Claire Wood t/a The AUDHD Coach

How might coaching help me as a neurodivergent adult or parent? 

Coaching can be incredibly supportive for neurodivergent adults or familes - not because you need “fixing,” but because the right coach helps you work with your brain, not against it. Many adults and children with ADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence find coaching to be one of the most empowering tools for day‑to‑day life, work, and wellbeing.

Here’s how coaching might help you:

Understanding how your brain works shifts the focus: you are not the problem we just live in a society that does not value or accommodate our unique ways of thinking, feeling and experiencing the world.

There are coaches who can support you to be more "productive" and whilst I can explore and offer guidance with this; my skillset is particularly suited to those who want to let go of the guilt and shame that sits alongside neurodivergence for most people.

I am trained in compassionate mind approaches including the drive, soothe & threat systems that come from evolutionary theory and compassion focused chair work. This approach can help you to recognise when your inner critic is high due to perceived threat and identify regulation strategies that are right for you; not that are currently in fashion. Forcing neurodivergent people to undertake regulation strategies that they do not like simply increases the threat and that is where the inner critic gets it strength.

I have worked as a Specialist Nurse in relationship services for 15 years delivering therapeutic interventions to individuals and families and children from birth to adult.

I am trained in conflict resolution as well as Video Interaction Guidance - a strengths based tool to support relationships. If communication in relationships - at home or work can be tricky at times, I can offer strategies to support you.

I am also a trained Circle of Security facilitator - this is an evidence based 8- week group or 1:1 programme that supports parent/child relationships from 4 months to 6 years. This is particularly useful for neurodivergent parents and their children.

If you value authenticity, warmth and humour, get in touch for a free 30 minute discovery appointment and let's see if we can work together.

Accountability that isn’t shaming

Instead of “Why didn’t you do this?”
Coaching offers:
“What got in the way, and how can we make this easier next time?” It’s collaborative, curious, and kind not punitive.

What’s different about the relationship with a Coach vs Therapist?

Coaching: Collaborative, future‑driven partnership
Often feels like working with a mentor or thinking partner
Therapy: A clinical relationship with boundaries designed for emotional safety
Often involves deeper exploration and vulnerability
If I am in burnout or emotionally distressed, can you still work with me?

Yes, you can work with me if you’re in burnout or emotionally distressed… but only within certain boundaries.

Coaching can be helpful alongside emotional strain or burnout, but it is not a substitute for therapy or clinical mental‑health support.
The key is understanding what type of distress is appropriate for coaching and what would be safer in therapy.

Coaching can still be useful if you are:

• Prevent deeper burnout
• Find sustainable habits
• Rebalance workload
• Reduce overwhelm
• Improve wellbeing
• Explore strengths and needs
• Advocate for yourself

Online appointments

Face to face in Manchester City Centre Saturday 10-4