Neuroaffirming Language: From Deficit to Strength in Scottish Classrooms

A Full CPD Programme for Scottish Educators Too often, discussions about neurodivergent learners in Scottish schools focus on what pupils can’t do rather than celebrating their strengths, skills, and individuality. Neuroaffirming Language: From Deficit to Strength in Scottish Classrooms equips educators with practical tools to transform how they talk about—and to—neurodivergent children and young people. This engaging, evidence-informed CPD programme shows how simple changes in language can increase pupil motivation, strengthen relationships with families, improve self-esteem, and build inclusive school cultures aligned with Scottish policy and practice. The course includes eight modules: • Foundations of Neuroaffirming Language in Scottish Education • Skills-Centred Communication: Shifting from Labels to Strengths • Autonomy over Avoidance: Practical Classroom Phrasing • Partnering with Parents: Restoring Confidence through Strengths Discourse • Early Years Talk: Play-based Language for Neuroaffirming Practice • Primary Pedagogy: Literacy, Numeracy and Social Skills Language • Secondary Strategies: Subject-Specific and Exam-Focused Support • Action Planning & CPD Log: Sustaining Change and Measuring Impact By the end of the programme, participants will feel confident using strength-based, autonomy-supportive language across early years, primary, secondary, and specialist settings. Join us and help ensure that neurodivergent learners in Scotland thrive—not despite who they are, but because of all they bring.