One neuroinclusive tip you can apply to your training tomorrow #1

I learnt this tip from an autistic faciltiator who coached people in effective feedback. He described it as a 'small thing with a big payoff.' And I think it works particularly well for neurodiverent people.

When you're praising the room, get specific. "Great work everyone!" is lovely and warm but no one's quite sure WHY (the why is so important). And it risks sounding hollow.  Saying something specific like "I really love the way you reframed that problem" is soooo much better.

Many people (and I've noticed this particularly with neurodivergent people) will file their own strengths under "fluke." So generic praise can often have the opposite of its intended effect. Getting specific really helps people.

Quick aside on why I mentioned the facilitator was autistic. 

I know a whole bunch of autistic trainers and facilitators - people often seem surprised by this. I think there is an assumption that autistic people might struggle with facilitation.

I think that's a misunderstanding of autism.  The autistic facilitators I know will openly admit that they might find it harder to 'read social cues' in the same way a neurotypical person might, or might struggle with large noisy unstructured groups. (This won't be the case for all autistic people BTW - I'm just talking here about the ones I know). But they also often talk about having heightened pattern spotting skills - which is blimmin' useful when training.  And particularly useful when observing behaviours. 

My experience of autistic trainers and facilitators is that the sessions they are are often really thoughtful, well structured and calm - and often really allow people to have time to think.