Frequently Asked Questions
Everything professionals ask about neuro-informed practice, the Impact Model, and the Institute’s certification pathway.
What is neuro-informed practice?
Neuro-informed practice is a professional methodology for working with all individuals in a way that accounts for differences in how their brains actually work, rather than defaulting to neurotypical assumptions. It gives practitioners and leaders a practical framework—grounded in the 5 Contexts for Understanding Neurodiversity—that can be applied immediately with clients, students, patients, and employees.
How is this different from neurodiversity awareness training?
Awareness training teaches you to recognize neurodivergence. The Neuro-Informed Institute’s training and certification guides you to effectively apply that recognition using a structured, field-tested methodology (the Impact Model) refined over 15+ years of real-world practice.
Who is this certification designed for?
It is designed for professionals who work directly with people: coaches; therapists, counselors, social workers and psychologists; educators, tutors and educational therapists; health providers at all levels of care; and managers, HR, or leaders supporting neurodiverse employees.
Do I need a coaching background to enroll?
No. Phase 1 (Neuro-Informed Foundations) is open to any professional and requires no coaching background. It serves as the starting point for every practitioner, and as the required foundation for the advanced tracks.
Is the certification ICF-approved?
The pathway is aligned with ICF Core Coaching Competencies and led by ICF-credentialed faculty (MCC and PCC). Details on ICF-approved continuing coach education (CCE) units are currently awaiting ICF approval and will be announced as soon as available.
What is the Impact Model?
The Impact Model is a proprietary neuro-informed coaching framework developed by Elaine Taylor-Klaus and Diane Dempster which has been applied in practice for more than 15 years. It provides a structured, strengths-based approach for supporting people whose brains work differently—without forcing neurotypical performance.
What are the 5 Contexts for Understanding Neurodiversity?
Motivation & intention, executive function, processing style, emotional regulation, and systems & structures. Together they form a diagnostic-free lens for understanding how neurodiversity shows up—and how to support it in practice.
When does the program start, and how do I enroll?
Enrollment is now open for the Founding Cohort. Visit the enrollment page to review pathways, founding-member pricing, and secure your place. For a live preview, attend the free September 2 session, What Your Training Hasn’t Covered.
Still Have Questions?
Enrollment is now open for the Founding Cohort. Review the pathways and secure founding-member pricing today.