Understanding neurodevelopment disorders in people with mental health issues (ADHD and autism)

Course Overview

This one-day training aims to provide an opportunity for participants to explore the knowledge, and practice the skills required, to cater to the additional needs of people with ADHD in the context of their professional practice. It will be of interest to staff from all health care services, and particularly primary care-based practitioners, mental health and social care professionals working in inpatient and community settings.

Course content

Approximately 3%-4% of the adult population have ADHD, and these individuals access all types of health and social care services. Over the last decade it has become increasingly evident that there is a need to improve the awareness and recognition of ADHD in clinical settings.  It is therefore necessary for the health and social care workforce to access appropriate training to enable them to recognise and provide appropriate care to people with ADHD.

By the end of the session, participants should be able to:

1. Describe ADHD and be able to recognise the three primary presentations of ADHD seen in adults.
2. List potential signs of unrecognised ADHD at different parts of the
3. Describe the long-term outcomes of untreated ADHD.
4. Apply a broad range of communication skills and strategies across diverse settings for people with ADHD and common comorbidities, such as dyslexia and dyspraxia.
5. Review the distinctions between ADHD and other commonly confused mental disorders
6. Identify common barriers to accessing and engaging in health services for patients with ADHD and identify ways to overcome these barriers.
7. Describe the first-line treatments for ADHD as outlined by NICE.
8. Explain how stigma affects individuals with ADHD and why it is seen as a risk factor for those with ADHD.
9. Explore myths and misconceptions relating to the use of medication to treat individuals with ADHD.
10. Explain the links between ADHD and addiction and list typical self-medicating behaviours seen in individuals with untreated ADHD.

Learning and teaching

Study mode: Synchronous online delivery via virtual classroom using one of the following web-based learning and teaching platforms (e.g. MS teams, Kaltura new row, Adobe Connect, Zoom).  The content on the day will be delivered via a mixture of PowerPoint presentation, small group exercise and discussion, group feedback and recap/quiz.

Fees and funding

There are several funding options available:

• Receiving course fees via CPPD contracts between NHS trusts and Middlesex University
• Paying your own fees. This course is £120
• Sponsorship by your employer.

For more information on these options, including fee rates for self-funding/employer-sponsored students, please visit our dedicated funding page.

How to apply

To apply for this course, please email our NHS study days team.

Download an enquiry form and for more information on the application process. Applications to this module should be made directly to the university, apply for a CPD module or programme.