What is a neurodiversity coach? A neurodiversity coach is trained in recognizing the strengths and limitations of neuroatypical people and helping them thrive in life. I am excited to announce that have recently been certified as a neurodiversity coach! Here is what I’ve learned, and what I can now offer to the neurodivergent community!!! As a fellow neurodivergent, I can’t wait to help you or your loved ones thrive! Check out my YouTube video here:
What Is Neurodiversity?
In order to understand what a neurodiversity coach does, it’s important to define what neurodiversity is. Neurodiversity is a different way that the human brain receives and manages information from their environment. It may surprise you to know that anywhere between 15-20% of the world’s population is neurodivergent. Neurodivergent or neuroatypical people may be diagnosed with Autism (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), High Potential Individuals (HPI), or DYS disorders.
These diagnoses are often intertwined in how they present in the individual, so it’s important to get the correct diagnosis. It’s also very important to recognize other conditions they may have as well. For example, someone on the Autism spectrum may also be a High Potential Individual as well. Once the proper evaluations have been done, the neurodiversity coach helps coordinate the client’s professional, academic, medical and home spheres so they can thrive.
What Can A Neurodiversity Coach Do?
A neurodiversity coach will assemble all the data received from the physician, therapists, educators, family, or employers, and work with the client to find the best path forward. The coach can advise which therapists the client would benefit from most. They can then help the client work them into their schedule and keep track of the improvements that have experienced. The coach can observe them in their daily lives to see what therapies and tools they would benefit from. They can also help the client understand their challenges and how to better work through them.
For most people with ASD or ADHD, they don’t understand the social cues that neurotypical people do. They can live in a very literal black and white world, that doesn’t work well in the grey areas of life. They may not understand the jokes and sarcasm that others do. This is where a coach can be extremely helpful. Educating them on facial expressions, emotions, and how they effect others, helps neuroatypicals understand the world around them. Once they realize the effect they have on those around them and appropriate ways to respond, everything changes.
Providing Tools For Life:
Neurodiversity Coaches provide their clients with tools that can make navigating a neurotypical world much easier. For those with ASD and HPI, loud noises, scratchy clothes, flashing lights, bright colours, and violence can be very distracting. The coach can suggest noice cancelling headphones, a quiet space for study, different fabrics, different lighting, softer colours, and the avoidance of scenes of violence to make life calmer.
For those with ADHD, they can suggest shorter study or work sessions, with 5 minute breaks after 25 minutes of intense work. Squeeze toys, fidget toys, weighted blankets or toys can also be suggested to help them relax and keep them seated for longer periods of time. A coach will assess all suggestions to see how they are working and change them up as necessary.
Neurodiversity Myths:
Not everyone with Autism is Raymond from Rain Man. ASD has a full range of capabilities, so it’s important not to feel discouraged if you or your loved one has been diagnosed with ASD, ADHD, HPI, or DYS diagnoses. With the right training and tools, neurodivergent individuals can live very happy and productive lives. The one thing that most people don’t realize, is that neurodivergent people have many gifts that greatly enhance the world when they are allowed to develop them.
Another huge myth is that people with ADHD want to be disruptive and difficult. This could not be farther from the truth. It is the way their brains are wired that makes them unfocused, impulsive and restless. Thankfully, there are many ways to help them restructure their lives, so they can manage these tendencies better.
The idea the HPI’s are tortured, socially awkward individuals that are destined to be miserable is also false. It may make an interesting book or movie character, but it doesn’t need to be a reality. As an HPI, life is definitely challenging, but understanding why you think the way you do makes it easier. Having tools to manage the hyper sensitivity that comes with being an HPI makes all the difference. I have a wonderful family and lots of friends that I adore. The piece that really made the difference was understanding that my mind just works differently than others, and that I was ok.
In Conclusion:
A neurodiversity coach is someone that helps neurodivergent people thrive in life. Whether you have just received a diagnosis, or are curious and want to find out if you are, we can help. Being neurodivergent is just a different way to process the world around you. Given the correct tools and guidance, you can thrive in all aspects of your life!
If you or someone you love would benefit from having a coach, reach out to me at andrea@nopainallgain.ca and I’ll be happy to help!
As a natural encourager, I live to help others!!! One-on-one coaching is a great way to start building your confidence, and improve your health! I am now a certified Neurodiversity Coach, and strive to help people integrate better into society and thrive in all aspects of their life!
I also help people with Fibromyalgia and chronic illness manage their symptoms with ease, so they never feel held back again! Click here for an application form and I would be happy to help you in your journey. Subscribe to my weekly newsletter by clicking here. You can also contact me at andrea@nopainallgain.ca or check out my website: www.nopainallgain.ca
