Supporting Neurodiversity
A ninety-minute pay-what-you-want session to explore ways you can support a neurodivergent person, personally or professionally
Session Purpose
'Matthew created a safe space where I could share all my questions, curiosities and vulnerabilities around supporting those with neuro-divergent conditions. He helped demystify some of the misconceptions / concerns I had and I left feeling more equipped, more understanding and more compassionate.
He was super helpful and supportive and I now have thirst to learn more, including exploring my own experiences, traits and wiring. It was enlightening.' - Partner of someone exploring autism diagnosis
Supporting a neurodivergent person can be tough. It’s frustrating when you desperately want to help, but cannot. Misunderstandings get in the way, and lead to distrust and anger. The tricky thing is, not every neurodivergent person is an expert in their own condition, and neither should they have to be. Even if they wanted to, many neurodivergent people are already working so hard to keep things going that they have nothing left over for developing this ability, either. But this means it can feel impossible for you to get the information you need to help them.
In our time together, we will explore how the ideas of neurodiversity and research about neurodivergent conditions can help you, and help you help them. It’s a space to talk about the practical, the personal, the inter-personal, and their contradictions. A kind, non-judgemental space in which it’s OK to ask awkward questions and explore alternatives.. A place where you can see if there’s a different, easier, more alive way to support someone in becoming their wonderful self and doing things their own way.
This session is for people who are supporting a neurodivergent person, and who want to do that better. That person may have a diagnosis ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette Syndrome, dyspraxia, or autism, or identify with these and/or related conditions. They may be exploring or undertaking diagnosis at the moment. You could be supporting them in a personal context; as a romantic partner, friend, or a family member. You could also be supporting them in a professional context, as a manager, colleague, mentor or coach. It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re neurodivergent. What matters is that you want to more fully and confidently support someone who is.
If you are a neurodivergent person looking for advice and support for yourself, please take a look at my Navigating Neurodiversity sessions.
How does it work?
The exact format of a session is up to you and your particular situation, though here are some themes you might want to explore in our time together:
- The language and jargon around neurodiversity - disorders, conditions, “spiky profiles”, hyper-adaption, etc…
- Common misconceptions about neurodiversity.
- Evidence-based approaches to working effectively with neurodivergent people.
- How misunderstandings arise between neurodivergent and their non-neurodivergent peers, and what you can do about it.
- How to ask questions that yield answers you can use.
- Evidence-based strategies and pathways of support for neurodivergent people.
- Useful products and tools for individuals and groups.
- How neurodiversity can affect emotions and interpersonal interactions.
- Typical neurodivergent strengths and weaknesses, and how they show up.
You are free to choose one of these, a variation, or any combination you like! Each session stands alone, though you may find it helpful to consider multiple sessions if you are struggling to fit all you want into a single one.
After the session I will give you a written summary of what we’ve discussed, and links to further resources if appropriate. I’ll give you all I can to feel clear and confident in taking your steps, whatever those may be.
Why work with me?
I was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of six. It definitely made sense, though I began to have a few doubts when I did the final-year project of my psychology degree on the experience of dyslexics in work and education. I realised dyslexia wasn’t the whole picture..
My curiosity kicked in, and I began researching and speaking to everyone I could about their experiences and their conditions. At the age of 39 I had an ADHD diagnosis, then an autism diagnosis three years later. Which, in hindsight, explains the intensive research and exploration!
The most revelatory thing about this whole process has not been finding out how I work. In my 40s, and having done a fair bit of personal development work, I was already pretty clear on that. What’s different is now I understand most other people do not experience the world the same way I - and some other neurodivergent people - do. And I want to share that understanding with you.
I now work with and for neurodivergent people, bringing together my previous personal and professional experiences. My focus is on enabling exceptional neurodivergent talents and abilities by providing opportunities to develop with appropriate support and care. I talk and write on the benefits we offer to businesses and to wider society, as well as the issues we face. I also run regular community events for neurodivergent people exploring how they can make the world a better place, for them and everyone else.
When I started working with neurodivergent people, it soon became clear that those around them needed help too. I now work with both groups so that we can work together, playing to our respective and complementary strengths.
I’m not a psychotherapist, counsellor, or psychiatrist; though if you wonder what the differences between those are, and when you might work with one, I can tell you! I won’t give you a diagnosis, though I can help you understand the value of getting one. I will give you the space to explore things from an angle you might not have considered before, with someone who understands, and who shares many of those experiences themselves. You’re not alone in all this.
Booking, payment and pricing
This is a pay-what-you-want session. At time of booking, share your chosen price for the work. I’ll send an invoice after the session for that amount. Additionally, I cover my work with a money-back guarantee if you are unsatisfied with its quality.
You can use the guidance below to help you decide what you would like to pay.
The average price for a session is £150, and people usually choose to pay within £75 either way of that price.
Factors which may increase what you want to pay:
- The work you need is highly specialised and very few other people can help.
- You have a secure income and/or earn above £50,000 a year or equivalent.
- You live in a wealthier country than the UK.
- You want to support access to this and other services for those with less income.
- The main organisation you work for, and/or the context of the support you are providing, is solely or predominantly private-profit making (e.g. a limited company or a PLC).
Factors which may reduce what you want to pay:
- The work needed is not highly specialised or particularly difficult.
- You have a precarious income, and/or earn less than £50,000 a year or equivalent.
- You are a member of multiple marginalised groups.
- You live in a less wealthy country than the UK.
- The main organisation you work for, and/or the context of the support you are providing, is solely or predominantly for community benefit (e.g. a charity or social enterprise).
- This is one of a group of sessions you’re having with me.
You can book a session with me online. After that I will be in touch to confirm the booking and answer any more questions you might have.
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