Neurodiversity and Hormones

Facilitated by Dr Alice Siberry

Overview: This informative and engaging webinar will introduce attendees to the foundations of neurodiversity and will focus on understanding how hormones interact with different neurotypes.

Key content areas:

01. What is Neurodiversity?

We will begin with a broad definition of neurodiversity and outline some commonly recognised diagnosable neurodivergent differences.

02. The Role of Hormones

A central part of the session will examine how hormones influence the brain, especially in neurodivergent people. Topics will include: menstrual cycles and ovulation, puberty, pregnancy and menopause, post-natal depression and Premenstrual Dysphoria Disorder (PMDD). This webinar will also discuss how hormonal fluctuations affect men’s cognitive functions, emotional regulation and behaviour.

03. Best practice for support and inclusion

While hormonal fluctuations are part of the human experience, the webinar will share best practices for supporting people who may face compounded challenges due to neurodivergence and hormonal shifts. This includes workplace strategies and practical adjustments.

Language in this webinar will be clear, direct and rooted in scientific accuracy. We will be talking frankly about bodies and biology.

We do use gender-neutral language to ensure inclusivity. This includes recognising that people of all genders experience hormonal changes and neurodivergence. As such, we will avoid gendered assumptions, particularly related to issues like menstruation and pregnancy.

Some topics in this session include sensitive content related to mental health.

About Facilitator: Dr Alice Siberry

Alice received her PhD in Criminology and Law from the University of Sheffield in July 2021. She also holds a first-class degree in Counselling, Coaching and Mentoring and an MSc Psychology degree.

Throughout her studies, Alice continued to gain experience in the Criminal Justice sector and the neurodiversity sector. She has worked with North and West Yorkshire Police, and the Independent Office of Police Conduct. She also lectured at the University of Sheffield and York St John University, where she worked primarily with neurodivergent students.

Alice is a Specialist Criminal Justice Neurodiversity Consultant at Creased Puddle. Continuing her personal and professional passion for neurodiversity, she delivers training and consultancy to a wide range of businesses and organisations, including police organisations. Alice is also highly experienced in managing the most complex and high-profile Workplace Needs Assessments across the Criminal Justice sector.

As Academic Lead, she bridges academic research with practical applications, ensuring innovative and evidence-informed approaches to neurodiversity in the workplace. She also collaborates with universities on consultancy research projects, providing tailored solutions informed by her academic and practical experience.

Alice is also a Research Affiliate with the ESRC Vulnerability and Policing Futures Research Centre and in recognition of her research contributions, she was awarded the Translational Fellowship in 2024 to investigate Counter Terrorism practitioners’ perspectives of neurodivergent people and their vulnerability to radicalisation by online algorithms. This fellowship supports her ongoing research into neurodiversity, particularly within policing. Her first book, “Diversity, Difference or Disorder: Neurodiversity in British Policing”, is currently in development and will be published in early 2026.