Overview
The Neurodiversity Network Conference aims to bring together educators, employers, neurodivergent individuals, and allies who are collectively committed to creating a more neuroinclusive society.
Course Overview
It is an in-person conference that includes:
- An exhibition area that you can drop-in anytime between 10am and 3pm
- The conference where you will hear from expert speakers and trainers covering a range of timely and important topics. A ticket is required to attend and please see the Cost section below
The conference takes place over 2 days and you can choose to attend one or both days.
Day 1
Thursday 11 September from 9.30am to 4.30pm
Neurodiversity in Education
University of Staffordshire, Leek Road Campus, Stoke-on-Trent
What to Expect
Explore how to support neurodivergent learners across all age groups. Topics include:
Creating Inclusive Classrooms & Supporting Executive Functions
Learn how to create environments that support learning differences and how executive functioning skills impact student behaviour and academic performance.
The Human Experience and Cost of Dyslexia
A powerful exploration of how dyslexia affects not just learning, but self-esteem, identity, and long-term outcomes.
Mental Health in Neurodiverse Young People
Discover how to better support emotional wellbeing in neurodivergent children and adolescents — both in and out of school settings.
Understanding & Supporting Neurodivergent Learners
Practical strategies to adapt your teaching approach and foster a strengths-based mindset across the school community.
ADHD & Autism: Is Masking a Superpower or a Curse?
A thought-provoking discussion on the costs and consequences of masking, featuring personal insights and latest research.
Whether you're a teacher, SEND professional, SENCO, education leader, parent or carer, you’ll walk away with actionable knowledge and renewed confidence to champion neuroinclusion in your setting.
Day 2
Friday 12 September from 9.30am to 4.30pm
Neurodiversity in the Workplace
University of Staffordshire, Leek Road Campus, Stoke-on-Trent
What to Expect
Discover how to effectively support neurodivergent adults in the workplace. Topics include:
Access to Work: What It Is & How to Use It
A clear guide to this often-underutilised government scheme, including how employers and employees can benefit.
Disclosure & Reasonable Adjustments
Explore best practices around disclosure, and how to provide meaningful support that balances privacy, flexibility, and fairness.
Neuroinclusive Recruitment Practices
Learn how to attract and retain diverse talent by making your recruitment process inclusive by design — from job descriptions to interviews.
The Productivity Equation: Cognitive Diversity x AI
A forward-looking session exploring how combining neurodiverse teams with AI tools can unlock new levels of productivity and creativity.
Creating a Neurodiversity Employee Resource Group (ERG)
Step-by-step guidance on setting up an ERG that empowers neurodivergent employees and influences company-wide inclusion.
This day is ideal for HR professionals, hiring managers, business owners, diversity & inclusion leads, and neurodivergent professionals navigating workplace systems.
Award
The conference is CPD-accredited, and attendees will receive official CPD recognition upon participation.
Funding
The Stoke-on-Trent Higher Skills Accelerator is fully funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in partnership with Stoke-on-Trent Council and offered free of charge to each participating organisation.
Entry requirements
Funded attendance to this conference is open to anyone who lives in Stoke-on-Trent (paying council tax to Stoke-on-Trent City Council), is 18 years old and over, and meets the following criteria:
- Employed for one hour or more of paid work per week (including those temporarily away from work because they are sick or on holiday).
- Temporary and permanent employees who are on fixed-term contracts or agency temping.
- Self-employed people.
- People on government-supported training programmes, engaging in any form of work, work experience, or work-related training.
- People on maternity or paternity leave.