Supporting a Neurodiverse Trainee
Resources
These resources have been put together to support trainers supervising a neurodiverse trainee. You can use these resources to increase your knowledge, to access support, or you can signpost your trainees to them.
What is neurodiversity?
Diagnosis and screening
COPMeD report and recommendations
The impact of reasonable adjustments
Referral to Trainee Development and Wellbeing Service (TDWS)
Local and external networks
Additional Reading
Experiences of neurodiverse doctors
1. What is neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity recognises and celebrates the variation in information processing among individuals. These differences are accepted and respected as part of diversity.
Common types of neurodivergence include:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Dyslexia
Many more
Each has unique characteristics, strengths and challenges contributing to the diversity of our workforce.
2. Has a diagnosis ben made or screening been completed?
Many individuals will have completed undergraduate training with an undetected neurodivergent condition. At times, this might become apparent in a demanding rotational job or as exam failure. It can take a long time for screening. However, if a diagnosis has been made consideration should be made to reasonable adjustments and support for post graduate examinations.
The Trainee Development and Wellbeing Service can support with with navigating diagnosis and assessment for reasonable adjustments - referral can be made by the trainee or trainer.
Dyslexia screening can be completed via self referral through Dyslexia Scotland.
3. Read the COPMeD report and recommendations
COPMED is the Conference of Postgraduate Medical Deans (UK). They publish papers setting out their views on important areas of postgraduate medical education. In 2023 they published guidance from their Task and Finish Group on Neurodiversity.
Neurodiversity: Addressing the need for equitable access to assessment and support for trainees who are or may be neurodiverse
Page 6 - Trainer recommendations
4. Reasonable Adjustments
Impact of reasonable adjustments
A 2 minute video on how small adjustments can make a big impact
5. Consider referral to TDWS
If a neurodiverse trainee is struggling to meet curriculum requirements, pass exams or requires additional wellbeing support please consider referral to NES Trainee Development and Wellbeing Service. Referrals can be made by trainer or by the trainee.
Please note it can take a few weeks to be seen so please consider additional local support alongside this.
6. Local and External Networks
Please see our Neurodivergence Resources for links to local and external networks which you can sign post your trainee to.
7. Additional Resources
Resources including GMC and NICE guidance, networks and societies. These resources cover dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, autism, ADHD.