Join Jessica Chivers – coaching psychologist, author and host of COMEBACK COACH - plus special guest, Professor Amanda Kirby, for WHAT IS NEURODIVERSITY + HOW TO TALK ABOUT IT AT WORK?). Submit a question when you book or ask them live during the session.

About Professor Amanda Kirby

Amanda is a medical doctor and an emeritus professor at the University of South Wales, an honorary professor at Cardiff University and a Visiting Professor at Faculty of Health Sciences Trinity College Dublin.

She has clinical and research experience and founded and ran a transdisciplinary clinical and research team for 20 years relating to neurodiversity. She is a qualified GP and has a Ph.D. relating to emerging adulthood and neurodiversity. She has initiated and run a wide variety of training programmes including a Masters in SEN programme. She is also PLOS Mental Health Section editor for Neurodiversity.

She has written 10 books and more than 100 research papers in the field and one of her recent books published in 2021:'Neurodiversity at Work, Drive Innovation, Performance and Productivity with a Neurodiverse Workforce' won the Business Book Awards 2022 for EDI. Her latest book in 2023 is: Neurodiversity and Education and she has a new one planned for 2024 for parents.

Amanda is the founder and CEO of Do-IT Solutions, an internationally recognised tech-for- good company that provides neurodiversity screening and web-based support tools for children and adults in education and employment. The profiling tools are also used in many settings including fire, police, justice, workplace, education and apprenticeship settings.

Amanda has been on government advisory boards (e.g., Hidden Impairment National Group) as well as advising UK and international charities in the field of neurodiversity. This includes being a patron of the Dyspraxia Association in New Zealand, and Chair of Movement Matters UK. She is the current chair of the ADHD Foundation and works closely with many other charities working in this area. She sits on the Professional Advisory Group for DWP relating to Disability Confident.

Amanda has been voted one of the top UK HR Thinkers in 2022 and one the lifetime achievement awards at the National Diversity Awards as well as being voted in the top 50 Diversity power list. In 2023, she has been named one of: Think Women’s 40 outstanding global women’; Top ‘33 UK Business Influencers’. Amanda has co-authored the first Neurodiversity Index Report with City and Guilds Foundation published in March 2023. She is one of the LinkedIn Top Voices and has a weekly Neurodiversity 101 newsletter with more than 115,000 followers.

Amanda has lived experience of neurodiversity, as she sees herself as neurodivergent as well as being a parent of neurodivergent children, and grandchildren. Amanda’s passion to make changes in society and increase the chances of showcasing talents for neurodivergent children and adults especially in work settings remains as strong as it was 30 years ago.

How do I ask a question?

Two easy ways. You can send it in advance on the registration form or ask via the chat box on the night.

Why are you hosting Comeback Conversations?

We are on a mission to keep everyone everywhere feeling confident, connected and cared for when they take extended leave from work. These 'Comeback Conversation' live Q&As are on topics coachees on the Comeback Community™ employee experience programme tell us are of interest to them. Once our client organisations have had first dibs we once spare spots to everyone absolutely free.

Can I listen again later?

Recordings of Comeback Conversations are available to the people whose employers subscribe to the full Comeback Community™ experience.

You can listen to our podcast, COMEBACK COACH, free any time.

How do I get access?

We’d love your employer to bring the full Comeback Community™ employee experience to every colleague who’s taking maternity, shared parental leave, adoption leave, sabbatical or sick leave where you work. Introduce us to your HR team and you could receive a beautiful box of goodies (because we love sending postal joy to people who think of others).

Can I come in my PJs?

Yes! Come as you are in all your natural glory. In your PJs, in your sweaty gym gear, whatever you like. Listen whilst you’re cooking supper; watch whilst you’re feeding your baby; take us to the toilet or whilst you’re quaffing a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. We don’t care what you’re wearing, where you are or what you’re drinking (please drink responsibly, there’s no worse a crime than spilling hot chocolate on somebody else’s laptop). We just want you with us!

Do I have to say anything or can I just watch?

You can be completely anonymous just like you’re watching TV at home. Just leave your camera off and and you don’t even need to use your real name when you sign in if you prefer. We’ll have everyone on mute so you don’t have to worry about embarrassing sounds in the background.