When one individual first engaged with TBHG’s Neurodiversity Coaching Programme, Liana was facing a number of challenges that were making it difficult to see a clear or sustainable route back into employment.
Anxiety, low mood, burnout, poor sleep, low confidence and uncertainty around their neurodivergence had affected both their day-to-day wellbeing and their motivation to move forward.
Through personalised, one-to-one coaching, they were supported to better understand themselves, develop practical coping strategies and begin rebuilding the confidence needed to take their next steps towards employment.
Understanding the barriers
At the beginning of the programme, the individual was experiencing:
- Diagnosed autism and suspected ADHD, creating challenges around understanding and managing their neurodivergent needs.
- High levels of anxiety and overthinking, alongside periods of low mood.
- Burnout and low motivation, making it difficult to maintain routines and focus on future goals.
- Poor sleep, affecting energy and emotional wellbeing.
- Low self-confidence and self-esteem, creating uncertainty around their abilities.
- A feeling of having lost their sense of purpose and direction.
Together, these barriers had made the prospect of returning to work feel difficult and uncertain.
A personalised coaching approach
The Neurodiversity Coaching Programme provided a safe, supportive environment where the individual could explore their experiences and develop a better understanding of their strengths and needs.
Coaching focused on:
- Psychoeducation around autism, ADHD, anxiety and burnout, helping them understand how neurodivergence can affect everyday and working life.
- Techniques for managing stress and improving sleep.
- Motivation and resilience building, supporting them to regain a sense of direction.
- Developing self-care strategies and sustainable routines.
- Exploring health disclosure and workplace needs, including how neurodivergence could be communicated to an employer.
- Signposting to appropriate external support, including GP services and Access to Work.
- Interview preparation and exploring expectations within the workplace.
Rather than focusing solely on getting back into employment, the coaching helped the individual build a stronger foundation for doing so in a way that prioritises long-term wellbeing.
Measuring the distance travelled
The individual’s progress was reflected in their pre- and post-programme scores.
The most significant improvement was in sleep, increasing by two points. Positive changes were also recorded in stress and anxiety, mood and energy, and motivation to return to work.
A growing sense of self
One of the most important outcomes of the programme was the individual’s growing understanding of their own needs.
They reported:
- Reduced anxiety and improved mood
- Greater confidence and self-esteem
- Improved ability to communicate clearly and assertively
- A deeper understanding of their neurodivergence
- Greater awareness of what they need from a workplace
- New self-care and routine-building strategies
These changes helped them move away from feeling overwhelmed by their circumstances and towards feeling more capable of managing them.
From uncertainty to work-ready
By the end of the programme, the individual felt work-ready and was actively looking for part-time employment of around 12–16 hours per week.
They identified retail, customer service and apprenticeship opportunities as potential routes into work, recognising that a structured role could help rebuild routine, experience and confidence.
They were also open to starting with a role that could act as a stepping stone back into employment, while continuing to prioritise their wellbeing.
Importantly, the individual was able to recognise that returning to work did not have to mean doing everything at once. A gradual, paced approach could allow them to build confidence and experience while reducing the risk of burnout.
Creating the right conditions for success
As the individual prepares to return to employment, a number of reasonable adjustments have been identified that could help them thrive in the workplace.
These include:
- Regular breaks during busy periods to help manage overwhelm.
- Visual and practical demonstrations when learning new tasks.
- A workplace buddy or peer support system to provide additional guidance and reassurance.
These relatively simple adjustments can help create a more accessible working environment and give the individual the confidence to settle into a new role.
The impact
This individual’s journey demonstrates how person-centred neurodiversity coaching can help transform someone’s relationship with themselves, their wellbeing and their future employment prospects.
Through the programme, they have:
Improved their sleep
Moving from poor sleep to good sleep.
Reduced anxiety
Reporting anxiety less frequently by the end of the programme.
Built confidence and self-esteem
Developing a stronger understanding of their abilities and needs.
Developed practical coping strategies
Building routines and self-care approaches that support their wellbeing.
Increased motivation
Moving from being willing to try something new to feeling very keen to return to work.
Become work-ready
Actively seeking part-time employment and identifying realistic routes back into the workplace.
Looking ahead
The individual now has a clearer understanding of what they need to maintain their wellbeing and what a sustainable return to work could look like.
With appropriate workplace adjustments and continued access to support, they are taking their next steps with greater confidence and optimism.
