Neuro cards are a creative way for professionals to work with neurodivergent clients to help raise awareness of neurodivergent traits and foster a positive neurodivergent identity. Designed by me, an Autistic, ADHD therapist. In this article I will take you through what they are and how you can use them in practice.

What began as my Springtime hyper focus/ passion project, ended up as a neurodivergent resource which has reached a global audience. These 42 double sided therapy cards are designed to explore and reflect on neurodivergent (ND) traits and experiences.

I’m thrilled to say that, to date, Neuro Cards have been given 5 star reviews from professionals and individuals from Canada, Australia, Ireland, the USA and the far reaches of the UK. They have been used in 1-1 therapeutic settings in the statutory and private sector, coaching sessions, support sessions, specialist autism services, schools, SEN (Special Educational Need) settings, colleges, youth groups and for neurodivergent individuals and their families. More recently larger companies have been investing in Neuro Cards as a way to improve their understanding and support for neurodivergent employees. It’s great to see Equality, Diversity & Inclusion departments working to support their Autistic, ADHD, Dyslexic, Dyspraxic and otherwise neurodivergent colleagues in such an affirming way. Read on further to explore ways to work with the cards in all these types of settings. 

Their wide appeal has shown me what I felt all along – that professionals and neurodivergent individuals themselves are crying out for a neurodivergent affirming resource. One which doesn’t pathologise, shame or invalidate and instead allows true exploration of ND traits and experiences.

Deliberately not segregated into the different diagnoses such as Autism, ADHD, dyslexia or Tourette’s, Neuro Cards are not a diagnostic tool but rather a way to work holistically with a person as an alternative to the deficit-based assessment system.

How to Use Neuro Cards?

The cards have an image on one side as a representation of a neurodivergent trait or experience. On the reverse is an explanation along with discussion points. These are designed as a way to help the practitioner (or indeed the individual if they’re using it for themselves) gain insight into the way this trait might relate to their own life.

“By viewing life experiences through a neurodivergent lens, we can reduce self blame and increase self compassion.” – Amy Peters

I believe that, by viewing life experiences through a neurodivergent lens, we can reduce self blame and increase self compassion. This is where Neuro Cards can help.

Neuro Cards for 1-1 Settings – A resource for supporting neurodivergent clients, students or patients

In 1-1 settings such as therapy, coaching or support work, start by asking your client/student to pick a card that feels relevant to them. They can pick at random, consider each one, or use the images to see what stands out to them. Then use the card and the explanation to provide some education around the trait if needed.

Following on from this, using the discussion points can elicit some insightful revelations for many people. You could use the discussion points as a basis for other interventions such as creative counselling techniques, or for use as a journal prompt for example.

Take things at your client’s pace, being mindful that they may have had very invalidating experiences in previous years. It can be overwhelming to view things through a neurodivergent lens for the first time so it’s important to think about their safety. Perhaps exploring one card a session is enough, or maybe they would like to come back to them after a few weeks.

Customer Reviews

“Visual aids are a magical way to bypass the inability to describe what’s going on. My clients thoroughly enjoyed using these.”

“Brilliant. I love using them in my coaching sessions, and they’ve been a real eye opener after my own diagnoses. Thank you for this amazing resource.”

“Love these cards. Have opened up some fantastic neuro affirming conversations using these.”

Neuro Cards for Groups – A tool for youth groups, after school clubs or wellbeing groups

Many youth groups, charities and wellbeing groups have found Neuro Cards useful to base their discussions around. A local youth group I’ve worked with have used one card to set the theme for a week e.g. talking about and exploring ’emotional regulation’ one week and ‘masking’ the next. Other groups have used them as an entire pack by laying the cards out to see which ones people in the group relate to the most. You could even split participants into smaller groups to discuss amongst themselves and present their thoughts to the others if they were comfortable to do so. 

Customer Review

“I have just received the neuro cards and they are amazing. This will transform the work I do with young people that may be neurodivergent.”

Neuro Cards for Schools – A tool for supporting SEN students

Within schools, colleges and universities, Neuro cards can be a great educational resource for both students and staff. They can be used as above with groups or in 1-1 settings, or they can be out on display as a talking point in SEN (Special Educational Needs) departments, pastoral offices or staff rooms. Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Mentors and School Counsellors have all been using Neuro Cards with students with great results. They are also increasingly being  purchased as gifts for staff within school settings, with one recent customer ordering packs of Neuro Cards for their various teams and using them as a prize in a festive pass the parcel! 

Customer Reviews

“Great for using with anyone who wants to explore neurodivergent ‘symptoms’. I work as a mental health mentor with university students and these cards have really helped students focus on the ways their condition affects them and explore possible coping mechanisms.”

“How amazing are these cards, they will help students, clients, therapist, supervisee and staff that I’m in contact with. Absolutely brilliant I love them, thank you.” 

Neuro Cards for Companies/Employers – A tool for supporting Autistic, ADHD and otherwise neurodivergent employees.

With the greater understanding of neurodivergence in the UK, we have recently seen an upsurge in interest in the Neuro Cards as a resource for neurodivergent staff. Peer support and Neurodiversity Networks are being set up specifically to ensure neurodivergent employees have a voice. Neuro Cards can help facilitate this by being a resource your staff can use. Have them available at different sites – the descriptions and discussion points on the back mean all the neurodivergent traits are clearly explained making them perfect for learning more. Planning a new service? Use Neuro Cards as a way to ensure neurodivergent traits are considered within the process.  

Customer Reviews

“These cards are great! I have purchased additional sets to give to colleagues.”

Neuro Cards for Individuals

Alongside professional uses for this resource, Neuro Cards have also been well received by neurodivergent individuals. Whether using as a self awareness tool or a educational one, you can be sure that Neuro Cards will be a non stigmatising, non pathologising and non judgemental way of learning. Many Autistic people in particular have found them helpful as an advocacy tool, helping them to communicate their needs in a variety of settings and to help them explain their traits to family members. 

Customer Reviews

“Amazing cards! I absolutely love this unique concept. I am recently diagnosed and I can spend time reflecting on my own neurodivergence!”

“These cards have been like a gift from God for me. I am a late diagnosed autistic and these little cards have helped me more than you could possibly imagine to navigate my way through this neurotypical world with a little more ease. Thank you so much to the creator!”

Neuro Cards for Parents/carers of Neurodivergent Children

As a parent or carer of an Autistic, ADHD or otherwise neurodivergent child, it can be difficult to find tools that empower you to better understand their unique traits while also fostering a sense of their neurodivergent identity. Neuro Cards are designed not only for professionals but also for families, making them an accessible and valuable resource for home use.

Use them to explore and reflect on your child’s traits together, helping them articulate their experiences and deepen your own understanding. The discussion points on each card provide prompts that can guide conversations, allowing you to identify their strengths and challenges in a supportive and affirming way. These cards can also serve as a gentle introduction to talking about neurodivergence with siblings or extended family members, promoting awareness and compassion.

Customer Reviews

“Exactly what I was looking for to understand my daughter’s neurodivergent brain and also help her understand it!”

Absolutely fantastic- can’t wait to use with my 18 yr old autistic daughter who was excited to receive them. Thank you so much- it will bring added conversation and ways for us to help her navigate the world. THANK YOU!!!

For more on how to use Neuro Cards see my “Exploring Neurodivergence with Neuro Cards” training course (see below).

Bespoke training also available.