Neurodiversity Programme
Imroc’s Neurodiversity Team is dedicated to developing and delivering training that fosters inclusivity and empowerment for neurodivergent individuals. Drawing from lived experience, family insights, and subject matter expertise, the team designs impactful programmes that address the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent communities. In response to feedback that traditional peer support training was difficult for autistic individuals to engage with, Imroc developed the Autism Peer Support Training, a co-produced course created alongside autistic people, parents, and peer experts.
This training equips participants with advocacy skills, adaptive communication techniques, and practical strategies to provide meaningful peer support. Through interactive activities, sensory-friendly approaches, and co-produced content, the programme fosters understanding, confidence, and inclusive practices, benefiting autistic individuals, families, and carers. Imroc’s commitment to neuroinclusion goes beyond adapting content—it ensures that neurodivergent voices are at the heart of the training. Standard adjustments are embedded, and additional support is provided in collaboration with nominating organisations. Rooted in co-production and continuous adaptation, the training evolves based on research and participant feedback, ensuring it remains responsive to the needs of neurodivergent individuals. As part of Imroc’s growing portfolio, the Autism Peer Support Training reflects a commitment to reducing inequalities and amplifying neurodivergent voices in shaping their futures.
To learn more or enrol, contact autismpeertraining@imroc.org.
Explore Our Courses:
Autism Peer Support Training
Autistic and neurodivergent individuals have long known the power of lived experience and peer support. With this in mind, Imroc is proud to offer this coproduced peer support worker training course, which enables peers to grow, embed and sustain effective, person-led, and hopeful peer support that directly aligns to the Autism Peer Support Work Capability Framework.
Our Autism Peer Support Training offer develops skills, extends knowledge, fosters community and structures the peer support offer for mutual benefit. It is applicable and relevant in a variety of settings and supports people to thrive in a way and that truly fits for them.
Needs led, fluid and structured reasonable adjustments that are person centred are facilitated before, during and after the course, maximizing predictability, accessibility, collaboration and inclusion - the very heart of true peer support.
The training spans up to 20 weeks, covering induction, training, and assessment.
For tailored delivery options, please contact neurodiversitypeertraining@imroc.org
Modules:
Module 1: Creating a Safe Space for Learning on the APSW course
Module 2: Building Relationships using Peer Support Values
Module 3: Adapting to the Different Needs and Communication Styles of your Peer
Module 4: Understanding Sensory and Environmental Needs
Module 5: Your Rights, Legal Entitlements and Understanding Informed Consent
Module 6: Using Lived Experiences Safely and Effectively
Module 7: Understanding Support Structures and Systems
Module 8: Supporting through Transitions and Changes
Module 9: Understanding What it Means to Work in a Person-Centred Way
Module 10: Establishing, Sustaining and Ending Peer Relationships
Module 11: Including Everybody
Module 12: Safety
Module 13: Finding Your Feet as an Autism Peer Support Worker
Module 14: Wellbeing and Work
Module 15: Creating Meaningful endings
Structure
Autistic and neurodivergent individuals taking on peer support roles (paid or voluntary)
Parents/carers/family members of autistic individuals in peer support roles, with or without an autism diagnosis themselves.
Who is this course for?
Induction & Assessment: Yes -trainees complete reflective activities for assessment.
Cohort Size: 12–18 participants
Cost & Booking: For details, contact neurodiversitypeertraining@imroc.org
Additional Details
Autism Peer Supervision Training
The Autism Peer Supervision Training is a three-day course designed for current or aspiring supervisors of autism peer support workers and professionals shaping peer pathways. Delivered flexibly over three consecutive weeks, this training explores peer-informed supervision, reflective practices, and developmental strategies to foster effective support. Participants will engage with tools such as the Imroc Supervision Triangle, Difficult Conversations Map, and Balanced Reflections, equipping them with the confidence to navigate supervision challenges. The course also introduces FLOURISH, a wellbeing framework to promote balance in professional and peer support roles.
3 full days, with one training day per week over 3 consecutive weeks
Delivery times are flexible and can be adjusted as needed.
Contact neurodiversitypeertraining@imroc.org for tailored arrangements
Structure
Current or prospective supervisors of autism peer support workers
Professionals developing peer pathways in their services
Who is this course for?
Day 1: Peer-informed supervision and the Imroc Supervision Triangle
Day 2: Reflective practices, including “Difficult Conversations Map” and “Balanced Reflections” tool
Day 3: Developmental strategies, “FLOURISH,” and wellbeing plans for work-life balance
Modules
Induction & Assessment: No
Cohort Size: 12 – 24 people
Cost & Booking: Contact autismpeersupport@imroc.org
Additional Details
Team Preparation for Autism Peer Support
This course will equip anyone working in the peer support world to step into more senior peer positions with an increased confidence and knowledge whilst upholding the important peer values that define the profession.
This course is aimed at anyone wanting to strengthen their knowledge and skills to develop peer services as well as to gain peer specific leadership and management skills. The course has been co-produced by a dedicated group of individuals with relevant bespoke skills and experience within the peer realm.
This 15-hour training (6 sessions of 2.5 hours each) is designed for individuals undertaking or planning to step into peer leadership and senior peer roles. Through interactive learning, participants will explore core leadership values, develop essential skills, and engage in practical exercises to strengthen their leadership approach.
Get in touch today: peertraining@imroc.org
2–2.5 hours per session (1 session)
Delivered online via Zoom
Structure
Teams employing autism peer support workers for the first time
Teams reintroducing peer workers or expanding their peer workforce
Who is this course for?
Workshop 1: Introduction to peer support roles, expectations, and team preparation for integration
Modules
Workshop 2: Communication needs and presentation differences
Workshop 3: Environmental and sensory processing considerations
For workshop details and bookings, contact autismpeertraining@imroc.org.
Additional Workshops
Induction & Assessment: No
Cohort Size: Up to 20 people
Cost & Booking: Contact autismpeersupport@imroc.org
Additional Details
Autism Young Persons' Course
This training helps autistic young people become Peer Supporters in their school or community, focusing on challenging school situations they may face. The training provides Peer Supporters with tools to support younger autistic students and help them with challenges. Autistic young people often face bullying, mental health challenges, and sensory overload at school, leading to isolation and misunderstanding from staff. Imroc leads peer support globally. Our Autism Peer Support course has trained many and now focuses specifically on autistic young people, making a meaningful impact in their lives. We co-designed this programme with autistic young people. It can be delivered in schools or communities, helping Peer Supporters use their experiences to support younger students
Programme Benefits
Develops leadership and peer support skills tailored to young people's needs
Helps create supportive environments, reducing isolation and enhancing well-being
Focuses on real-world school and community challenges
Structure
5 sessions, each lasting 90 minutes
Interactive & Workbook: This hands-on programme teaches the skills needed for compassionate peer support. Each participant also receives a workbook to document their learning and refer back to after completing the course.
This programme provides peer supporters with the tools to create safe and supportive environments for autistic young people, helping to reduce isolation and improve well-being.
Young autistic individuals who wish to become peer supporters
Organisations working with young people interested in training them as peer supporters
Who is this course for?
Module 1: What is Peer Support? Getting to know each other, developing trust, and building safe relationships.
Module 2: The Building Blocks of Peer Support Safe sharing – Using lived experiences safely and maintaining relationships.
Module 3: Understanding the Needs of our Peers Sensory & Communication – Understanding sensory and communication needs.
Module 4: Tools and Strategies of Peer Support Person-centred support – Tailoring support to meet individual needs.
Module 5: Taking the First Step Moving forward – Helping peers recognise their networks and overcome barriers.
Modules
Cohort Size: For details contact autismpeersupport@imroc.org
Cost & Booking: For more information or to discuss how this training can be adapted for your needs, contact autismpeertraining@imroc.org
Additional Details
Peer Support Training for Adults with Learning Disabilities
This training was created to make peer support more accessible for adults with learning disabilities. While some individuals have participated in Autism Peer Support Training, the content wasn’t specifically designed for them. This course ensures they receive tailored support to become effective and confident peer support workers.
Led by experts in learning disabilities, the programme provides practical skills and guidance for supporting others in various settings. Additional support is arranged based on individual needs, ensuring an inclusive learning experience. This training empowers peer workers to offer safe, meaningful support, build confidence, connect with others, and create positive change in their communities.
33 hours, including 10 group sessions (3 hours each) and 3 one-on-one sessions for personalised learning and support.
This 12-week programme begins with Weeks 1 and 2 focused on introductions, reviewing reasonable adjustments, and liaising with the nominating or supporting organisation. Weeks 3-12 consist of training delivery, typically covering one module per week. We are happy to adjust the delivery to meet individual needs—please contact us to discuss any specific requirements.
Structure
Adults with learning disabilities taking on the role of peer support worker, either as a paid employee or as a volunteer
Who is this course for?
Module 1: Induction
Module 2: What is peer support?
Module 3: Learning Together
Module 4: Sharing with each other
Module 5: Respect
Module 6: Finding Our Voice
Module 7: Finding Our people
Module 8: Moving forwards
Module 9: Safe
Module 10: Moving into a role as a Peer Support Worker
Modules
Booking & Costs: Contact autismpeertraining@imroc.org
Induction & Assessment: Yes
Assessment of each students learning will be via continuous observation in the classroom, reflective conversation in group discussions and 1:1 with their mentor, as well as individual learning and development passport completed alongside the course and taken into the workplace
Cohort Size: 8-12 people