Unlocking the Power of Inclusivity: How to Make Your Business More Accessible for Neurodivergent Clients. Discover the key changes and strategies to create a safe and supportive space for all. Emma Cossey is using her recent qualification to make improvements to her coaching business to ensure it is as inclusive as possible.
Listen to the podcast episode below, watch it on Youtube, or scroll down for the summary!
6 Ways I’m Making My Coaching More Autism-Friendly
I recently completed a TQUK level 2 certificate in Understanding Autism. A number of my coaching clients and those in my freelance community have autism (or both adhd and autism) so I wanted to make sure I’m doing my best as a coach to support them.
Prefer to read it? Here are the main points!
In today’s episode, Emma explores the importance of understanding autism and neurodiversity in creating an inclusive coaching practice. Emma has recently completing a a TQUK level 2 certificate in Understanding Autism and she shares some of the valuable insights gained from the course. By implementing changes and accommodations, she is making her coaching a more accessible and supportive environment for her clients. These are the changes she’s implementing in her business:
1. Updating Questionnaires to request accomodations:
– Discovery Call Questionnaire and Onboarding Questionnaires will ask if there are any accomodations or support they need in their call or coaching.
– The call itself and/or the coaching style can be adapted to suit individuals and they needs.
– Options such as cameras on/off, recorded calls etc.
2. Clear and Concise Communication:
– Allowing ample processing time for clients with ADHD and autism, as emotional and cognitive processing may take longer.
– Using visual tools, such as flowcharts and analogies, to aid understanding and focus during coaching sessions.
– Planning ahead and avoiding last-minute changes to provide a sense of stability and preparedness.
3. Visual Tools throughout the process:
– Using visual tools, such as flowcharts and analogies, to aid understanding and focus during coaching sessions.
– White board diagrams within zoom calls can be great to help visualise things
4. Planning ahead and avoiding last-minute changes:
– Planning ahead and avoiding last-minute changes to provide a sense of stability and preparedness.
– Adapting goal setting or challenges to suit different Neurodiversities
5. Flexibility and Understanding:
– Being flexible with clients who may need to reschedule due to burnout, meltdowns, or other challenges.
– Offering alternative session formats, like Voxer sessions or off-camera sessions, to accommodate individual preferences and comfort levels.
– Encouraging open communication and rescheduling when necessary, without penalizing clients for prioritizing their well-being.
6. Resource Signposting:
– Creating a comprehensive resources list on the coach’s website, categorizing them based on different neurodivergent traits.
– Including links to useful tools, services, and freelance-specific resources that can further support clients.
Creating an inclusive coaching practice requires ongoing learning and adaptation. By implementing these changes and accommodations, Emma is working to provide a safe and supportive space for clients with autism and other neurodivergent traits. Whether you are a coach or someone interested in making your business more accessible, join the conversation in The Freedance Lifestyles Facebook group or connect with Emma Cossey on Instagram and TikTok (@emmacossey). Let’s work together to create a more inclusive and empowering coaching experience for all. Please do send me your feedback on these changes: are they the right moves? Is there anything else you’d add to the list?
The course Emma did: https://theskillsnetwork.com/courses/level-2-understanding-autism-course
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Email: hello@emmacossey.com
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