David Gray-Hammond: Neurodivergent Consultant, Author, Researcher & Autistic Advocate
Expert neurodiversity training, autism consultancy, and advocacy services grounded in lived experience and academic research
About David Gray-Hammond
David Gray-Hammond is a leading neurodivergent consultant, researcher, and autism advocate specialising in neurodivergence-competent practices. As founder of DGH Neurodivergent Consultancy (established October 2022), David provides evidence-based autism training, organizational consultancy, and public speaking services to healthcare, education, and social care sectors across the UK and internationally.
Professional Qualifications & Credentials
- BSc (Hons) Forensic and Archaeological Science
- Advanced Practitioner Member – Addiction Professionals
- Verified Practitioner – Neurodivergent Practitioners
- Member – Complimentary Medical Association
- Lead Advisor for Autistic and Neurodivergent Rights – International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion
David is a published author of four books on autism and neurodiversity, including the Amazon bestseller CAMHS In Crisis, alongside A Guide to Autism and Psychosis, The New Normal, and Unusual Medicine. His work appears in peer-reviewed academic journals and on the Emergent Divergence blog.
Specialist Expertise: Autism & Substance Use
David’s unique specialisation addresses the intersection of autism and substance use; a critically underserved area in neurodiversity research and support. As co-founder of the Autistic Substance Use Network (ASUN), he conducts groundbreaking research exploring:
- Predictors of anxiety and depression in Autistic substance users
- Barriers Autistic people face accessing addiction treatment services
- Harm reduction strategies for neurodivergent populations
This expertise is informed by nine years of personal recovery from addiction, combined with David’s lived experience as an Autistic, ADHD, and schizophrenic individual, bringing authentic understanding to professional practice.
Services for Organizations & Professionals
Neurodiversity Training Programs
Online Training: – £200/hour | £750 half-day | £1,000 full-day
In-Person Training: – £250/hour + expenses | £1,000 half-day + expenses | £1,500 full-day + expenses
Tailored autism awareness training and neurodiversity workshops for healthcare providers, educators, social care teams, and charity organisations. Training adapts to organisational culture and baseline knowledge, with ongoing consultancy support for practical implementation.
Organizational Consultancy Services
£75/hour for audits, policy review, and expert advisory
- Neurodiversity audits identifying systemic barriers to inclusion
- Policy development for autism-friendly practices
- Expert consultation on neurodivergent rights and accommodations
- Research collaboration (rates negotiable)
Public Speaking & Keynote Presentations
£1,000 per event
Engaging presentations on autism, neurodiversity, substance use, and systemic advocacy for conferences, training events, and organizational gatherings.
Support for Autistic Individuals
Wellbeing & Mentoring Services
£75 per session | £300/month (4 sessions) | Reduced rates and charity discounts available
Identity-affirming mentoring using psychoeducational techniques to support Autistic adults in:
- Developing positive neurodivergent identity
- Navigating personal and professional challenges
- Building self-advocacy skills
- Understanding autism in the context of co-occurring conditions
Sessions are tailored to individual needs, centering lived experience and empowerment rather than deficit correction.
Advocacy & Research Leadership
David serves as Lead Advisor for Autistic and Neurodivergent Rights at the International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion, influencing policy at institutional and governmental levels. His advocacy work has achieved tangible outcomes, including:
- Introducing drug testing kits for harm reduction at the University of Sussex
- Regular consultation with NHS trusts on neurodiversity research and practice
- Policy guidance for Clinical Commissioning Groups and the Care Quality Commission
Approach: Rights-Based, Neurodiversity-Affirming
David’s methodology challenges deficit-based models of autism and neurodivergence, advocating instead for:
- Systemic change over individual “correction”
- Identity-first language (e.g., “Autistic people”) aligned with community preferences
- Lived experience as expertise alongside professional credentials
- Inclusive adaptations that benefit all stakeholders, not just neurodivergent individuals
This approach balances intellectual rigor with accessibility, making complex neurodiversity concepts understandable for both professionals and neurodivergent individuals seeking support.
Who David Works With
Ideal Clients
- Organisations seeking comprehensive neurodiversity training and autism consultancy
- Healthcare, education, and social care professionals working with Autistic people
- Autistic individuals needing wellbeing support, mentoring, and advocacy
- Researchers and policymakers focused on autism, substance use, and neurodivergent rights
- Charity sector organizations requiring expert guidance on inclusive practices
Geographic Reach
Primarily serving the United Kingdom with global client reach through online consultancy and training delivery.
Key Partnerships & Collaborations
- Autistic Substance Use Network (Co-founder)
- London Autism Group Charity
- Autistic Inclusive Meets
- Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust (NHS)
- International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion
Connect With David
David acquires clients through word of mouth, organic search, and professional networks. Connect via:
- Website: dghndconsultancy.co.uk
- Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | TikTok
- Blog: Emergent Divergence
Why Choose David Gray-Hammond?
David represents a unique bridge between academic research, professional consultancy, and authentic community connection. His work transforms personal challenges into specialised expertise that serves both individual empowerment and systemic change in how society understands and supports neurodivergent people.
With published research, bestselling books, and nearly a decade of professional practice, David offers credible, compassionate, and transformative neurodiversity services grounded in both evidence and lived experience.
Ready to create neurodiversity-affirming change in your organization or access expert Autistic support? Contact David Gray-Hammond today.