What is neurodiversity?

Neurodiversity (or Neurodivergency) is the idea that there isn’t one ‘normal’ type of brain or mind, but that there is infinite variation between us. Autism, Aspergers’, ADHD, dyslexia and other conditions are seen as normal, natural variation.

This doesn’t mean that there aren’t challenges associated with those conditions. Many individuals with these conditions may still view themselves as having a disorder or disabled because society doesn’t accommodate neurological differences - they aren’t ‘broken’, they don’t need ‘curing’. They need support and accommodation instead.

The majority of my teaching experience has been supporting young people who are neurodiverse, specifically autism and dyslexia. One of the things I noticed that they found challenging was understanding who they were and their place in the world. When you live in a world that expects you to be one way, to fit in, it can have a huge impact on your sense of self and your mental health when you feel different and struggle to understand how other people and the world work.

I felt this myself for many years and often wondered what was wrong with me, why I felt like such an outsider and why social situations felt so difficult to me but seemed so easy for other people. It was whilst working with a group of amazing teenagers with Aspergers that I recognised the same traits in myself, as did they! So many of my students said I was one of them (and colleagues and parents). I went through the diagnostic process but didn’t receive a formal diagnosis (that’s another story), but I do identify myself as neurodiverse - and there’s nothing wrong with me!

One of the ways I supported my students, and myself, was by providing a space for them to explore who they were. What did their diagnosis mean for them? Who are they as an individual? How do they see and experience the world? It was about supporting them to figure out who they are and their place in the world.

If this sounds like you, whether you’ve received a diagnosis and are processing that or not, coaching may be helpful. Drawing on existential coaching, what it is to be human, we can explore what it means to be you, how you want to live and how you can move forward in a way that feels true for you.

How do I get started?

First, we will arrange a complimentary 30-minute discovery call to explore what you want to get from coaching, how we might work together, and whether we’re the right fit for you. If you are under 18 this will initially be with a parent or guardian.

After this, we recommend a minimum of 6 sessions. We can discuss our packages and create a programme that works for you during the discovery call. All of our coaching packages are tailored to you so we can explore whether you want academic support and mentoring as well as coaching.

We’ll send you and your parents/guardians (if under 18) a coaching agreement to complete prior to your first session.

Please complete a referral form (below) and we’ll be in touch to arrange an initial call.

Our coaching packages

Prices start from £75 per session (60 minutes).

We also offer 3, 6 and 12-month packages of coaching. Packages include a weekly or fortnightly 1:1 coaching session (60 minutes), telephone and email support between sessions for when you need a boost of support and access to workshops and events.