Empowering Change: Journey Through Neurodiverse Coaching
By: Kasia Westwood, Contract Performance Manager, 3SC
9th October 2025
In today’s fast-paced work environments, managing stress and maintaining emotional well-being can be a challenge, especially for individuals navigating neurodiversity. One of the participant accessing our Neurodiverse Coaching (NDSC) programme, exemplifies how targeted support and compassionate coaching can lead to transformative personal and professional growth.
Our participant entered the programme during a particularly turbulent period. She was grappling with intense work-related stress, compounded by personal pressures such as house hunting and family travel. Her emotional overwhelm manifested in anxiety, irritability, difficulty focusing, and even physical symptoms like breathing issues. Sleep disturbances and a tendency to hyperfixate on non-urgent tasks further hindered her ability to prioritise effectively. Workplace concerns, including perceived pay disparities, added to her dissatisfaction and sense of helplessness.
Under the guidance of Habit Coach, Nick Rothengatter, working for 3SC, the participant developed a robust toolkit to manage stress and regulate emotions. Her progress included:
- Grounding techniques like “dropping anchor”
- Breathing exercises and physical grounding
- Creative outlets such as drawing and painting
- Recognising early signs of overwhelm
- Safety planning and self-soothing strategies
- Improved sleep hygiene and morning routines
- Workplace prioritisation and stress management
- Self-advocacy for addressing workplace issues
These tools not only helped her regain control but also empowered her to take proactive steps in both her personal and professional life.
A New Outlook: Confidence and Clarity
Having completed the coaching programme, the participant now actively applies her personalised action plan. She’s managing high-priority tasks with greater confidence and has begun addressing workplace concerns head-on. With a trip to Greece on the horizon, she’s also integrating self-care into her planning.
Her manager noted a marked improvement:
“X has embraced the support she has been given… She has found ways to use this to support her with her work and this seems to have had a positive impact.”
The participant herself shared:
“I am able to prioritise work tasks and set myself achievable goals. I feel more confident in myself which has pushed me to seek out new opportunities.”
The participant praised Nick’s person-centred approach, describing him as approachable, attentive, and resourceful. His use of guided meditation and relatable examples helped her feel grounded and supported throughout the sessions.
“As an ADHDer, everything constantly feels overwhelming… Since working with Nick, I feel much more equipped to manage my workload.”
Looking ahead, she plans to continue applying her new routines and emotional regulation strategies. She’s considering further coaching after completing therapy in October and is exploring occupational therapy training opportunities.
This story is a testament to the power of tailored coaching for neurodivergent individuals. Through empathy, structure, and practical tools, she has transformed her challenges into opportunities for growth. Her journey highlights the importance of inclusive support systems in fostering resilience, confidence, and long-term success.