Founded in USA
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An ATTUNED Understanding of ADHD
Our comprehensive ADHD CPD Module delivers essential knowledge for professionals working with neurodivergent individuals.
This evidence-based program explores ADHD from multiple perspectives—from historical context and neurobiological foundations to practical support strategies. Moving beyond stereotypes, you’ll gain deep insight into diverse ADHD presentations, executive functioning challenges, emotional components, and effective interventions.
Using the neuro-affirming ATTUNED approach, this course equips you with the understanding needed to recognize, support, and advocate for individuals with ADHD across educational, workplace, and therapeutic settings. Whether you’re an educator, healthcare professional, or coach, this module will transform your practice through a strength-based, identity-affirming approach to neurodiversity.
Module Content
Module One: Introduction to ADHD
Understanding ADHD in Context
Gain a comprehensive foundation in ADHD through this essential introductory module. Designed for professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge and practice, this module explores the historical context, biological origins, and societal impact of ADHD.
- The prevalence and variation of ADHD in global populations
- Historical perspectives and the evolution of our understanding
- Biological and environmental origins of ADHD
- Appropriate terminology and language when discussing neurodiversity
- The concept of positive neurodivergent identity
- How ADHD impacts life chances and outcomes
Understanding the broader context of ADHD is essential for providing effective, compassionate support. This module will transform your perspective and give you the fundamental knowledge needed to work effectively with individuals with ADHD.
Module Two: Core Characteristics of ADHD
Understanding ADHD Presentations
Deepen your understanding of how ADHD actually presents in different individuals. This module goes beyond common misconceptions to explore the nuanced reality of ADHD across different ages, genders, and presentations.
- The various types and presentations of ADHD
- Diagnostic criteria and processes for adults and children
- Limitations of current diagnostic frameworks for adult presentation
- Different manifestations of hyperactivity
- Gender differences in ADHD, including the "3Ms" and PMDD connections
- The concept of masking and people-pleasing behaviours
- The impact of fear and shame on behaviour and self-perception
Many individuals with ADHD go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to outdated stereotypes and limited understanding of how ADHD actually presents. This module will enhance your ability to recognise ADHD in its various forms, leading to better outcomes for those you support.
Module Three: Difficulties Associated with ADHD
Understanding Challenges Through Different Lenses
Explore the various difficulties faced by individuals with ADHD through both clinical and social models of understanding. This module provides insight into the daily challenges that can impact functioning and wellbeing.
- The distinction between clinical and social models of ADHD
- Sensory processing differences and their impact
- Emotional regulation challenges, including Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
- Behavioural manifestations and their underlying causes
Recognising the full spectrum of difficulties associated with ADHD is crucial for providing appropriate support. This module will help you develop a more nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD, allowing for more effective interventions and accommodations.
Module Four: The Neuroscience of
ADHD
The Brain Behind ADHD
Delve into the fascinating neuroscience that underlies ADHD. This module explores the neurobiological foundations of ADHD, providing a solid understanding of the brain differences that contribute to ADHD symptoms.
- Brain regions implicated in ADHD
- Brain networks and myelination differences
- The role of neurotransmitters in ADHD
- How these neurological differences manifest as ADHD symptoms
Understanding the neurobiological basis of ADHD helps dispel myths that ADHD is simply a behavioural choice or lack of willpower. This knowledge provides a scientific foundation for understanding ADHD and informs better approaches to support and intervention.
Module Five: Medication and Therapies for ADHD
Evidence-Based Approaches to Supporting ADHD
Explore the range of treatment options available for ADHD, from conventional medical approaches to innovative therapies. This module provides a balanced view of interventions while emphasising neuro-affirming approaches.
- NICE gold standard recommendations for ADHD treatment
- Medication options, mechanisms, and considerations
- Evidence-based therapeutic approaches
- The concept and practice of neuro-affirming therapy
- Recognising ineffective "snake oil" treatments
- Understanding co-occurring conditions and the role of trauma
- The complex relationship between ADHD and trauma
Effective support for individuals with ADHD requires knowledge of the full range of available interventions. This module will equip you with the information needed to understand treatment options and their appropriateness for different individuals.
Module Six: Executive Functioning and ADHD
The Core of ADHD Challenges
Gain in-depth understanding of executive functioning – the set of cognitive processes that are central to ADHD. This module explores how executive function difficulties manifest and impact daily life for those with ADHD.
ADHD as an executive functioning disorder
The specific executive functions affected in ADHD:
Task initiation
Planning and prioritisation
Impulse control
Working memory
Self-monitoring
Flexible thinking
Emotional regulation (including dopamine seeking, rejection sensitivity, and people-pleasing)
Executive functioning difficulties lie at the heart of ADHD challenges. Understanding these processes will transform your ability to recognize, understand, and support individuals with ADHD in educational, workplace, and therapeutic settings.
Comprehensive Understanding
Explore ADHD from biological, psychological, and social perspectives for a complete picture
Evidence-Based Approach
Learn current scientific understanding of ADHD including neuroscience and executive functioning
Diverse Presentations
Understand how ADHD presents differently across genders, ages, and co-occurring conditions
Neuro-affirming Strategies
Discover supportive approaches that work with rather than against ADHD neurology
Practical Application
Gain strategies you can immediately implement in educational, workplace, or therapeutic settings
Trauma-Informed Lens
Explore the critical relationship between ADHD and trauma for more effective support
Ethical Support Approaches
Critically examine interventions through a neuro-affirming, ethical lens
Part of Certification Pathway
Can be taken as a standalone CPD module or as part of the full Certificate in Neurodiversity Coaching
Your Trainers
Our two trainers have over 25 years of experience with the neurodivergent community. Both are neurodivergent themselves and have neurodivergent families.
Emma Whymark
Changing Behaviour
Emma is an experienced neurodiversity specialist with 25 years of educational experience as a SEND teacher and adviser. As a therapist, coach, and education consultant, she combines her professional background with personal insight as both a parent of neurodivergent adults and someone with ADHD. Together with Lisa, she co-developed the ATTUNED approach to help neurodivergent individuals better understand themselves and achieve their unique goals.
Lisa Poole
Perspective Coaching
Lisa is a neurodiversity coach and co-developer of the ATTUNED approach. Drawing from both professional expertise and lived experience as part of a neurodivergent family, she founded Perspective Coaching in 2021 to support neurodivergent children, teens, and adults. Her practice focuses on neuro-affirming coaching methods that help individuals understand and address their unique challenges while embracing their authentic selves.
Module Structure
Delivered over 4 sessions – here’s how your learning is structured
Opening New Office
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Client Satisfaction
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Improved Ourselves
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