About Dialogica
We work with leaders and organisations at the intersection of dialogue, systems and neurodiversity. Our practice is informed by long-standing engagement with dialogic and systems approaches, and by years of working closely with leaders and teams in complex organisational settings. We listen carefully to notice what is often overlooked, and help organisations attend to the dynamics shaping their challenges.
Founder’s Intro:
“I have studied and worked in the field of autism and neurodiversity for ten years. This unique method, the Autism Dialogue Approach, is a simple set of practices which can be learned by anyone. It is therapeutic and strengths-based, with the aim of supporting Autistic and Neurodivergent people to thrive and live their best lives.
I have experience as a trained coach for Autistic and Neurodivergent people, as well as their family members and allies; I have also trained organisations and healthcare professionals.
The people I work with discover how to communicate better across neurotypes, which can have profound and lasting benefits.” – Jonathan Drury
How it started
Jonathan was introduced to Classical Dialogue as a practice while he was studying for a degree in Fine Art. This form of Dialogue was based on the work of quantum physicist David Bohm, proposing a radical way of communicating together to transform the way we see.
As part of his own journey of self-discovery Jonathan organised the first ever Autism Dialogue in 2017 at the University of Sheffield’s Autism Research Lab, as part of a British Academy project by Professor Liz Milne. The dialogue was attended by a group of Autistic people, family members and Autism researchers.
Autism Dialogue then moved into the community, attracting people from the region and nationally for dialogues and annual conferences.
Over several years the Autism Dialogue community grew, with many people joining free dialogue groups. Co-facilitators were trained and many delegates also became training-design and delivery partners.
In 2024 Jonathan worked as a trainer of trainers for The Anna Freud Centre and AT-Autism, to prepare many new NHS trainers for the National Autism Trainer Project.
More recently, Jonathan has written a book, The Autism Dialogue Approach Handbook, published by Routledge in 2025. This practical guide gives details of how to apply the method and is essential reading for healthcare practitioners, autistic people and anyone with an interest in Autism or Neurodiversity.
Dialogica also offers training and consulting and coaching
The first Autism Dialogue was in September 2017 at Sheffield Autism Research Lab (ShARL) in the University of Sheffield’s Department of Psychology, co-facilitated by Professor Liz Milne and Jonathan Drury.
Leaders in group facilitation
Good facilitation needs to support safety, equity and trust , without compromise. Our expert facilitators guide participants from the first point of contact, and are always available throughout the helping process. Once in the setting, they will hold the space for participants, using a range of modalities and techniques, including some easy-to-learn practices, which are rooted and upheld by deep philosophical values.
A unique approach to communication
To appreciate the true power of Dialogue, it is important to differentiate the word from other definitions. A special form of group conversation, it involves an agreement to engage in open and honest sharing of thinking, by free exchange, without agenda.
It’s a place where everyone can experience everyone else’s point of view fully and equally and ‘unity in diversity’ can be reached.
Skilled facilitators carefully and safely encourage a sense of equity and authenticity via the group’s dynamics, thinking and language.
The Approach shifts stuck patterns, releases potential and generates new knowledge, allowing everyone to learn experientially and enable right action together. A range of easily learned skills, led by the Dialogue Practices help to deepen insight and trust for forging new solutions and action, both individually and collectively.
Statement on Autism biological research and behavioural therapy
Dialogica is against the rhetoric of tragedy, deficit and medicalised models and does not condone any type of forced behavioural therapy or purely biological Autism sciences.
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Examine your own thoughts. Always look at the context.
Our Values
Discover our core values, philosophy and aims
Publications
Reports and publications
Dialogue is for All
Guidelines and ethics for running a good Dialogue in any setting