It’s a dog eat dog world out there. I only have to look at my LinkedIn feed to find myself spiralling into thoughts of inadequacy as I compare my own offerings as a Coach to those who are powering through successfully in the corporate world of executive coaching. But the world of Neurodiversity Coaching is unique and immensely satisfying, not least because it is values driven.

Lately, many of my coaching sessions with clients have swirled around Rejection Sensitivity. This is a recognised ‘thing’ when exploring the many challenges that Neurodivergent employees face as they establish themselves as fully blown adults in the workplace. And as a result of having the privilege to explore this impact on their lives, I have noticed that whilst there are safety nets for children at school that allow them to be ‘too sensitive, emotional, quiet….(insert adjective of choice)…..as we settle into adult working lives, that safety net disappears. Often, by the time a client knocks sadly on my coaching door, their performance at work is under review.

And yet, once we unpick the fundamentals and impact of feeling rejected, we are able to use the coaching model to move from a position of deficit to one of empowerment.

After all, if we think about it, that intensity of feeling is often because we have exceptionally high standards for our own performance, or we are entrenched in people pleasing, or we are experts in applying hyper-focus to the minutiae of a perceived shift in tone or social cue.

And there is nothing more satisfying than that moment when your client takes charge of their considerable strengths after being stuck in rejection sensitivity.

Coaching provides the ideal, safe space to make those subtle shifts from a perception of deficit to allowing those qualities of empathy, interpreting messages, hyperfocus, people pleasing and ultimately, expecting the very best of oneself to be dominant, and positively so.

My own chosen ‘niche’ offering has settled on delivering coaching for Neurodiversity in the workplace. And this, in retrospect, is not a coincidence. I’m well aware of when my own RSD is at play, and it is my work with my clients that has, in part, gifted me that awareness.

So, whilst I ‘feel intensely’, I am deeply grateful that for my own Coaching journey has led me to right where I belong. This dog lives another day.

Louise Black transitioned into performance coaching following a long career in secondary and tertiary education. She possesses extensive experience and specialised training from the National Autistic Society and Animas in supporting clients with ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and other neurodiverse challenges. Her expertise centers on utilising creative exercises and constructive, forward-focused questioning to help individuals overcome negative patterns, build self-esteem, and improve workplace productivity.

Read more blogs from Louise – ‘If I Had Six Hours To Chop Down A Tree‘.