Frequently Asked Questions

Dr Alexa Smith — Neurodiversity Coach (PCC)

What neurodiversity coaching is & how it works

 

What is neurodiversity coaching?

Neurodiversity coaching is a collaborative, person-centred process that helps neurodiverse individuals — including those with ADHD, autism, AuDHD or dyslexia — understand how their brain works, identify what gets in the way, and build practical strategies that actually fit them. It’s not therapy, and it’s not about “fixing” anything. It’s about working with your brain, not against it.

 

How is neurodiversity coaching different from therapy or counselling?

Coaching is future-focused and action-oriented. While therapy often explores past experiences and emotional healing, coaching focuses on where you want to go and what’s getting in the way right now. I’m not a therapist, and coaching isn’t a substitute for mental health treatment — but for many neurodiverse people, coaching fills a gap that therapy doesn’t: the practical, strategic support for day-to-day life and work.

 

What does a coaching session actually look like?

Sessions are one-to-one, usually 60 minutes, and held online. We start by exploring what’s on your mind — what’s working, what isn’t, and what you want to move towards. From there, we dig into the patterns, strategies, and structures that might help. You won’t get a one-size-fits-all programme — every session is shaped around you. Most clients describe it as a space that feels both challenging and genuinely supportive.

 

Credentials & approach

 

What are your qualifications?

I hold a PhD in Developmental Neurobiology and am a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) — one of the highest coaching credentials globally. I’ve trained as a transformational coach with a person-centred approach, and I bring together neuroscience, systemic thinking, and lived experience as a neurodiverse woman. The ICF requires at least 500 hours of verified coaching experience at PCC level. I have coached nearly 1,000 hours with neurodiverse people. 

 

Do you have lived experience of neurodiversity?

Yes. As a neurodiverse woman myself, I understand — from the inside — what it’s like to navigate environments that weren’t designed for the way your brain works. That lived experience shapes how I listen, how I ask questions, and how I help you make sense of yours. It also means there’s no explaining yourself from scratch. I get it.

 

What’s your coaching style like?

Warm, direct, and grounded in deep listening. I don’t believe in generic frameworks or one-size-fits-all programmes. I create a reflective space where you can think differently and take meaningful action — but I’ll also challenge you when it serves you. Clients often tell me they leave sessions with both new insight and practical tools they can use straight away.

 

Practical outcomes & what to expect

 

Who do you work with?

I work with adults who identify as neurodiverse — whether you have a formal diagnosis of ADHD, autism, dyslexia, or AuDHD, or you’re still figuring it out. Many of my clients are professionals, executives, or leaders who are thought of as high-functioning in many ways but are quietly struggling with the hidden effort of masking, managing expectations, or navigating workplaces that feel like they weren’t built for them. 

 

What kind of results can I expect?

Clients commonly report greater self-understanding, more effective daily strategies, improved confidence at work, and a stronger sense of what they actually want — rather than what they feel they “should” be doing. Some clients come in overwhelmed and leave with clarity. Others come in knowing what they want but not how to get there — and leave with a real plan. Progress depends on you, but I’ll be there at every step.

 

Do I need a formal diagnosis to work with you?

No. A formal diagnosis is not a requirement. Many people I work with are self-identified as neurodiverse, awaiting assessment, or simply aware that their brain works differently — and that’s enough. Coaching meets you where you are, not where a diagnostic report says you should be.

 

How do I get started?

The first step is a free introductory call — no commitment required. We’ll talk about what you’re looking for, whether coaching feels like the right fit, and what working together might look like. You can book directly via the website.


 

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