Children experience the world in different ways, and understanding these differences is essential in creating inclusive, supportive early years environments.
In early years settings, practitioners play a key role in recognising and responding to children’s individual needs. Some children may be neurodivergent, including those who may be autistic or have ADHD. These children may communicate, interact, and respond to their environment differently.
This course provides practical, real-world guidance to help you understand neurodiversity and confidently support children in your setting.
Designed for practitioners working across England and Scotland, this course supports good practice aligned with current guidance and inspection expectations.
🎯 What This Course Covers
Throughout this course, you will explore:
- What neurodiversity means in early years
- Recognising traits of autism and ADHD
- Understanding communication differences
- Supporting sensory needs in the environment
- Responding to behaviour in a positive way
- Using co-regulation to support emotional development
- Creating inclusive and supportive environments
- Working in partnership with parents and carers
- Legal responsibilities and good practice
📚 Course Content
This course is structured into short, focused lessons:
Getting Started
Lesson 1: Understanding Neurodiversity
Lesson 2: Recognising Autism and ADHD in Early Years
Lesson 3: Communication and Sensory Needs
Lesson 4: Supporting Behaviour and Inclusion
Lesson 5: Working with Families and Legal Responsibilities
Lesson 6: Additional Resources & Useful Links
Course Summary and Assessment
🎬 Interactive and Engaging Learning
This course is designed to be practical, interactive, and easy to follow.
You will take part in:
🎬 Short lesson videos
🧠 Interactive activities and knowledge checks
✏️ Practical application tasks
💭 Reflection activities linked to real practice
🎯 A final assessment to test your understanding
These activities are designed to help you apply learning directly to your everyday practice.
👩🏫 Who This Course Is For
This course is suitable for:
- Early Years practitioners
- Nursery staff
- Childminders
- Playworkers
- Teaching assistants
- Students and trainees in Early Years
🎓 CPD and Certification
This course contributes to your Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
- Approximate duration: 30 minutes
- Includes interactive activities and a final assessment
- Certificate provided upon successful completion
This training can be used as evidence for:
- CPD portfolios
- Staff training records
- Inspections (Ofsted / Care Inspectorate)
🌟 Why This Course Matters
Supporting neurodivergent children is an essential part of inclusive early years practice.
When practitioners understand how children experience the world differently, they can adapt their approach to reduce stress, support communication, and promote positive development.
This course focuses on practical, child-centred strategies, helping you build confidence and create environments where all children feel safe, understood, and included.
⚠️ Important Note
This course provides awareness of neurodiversity, including autism and ADHD, in early years settings.
It does not provide diagnosis or replace specialist assessment or external professional advice.
🚀 Get Started
When you’re ready, begin with:
👉 Lesson 1: Understanding Neurodiversity