Some genuinely good news for neurodiversity and education.
On 23 September 2026, Whole School SEND launched a free neurodiversity awareness Train the Trainer package, funded by the Department for Education through Universal SEND Services.
There are versions for primary, secondary and further education, with ready-made slides, activities, case studies and presenter guidance so settings can train their own staff.
Why this matters
Good neurodiversity training can make a real difference to how learners are understood and supported. Giving schools and colleges access to practical, free resources removes one of the biggest barriers to training: budget.
The package includes material around executive function, adaptive teaching, independence and intersectionality, helping staff think about how they teach, communicate and support different learners.
That is the bit I really like.
It is not just about knowing what neurodiversity means. It is about giving people practical tools they can use in everyday education.
A proper step forward
There is always more work to do around inclusion, but this is exactly the sort of practical, accessible support I want to see more of.
Free training. Clear resources. Different versions for different education settings. And something that can actually be used by the people working with learners every day.
That is worth celebrating.
If you work in education, you can find the package through Whole School SEND.
Sources:
- Whole School SEND: Neurodiversity Awareness
- Whole School SEND: Further Education Train the Trainer package
Want practical, human-first ideas about neurodivergence and learning?
Join the Done Different newsletter.
