Course Description

Diploma in Shadow Teaching: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners in Schools





Learn to support neurodivergent learners as a shadow teacher in inclusive, student-centred classrooms. Support neurodivergent learners with confidence. This diploma explores the role of shadow teachers in inclusive classrooms, covering autism, ADHD, learning differences, communication needs, behaviour support, emotional development, and practical tools to aid children in diverse learning environments. Learn how to collaborate with families and professionals, foster independence, and build truly inclusive learning spaces.

The Diploma in Shadow Teaching: Supporting Neurodivergent Learners in Schools course at Alison is listed in Courses.ie's national courses finder.
Training ProviderAlison
Course TypeOnline Learning
Course QualificationCPD Diploma
Course Duration15-20 hours
Course FeeFree
Entry RequirementsLike all courses on the Alison Free Learning platform this is a free, CPD-accredited course. A Graduate can choose to buy a certificate or diploma upon successful completion of a course, but this is not required or necessary.

At Alison we believe that free education, more than anything, has the power to break through boundaries and transform lives.

Alison is the world’s largest free online empowerment platform for education and skills training, offering over 5000 CPD accredited courses and a range of impactful career development tools. It is a for-profit social enterprise dedicated to making it possible for anyone, to study anything, anywhere, at any time, for free online, at any subject level. Through our mission, we are a catalyst for positive social change, creating opportunity, prosperity, and equality for everyone.
Career PathWhat You Will Learn In This Free Course
• Describe the role and responsibilities of a shadow teacher in supporting neurodivergent learners
• Recognise key traits and support needs of children with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities
• Categorise common learning difficulties and plan strategies using scaffolding and differentiation
• Apply inclusive, sensory-friendly tools such as visual schedules, timers, and reward systems
• Illustrate how to respond supportively to meltdowns, stimming, and emotional dysregulation
• Create strategies that foster emotional intelligence, social skills, and peer interaction
• Assess progress through observation, informal tracking, and reflective journalling
• Discuss effective collaboration with teachers, families, and therapists to support individual needs
• Evaluate ethical responsibilities, including confidentiality, boundaries, and respectful language
• Review self-care practices to manage burnout and promote long-term wellbeing in the role
Course Code7681
For more information about Alison, please visit our College page on Courses.ie by clicking here.

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