Event description
Have you ever wondered why something that seems simple to one person can require enormous effort from another?
Neurodiversity 101 is an accessible, practical introduction to understanding how different brains can process information, attention, communication, sensory input and everyday demands in different ways.
Whether you are neurodivergent yourself, wondering whether some of your experiences might make more sense through a neurodivergent lens, or simply want to understand the people around you better, this session offers an opportunity to look beyond stereotypes and labels.
Rather than trying to cover every neurotype or provide a checklist for diagnosis, we will explore some of the experiences that can have a significant impact on everyday life:
- Why someone can know what they need to do but still struggle to start or complete it
- Why processing information, switching tasks or managing multiple demands can require more effort
- Why sensory environments can affect concentration, communication and energy
- Why communication can break down even when everyone involved is trying their best
- Why someone who appears to be coping may actually be using significant cognitive or emotional energy to do so
- How masking, cognitive load and fluctuating capacity can affect everyday experiences
- Why strengths and difficulties can look very different from person to person
Most importantly, we will move beyond awareness towards curiosity: instead of asking, “Why can't they just...?”, we will explore better questions about what a person might be experiencing and what could make things easier.
This is not a diagnostic session. You do not need a diagnosis or to identify as neurodivergent to attend. Come with your experiences, your questions and your curiosity.
What will I learn?
By the end of the session, you will be able to:
- Explain the difference between neurodiversity and neurodivergence and understand why neurodivergence cannot be reduced to a simple list of traits or stereotypes.
- Recognise some of the ways neurodivergent people may experience information, attention, communication and sensory input differently, including why the same environment or demand can affect people very differently.
- Understand the relationship between apparent ability and actual capacity, including why someone may be highly capable but struggle to consistently initiate, organise, switch or sustain tasks.
- Recognise that visible behaviour does not always tell the whole story, and understand how masking, cognitive load and sensory or social demands can contribute to exhaustion.
- Reframe common assumptions about neurodivergent behaviour, moving from interpretations such as “lazy”, “difficult”, “oversensitive” or “not listening” towards curiosity about what may be happening underneath.
- Identify simple ways to reduce unnecessary barriers, including making communication clearer, increasing predictability, reducing cognitive or sensory load and offering different ways to access or respond to information.
- Reflect on your own experiences and assumptions, identifying at least one thing you would like to understand differently, explore further or change in your everyday interactions.
Who should attend?
This series is ideal for:
- Entrepreneurs and business owners across Gloucestershire
- Individuals who identify as neurodivergent (ADHD, autism, dyslexia)
- Those who suspect they may think differently and want to understand how this impacts their business
- Anyone looking to improve focus, consistency, and sustainability in their work
About the speakers
Chiara Richards
Chiara Richards is a Neurodiversity Coach specialising in ADHD and autism. They support individuals to understand how their brain works, build confidence, and develop practical strategies that align with their strengths. This workshop series draws on both research and real-world coaching experience to provide practical, relatable support.
