Being a neurodiversity trainer and ADHD coach isn’t one of those jobs with a clear career pathway, professional body to join or much concrete guidance around CPD (Continuing Professional Development). It certainly wasn’t one of the suggestions from that career planning quiz I remember doing in school. In fact, none of the jobs I have done were suggested by that quiz!
How do I ensure I am actually developing professionally and not just coasting along? I study in a self-directed manner along the lines of my general interest in neuroscience, neurodiversity and workplace diversity.
I follow experts in the fields of interoception and neurodiversity, like Kelly Mahler and Professor Amanda Kirby. I attend online lectures and webinars on these topics (and others I’m interested in, which is quite a lot of topics!).
I buy and read books by neurodivergent authors to broaden the scope of what I know from my own lived experience, and this also helps me feel connected to the community much more strongly.
I also do a lot of courses to expand my knowledge. Here’s what I have been up to:
| 2025 | Mencap | Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training in Learning Disabilities and Autism: Expert with Lived Experience (Autism) training: Pass |
| 2025 | Havant and South Downs College (online) | TENANCY NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace: Pass |
| 2025 | The Skills Network (online) | TQUK L2 Certificate in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties: Pass |
| 2025 | Rice University (online) | Anatomy and Physiology: Regulation, Integration and Control: Pass |
| 2025 | Coursera | Inclusive Communication and Behavior (sic) in the Workplace: Pass |
| 2025 | North Warwickshire & South Leicestershire College (online) | Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Data Protection and Data Security: Pass |
| 2025 | Imperial College, London (online) | Health Coaching Conversations: Pass |
| 2023 | University of Geneva (online) | A Life with ADHD: Pass |
| 2023 | Durham University (online) | Triple-A in the classroom: Attention, Arousal and Anxiety: Pass |
| 2022 | Open University | Understanding Autism: Pass |
| 2022 | National Autistic Society | Non-medical helpers 6 module course bundle: Pass |
| 2022 | University of Chicago | Understanding the Brain: The Neurobiology of Everyday Life: Pass |