Understanding Autism & SEND: An ADI CPD Training Package

Understanding Autism & SEND: An ADI CPD Training Package
A complete, ready-to-deliver CPD resource for driving instructors, PDIs and driving schools supporting autistic and SEND learners.
Autistic and SEND learners don't all learn in the same way. Effective instruction isn't about lowering standards — it's about understanding the learner, identifying barriers to learning and adapting the way we teach.
Created by Simon Harrison ADI, an instructor specialising in Autism and SEND driver training, this practical CPD package explores how driving instructors can better understand, teach and support neurodiverse learners while maintaining the same high standards of safe driving.
What's included?
This downloadable ZIP package contains:
🎓 Professional Presentation
A complete PowerPoint presentation designed for delivery to ADIs and PDIs as an individual or group CPD session.
📖 Understanding Autism & SEND — Instructor Guide
A comprehensive accompanying guide exploring autism, SEND, sensory processing, cognitive load, communication, anxiety, processing time, chunking, learner profiles, independence and adapting instruction.
🎤 Speaker / Presentation Script
A detailed presenter script with explanations, examples, audience questions and discussion points to help you confidently deliver the session.
Topics covered include:
Understanding autism and the autistic spectrum
Understanding SEND in the driving environment
Moving beyond diagnosis and understanding the individual learner
Identifying learner strengths and barriers
Sensory processing and cognitive load
Communication and processing time
Chunking complex driving tasks
The 4front Learning Cycle
Observe → Decide → Act
Gradually withdrawing instructor support
Developing independence
Recognising the learner's “Panic Point”
P.O.R. — Pull Over, Observe, Reset
Understanding why mistakes happen
Supporting learners following safety-critical incidents
Moving from rule knowledge to real-world judgement
Preparing autistic and SEND learners for the practical test
Working with parents and carers
Maintaining safety standards while adapting instruction
Practical strategies ADIs can use immediately
*CPD Certificate* Included
 
Ideal for:
Individual ADIs and PDIs who want to develop their understanding of Autism and SEND.
Driving schools looking for a ready-made CPD session for their instructors.
ADI trainers wanting additional resources to support instructor development.
Driving instructors who already teach autistic or SEND learners and want to develop a more structured, client-centred approach.
Designed to be used as CPD
The package can be used by an individual instructor for personal professional development or delivered as a group CPD session within a driving school.
The presentation is designed to encourage discussion, reflection and practical application, rather than simply presenting information.
The accompanying guide provides additional reference material, while the speaker script helps the presenter deliver the session confidently.
Created by Simon Harrison ADI
Simon is a driving instructor specialising in Autism and SEND driver training and the founder of 4front Driving School.
He is also the author of books supporting learner drivers, autistic and SEND learners, ADIs and PDIs, including resources exploring the learner journey, theory-test preparation, examiner thinking and the National Standard for Driver and Rider Training.
This CPD package brings together many of the practical principles developed through his work with learners and instructor training.
Understand the learner. Adapt the teaching. Maintain the standard. Build independence.
Digital download — ZIP file.