My experience

The one thing that I have experienced as a professional is that when working in this field, potential clients will ask about your qualifications and experience. As an autistic individual with ADHD and as a parent of an autistic child with ADHD and PDA syndrome, I know that I have asked the same questions and will continue to do so.

 

Having initially worked in administration and then retail, in 2006 I changed careers again, working firstly with young children, having gained a qualification in Children's Care Learning and Development.  I moved quickly to parental support and found it to be beneficial and something I throughly enjoyed and also learned from, both as a parent and as a practitioner, providing one-to-one support, group facilitation and a listening ear when required. 

 

I was a founding member of my local branch of the National Autistic Society, creating a setting that was welcoming and had something for everyone in the family,  While my motive for this was my own son who was struggling socially, the group also gave me a purpose and helped to reduce the isolation I felt as a parent of a child with complex needs.  

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I started my life coaching training in 2016 and it has ignited a passion in me that I could not have imagined. I have seen clients with many different issues and goals and because of this I have continued studying, expanding my knowledge to benefit clients. A list of some of these qualifications can be found here.

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Working in mental health has taught me that no matter what else I do, the mantra of "do no harm" is paramount. I am a professional member of EMCC and I abide by the Global Code of Ethics. I am continually learning, not just for my own benefit but for the benefits of my clients.

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It hasn't all been plain sailing but I know that some of the difficulties I faced were because of my neurodiversity. I know that the one thing that I would have appreciated was the opportunity to get support from someone who understood what I was going through. While it may have not been available to me, I hope that, as a coach, I can be that person for my clients.