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. Coaching can support you in building self-confidence, and a more positive sense of self, as well as addressing more practical goals.

Common focus areas 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

Potential autism coaching benefits

Autism coaching isn't about quick wins, although you can certainly feel supported and notice changes in a short period of time. We're often incorporating some slower 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
• Being able to understand and express your needs clearly
• 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

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.

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 dyspraxia in my late thirties, so I have personal understanding and lived experience of neurodiversity. 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.

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.

Coaching costs from £120 - £200 per hour. Some people pay for coaching themselves, others have autism coaching funded by their employer or through a government grant. I offer discounted rates where possible for clients who are self-funded and on a low income. ​

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. Find out more about the scheme here.