Our first training sold out so quickly that we’re bringing it back!
Join us on Thursday, 26 February 2026 — spaces are limited, so register soon.
Join us on Thursday, 26 February 2026 — spaces are limited, so register soon.
Working with Autism & ADHD
Professional Development Opportunity: Supporting Autism & ADHD
This training is designed for teachers, counsellors, teacher aides, social workers, group leaders, staff, and other professionals seeking to better understand Autism and ADHD, and how to support neurodiverse people effectively.
Training will explore:
Participants will gain:
This training is designed for teachers, counsellors, teacher aides, social workers, group leaders, staff, and other professionals seeking to better understand Autism and ADHD, and how to support neurodiverse people effectively.
Training will explore:
- Key Traits of Autism and ADHD
- What are the differences and similarities
- Comorbidities of Autism and ADHD
- Inclusive Skills and Practical Strategies to support individuals
- Approaches for schools, counselling spaces, and community settings working with neurodiversity in teens, young adults and adults
- Regulation tools and emotional forecasting
- Impact on relationships when one person is neurodiverse
- Understand the Trauma and Challenges for Parents of Neurodiverse Children
- Navigating diagnosis: grief, stress, and systemic barriers
- Available supports and resources
Participants will gain:
- Greater Awareness: Building inclusive communities that reduce stigma.
- Practical Confidence: Tools to recognise and nurture the strengths of neurodivergent individuals.
- Family Support: Insight into the systemic impacts on parents and carers, with pathways to resources.
- Empowered Neurodivergent Voices: Helping neurodiverse people feel seen, valued, and supported to thrive.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
MJ & Denise, from Diverse City (www.diversecity.co.nz) and Spectrum Connections (www.spectrumconnections.co.nz), are highly respected in the Tauranga community for their expertise, dedication, and contributions in supporting and advocating for neurodiverse individuals.
MARY-JANE (MJ) DU TOIT
BA Hum Psych (Psychology & Industrial Psychology)
Prosci Certified Facilitator and Trainer
Since 2016, MJ has been a passionate advocate for Tauranga’s neurodiverse community. With a strong background in psychology, adult education, leadership, and change management, as a mother of two neurodiverse boys, she blends professional expertise with lived experience.
She has coached countless parents navigating autism and ADHD, guiding them through transitions and challenges with empathy and practical support. In 2017, MJ founded A-Typical Mums, a support group for mothers of neurodiverse children. In 2023, she took over Asperger’s Connections and relaunched it as Spectrum Connections, strengthening networks and support across the community.
MJ is recognised for her commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces where families and individuals can connect, grow, and feel supported.
DENISE COY
MNZAC (Member of New Zealand Association of Counselling)
ASDCS (Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist)
Denise brings both professional expertise and personal insight into Autism and ADHD across all ages. She is known for her compassionate, strengths-based approach and her ability to support individuals with both new and longstanding diagnoses—as well as parents working hard to hold things together.
Her specialist training includes ASDCS, Counselling Youth on the Autism Spectrum, Rethinking ADHD, and more. She is currently working toward her ADHD-CCSP (Certified Clinical Services Provider) credential.
As a counsellor, supervisor, and mother to an AuDHD/PDA child, Denise offers a unique blend of empathy, clinical knowledge, and lived experience. She is deeply committed to celebrating neurodiversity and supporting people in ways that affirm their identity, not just their functionality.
MJ & Denise, from Diverse City (www.diversecity.co.nz) and Spectrum Connections (www.spectrumconnections.co.nz), are highly respected in the Tauranga community for their expertise, dedication, and contributions in supporting and advocating for neurodiverse individuals.
MARY-JANE (MJ) DU TOIT
BA Hum Psych (Psychology & Industrial Psychology)
Prosci Certified Facilitator and Trainer
Since 2016, MJ has been a passionate advocate for Tauranga’s neurodiverse community. With a strong background in psychology, adult education, leadership, and change management, as a mother of two neurodiverse boys, she blends professional expertise with lived experience.
She has coached countless parents navigating autism and ADHD, guiding them through transitions and challenges with empathy and practical support. In 2017, MJ founded A-Typical Mums, a support group for mothers of neurodiverse children. In 2023, she took over Asperger’s Connections and relaunched it as Spectrum Connections, strengthening networks and support across the community.
MJ is recognised for her commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces where families and individuals can connect, grow, and feel supported.
DENISE COY
MNZAC (Member of New Zealand Association of Counselling)
ASDCS (Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist)
Denise brings both professional expertise and personal insight into Autism and ADHD across all ages. She is known for her compassionate, strengths-based approach and her ability to support individuals with both new and longstanding diagnoses—as well as parents working hard to hold things together.
Her specialist training includes ASDCS, Counselling Youth on the Autism Spectrum, Rethinking ADHD, and more. She is currently working toward her ADHD-CCSP (Certified Clinical Services Provider) credential.
As a counsellor, supervisor, and mother to an AuDHD/PDA child, Denise offers a unique blend of empathy, clinical knowledge, and lived experience. She is deeply committed to celebrating neurodiversity and supporting people in ways that affirm their identity, not just their functionality.
Supporting resources will be provided.
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OPEN FOR REGISTRATIONS
COURSE DATE: Thursday 26 February 2026 TIME: 9am - 12.30pm (Registration open from 8.45am - training starts at 9am) VENUE: St Peters Church, 130 Spring Street, Tauranga COST: $95+gst Course costs include morning tea and course materials. |
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SOLD OUT!
COURSE DATE: Tuesday 11 November 2025 TIME: 9am - 12.30pm (Registration open from 8.45am - training starts at 9am) VENUE: Hato Hone St John Tauranga, 146 17th Avenue, Tauranga COST: $95+gst Course costs include morning tea and course materials. |
