A practical guide for neuroinclusive intervention

Supporting more informed, adaptable approaches within existing systems.

About the guide

‘Supporting Neurodivergent clients: A guide for practitioners facilitating domestic abuse perpetrator interventions’ is a practical, research-informed guide supporting neuroinclusive approaches within intervention and behavioural rehabilitation settings.

In context
Professionals working in intervention and behavioural rehabilitation often need to adapt standard approaches to meet a wide range of needs. Many existing programmes are not designed with neurodivergence in mind, making it more difficult to tailor interventions in ways that are both effective and appropriate. This can create challenges in how work is delivered and experienced within existing systems.

Making interventions more inclusive of neurodivergent needs.

Why the guide exists

The guide was developed to address a gap in provision for neurodivergent men who have used violence in intimate relationships. It is underpinned by academic research with Neurodivergent men, domestic abuse practitioners and Neurodivergent-led organisations. It provides guidance and a helpful toolkit for those delivering interventions, supporting more neuroinclusive approaches without changing the core structure of existing programmes.

The research underpinning the guide can be accessed here.

How was the guide developed?

The guide was co-developed with partners who are experts in domestic abuse perpetrator work, provide advocacy to Neurodivergent people, develop and deliver Neurodiversity/Neurodivergence training, and consult on neuroinclusive service design. Collaborating with experts in the domestic abuse sector ensures that the guide is broadly compliant across a diversity of interventions. Following bespoke training, the guide was then piloted across partner organisations’ delivery sites.

Project partners included:

  • Community Justice Scotland
  • Probation Service North East
  • Respect

Neurodiversity/Neurodivergence consultants included:

  • Neurodiverse Connection (Kay Aldred, Development Lead)
  • Monika Labich Coaching and Therapy (Monika Labich)

What it does

The guide supports practitioners to:
  • Understand how neurodivergence may present in this context
  • Adapt interventions to better meet individual needs
  • Apply practical strategies within existing programme frameworks

The focus is on making adjustments that are realistic, applicable, and grounded in day-to-day work.

Who it’s for

The guide is designed for use across the sector, including:

  • Services delivering intervention programmes
  • Criminal justice and community-based settings
  • Voluntary and charitable organisations supporting individuals and families

How it works

The guide is built on a clear, research-informed approach designed for real-world use.

Research-informed

Practical and user-focused

Inclusive and neuroaffirmative

Designed for real-world application

How it works

The guide is built on a clear, research-informed approach designed for real-world use.

Research-informed

Practical and user-focused

Inclusive and neuroaffirmative

Designed for real-world application

Ongoing development

The guide was developed in response to identified gaps in provision, drawing on sector knowledge, research, and experience. It is designed to evolve over time, with the potential to expand and adapt as understanding continues to develop.

Feedback and insight from those using the guide will help shape its continued development. You can share feedback by completing the practitioner questionnaire, which has received ethical approval by Durham University’s Research Committee. You can also share a testimonial about how our resources have supported your work.

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Ongoing development

The guide was developed in response to identified gaps in provision, drawing on sector knowledge, research, and experience. It is designed to evolve over time, with the potential to expand and adapt as understanding continues to develop.

Feedback and insight from those using the guide will help shape its continued development. You can share feedback by completing the practitioner questionnaire, which has received ethical approval by Durham University’s Research Committee. You can also share a testimonial about how our resources have supported your work.

Please get in touch if you have any questions.

Meet the research team

The guide has been developed by academics at Durham University with experience of research and working within this field.

 

Nicole Renehan, NDIDA Practice

Dr Nicole Renehan

Project Lead
Assistant Professor in Criminology at Durham University, with a background in multi-agency domestic abuse teams within child protection settings and working with Neurodivergent individuals in distress. Her research focuses on domestic abuse, Neurodivergence and improving how interventions respond to Neurodiversity.
Vicky Butterby, NDIDA Practice

Dr Vicky Butterby

Research Associate
Research Associate at Durham University, with expertise in areas including contextual safeguarding, economic abuse and young people’s experiences of consent and education. She has a background in teaching and works alongside Dr Nicole Renehan on the development of the guide.

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