I have a particular interest in neurodiversity for a number
of reasons, I have later in my own life realised that there is a reason why
numbers are challenging for me and that is because of dyscalculia. I was often
described as clumsy and my struggle to know left from right was often a cause
of something to be made fun of.
Neurodiversity is something close to my heart, I have a son
who was diagnosed with autism as a child, and my partner has ADHD and autism.
My experience shows me of the challenges faced in navigating
a world that is neuro-typical, since training as a counsellor I have worked
with many clients with neurodiversity, wanting to understand what this means
for them. Recently there has been an increase in women being diagnosed later in
life, often feeling that the diagnosis helps to explain something, but also a
lot of conflicting feelings and emotions.
I work with parents of children who are neurodiverse, some
commonalities are the journey to diagnosis, the navigation of health and social
care systems, and being believed.
My approach is humanistic, to walk alongside and to build a
relationship which is open, non-judgemental and supportive. One size does not
fit all and I bring different elements into my work, to find what suits each
person as an individual in their own right. Often people who I work with have
wanted a coaching approach, to develop their awareness of their sense of self,
their needs and their boundaries.
Most importantly people I work with value being able to be
themselves, that they are accepted for who they are and that they set the
agenda of what is important to them.
