We have adapted this communication tool that has been used effectively in a wide range of commercial and public sector contexts over the past 20 years, in response to being asked for communication tips for managers and HR people working in large organisations.

Questions that come up very frequently are:

How can we have difficult conversations with ND or diverse staff?

How can we best support our ND colleagues?

How do we balance the needs of the whole team and not look like we’re giving preference to the ND team member?

Given that communication is so challenging for ND people, a communication tool that is tangible and easy to get to grips with will be invaluable to organisations seeking to better equip their key staff but with a small budget.

The 7 Words are:

No – truth, identity, boundaries, identity

Hello – attention, openness, exchange, communication

Thanks – appreciation, valuing, giving, heart essence

Goodbye – realisation, decision, completion, freedom

Please – vision, intention, cooperation, prayer

Sorry – responsibility, remorse, repair, release

Yes – permission, acceptance, agreement, surrender

Executive Function is a major factor in students experiencing difficulties in education. Wired Differently developed an understanding of the role EF plays through its coaching and virtual assistance work and we decided to create a low-cost webinar designed for teaching and non-teaching staff, so they feel better equipped to tackle difficult conversations, support students and recognise challenges when the students themselves don’t know what’s standing in their way. Mental health issues affect 80% of neurodivergent people.

When Executive Function is missed or misunderstood, this can seriously aggravate mental health difficulties to the point where students drop out, present with a safeguarding issue and underachieve. It can be frustrating for staff when a student continually asks for extensions, appears to be unfocused or missing their predicted marks and this can lead to assumptions being made that inhibit the staff member in their work and that can seriously worsen the neurodivergent person’s state of mind and academic and career prospects.

20-35% of students on any given course will be neurodivergent, even if this has not formally been identified. Our webinar supports awareness raising and has clear tips and takeaways so you can make a positive impact on students’ lives from immediately after.

A branded Mental Health First Aid course that takes place over 2 full days with a day off in between and Sara checking format with Lynne. (In Scotland MHFA must be delivered in person)

Jake has delivered in Wales but subject to his agreement so please refer to him to discuss with client. Send Northern Ireland requests to Jake also and he will see whether he can take them.