Coaching can support with overcoming challenges that autistic employees encounter in the workplace. I recognise that it is often solutions that we are seeking. But coaching also helps autistic employees to better understanding strengths and how to maximise use of them at work.

The benefits of coaching

Autism and neurodivergent conditions affect different people in different ways. Topics we can discuss include:

• Creating routine and processes to reduce uncertainty and anxiety
• Developing strategies to reduce the impact of your sensory sensitivities
• Managing your time effectively to reduce overwhelm
• Organisation and executive functioning to help you feel more in control
• Practical steps you can take to reduce anxiety
• Increasing self-confidence when speaking at work
• Feel more comfortable contributing to group meetings at work
• Reducing exhaustion caused by masking at work 
• Developing effective work-related communication with colleagues
• Improved confidence with small-talk and social situations at work
• Preparation for annual review meetings and appraisals to reduce stress
• Establishing a work/life balance to maintain sustainable energy levels

These are some of the example topics. You decide what topic you would like to bring to each session. If you would like to discuss something else, then please just let me know.

There is an increased awareness of neurodivergent conditions in many organisations compared to ten years ago. Autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other conditions contribute to a neurodiverse population. But it often stops at awareness. To have a meaningful impact on individuals and to create a truly inclusive environment, we need to embed desired behaviours into the workplace culture. Senior leaders and line managers are often not sufficiently equipped with the knowledge, confidence and resources to provide support to colleagues when it is needed.

This is where 1-to-1 coaching can help.

Who is autism coaching for?

Coaching can be effective in supporting different employees throughout the workplace.

You may be in your first job, or an aspiring manager or a senior leader of a team. I have lived-experience in all these roles in my career, and would love to support you.

We know that autistic profiles are different for different people. Different traits affect different people in different ways. And this means that there is no one single solution or checklist of reasonable adjustments that will work for everyone in every workplace situation.

(Diagnosed or suspected) neurodivergent individual:

1. You may have noticed common autistic traits apply to you, and you may now suspect you have autism. You’d like to talk confidentially to someone about this realisation.
2. You may be self-diagnosed and have been using strategies that you have developed to manage at work. You may be getting by, but would like to unlock more of your potential.
3. You may have had a NHS or private diagnosis, and you are now seeking some additional support to help you thrive in the workplace.

If you recognise yourself here, then book a call or send me an email.

Coaching sessions

I recommend a coaching session every 2 weeks. Fortnightly sessions allow time for reflection and for actions to be taken between sessions. You can book the same day of the week and time for all your sessions, or you can book one-at-a-time if that is more convenient for you. Most important to me is that sessions happen when you need them.

Coaching takes place online, using video call software. I usually use Google Meet. You do not need a Google account or need to download any software. When you book a session into my calendar, you will automatically receive a unique meeting link for each session. You then simply click the link to join the call at the agreed time.

How does coaching work?

Coaching sessions are your time. You can bring whatever topic is on your mind for us to work on. During each session I will ask you questions with the intention of helping you find the right actions that are most suitable for you in your situation. I’m not here to give you advice. Questions I ask may sometimes be difficult for you to answer. That’s ok.

Life moves quickly, and I believe it’s important to dedicate time to slowing down, stopping and thinking. When we free our minds from day-to-day tasks is when we can get the dedicated time we sometimes need to find a way forward. Once we have a goal or desired new behaviour, I will then support you in defining the actions you can take to get there. I can also help you with staying on track.

To support this work, we might spend time gaining greater self-awareness. What are your strengths? How can you use them more in your life? What do you really enjoy doing? What is important to you in life? What changes can you make to make you happier? And so on.

Where relevant, and with your agreement, we may use some established coaching tools and frameworks to help us with our work. Sometimes I may suggest a little homework between sessions, but this is optional for you to complete.

The objective of each session is for you to leave the conversation with actions for you to take away and a clear plan and commitment. Sometimes, there may not be tangible actions, but instead, a new way for you to think about an issue. It really depends on what the topic is and when change is needed. 

Find out more about what coaching is and isn’t.

A bit about me

I have 25+ years lived-experience working in offices and working from home, in a range of different businesses, from small-scale to multinational. I welcome the opportunity to support you in 1-to-1 coaching sessions, sharing my knowledge and experiences with you where relevant. 

Most of my working experience has been at a desk and in meetings, both in-person and online. I have 15+ years of line-management experience, managing teams and supporting direct reports. These are experiences that you may share with me, or may not. Perhaps you are line managing for the first time? Perhaps you would like to apply for a promotion, but lacking confidence? You may be a line manager and would like to support someone with autism in your team. We can discuss any specific challenge you are facing during a free discovery call.

Next steps

The first step is to book a free call with me. We will have an informal chat on a video call about the help you are looking for and how I can support you. The objective of this call is for you to find out more about how I can support you and for you to decide whether my coaching is a good fit for what you are looking for.

Find out more about what to expect on a discovery call.