Neurodivergence
and Whole-Person Health
A Transdiagnostic & Transdisciplinary Approach to Understanding Cognitive, Social, Emotional, Mental & Physical Well-Being
Course Overview
Traditionally, neurodivergence has been studied and explored within categorical frameworks (e.g., autism, ADHD) and through distinct academic disciplines such as Psychology, Medicine, and Biology. However, the overlapping and interconnected nature of neurodivergent people’s experiences calls the need for a more holistic and integrated approach. Minds, brains, and bodies, often treated as separate entities, are deeply interconnected and must be understood as such.
This live online course, delivered over five weeks, provides a comprehensive understanding of neurodivergence, exploring its links to cognitive, social, mental/emotional, and physical health. Participants will gain insights into the latest scientific research and learn about key concepts that articulate the experiences of neurodivergent individuals. Importantly, the course incorporates rich narratives of lived experiences, including those of the course leader, Dr Kana Grace. This course is designed for a diverse audience, including neurodivergent individuals, their families, and professionals in healthcare, mental health, and education, offering tools and perspectives to better support and engage with neurodivergent people.
What you need to know
Date and Time: Fridays, May 9, 16, 23, 30, and June 6, 2025 from 8 to 10 pm, JST
Location: Online on Zoom (distance learning)
Duration: 5 weeks
How to Apply: Email Dr Kana Grace at valtameri.grace@outlook.com by April 30th, 2025
Who It’s For: Anyone interested in this topic
Fees: ¥ 98,000 (yen)
Early-Bird Discount: 10% OFF
¥88,200
📢 Register by April 10th!
Course Features
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In-Depth, Evidence-Based Knowledge: Develop a comprehensive understanding of neurodivergence and its complexity, by learning the latest scientific insights, based on Dr Kana’s extensive review of over 1,000 academic papers.
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Insights from Lived Experiences: Gain a deeper understanding of neurodivergent individuals, understanding their strengths, challenges, and support needs. This course integrates firsthand accounts from neurodivergent individuals, insights from Kana’s professional experience working one-on-one with neurodivergent clients, and her own personal experiences. Her unique, multidimensional perspective provides a rich and authentic exploration of neurodivergence.
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Exploring the Complexity of Neurodivergence: Delve into the interconnected aspects of cognitive, social, mental, emotional, and physical health in neurodivergence. Explore the unique complexities of overlapping neurodivergences and co-occurring mental and physical health conditions.
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Expert Instruction: Learn from Dr Kana, a trailblazer in the field of neurodivergence, who brings both academic expertise and lived experience with complex and intersectional identities.
Course Details
This fully online, five-week distance learning course is facilitated and taught by Dr Kana Grace, an internationally recognized and award-winning psychologist specializing in autism and neurodivergence. Participants will join a live, interactive Zoom session for two hours each week. The course format includes live lectures and a weekly reflection submission on the discussed topics, which can be shared via Discord (tentative). A certificate of completion will be issued upon successful completion of the course.
The course is informed by the latest scientific research and the most recent discussions within the neurodivergent community. It also draws extensively on Dr Kana’s extensive academic expertise as a researcher, her professional experience supporting neurodivergent children, youth and adults and their families in her pravate practice, and – importantly - her personal experiences as a multiply-neurodivergent individual with intersectional identities. She also brings a unique perspective shaped by her lifelong dedication to ballet, multilingual abilities, and international experience. These diverse influences enhance her holistic approach, enriching her leadership and the learning experience for course participants.
Week 1: What is Neurodivergence?
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The importance of learning from lived experiences
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Foundations for understanding neurodivergence
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Diagnostic categories and their limitations
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Strengths, challenges, and the diversity of neurodivergent experiences
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Societal barriers to well-being and inclusion
Week 2: Cognition
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How neurodivergent people think, plan, focus and regulate emotions
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Strengths, challenges, and strategies for neurodivergent cognitive styles
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Key concepts to understand neurodivergent cognition
Week 3: Social, Emotional, and Mental Health
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Navigating the social world
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Emotional awareness and regulation
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Loneliness and interpersonal dynamics
Week 4: Mental Health
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The prevalence of mental health challenges
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Trauma: lived experiences, impacts and differential diagnoses
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Disordered eating: lived experiences, contributing factors, and mechanisms
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Suicidality: lived experiences and underlying risk factors
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Mechanisms driving the mental ill health symptoms
Week 5: Physical Health
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Common physical health symptoms and conditions
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Mechanisms underlying physical health symptoms
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The role of lifestyle in managing physical health challenges
Requirements:
Access to Zoom and Discord (tentative), both free to download and use.
Course Focus:
The course embraces the social model of disability and the neurodiversity paradigm, focusing on better understanding neurodivergent minds and changing society to create a world where neurodivergent individuals can fully utilize their abilities, without trying to change them.
For any inquiries, please contact the course leader, Dr Kana Grace, at valtameri.grace@outlook.com.
Course Leader: Dr Kana Grace, PhD, DipIBLM
Education:
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PhD in Psychology, University College London, UK
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MA in Counselling Psychology, Boston College, USA
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Postgraduate Certification in Autism, Sheffield Hallam University, UK
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BS, Northeastern University, USA
Certification:
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Board Certified in Lifestyle Medicine
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Certification in Nutritional Medicine, University of Winchester, UK
Dr Kana Grace is an internationally recognized Autism and Neurodivergence Psychologist and a board certified Lifestyle Medicine Professional. She is the founder and director of Valtameri, an organization for neurodivergent people and their families in Okinawa, Japan, and worldwide.
Dr Grace is known for her work in shifting neurodivergence research from a medical model to embracing the neurodiversity paradigm. Her contributions have received international recognition, and her perspectives have been featured in leading media outlets including the BBC and The Scientist. She is also highlighted in the book "Nine Minds" by Daniel Tammet, appearing alongside notable figures like Dan Aykroyd and Cédric Villani.
Beyond her research, Dr Grace is actively involved in neurodivergence-related charities and research institutions worldwide. Her current roles include: Honorary Research Fellow at IOE, University College London, guest lecturer for the Postgraduate Course in Autism at Sheffield Hallam and National Autistic Society, and research partner at Autism Spectrum Australia.
Dr Grace specializes in the mental, physical, and social health of neurodivergent people including neurodivergence such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette, and dyspraxia, along with associated physical conditions, particularly connective tissue issues (e.g., HSD, hEDS) and related issues (e.g., MCAS, POTS).
For more information, visit her Linktree.
FAQ
What does neurodivergence mean in this course?
This course focuses on lifelong neurodivergences, including autism, ADHD, Tourette, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, with a particular emphasis on autism and ADHD throughout most of the topics discussed. It is important to note that Tourette, dyslexia, and dyspraxia often co-occur with autism and/or ADHD, and autism and ADHD frequently co-occur with each other. This interconnected perspective will provide valuable insights into the day-to-day experiences of neurodivergent individuals and the complexities they navigate.
Is this course only available in English or Japanese?
No, the course is available in both English and Japanese, enabling participants to select the language that best suits their needs. At Valtameri, we are committed to bridging the information gap in neurodivergence caused by language barriers, as most developments have primarily been in English and within Western cultures.
For the courses starting in May 2025, the course in English will be held on Fridays and the course in Japanese on Wednesdays.
I am interested in learning more about neurodivergence and its connection to health, but I currently know very little about the topic. Can I join this course?
Absolutely! This course is designed to welcome anyone with a willingness to learn, regardless of prior knowledge. We begin by explaining the basics of neurodivergence, including what it means and the characteristics of labels such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette. As long as you have an open mind and a desire to learn, you’ll find the content accessible and engaging.
Whether you have prior knowledge of neurodivergence or are new to the subject, this comprehensive course offers valuable insights for everyone.
How long is each session?
Each session is 2 hours long, held once a week over five weeks.
On what platform is this course run?
This course is conducted on Zoom.
What if I have to miss a few weeks but still want to take the course? Will I get recordings of the sessions?
Yes! All sessions will be recorded and available for participants who miss some sessions or want to review them. Please note that recordings will only be accessible during the course duration and must not be shared with outside parties.
Additionally, for those who may need to miss some or all of the sessions, we will be offering an extra live online Q&A session during the course. This will provide an opportunity to connect, ask questions, and engage in discussions.
We will do our best to adjust the timing of these Q&A sessions to accommodate those who cannot attend the live lectures. While we may not be able to accommodate everyone due to time zone differences, we will strive to find one or two suitable options. If you are able to attend all live sessions but would still like to join the additional live Q&A session(s), you are welcome to participate. However, scheduling will be prioritized for those who are unable to attend the scheduled live sessions.
These Q&A sessions will also be recorded, ensuring that all participants can benefit from the discussions, even if they cannot attend live.
Also, please don’t worry - we have a community platform where you can post questions for Dr Kana or engage with your peers for additional support and discussion.
How can I participate in the additional live Q&A session(s)?
If you anticipate missing some or all of the live sessions and would like to join a Q&A session, you can indicate your interest in our consent form, which we will send after receiving your email to join the course.
Will I receive a certification upon completing the program?
Yes. Participants who complete the five-week course will receive a certification via email, which can be used as evidence of professional training or continuing education.
Is there a community element to the course?
Yes. The course offers a sense of community through regular sessions over five-weeks and the option to join a Discord community (tentative) to connect with others interested in neurodivergence.
What happens after I email to apply for the course?
Once we receive your email expressing interest, we will send you a consent form where you will:
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Officially register for the course.
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Provide your PayPal-associated email address so we can send your invoice.
After your payment is processed, your spot in the course will be confirmed! You will also receive a reminder email about one week before the course begins in May 2025.
How can I make a payment?
We will issue an invoice to the email address connected to your PayPal account. Once you receive the invoice, you can complete the payment via PayPal. The invoice can also be used for employer reimbursement for continuing education purposes.
Can the fees be refunded?
Unfortunately, due to handling fees, we cannot provide refunds. Please ensure you have checked all details before making a payment.
What if I'm interested in the course but anxious about taking it with strangers?
It's natural to feel anxious about meeting strangers, especially for neurodivergent people. Dr Kana Grace understands this feeling and reassures you that the course offers not only learning opportunities but also a chance to connect with others who share an interest in neurodivergence, which can be reassuring and even life-changing.
Am I expected to share my personal experiences in the sessions?
You are not required to share personal experiences. You can choose to share insights, experiences, or questions, or simply listen to others. The most important thing is that you feel safe and comfortable.
Will I be able to ask questions during the sessions?
Yes. Questions are welcome during the sessions. Dr Kana Grace, who loves responding to questions, encourages participants to ask freely.
What should I do if I have questions that are not answered in the FAQ?
For any inquiries, please contact the course leader, Dr Kana Grace, at valtameri.grace@outlook.com.
Yui-Maru Scholarship for Okinawan Participants
🌺 What is the Yui-Maru Scholarship?
The Yui-Maru Scholarship is a special financial aid program designed for individuals from Okinawa (Uchinanchu) who face economic challenges in accessing this course. Our goal is to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent passionate learners from deepening their understanding of neurodivergence and health.
🌱 Why Offer a Scholarship for Okinawan Participants?
Living in Okinawa, I have witnessed firsthand how poverty remains a serious issue. But poverty is not just about financial hardship - it also limits access to crucial information.
To bridge this information gap, I want to provide more opportunities for Okinawan communities and beyond to learn about neurodivergence and health through evidence-based knowledge.
One of the experiences that shaped this decision was my journey to earning a Lifestyle Medicine certification last year. During this process, I realized how educational barriers - academic requirements, language, and financial constraints - can prevent access to learning opportunities.
The certification required a master’s degree or higher in a related field, and all study materials, exams, and mandatory conferences were conducted entirely in English. On top of that, the cost of medical certification exams was extremely high, making it financially inaccessible for many.
I almost gave up due to these economic challenges. However, thanks to a prestigious scholarship from the Plant-based Prevention Of Disease (P-POD) in the US, I was able to attend a medical conference and continue my path to certification in Lifestyle Medicine.
In gratitude, I recorded a video message for P-POD, where I spoke about the significant information gap in Okinawa and other regions regarding neurodivergence and health, and my commitment to bridging this gap. (Please see the attached video.)
This experience strengthened my belief that learning opportunities should not be restricted by financial or language barriers. This is why I decided to launch the Yui-Maru Scholarship.
📌 How to Apply for the Yui-Maru Scholarship
If you are from Okinawa and would like to apply for the scholarship, please reach out for more details!
📖 About the "Neurodivergence & Health" Course
This course is the result of over a year of reviewing research, practice, and personal experience, incorporating insights from more than 1,000 academic papers.
We will explore the complex relationships between neurodivergence and cognitive, social, emotional, mental, and physical health.
📚 Post graduate-Level Learning - Accessible in Japanese!
Most neurodivergence-related information is primarily published in English and Western contexts, making it difficult to access in Japanese. This course is designed to break those language barriers and provide evidence-based knowledge combined with real-life experiences of neurodivergent individuals.
🌏 Designed for All Learners
Academic concepts are simplified and explained in an easy-to-understand way, making the course accessible to learners from all backgrounds. It provides an educational experience comparable to graduate-level neurodivergence courses abroad - in Japanese as well as in English. Dr Kana Grace is also a guest lecturer for the Autism Postgraduate Course at the National Autistic Society and Sheffield Hallam University in the UK.
🤝 Comprehensive Support System
Throughout the 5-week course, you will have access to a supportive community and dedicated Q&A sessions to enhance your learning experience.
📩 For more details, check the flyer or contact us!
