As a neurodivergent coach, what can I do to help my clients?

As a neurodivergent coach, I have unique perspectives and skills that can significantly benefit you. Here are some creative steps and strategies that I can take as a coach to be effective when working with you on your stress, anxiety, neurodiversity and ADHD:

Making full use of your Lived Experience:

Empathy and Understanding: My experience with neurodivergence allows me to empathise deeply with you... my client. We can use this understanding to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard. We can also use relatable techniques and strategies that have been invaluable for clients who might be facing similar challenges.

Creative Strength-Based Approaches:

Neurodivergent clients often need to be reminded about their strengths. Whether it's creativity, problem-solving, or attention to detail, we can work together to help you see how your neurodivergence can be an asset. It can be of value to cultivate a growth mindset by assisting you in reframing challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.

Like all clients, neurodivergent clients require personalised strategies and customised plans that address your specific needs and goals. This might include time management strategies, organisational tools, or communication techniques that align with your neurodivergent traits. From my experience, we can recognise that we have to be adaptable in our coaching methods, recognising that what works for one person might not work for another. Flexibility is vital to meeting the diverse needs of our clients... you!

I have also realised the need to create a 'Neurodiversity-Friendly Environment'. This might involve reducing background noise, adjusting lighting, or allowing for breaks. Many of my clients like clear, straightforward communication and often benefit from written session summaries, visual aids, or other forms of accessible interaction. This becomes clear in our discussions… by listening to what you are saying. 

This area is fast changing in terms of research. I know that we all try to keep up with the latest research and trends in neurodiversity, which helps me be informed about new strategies, tools, and perspectives that could benefit you. It is not always easy, but it is essential to engage with other neurodivergent professionals and communities.

So, what can we do for you to achieve long-term change?  Encouraging self-advocacy for your own needs and rights in different environments is a crucial skill. We can provide resources and tools that help you understand your rights and access support services.

Through blogging, workshops, and seminars, we can raise awareness about neurodiversity.

As a coach, I feel that I have a specialisation in working with clients who define themselves as neurodivergent. If that is the case, then I can focus on providing coaching services that cater specifically to you, offering tailored strategies for managing executive function difficulties, navigating social interactions, and dealing with sensory sensitivities. Such advocacy and support can assist you in educational, workplace, or social settings.

By integrating these strategies into my coaching practice, I feel that I can make a meaningful impact on you, helping you to thrive and succeed in a world that often isn't designed with neurodivergent individuals in mind.

Dr Susan Chan and Ian Geddes

This article first appeared in the 'Life Coaching Directory' and has been adapted for this blog.