OXFORD CENTRE OF MEDICAL EDUCATION

Comms Skills for Working with People with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

 Online & Classed-based

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In the UK, all healthcare professionals are expected to receive training in working with and communicating with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Intellectual Disabilities. However, a national survey conducted by Mencap in 2018 revealed that only 35% of medical schools in the UK provide such training, which is deeply concerning.

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A subsequent YouGov Survey of more than 500 healthcare professionals found:

• 23% of healthcare professionals have never attended training on meeting the needs of patients with a learning disability.

• 37% believe the quality of healthcare received by patients with a learning disability is worse than that of patients without a learning disability.

• 45% think the lack of training on learning disabilities may contribute to the avoidable deaths of people with learning disabilities.

 

In response to these alarming findings, OxCME has developed a 90-minute workshop designed to address these gaps in training. The course can be delivered either online or in-person and is suitable for medical students, qualified doctors, allied healthcare professionals, and anyone working with individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders who wish to improve their communication skills. Other professionals, such as advocates, social workers, mental health solicitors, and similar roles, are also welcome to attend.

 

Effectiveness of Online vs. In-Person Training

Research suggests that online and virtual communication skills training can be both feasible and effective. However, there is a common belief that in-person training might be more impactful, though this assumption lacks substantial published evidence. A head-to-head comparison of participant feedback from our workshops, however, shows that both delivery methods achieve equal satisfaction and effectiveness.

 

Learn More:

• Watch a presentation about the course and findings of our comparison here>.

• Read some of the testimonials from past participants here>.

 

Course Methodology

The course incorporates various teaching methods from higher education to maximize learning and create a long-lasting impact on participants' practice. These include:

• Buzz Groups

• Brainstorming

• Video demonstrations

• Quizzes

• Group discussions/Fishbowl discussions

• Role play

 

Dates in 2025 (Virtual Events):

• March 18, 2025 - 14:30pm

• May 13, 2025 - 14:30pm

• July 8, 2025 - 14:30pm

• August 5. 2025 - 14:30pm

• October 10, 2025 -- 14:30pm

Class-based courses are scheduled upon request for universities and organizations.

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Fees and payment instructions:

£99 (you will be invoiced when a place is allocated to you)

£1000 for group registration (12 -24 participants)

For queries about the institutional rates please contact us

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Cancellation policy:

• Cancelled by the organiser (OxCME): full refund

• Cancelled more than 28 working days in advance: full refund

• Cancelled between 2-28 working days: 50% will be refunded

• Cancelled within 1 working days or if the delegate fails to attend the course: No refund

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