Learn to identify and respond to neurodivergent people who also use drugs and alcohol and provide support.

Online. 2 hours per week, for 3 weeks.

Respond effectively to substance use in neurodivergent communities
How can substance use services better support neurodivergent people?

Many people with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent profiles face barriers when seeking help with drug and alcohol use, often encountering services not designed with their needs in mind.

This course equips you with practical skills to provide inclusive support. You’ll learn to recognise neurodiversity in substance use contexts, adapt your service delivery, and create accessible environments.

Understand neurodiversity in substance use contexts
Explore what neurodiversity means in practice and how autism and ADHD can shape communication, risk perception, and engagement with support services.

You’ll examine how traditional service models may unintentionally exclude neurodivergent people.

You’ll develop a clearer understanding of client needs, helping you recognise when neurodiversity may be influencing presentation, behaviour, or treatment response.

Adapt services to improve accessibility and engagement
Discover how small changes can significantly improve accessibility. You’ll explore practical ways to adapt service design from first contact and assessment through to ongoing support and referral.

You’ll learn to modify environments, processes, and communication styles to improve access and retention whilst maintaining safety standards.

Develop assessment, engagement, and advocacy skills
Learn to identify possible ADHD or autism, screen appropriately, and understand when to refer for formal assessment. Real-life scenarios illustrate evidence-informed ways to engage with neurodivergent people who use substances.

You’ll develop skills to adapt language, pacing, and support plans, and learn to advocate effectively for clients whilst respecting autonomy.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

Explain neurodiversity and in particular ADHD and autism
Develop practical skills in the assessment of clients for ADHD or autism
Explore evidence-informed practice and appropriate ways of engaging and working with a person who uses substances and has ADHD or autism
Develop practical approaches to making your service neurodiverse-informed
Identify pathways for assessment and appropriate further assessment and treatment if required

This course is ideal for anyone supporting people who use drugs and alcohol, including project workers, peer workers, health and social care staff, nurses, psychologists, managers, and administrators seeking neurodiverse-informed practice.