Our Approach
Spectrum Dynamics CIC takes a social model approach to neurodivergence, emphasising the idea that it's society's barriers, not individual differences, that disable neurodivergent individuals. Their work is grounded in the belief that neurodivergent individuals are disabled by environments, systems, and attitudes that don't accommodate diverse cognitive styles, strengths, and needs.
Social Model Advocacy
Rather than focusing on diagnosis or 'fixing' individuals, Spectrum Dynamics actively seeks to dismantle the societal, educational, and employment barriers that exclude or marginalise neurodivergent people. The aim is systemic change.
Strengths-Based Focus
Spectrum Dynamics believes in empowering young people by focusing on their strengths, talents, and interests. Neurodivergent individuals are supported to become experts in their own cognitive styles, enabling them to thrive in environments built for them, not around them.
Trauma-Informed Practices
Recognising that neurodivergent youths may experience trauma due to repeated exclusion, misunderstanding, or discrimination, Spectrum Dynamics prioritises trauma-informed support. Their services and spaces are intentionally safe, emotionally supportive, and responsive to past experiences.
Youth Co-production
Spectrum Dynamics actively involves children and young people, along with their families and allies, in co-creating spaces, services, and strategies. This approach ensures relevance, authenticity, and genuine inclusivity, reflecting true lived experience.
Education and Employment Inclusion
They provide targeted support, advocacy, and education to schools, employers, and communities to reduce systemic barriers and promote genuine neuro-inclusion. Their ultimate goal is environments that proactively accommodate diverse ways of thinking, learning, and working.
Intersectional Awareness
Recognising that neurodivergence intersects with other forms of marginalisation, Spectrum Dynamics actively seeks intersectional approaches, ensuring inclusivity across race, gender, socio-economic background, and other areas.
Community-Centred
They aim to build community hubs that offer both structured and drop-in support, workshops, parent/carer sessions, peer-to-peer mentorship, and inclusive activities designed to foster belonging, social connection, and positive identity.
Spectrum Dynamics CIC's model is fundamentally about shifting mindsets, reshaping institutions, and reconfiguring spaces—so every neurodivergent young person feels genuinely seen, understood, and valued.
Our Values
Inclusion
We create environments where everyone belongs, regardless of how they think, learn, or process information.
Empowerment
We help individuals recognise and leverage their unique strengths, building confidence and self-advocacy skills.
Education
We promote understanding and awareness of neurodiversity through training, resources, and community engagement.
Collaboration
We work together with communities, schools, and employers to create lasting, meaningful change.
Meet Our Team
Rachel Holme
CEO & Founder
James Fraser
Director of Learning & Development
Tommy Kirkwood
Director of HR and Finance
Our Vision
This is an exciting opportunity to redefine how things are done and be part of a movement that creates meaningful change.
The CEO and founder, Rachel Holme, spent 20 years as a learning disability nurse and has seen firsthand the profound disadvantages imposed by societal barriers and exclusionary systems.
A late discovery of ADHD in her 40s was the catalyst for wanting to ensure that other children became experts not only in the challenges that come with being neurodivergent but also in utilising the strengths that come with thinking differently.
At Spectrum Dynamics CIC, we believe that impactful services are created not by prescribing what communities need but by empowering them to lead the change.
For those with caring responsibilities, workplaces are often inaccessible, so the vision includes flexible working in its truest sense. Volunteers will be able to develop their job descriptions in an area they are passionate about.
Our Impact
At Spectrum Dynamics CIC, our impact isn't measured in numbers alone, it's evident in lives changed, systems challenged, and barriers dismantled. We gauge success through shifts in attitudes, accessible environments, and new opportunities creating lasting change for neurodivergent young people and their families.
Neuro-Inclusive Employment
Business Training & Consultancy: We've delivered bespoke neuro-inclusion training to local and UK-wide businesses, empowering organisations to cultivate inclusive workplaces. Our training promotes understanding of neurodivergence, leading to improved hiring practices, workplace adjustments, and inclusive cultures that retain and value neurodivergent talent.
Job Centre & DWP Partnerships: We've delivered targeted neuro-inclusion training to the local Job Centre in Lancaster and established partnerships with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to receive referrals. These referrals support neurodivergent young people through coaching, executive function problem solving sessions, training, and tailored youth employability programmes, preparing them effectively for employment and to keep employment or seek self-employment opportunties.
Petition & Advocacy: We're actively advocating for improved access to employment support, including championing the 'Access to Work' initiative, ensuring neurodivergent employees receive the practical assistance needed to thrive professionally by lobbying our government through petitions and communication with local MP Cat Smith.
Family Support & Advocacy
Informed & Empowered Families: We have a community of over 200 local parents and carers with essential knowledge and advocacy skills, enabling them to effectively drive systemic improvements in local schools, local authorities, and community services. Families are being supported to confidently navigate the SEND system, proactively advocating for meaningful change.
Reduced Isolation: Our parent/carer networks significantly decrease feelings of isolation by fostering robust peer-to-peer support. These connections empower families to sustain collective advocacy, influence local policies, and build resilient communities.
Inclusive Education
Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Spectrum Dynamics actively champions UDL across educational settings, promoting inclusive classroom environments that recognise and embrace diverse cognitive styles. Our advocacy ensures educational practices are accessible, reducing barriers to learning and increasing engagement and achievement for neurodivergent students.
Public Awareness & Campaigning
Shifting Public Perception: Through strategic public campaigns, we actively challenge stereotypes and misconceptions surrounding neurodivergence. These efforts positively influence community attitudes, facilitating broader acceptance, respect, and support for neurodivergent individuals.
Spectrum Dynamics CIC is committed to creating genuine, sustainable change, impacting systems, shaping attitudes, and empowering lives.
Mediation & SENCO Support: We act as mediators between schools and parents to resolve disputes, facilitating clear communication and effective collaboration. Additionally, we are planning robust SENCO support systems to ensure schools effectively support neurodivergent students.