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Helping Employers, Educators & Communities Build a More Neuro-Inclusive World
Did you know that 4 out of 5 autistic adults are un- or under-employed? Our flagship training program Neurodiversity at Work, is designed to help employers close the gap and tap into a powerful, often-overlooked talent pool.
Led by ally, advocate and educator Denise Schamens, The Good Friend Collective is a hub for awareness, training, and connection focused on neurodiversity, especially autism. Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional or simply someone who wants to make the world more inclusive-you’re in the right place!
Originally created by Good Friend, Inc., a trusted name in neurodiversity education, this program continues to impact workplaces across the country through meaningful training and conversation.
Our instructor-led trainings—available in-person or virtually—are designed to foster awareness, understanding, and empathy for neurodivergent individuals in professional environments. Utilizing a powerful film and complementary learning modules, our sessions go beyond education by incorporating facilitated discussions and interactive exercises that deepen participant engagement.
At the heart of this training is a simple yet powerful truth:
Empathy is the foundation for acceptance, accommodation, and allyship—all critical elements for the successful onboarding and retention of neurodivergent talent.
Whether you’re looking to cultivate a more inclusive culture, support diverse teams, or meet team goals, this training provides the tools to build a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Join us in creating work environments where neurodiversity is not only accepted—but celebrated.
Film Screening
Film screenings can be paired with a discussion and corresponding pdf resources.
This film features the employment experiences of 10 neurodivergent workers. The film can stand alone to begin inclusive discussions. This film has already won an Impact Award through a national film festival.
60-90 minutes
Interactive Film Screening
Interactive Film screening - stopping at each chapter to discuss and dive into corresponding pdf resources.
Immersive learning for the most impact.
90-120 minutes
Module Based Workshops
Package a film screening with the content from 2, 3 or 4 modules to target specific areas of learning. Customizable to target the priorities of your company. Interactive instruction using film clips, exercises and resources.
120 minutes - half/whole day
Self-Guided Learning
Neurodiversity at Work film and modules delivered online. Independent, self-paced learning.
COMING SOON!
“I'm thankful that I had the opportunity to participate in the training and feel that I have better awareness. The information shared will definitely make me stop to think about what circumstances may be at play situations instead in of being reactionary. Not everyone thinks or acts just like me, and the individuals sharing some of their thought processes gave me a much better appreciation for our differences.”
Shelby H.
“The video and people's different accounts of how they best work and interact in the workplace. Eye opening. This was a really useful training session.”
Clare H.
What are people saying
“I really appreciated the openness of the individuals in the training video as they shared their journeys. Some of the individuals talked about how they used to avoid sharing their diagnosis, and now they share it often and openly. There has long been a stigma around sharing psychological diagnoses in the workplace, and it was nice to see that stigma be broken down and hear the benefits of communicating these things to employers and coworkers.”
Caitlin M.
“I had often heard the phrase 'accommodations' thrown around, but never really knew what those looked like, so it was helpful to learn some concrete examples. Quite a few of the accommodations listed in the packet seemed like practices that could help not only for neurodivergent individuals, but all employees (listening to music, moving around).”
Caitlin M.
My biggest takeaway was that having open conversations with people with disabilities or neurodivergencies about their support needs is the best way to ensure success for all involved
Lydia P.
