What We Do

Diverse SPACE specialising in delivering autism, sensory, and neurodiversity-affirming training to schools, homes, workplaces, and community developed by Neurodivergent minds. Choose from a range of courses appropriate to you desired outcomes.

Who can we help?

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower those who are neurodivergent by equipping the key people around them with understanding, empathy, and strategies so that supporting and making appropriate accommodations becomes second nature in everyday interactions, daily processes, and environments. That’s when true inclusion happens - where neurodivergent individuals feel valued, understood, heard, and empowered to thrive as their authentic self.

Why We Exist?

The system is under immense pressure - slowed by delays in diagnoses, insufficient support, and a lack of real understanding, empathy, and meaningful strategies. As a result, many environments - from classrooms to workplaces - are not meeting the needs of neurodivergent individuals, often leading to poor outcomes and missed potential.

We hear this daily. We’ve lived it ourselves.

Those who are neurodivergent are often misunderstood or being told to adapt, to conform, to change their natural way of being. It can be exhausting, overwhelming and has negative impact on their wellbeing and observed behaviours.   Many feel they are failing in life, but it is because they don’t have the right conditions to thrive.

We believe it’s time to flip the script. Instead of teaching someone who is neurodivergent to change or conform we focus on what changes and accommodations we can make in school, home, workplace and community.  

Parents, educators, and employers want to help but often don’t know where to start or what to do next.

That’s why we’re here
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What is Diverse SPACEs history?

In response to the growing demand for our training at Learning SPACE (www.learningspaceuk.co.uk) - a trusted provider of sensory, educational, and specialist resources since 2007 - we officially launched Diverse SPACE in 2025. This dedicated sister company focuses exclusively on delivering neurodiversity-affirming training. 


Training has been a core part of Learning SPACE since its founding in 2007. While resources are vital, we recognised they’re not enough on their own. 


To truly support neurodivergent individuals, we must equip the people around them with empathy, understanding, and practical strategies. 


Diverse SPACE was born from this need: to provide meaningful, inclusive, and insightfully developed training that empowers those who interact with neurodivergent individuals every day. 


Our approach is holistic and human-centred, wrapping around each person like a supportive hug - helping them feel safe, understood, and empowered to be their authentic selves. 

Attendee Enniskillen Our Generation Project May 2025

This training workshop has helped me: 1. Reflect and build a deeper understanding of my ASD, 2. I feel more confident to help other people to help support and encouraging positive interactions as part of building their confidence

Attendee Enniskillen Our Generation Project May 2025

Lorraine and Andy were incredible! I laughed, cried and learnt so much. The most raw, honest and open thinking and minded course I have attended relating to autism, ADHD and neurodiversity. Thank you and keep up the great wo

Heather Kenndy, Glengormley High School

I’ve been in this job for 20 years and I don’t think anyone really told me what to do with these sensory tools. It was fabulous. Thank you for facilitating

Thank You

D Henderson - Parent

Thanks to Andy I have learnt how to get into the mind of my son and why he does the things he does

Course Creators

Senior Trainer Lorraine McAleer

Lorraine McAleer, a former teacher and late-identified woman with autism, has over 25 years of experience. She co-founded Learning SPACE and Diverse SPACE to empower children and their key adults with effective, compassionate support. Her journey is rooted in family experience and shaped by years of hands-on practice, training, and continuous learning.

Senior Trainer Andy Hazley

Andy Hazley brings both personal and professional insight as an adult with autism, ADHD, PDA, and Dyslexia/Dyspraxia and proud father of three adult children, all on the spectrum. For over 20 years, he has been passionately advocating and supporting families and organization through training. His work is grounded in empathy, real-world experience, and ongoing research to help children be better understood and supported.

OT & Advisor Olivia McGrath

Olivia McGrath is a neurodivergent occupational therapist with over 25 years’ experience across mental health, therapeutic care, and trauma-informed practice. Her work is grounded in compassion, optimism, and deep respect for each individual’s journey.