Certificate in Neurodiversity
Coaching

These are two of our stand alone introductory courses which are included as part of the Neurodiversity Coaching Certification because this guarantees all our coaches have the same baseline knowledge of Autism and ADHD.

It allows for group participation and discussion on the subject and ensures that our coaches understand the root of their client’s presentation.

Additionally the course includes a sensory CPD, which covers processing differences in neurodivergent individuals.

The requirements of the certificate level course mean that we must study three traditional coaching models. The three we study in our course are GROW (goal setting), SFC (Solution Focussed Coaching) and CBC
(Cognitive Behavioural Coaching).

These are all useful models, but they may not work with neurodivergent clients in their original form. We look at why not and how we can reframe them in a neuroaffirmative way. We do this using ATTUNED.

This refers to the fact that many people have more than one condition (see what is neurodiversity coaching) but also that people’s experiences of being neurodivergent are impacted by their gender, their age, their cultural background as well as things like education and socioeconomic factors.

Besides the previously mentioned coaching models, our course covers the following ND-specific skills:

Neurodiversity & Questioning

Alongside the differences in emotional processing, neurodivergent clients may also have differences in how they process language. We need to be aware of this as this is the predominant way we communicate as coaches. Understanding the use of language and the way we can adapt the way we communicate with our clients in session is an integral part of what sets ATTUNED apart from other modalities. With our training we not only give you the tools to adapt how you work with your clients but also the comprehensive understanding of why this is so vital to the coaching process.

Competencies & Contracting

To achieve a certificate level in coaching you need to be able to demonstrate a specific skill set. Contracting refers to the process by which you and your client agree the practicalities and the scope of your work in your initial session. This is designed to keep you and your client safe and sets the tone for the relationship that you build with your client.

Session structure

There are a variety of session structures that can be used in coaching. We look at these and how you might need to adapt them for individual clients.

We believe ethical practice begins with knowing both what belongs within coaching and what doesn't. That's why we explore trauma, mental health, safeguarding, and professional boundaries alongside coaching skills, helping practitioners work with confidence, clarity, and care.

Mental Health

Many of our clients may have experienced mental health challenges or been misdiagnosed with them. We look at this in depth and look explore what our limitations are as coaches and when we may need to refer on. This is crucial to protect both you and your clients.

Trauma & Neurodiversity

Whilst we are training you to be a coach not a therapist it helps to have an understanding of the relationship between neurodivergence and trauma. Our knowledge of the relationship between neurodivergence and trauma is growing rapidly. The ATTUNED Approach is rooted in the understanding of what’s termed a bidirectional relationship between the two, ie being neurodivergent means an individual is more likely to experience trauma but the also being neurodivergent impacts on how we experience and store trauma as well.

Governance & Neurodiversity 

We look at the law as it relates to neurodiversity. We also look at the governance we are subject to as coaches and the ethics and frameworks which we have to adhere to.

Emotion & Neurodiversity

Emotion is the driver behind many behaviours. Neurodivergent people may have significant differences in how the experience, process and express emotion and understanding this is fundamental to our coaching work.

Language

Effective neurodiversity coaching requires more than knowledge of diagnoses. It involves understanding how neurodivergence can shape communication, emotional processing, relationships, identity, learning, and strengths, allowing coaches to create conversations that feel genuinely affirming and accessible.

Strengths & Barriers

Every individual will have strengths and barriers to achieving what they want to. We explore how strengths can be utilised effectively and what solutions might be used with typical barriers. Being neuro-affirming we may also look at how what appears to be barriers might actually be strengths after all.

ATTUNED® is a coaching model that can used on its own or to adapt other coaching models. It is neuro-affirming and works with an individual’s neurology to find solutions that will work for them.

Not all of our coaches will want to set up their own businesses but many do. We look at the practicalities of doing this, covering the law, financial processes, insurance, marketing and networking amongst others.