Introduction to Neurodiversity

Currently, there is a significant gap in knowledge and understanding about neurodiversity across the lifespan. Neurodiversity includes autism, ADHD, dyslexia, developmental coordination disorder, dyscalculia. The neurodiversity movement challenges the medical module of disabilities, and is instead, underpinned by the social model of disability. This perspective proposes that neurological differences should be recognised and respected like any other human variation, is supported by user groups, and is enshrined in health, social policy and human rights legislation in many parts of the world. Many professions lack the understanding and ability to apply neurodiverse supporting approaches to everyday practice. This lack of understanding is not just in healthcare but across all aspects of an individual’s life: childhood, adulthood, older adulthood, education, criminal justice, social care, healthcare, and employment.

The Introduction to Neurodiversity module (HLTH11001) will equip professionals from a range of professional backgrounds, with the skills to develop a critical awareness and understanding of neurodiversity across the lifespan, including associated complexities and co-morbiditities. This will include an overview of the neurodiversity paradigm, strengths-based approaches, an awareness and understanding of diagnostic techniques and the importance of trauma informed care.

On successful completion of this module the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the fundamental theories, concepts, and principles of both traditional and neuro-affirming practice approaches. Ensure that all approaches are critically evaluated from a user-centred perspective.
• Students will gain a critical awareness of the importance of trauma-informed practice when working alongside neurodivergent individuals.
• Demonstrate a critical awareness of effective communication strategies and their importance when working alongside neurodivergent individuals that includes wider micro considerations such as environmental considerations and communication modifications.
• Critically analyse existing ways of supporting neurodivergent individuals and demonstrate a critical awareness of the need for co-design, co-production and co-delivery to underpin both research and practice development.

This is an SCQF Level 11 module and upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 20 credits.

To view the module descriptor, please visit Programme Specifications and Module Descriptors 

 

All Neurodiversity CPD modules

• Introduction to Neurodiversity 
• Neuro-Inclusive Communication
• Neurodiversity, Culture and Families

 

Delivery 

We currently expect that this module will next run from January 2026.

 

Course presenters

This module will be delivered by Kath Limond and Lauren Gillies-Walker.

 

Funding

This course may be available on a fully funded basis to some individuals.  Further details, including regarding eligibility, are available under Funding Support.

If you have any questions, please contact us at cpd@uws.ac.uk

 

NOTE: This is a university module and upon approval of your application, you will be invited to register and then supported to complete enrolment. To enrol on the university system, the first step involves security set-up using the Microsoft Authenticator app; you will need to ensure that you have a compatible smartphone.

Further enrolment information is available at the Student Information Portal.

To access this module via the CPD route, individuals should be ordinarily resident in Scotland.