CDARS has developed a comprehensive one-day training programme designed for professionals who want to enhance their understanding of neurodiversity and strengthen their ability to communicate effectively with neurodivergent groups. The training is specifically tailored to those working in the field of alcohol and substance misuse.

What you’ll gain

This programme will equip you with a strong foundation in neurodiversity and provide practical strategies to improve communication, engagement, and treatment outcomes for neurodivergent individuals.

Learning objectives:

• Define neurodiversity and recognise common neurodivergent profiles (e.g. autism, ADHD, learning differences, sensory processing differences).
• Understand how being neurodivergent can affect engagement and outcomes in alcohol and substance misuse treatment and recovery.
• Explore the relationship between neurodiversity and substance/alcohol misuse.
• Learn approaches for screening and assessment.
• Adapt communication styles and engagement strategies to build rapport and improve comprehension and retention.
• Identify practical accommodations (environmental, sensory, scheduling, format) to support treatment engagement.
• Develop individualised treatment plans that reflect neurodivergent needs, supports, and preferences.
• Reflect on your own biases and strengths to create a personal development plan for working more effectively with neurodivergent groups.