Neurodiversity-Affirmative Coaching and Mentoring for Newly Diagnosed Adults

Give yourself space to reflect, experiment and integrate

Are you looking to…

  • Be yourself

    Be more confident and positive about who you are and your unique strengths, now that you know you’re neurodivergent.

    Feel more comfortable in your own skin, be able to drop the mask more and be more authentic.

    Be more confident, feel less shame and stop apologising for who you are and what you need.

  • Do well at work

    Be more organised, better able to manage your time, feel comfortable saying no to things, or delegate without feeling guilty.

    Feel more confident speaking in meetings and presentations and send emails more quickly.

    Find out what you innately like to do, are suited to and enjoy - and have a job that you can do and grow in.

  • Be well and healthy

    Be less anxious about what people think and be more confident to speak up more.

    Reduce the frequency and severity of a meltdown cycle and be less exhausted.

    Have the energy to engage in a hobby or spend time and play with your family, friends or pets when finished for the day.

Then you’re in the right place.

I work with late diagnosed and late self-identified neurodivergent professionals, who want to be more authentic and more satisfied at work and in life in general. 

I've helped my clients improve their lives in significant ways:

  • Create a more sustainable working environment, by taking control of their needs and not letting the burnout cycle control them.

  • Make a conscious decision to stay in the current role and meet their need for Love of Learning through hobbies outside of work.

  • Move into a role that’s more suited to their needs, interests and skills.

  • Finally receive acknowledgement and support from their employer, having not been taken seriously before.

  • Come back to work after a period of burnout.

Maybe I can help you too?

About Me

My name is Alicja (‘A-leet-sya’) Nocon,

I’m a late-diagnosed autistic coach and mentor based in the UK.

 

Click on the headings below to learn more about my experience:

  • After years of trying to understand why I struggle while others somehow can keep it together, I found the answer (and no, it’s not BPD or ‘low self-esteem’) – I’m autistic and they are not! I received my diagnosis in 2020 when I was in my early 30s.

    Since then, autism, neurodivergence and neurodiversity have become my new interest: I consumed books, lived experience accounts and scientific research papers on the topic. I have also been working with a specialist autism mentor myself. In 2022, I published my own research on character strengths of autistic adults in the UK in a peer-reviewed academic journal.

  • Before I became a neurodiversity coach and mentor, I spent 10 years working in the insurance / financial services sector. I qualified as an Actuary (FIA CERA) and worked as an Actuarial Consultant at Deloitte, Legal & General, Munich Re.

    I’m originally from Silesia, a mining region in Poland. When I was 18, I decided to travel solo to Edinburgh with £300 and one-way flight ticket in my pocket. Unbelievably, it worked out. I have since lived and worked in Scotland (Edinburgh and Isle of Skye), Spain (Salamanca) and England (Greater London).

    I currently live in Croydon with my husband, two rescue cats, lots of plants and zero children. My interests include long-distance hiking, running, yoga, gardening and DIY.

  • I’m accredited with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) at the Senior Practitioner level (see the certificate here). This confirms that I’ve carried out at least 250 hours of coaching and mentoring for at least five years and have appropriate qualifications to do so. I have a Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology from the University of East London (Distinction).

    Since November 2020, I’ve worked with more than 25 neurodivergent clients, across a range of neurovariants (autistic, ADHD, dyslexic – often a combination of two or more), ages (from 20s to 60s), gender identities (cis-male/female, transgender, gender fluid) and career levels (job-seeker, specialist, manager, department head).

    I work under regular coaching and mentoring supervision of two experienced professionals, one of which is a specialist autism mentor.

About my approach

I use a blended coaching and mentoring approach:  
  

As a coach

I will facilitate a safe thinking environment, which will allow you to:

  • reflect on your current situation

  • get clarity on what you would like to be change (or accept)

  • think of different strategies that can make the changes happen – which you will then try in-between sessions

I will do this by listening without judgement, asking stimulating questions and being unashamedly curious – all for your benefit.

In coaching, we work on the assumption that you know yourself best and have the answers to your questions. This means that you know what strategies and support mechanisms will work best – and my role is to make you aware of them.

Sounds like a lot of pressure? Don’t worry, we can start slowly and use more of mentoring, throughout or just initially.

As a mentor

I will share my knowledge and lived experience with you freely. This includes, for example: resources that are relevant to your situation and experiences and strategies of my clients (without disclosing any identifiable information – I take confidentiality seriously).

I may offer advice, but it’s your decision whether to follow it. I will not tell you what to do.

or read on to find out more…

Topics we will cover together

Our coaching partnership will be centred around you: your goals and the topics you wish to explore.

Depending on your readiness and individual circumstances, we will spend more or less time developing your:

  • Awareness

    For example, of:

    • Your neurodivergent needs and triggers (sensory, change, social)

    • Your strengths and areas where extra support may be required (‘spikey profile’)

    • How the external environment and societal norms and structures impact your wellbeing and productivity (‘social model of disability’)

    • Thought patterns and survival strategies that no longer serve you

  • Acceptance

    For example, of:

    • The way your neurodivergent nervous system responds to situations

    • The fact that the world is unfair and not built for neurodivergent brains and nervous systems (yet)

    • The need to learn how to navigate neuronormative environments (“play the game”), for example by adapting a neuronormative communication style

  • Action

    For example:

    • Doing more of what's best for you (versus what's expected of you and is harmful)

    • Expressing and self-advocating your needs

    • Communicating assertively and getting other people’s acceptance and support

    • Testing your limits (more often than not, this is self-inflicted!)

Flexible packages and transparent pricing     

I offer several coaching packages to suit your needs.

All packages include:

  • A complimentary introductory session (45-60 minutes)

  • An analysis of what energises you using the VIA survey

  • Copy of all psycho-educational materials and worksheets used in sessions

  • Recommendation of further resources to engage with, tailored to your needs and learning preferences

  • Personalised actions and strategies so you can continue the work between sessions

  • Regular reflection on your progress through online questionnaires

  • Email support between sessions

Note: Prices below apply from 1 January 2024.
Where coaching is funded by an employer, a higher fee might apply to cover the cost of managing the contract and engaging with line manager / HR sponsor.

  • Short-term

    Best for you:
    If you want to explore 1-2 topics centred around a clear goal.

    For example: creating a strengths and needs profile for your employer.

    What you get:
    Support over 2 months
    3 x 60-min coaching sessions
    Extras as above

    Cost: £450
    Single payment of:
    £450

  • Medium-term

    Best for you:
    If you want to explore 3-5 topics centred around some loosely defined goals.

    * Most popular *

    What you get:
    Support over 4 months
    6 x 60-min coaching sessions
    Extras as above

    Cost: £870
    Split over two payments of:
    £450 + £420

  • Long-term

    Best for you:
    If you want a more long-term support during a major transition.

    For example: transitioning into a new role or leadership position.

    What you get:
    Support over 6 months
    9 x 60-min coaching sessions
    Extras as above

    Cost: £1,290
    Split over three payments of:
    £450 + £420 + £420

 or scroll down to hear from some of my clients and FAQ…

What my clients say

  • “Alicja gives validation, kindness and encouragement without gushing. I genuinely enjoyed talking to her and found her very easy to get along with. Maybe that’s ironic, or maybe autistic people just find it easier with people like them..

    Because I’m quite sceptical and like to have evidence and reasoning, I can find some styles of coaching fluffy and unconvincing. This meant that Alicja’s scientific and research-based approach was particularly appreciated. She often refers to academic research and explains things in biochemical, physiological or sociological terms. I like the fact-based approach.”

    — Naomi, Autistic Corporate Research Analyst in Investments

  • “What I value most in Alicja’s approach is her flexibility towards my needs, her openness and willingness to gently encourage me in the right ways. She is clearly very engaged with the subject matter beyond coaching sessions, so I always felt confident I was with someone who not only had the right level of knowledge to be helpful, but also has a genuine desire to further neurodiverse understanding.”

    — Glenn, Autistic Data Analyst in Tech

  • “Working with Alicja allowed me to enter into an authentic and constructive working relationship where I felt understood, and encouraged, as well as challenged - in ways which worked so well for me and felt right. “

    — Helen, Trainee Therapist

  • “After six sessions with Alicja, my confidence has improved dramatically. When situations arise that previously would have sent me into a meltdown, I feel more grounded and able to bring myself back from the edge. What I value most in Alicja’s approach is her ability to know the theory and explain it, but also get me to think about how to implement it. “

    — Lizzie, Autistic & ADHD Law Professional

  • “Coaching with Alicja gave me space to reflect.

    I have built my personal and professional identity on being a flawed neurotypical individual, when I need to build it on being neurodivergent. I hadn’t appreciated how much this had had an impact on my professional life, as well as my personal one. I have always felt strong imposter syndrome at work, but now I am beginning to reframe my professional identity around my lived experience. This process has helped me begin to see how to do that, and how I can begin to reframe my mindset.”

    — Holly, Manager with ADHD in the Charity Sector

  • “Alicja is personable, intelligent knowledgeable and asked me all the coaching questions I didn’t know I needed to ask myself. I have recommended her services in my place of work. I decided to enact change in my first coaching session and have been applying some of the tools I have learnt successfully!”

    — Anita, Dyslexic & Autistic Project Manager in Tech

  • “What I value most in Alicja’s approach is that she made me do the thinking. She empowered me to find the answers that would help me to become a better person. Along the way Alicja kept calm, despite a few sessions where I really struggled to get my head around things.

    I really enjoyed my time and sessions with Alicja. She's taught me lots of new methods to help me develop.”

    — Ahmed, Middle Manager with ADHD

  • “After six sessions with Alicja, I feel much more confident in my strengths and feel better able to manage issues in the workplace that were previously causing me worry, including sensory and communication issues. I now have a much better understanding of what I need to be comfortable and productive, and I have been able to ask my employer for these or put strategies in place for myself.”

    — Marie, Autistic D&I Professional in the Charity Sector

Read full-length testimonials

Frequently asked questions and answers

  • I work with my coaching clients on Wednesday and Friday afternoons, with appointment times usually starting between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM (UK time).

  • I meet with most of my clients online via Zoom / Microsoft Teams / Google Meet or telephone. You are free to choose whether to keep your (and mine) camera on or off, whatever makes you more comfortable.

    I am also able to meet clients for in-person sessions in East Croydon, Greater London where I live. I hire a cosy room overlooking the garden at the Ivory Aztec counselling space (119 Tunstall Road, CR0 6TZ) - or we can do a “walk and talk” in a local park.

  • I work with clients worldwide – as long as the timing works for both of us! Please use a time converter tool to check that my working times work for you too.

  • My current waiting list length is posted on top of the coaching intake form. While waiting, I suggest you explore some of the neurodiversity resources in my blog.

  • You can pay online by a bank transfer (UK) or a credit card (any location and currency).

    Following our introductory call, you will receive your first invoice for a set of 3 sessions. You will find payment instructions on the invoice.

  • Yes! I’m happy to accept coachess with an Access to Work grant provided:

    • Our work is in scope of the grant, ie help you remain in employment

    • You manage the claim process via your online account

    • You pay me in advance and then get the cost reimbursed from Access to Work

    Remember, if you’re employed and don’t have Access to Work in place, your employer may be willing to sponsor the cost of the sessions.

    Note: I don’t have the capacity to provide blank quotes to support your application. If that’s what you need, I suggest you contact some of the big organisations in this space that provide workplace coaching.

  • No problem. I suggest having a look at the New Coachee Hub page, and if you still need help, feel free to contact me and I will get back to you (please allow 3-5 working days).

Ready to get started?

Further Learning

Neurodiversity Insights and Blog
Have a Break, Not a Breakdown: Relaxation as an Autistic person / AuDHDer and How to Rest Neurodivergently
Have a Break, Not a Breakdown: Relaxation as an Autistic person / AuDHDer and How to Rest Neurodivergently

Why are autistic people/AuDHDers ‘bad’ at resting? And how can we learn to rest neurodivergently and reduce burnouts?

Diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum as an Adult, Now What?
Diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum as an Adult, Now What?

How can I learn more about autism and the types of post-diagnostic support that are available?

Fidgeting, Fiddling, Stimming: an Undervalued Key to Creativity?
Fidgeting, Fiddling, Stimming: an Undervalued Key to Creativity?

Should we be encouraging employees to fidget more?