Reflecting on Neurodiversity Week at LSP

Last week, we proudly recognised Neurodiversity Week, a time dedicated to celebrating the different ways people think, learn and experience the world. At LSP, we marked the week by investing in specialist staff development, with our tutors and internal teams taking part in a neurodiversity training session delivered by PMAC. The session focused on understanding neurodivergent conditions, exploring lived experiences, using appropriate language and learning practical strategies to better support learners.

Building Understanding of Neurodivergent Learning Experiences

The training provided valuable insight into how conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia can influence learning experiences and how small adjustments can make a meaningful difference. Reflecting on the session, Christian shared:

“The Neurodiversity training really helped me better understand what neurodivergence is and how conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia can shape someone’s learning experience and how flexible adjustments help without making a big deal out of it.”

One of the key themes of the session was understanding the importance of recognising differences without creating barriers. Staff explored how supportive conversations and inclusive teaching approaches can help learners feel more confident and engaged throughout their learning journey.

Learning Through Lived Experience and Practical Examples

Julie highlighted how the delivery style of the session itself helped strengthen understanding:

“As the SEND ‘specialist’ for me it was more the passion and knowledge of the tutor and how she used analogies to explain the difference between neurodivergent and neurotypical and the fact that with ADHD, attention is stolen.”

Using relatable explanations and real-life context helped staff deepen their understanding of how neurodivergent learners experience attention, communication and engagement differently.

Exploring the PINCH Strategy for Engagement

A particularly memorable strategy introduced during the session was the PINCH approach, which supports engagement by focusing on passion, interest, novelty, challenge and urgency within teaching sessions. Michael reflected on how impactful this strategy was:

“The most enjoyable and interesting bit for me was the PINCH strategy; it was all very interesting.”

The session explored how this approach can be used in practical teaching situations, especially within online learning environments, by linking topics to career goals, using real case studies, introducing interactive activities, setting short problem-solving tasks and creating structured checkpoints to maintain engagement.

Supporting Learners Through Practical Adjustments

Charlotte also reflected on how the training strengthened her confidence when supporting learners with additional needs:

“The neurodivergency training gave me a deeper insight into topics I thought I already knew enough about, especially dyspraxia and dyslexia… this training was beneficial in teaching me how to approach, somewhat, tricky situations with learners and also showed me how I can change my reviews up to support their learning patterns.”

She also highlighted the wider importance of training like this across the education sector:

“I think that in our sector training like this is so important, as everyone is different and we should be creating a safe space for all, regardless of if they have a diagnosis.”

Continuing Our Commitment to Inclusive Learning

At LSP, Neurodiversity Week provided a valuable opportunity not only to raise awareness but also to strengthen our commitment to creating inclusive learning environments. By continuing to develop our staff’s understanding and confidence, we can better support every learner to succeed in a way that works for them.

Training like this helps ensure our approach remains supportive, flexible and neuro-affirming, reflecting our ongoing commitment to inclusion across everything we do. 💙