My Journey to Becoming a Neurodivergent Coach

Sometimes the most meaningful paths in life aren't the ones we initially set out to take. My journey to becoming a neurodivergent coach began with a single guiding light—my bonus daughter, who is on the autism spectrum. She became my north star, illuminating a purpose I hadn't yet fully realized.

The Spark That Started It All

Watching my bonus daughter navigate the world opened my eyes to something profound: the traditional systems we've built—especially in corporate America—often fail those who don't fit the conventional mold. I saw brilliant minds being overlooked, unique talents being undervalued, and incredible potential being stifled simply because someone processed information differently or communicated in their own way.

This realization hit particularly hard in the corporate world, where I witnessed talented individuals struggling not because they lacked ability, but because the environment wasn't designed for their strengths. The constant focus on deficiencies and differences was crushing spirits and wasting potential. I knew there had to be a better way.

The Turning Point

For years, I focused on leadership development, believing that was where I could make the biggest impact. But life has a way of redirecting us toward our true calling. As I began coaching neurodivergent individuals, something shifted. The work felt different—more meaningful, more urgent, more aligned with who I was meant to be.

The moment that crystallized everything came through a simple phone call. One of my clients had been promoted—a life-changing achievement that they never thought possible before our coaching journey together. Hearing the joy and disbelief in their voice, I knew without question: this was where I belonged.

Around the same time, I found myself binge-watching "Love on the Spectrum," and it reinforced what I was discovering in my practice: with the right support, understanding, and coaching approach, anything truly is possible. The show beautifully illustrated what I was seeing firsthand—that when we meet people where they are and build on their unique strengths, extraordinary things happen.

Embracing the Transition

The path wasn't always clear. Despite the signs pointing toward neurodivergent coaching, I initially resisted the transition. Change is never easy, especially when you've invested time and energy in a different direction. But the pull was undeniable. Every interaction with my neurodivergent clients felt more authentic, more impactful than anything I'd experienced in traditional leadership development.

What I discovered was that neurodivergent coaching isn't about "fixing" anyone—it's about recognizing and amplifying the incredible strengths that already exist. It's about creating spaces where differences are celebrated rather than hidden, where unique perspectives are valued rather than suppressed.

The Moments That Make It All Worthwhile

Recently, one of my clients shared news that perfectly encapsulates why this work matters so deeply. After months of coaching, he had developed the confidence to pursue a role he never would have considered before. It took five interviews—five opportunities to face rejection, five chances to doubt himself—but he persevered. When he told me he'd gotten the position, his joy was infectious.

"I never would have had the confidence to even apply before our coaching," he said. In that moment, I saw the ripple effect of our work together: not just a new job, but a transformed sense of self-worth, expanded possibilities, and a future that looked entirely different than it had just months before.

Why This Matters

Every day, I'm reminded of my bonus daughter and the countless individuals like her who have extraordinary gifts to offer the world. They don't need to be changed or fixed—they need environments that recognize their value and coaches who can help them navigate systems that weren't built with them in mind.

This work matters because everyone deserves to be seen for their strengths, not their differences. It matters because the corporate world is missing out on incredible talent and innovative perspectives. Most importantly, it matters because when we create space for neurodivergent individuals to thrive, we all benefit from the unique contributions only they can make.

My journey to neurodivergent coaching wasn't the path I originally planned, but it's exactly where I'm meant to be. Every success story, every breakthrough moment, every client who discovers their own strength reinforces that this isn't just my profession—it's my purpose.