Supporting Autistic and Neurodiverse Children and Young People

Overview

Autistic and neurodiverse children and young people bring unique strengths, perspectives, and ways of experiencing the world. However, they may also encounter barriers within education, social care, healthcare, and wider society that can impact their wellbeing, relationships, opportunities, and outcomes. Professionals play a vital role in creating environments that recognise and respond to individual needs while promoting inclusion, participation, and positive development.

📅 Date & Time: 20th July, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Live Online via Teams
📢 Early Bird Price: £54 (VAT included) – Register 2+ weeks before
🎟️ Standard Price: £74 (VAT included) – Group Discount available for groups of 5+

This practical and strengths-based seminar explores how professionals can better understand and support autistic and neurodiverse children and young people. Participants will develop a deeper understanding of neurodiversity, explore common challenges experienced by autistic children and young people, and learn practical approaches that promote communication, emotional wellbeing, engagement, and positive outcomes. The course focuses on moving beyond deficit-based models and developing inclusive practices that recognise individual strengths, preferences, and needs.

Course Content

This course explores the principles of neurodiversity and examines how autistic and neurodiverse children and young people may experience the world differently. Participants will develop a greater understanding of autism and other forms of neurodiversity, considering how differences in communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation, social interaction, executive functioning, and information processing can influence everyday experiences.

The seminar examines how environments, relationships, routines, expectations, and communication styles can either support or create barriers for autistic and neurodiverse children and young people. Participants will explore practical strategies for creating more inclusive and accessible environments that promote safety, participation, independence, and wellbeing. Particular attention will be given to understanding sensory needs, recognising signs of distress, and responding in ways that reduce anxiety and support regulation.

The course also explores relationship-based approaches that strengthen engagement and trust. Participants will examine communication strategies, personalised support approaches, and methods for adapting practice to meet individual needs. The session encourages professionals to recognise strengths and interests while supporting children and young people to develop confidence, resilience, self-advocacy, and positive relationships.

Throughout the seminar, participants will consider how neurodiversity intersects with safeguarding, trauma, education, mental health, and social care. Practical examples and case discussions will help attendees apply learning to real-world situations and develop approaches that improve outcomes and experiences for autistic and neurodiverse children and young people.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the principles of neurodiversity and strengths-based practice.
• Develop greater awareness of autism and other forms of neurodiversity.
• Recognise how communication, sensory processing, and emotional regulation can influence behaviour and engagement.
• Identify barriers that autistic and neurodiverse children and young people may experience.
• Apply practical strategies to create more inclusive and supportive environments.
• Utilise communication approaches that strengthen engagement and participation.
• Support emotional wellbeing, self-esteem, and positive outcomes through personalised interventions.
• Reflect on their own practice and identify opportunities to improve support for autistic and neurodiverse children and young people.

Intended Audience

This course is designed for professionals working with autistic and neurodiverse children and young people across children’s social care, education, fostering, supported accommodation, residential childcare, youth services, and related sectors. It will be particularly relevant for Residential Childcare Practitioners, Foster Carers, Social Workers, Supervising Social Workers, Teachers, Teaching Assistants, Family Support Workers, Youth Workers, Team Leaders, Deputy Managers, Registered Managers, and other professionals seeking to strengthen their understanding of neurodiversity and inclusive practice.

Course Facilitator

Conor Byrne is an experienced practitioner, trainer, and advocate for neurodiversity who specialises in supporting autistic and neurodiverse children and young people. Drawing upon both professional expertise and lived experience, Conor helps organisations and practitioners develop a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and create environments where children and young people can thrive.

His work focuses on promoting strengths-based, person-centred approaches that recognise individuality, reduce barriers, and improve participation and wellbeing. Conor has extensive experience supporting professionals across social care, education, and support services to develop practical strategies that enhance communication, emotional wellbeing, inclusion, and positive outcomes.

Through his engaging and insightful training style, Conor combines evidence-informed practice, practical examples, and real-world experience to help participants build confidence in supporting autistic and neurodiverse children and young people effectively and compassionately.

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