Working Effectively with Neurodivergent Groups Presenting with Alcohol or Substance Misuse Issue
CDARS has developed a comprehensive one-day training programme designed for professionals who want to enhance their understanding of neurodiversity and strengthen their ability to communicate effectively with neurodivergent groups. The training is specifically tailored to those working in the field of alcohol and substance misuse.
With over 40 years of experience supporting individuals affected by alcohol and substance misuse — and now, extensive work with neurodiverse groups — CDARS brings unique expertise to this specialist training.
What you’ll gain:
This programme will equip you with a strong foundation in neurodiversity and provide practical strategies to improve communication, engagement, and treatment outcomes for neurodivergent individuals.
Learning objectives:
- Define neurodiversity and recognise common neurodivergent profiles (e.g. autism, ADHD, learning differences, sensory processing differences).
- Understand how being neurodivergent can affect engagement and outcomes in alcohol and substance misuse treatment and recovery.
- Explore the relationship between neurodiversity and substance/alcohol misuse.
- Learn approaches for screening and assessment.
- Adapt communication styles and engagement strategies to build rapport and improve comprehension and retention.
- Identify practical accommodations (environmental, sensory, scheduling, format) to support treatment engagement.
- Develop individualised treatment plans that reflect neurodivergent needs, supports, and preferences.
- Reflect on your own biases and strengths to create a personal development plan for working more effectively with neurodivergent groups.
Practical Details
Who is this training for?
This course is designed for:
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Practitioners in alcohol and substance misuse services
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Mental health professionals and counsellors
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Social workers and support staff
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GPs and healthcare practitioners
- Anyone working directly with neurodivergent individuals in treatment or recovery settings
Training format
- Duration: One day (10am - 5pm) with a 30 minutes lunch break
- Lunch and refreshments are provided
- Delivery: Available in-person or online
- Please contact us for pricing and group booking options
Next Training
Next training on Monday 18th May 2026.
Venue: Caremark Sutton, 20 Ewell Road, Cheam, Sutton, SM3 8BU
For more info, please email franco.toma@cdars.org.uk .
We are very grateful to Caremark Sutton for generously providing the venue free of charge, helping us keep ticket prices accessible.
About the Facilitators
Franco Toma
Franco, CDARS' CEO, is a highly experienced and qualified professional with over 30 years of expertise in the field of substance and alcohol misuse. Combining his professional qualifications with lived experience, he brings both passion and deep insight to his work.
He holds a Diploma in Professional Person-Centred Counselling, a BSc (Hons) in Psychology, an MSc in Addiction, and an MBA in Leadership and Strategic Management (Level 7). He holds a Level 8 diploma in strategic management and leadership. Franco is also a Fellow Chartered Manager of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI).
Franco has extensive experience as a trainer, having delivered specialist sessions for Sutton Police, Merton Social Workers, and Connexions staff, focusing on substance and alcohol misuse. His engaging training style blends academic knowledge with practical application, ensuring participants gain skills they can use immediately in their professional practice.
A pioneer in exploring and addressing the links between neurodiversity and substance/alcohol misuse, Franco has led the development of a groundbreaking programme of services for neurodivergent individuals across Wimbledon, Wandsworth, and Richmond. His work continues to shape best practice in this emerging and vital field.
M Gallego
M is a registered Dance & Movement Psychotherapist (ADMPUK) with experience working with neurodiverse young people/children in SEN schools (6 yrs+). She has extensive experience supporting individuals with Autism, mental health, substance misuse, Down Syndrome, learning difficulties & physical Impairments through 1-1 sessions and support groups.
Annabel Bouteloup
Annabel has a strong track record working in the field of substance misuse, mental health, neurodiversity and the veteran community. She delivers 1-1 support & facilitates group sessions. She runs the 12 Step Neurodiversity Group and facilitates a new Women, Hormones & Neurodiversity Group.