Jules, a white woman with green eyes and red hair looks straight at the camera with striped shadows across her face from window blinds. — ***“There is some comfort in finding out you are in fact, a normal zebra, not a strange horse.”***
~Unknown

Introduction

Living with ADHD as an adult can sometimes feel like you’re a zebra in a world full of horses. You’re not strange or broken — you’re just built differently. Zebras don’t try to be horses, and neither should you. Your neurodivergent brain has its own strengths, challenges, and patterns, and embracing that truth can be life‑changing.

ADHD & neurodivergent coaching is designed to meet you where you are. It’s practical, personalised, and forward‑looking — helping you create strategies that suit your brain, set meaningful goals, and move forward with gentle accountability.

In this article, I’ll share why adults come to ADHD & neurodivergent coaching, how my all‑online process works, and how I use the Zebra framework (Hawkins & Wheatley 2025) to guide our sessions.

Let’s answer some common questions about coaching

Who is ADHD & neurodivergent coaching for?
ADHD & neurodivergent coaching supports adults pre‑ or post‑diagnosis (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Tourette’s, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, and others).

Perhaps you have an emerging awareness of neurodivergence and need support while considering or awaiting assessment.
Perhaps you’re newly diagnosed and want to build awareness and acceptance of your neurodivergent identity.
Perhaps you’ve been through a major life change and need help building new practices to help you thrive.

If that sounds like you, you’re not alone. ADHD and neurodivergent coaching offers a judgement‑free, strengths‑focused space to co‑create solutions that work for your unique brain and your life.

What is ADHD & neurodivergent coaching?
Coaching is a supportive, collaborative process between a coach and client. Through conversation and exercises, we build a picture of your life, then find ways to harness your unique strengths and talents to overcome challenges and grow. This can be helpful for:

Broad goals such as deepening awareness and acceptance of your neurodivergent identity
Specific challenges in your work, personal life, or major times of change

Where does the coaching happen?

The practical answer is that our sessions happen virtually. All my coaching is delivered online via Google Meet. Most people (including me) are more comfortable in their own homes.

But the real answer is that much of the transformation happens between our calls — when you start applying your insights in real life. For those of us with delayed processing, this reflection time is invaluable.

Why did you become a coach?
After a lifetime of anxiety and mental health challenges, I began to recognise my own neurodivergence at around age 40. Two years later, I was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism.

During that time I read, researched, and learned everything I could — but I wish I’d had support from someone who truly understood what I was going through. Becoming that person for others is why I trained as a coach.

I am also a parent to two home-educated, neurodivergent daughters who have honestly, taught me more than any books!

When can I start coaching?
We can begin whenever you’re ready, with a free 30‑minute introductory call. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect, ask questions, and explore whether we’re a good match.

Online coaching from the comfort of your home

What Happens in ADHD ADHD & neurodivergent Coaching?

I use the Zebra framework (Hawkins & Wheatley 2025) as a flexible guide to structure our sessions:

Zone of Safety: To begin with, we focus on building trust and establishing how we’ll work together. Your psychological safety is key.
Elevate Strengths: Moving forward, we explore your unique strengths and talents in depth.
Build Empowering Practices: In our next sessions, we co‑create strategies that use your particular strengths to meet challenges.
Reimagine Success: After this, we challenge ableist measures of success and define what fulfilment really means to you.
Align with Flexibility: Eventually, we adjust and refine your strategies to ensure they’re sustainable and adaptable.

This framework is flexible and adaptable to meet your needs and pace. Often, people need space to download their busy brains and process their thoughts out-loud, and I am here to hold space for that too!

Benefits of ADHD Coaching

Coaching can help you:

Manage your time and organise your day in ways that work for you
Build sustainable routines that feel manageable, not overwhelming
Increase focus and productivity without forcing yourself into neurotypical models
Simplify how you approach tasks to reduce stress
Grow confidence and advocate for yourself in all areas of life
Untangle overwhelming thought processes and gain clarity

How to Find the Right ADHD & Neurodivergent Coach

Look for a coach who:

Has professional training and lived experience with ADHD and neurodiversity
Has (or is working towards) professional accreditation from one of the main accrediting bodies: EMCC, ICF or Association of Coaching
Works from a strengths‑based, neurodivergent‑affirming perspective
Provides a safe, judgment‑free space to explore your goals
Comes recommended by others in the neurodivergent community

Finding someone who sees you as the zebra you are — and not a horse who needs to blend in — makes all the difference. If you’d like to gain clarity, practical strategies, compassionate support, and coaching that celebrates who you are, I’d love to hear from you.