Autism coaching incorporates an understanding of the complexity of life as an autistic person: the struggles, the potential gifts, and the unique expressions of autism from person-to-person.
Why autism coaching?
Autism coaching can be supportive in finding a sense of meaning and identity, whether you have a formal diagnosis or not. You may be self-diagnosed or wondering whether you might be autistic, and you might have other diagnoses as well as autism. You’re welcome to coaching wherever you are on the neurodiversity journey.
It can be overwhelming navigating life with autism, especially if we don’t fully understand our experience or have access to the support we need. I won’t minimise this struggle, or make light of what you’re dealing with. There are constraints and systemic issues at play that we don’t necessarily have control over, and that needs to be acknowledged.
Having said that, our challenges as autistic people can become more manageable and easeful over time. When we understand ourselves in a more holistic, compassionate way, and can advocate for our needs, we can start to fully embrace all the ‘weird’ and wonderful ways we have of experiencing and expressing life.
Common topics in autism coaching
The coaching process is unique to your goals and what you would like to work on, and there’s nothing you’re meant to know in advance. You may be really clear on your goals, or it might be something we figure out together. There’s no set programme or topics, but here are some areas that often come up:
- Sensory experience and managing sensory overload
- Masking and unmasking - sense of self and authenticity
- Executive functioning: planning, prioritising, time management etc.
- Social life and relationships
- Communication and healthy boundaries
- Emotional regulation and dealing with overwhelm
- Energy management and dealing with burnout
What is autism coaching?
Autism coaching is a space to talk openly about what you’re experiencing, to share what it’s like for you. It’s an opportunity to explore your questions about autism and about how it manifests for you. Sometimes you might have questions that I can answer based on my experience and knowledge, although often we’re exploring questions together so that you can keep making sense of your own perspective and experience.
Autism coaching can be practical, focusing on specific habits or behaviours you want to stop, start or change. We can go into the details, like breaking down a planning process, or piecing apart what’s happened if you’re feeling overwhelmed. We can work together to devise specific adjustments you can make over time, figuring out manageable strategies for success (on your terms).
Coaching can support you in building self-confidence, and a more positive sense of self. Many autistic individuals have been masking themselves and their experience in order to fit in better or just to get by in social and professional situations. This is a lifeline in some ways, but it’s also exhausting and can lead to a sense of disconnection and isolation.
Autism coaching can support you to recognise these coping mechanisms, along with the emotions, beliefs and thought patterns going on behind them. This creates an opportunity to adjust and update how we treat ourselves, and how we go about our daily lives.
Autism coaching in different domains
You might want to talk about a particular area of your life in coaching, or we might look at overarching themes and experiences that apply across the board. Here are some of the life domains and goals that come up often:
Work – how your work is going, workplace adjustments, disclosure of neurodiversity to employers or colleagues, reducing stress, boundaries, communication.
Career – exploring your career goals, the kind of work that would support you and suit you in the long-run, an upcoming career move, approaches to job search and interviews.
Personal life and relationships – work-life balance, positive habits, communication tools, prioritisation and time-management, managing your energy and your social battery.
Business and marketing – neurodivergent-friendly business strategy and marketing; how to create a business that is manageable, suited to you, and sustainable in the long-run.
A bit about Christina...
Following my accreditation as a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation, I tailored my post-graduate certificate with the University of Chester to focus on neurodiversity.
To continue my professional development, I completed CPD studies in neurodiversity coaching, mental health coaching, and trauma-informed approaches. I’m committed to my ongoing development, receiving ongoing coaching and supervision.
I was diagnosed with autism, ADHD and DCD (dyspraxia) in my late thirties, so I have personal understanding and lived experience of neurodivergence.
My coaching practice gradually evolved as I specialised in neurodiversity, allowing me to support clients that I feel a natural affinity with given our shared (albeit varied and unique) life experiences.
Autism coaching benefits
Neurodiversity coaching isn’t generally about quick wins, although you can certainly feel supported and notice changes in a short period of time. We’re often incorporating processes that can take a bit of time for your brain, body and life to catch up with! Here are some of the outcomes we might work towards:
- A better understanding of how you experience autism and what it means to you
- Building self-confidence and being kinder to yourself
- More in-depth understanding of your needs and how to express them
- Creating a lifestyle and way of working that is sustainable
- Developing stronger relationships with self and others
- A more manageable experience day-to-day, not being on such an intense rollercoaster!
- Feeling more effective and efficient in daily life or work
- A sense of being seen and heard and valued in your authentic self
"The sessions with Christina helped me deepen my understanding of the beliefs that were standing in the way of success and I now feel like I can look at these beliefs as something of the past. I’m moving forward now with more awareness and a changed perspective on my process. The work with Christina was really deep and fulfilling, she listened and held the space and directed the process to a fruitful end. She is a capable coach who provides a calm, safe and professional space."
Inma Piqueras Ramos
What to expect in autism coaching...
- You can do 60 minute or 90 minute sessions, whatever works best for you. We can work at weekly or fortnightly intervals. Monthly or more irregular sessions are an option too, although this tends to work best once we've already had a series of more regular sessions first to build some momentum.
- My work is online at the moment, but if you're in the Bristol area we can discuss walk-and-talk sessions or face-to-face. If you're aware of particular needs you have - around things like background noise, light, eye contact, movement - just let me know.
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Autistic people often experience co-occurring conditions such ADHD, dyslexia or dyspraxia. It's also common for autistic people to have had mental health struggles or diagnoses. We can discuss any of this during coaching, and it's ok to talk about whatever's happening for you. Having said that, sometimes it's most beneficial to work with a psychiatrist, therapist or other practitioner either instead of or alongside coaching. If you have questions about this, feel free to bring it up in our introductory call.
- You may be able to receive a grant through Access to Work that will pay for (or subsidise) your coaching with me. You don't have to have a formal diagnosis to apply. Note that it can take quite a few months for your application to be fully processed.
Considering working with me? Want to meet and see if it's a good fit?
Coaching sessions cost £120 – £200 / hour. Reduced price sessions are available for Access to Work clients, with some low-cost sessions also available for those in financial need.
We can have a 30-minute, no-pressure conversation to see if it's the right next step.
"I was looking for a sense of direction - more happiness and a clear decision on where to take my work. The coaching made things so much clearer and changed my perspective on my life and my work. The coaching with Christina has given me the confidence and self-belief to say and do what I believe with conviction."
Neil Carter
