enhance inclusivity and accessibility. This includes examining the work environment, meeting etiquette, well-being support, and feedback.

(7) Action Planning for Neuro-Inclusive Workplaces: Participants will develop a thorough action plan to help encourage a neuro-inclusive environment. This plan will include specific personal objectives and strategies for continuous learning and improvement. The goal is to equip participants with a clear, actionable roadmap, ensuring ongoing progress towards inclusivity.

Let's Talk!

We’re advocates of crafting tailormade solutions that ensure you meet objectives and maximise budgets. Contact us to book a meeting to scope the right solution for your organisation, together.

What About Actors?

Through clever script writing, goosebump-inducing delivery and professional facilitation, we love to bring learning to life with actors…

We can select scripts from our library or write them specially for you, based on typical scenarios you see within in your organisation. For larger projects where budgets don’t allow for live acting, we can professionally film bespoke scenarios to create video content which can be used in the training as well as induction, toolkits, and beyond.

Using actors in workshop give delegates the opportunity to:

Test out alternative ways of approaching what can sometimes be difficult situations, without the pressure of role playing themselves!
Explore what is acceptable and what isn’t; intent versus impact; and both the subtle, and not so subtle, behaviours we see play out in the workplace
Be immersed in an interactive learning experience that engages hearts and minds, and sticks in the long-term memory

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Don't Just Take Our Word For It

Nina Darling

UoP SHCP Teaching Fellow, University of Portsmouth

“The course which Paula provided was really engaging and nicely presented. The use of the actors was particularly good and actually bought the whole thing to life and made it really valuable learning. Thank you very much – it was fantastic!”

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Neurodiversity In the Workplace

In-House Training, Available As: