'Strength In Difference, Power In Connection'

I'm Katie, and I'm a late diagnosed autistic parent (straight to the point). I was diagnosed at age 26 and have been on a journey the past few years of understanding 'me' and reflecting on my experiences and how they could have been different with the right support.I have plenty of experience and understanding of the ADHD brain. Plus- I'm still waiting on my own ADHD assessment (yep- the system fails us).

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​Since being a young teenager, I knew I was 'different' and couldn't understand why. I missed many opportunities as a child, teenager and then a fair few as an adult because I didn't have the right help or someone to advocate for me. My vision is for neurodiverse individuals, and individuals who struggle with anxiety and stress when trying to navigate life and employment to have the same access to opportunities as others and to be seen, heard, supported and valued.

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The older I have gotten, I have been able to work on accepting myself, grieving for some of the opportunities missed and the length of time I went undiagnosed (and how different my childhood and education could've been), recognising the ways in which my autism makes me amazing and 'quirky' as I'm often told, how my brain responds best to self-regulating and building up my confidence to do something with my hard work, education and lived experiences to help others. Everyone is welcome here and no hate will be tolerated. You're in a safe space. 

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My Professional Background

With over 10 years of experience working alongside children, young people and adults with diverse needs, including ASD, ADHD, PTSD, depression, anxiety and learning disabilities, I have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in supporting and advocating for others. It hasn't been easy to get to where I am now, especially as a late diagnosed adult. 

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​My journey has taken me from nurseries to healthcare settings, years in children's residential homes as a support worker turned deputy manager, and then working as part of a leaving care outreach team. Most recently, as a team leader for asylum seeking young people aged 16-21. In-between, I have done many 'one-shifters' (you know the ones) in care homes and chip shops, before never returning due to severe anxiety, lack of diagnosis for my autism and understanding myself, and unaccommodating workplace environments for my neurodiverse brain and social interaction difficulties. 

 

I've always found interviews, workplaces, social situations and high pressure situations extremely difficult to navigate, and I'm incredibly proud to now say that I support others to navigate these situations, and everyday life, so they don't feel alone like I did. Becoming a coach means I can finally help others in my own way and tackle the barriers facing neurodiverse and high anxiety individuals in the employment industry, parenting and everyday life.​​

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My Qualifications & Certifications 

- Level 3 Children & Young People's Workforces,

- BSc (Hons) Child & Adolescent Mental Health & Wellbeing : For clarification purposes- Adolescence ranges from early to late adolescence which covers ages 10-24 (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2019 et al. Susan M Sawyer,2018)

- Foundation Diploma in Life Coaching (in progress)

- ASD & ADHD awareness

- Safeguarding children & adults

- Mental Health First Aid

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Am I the right person to support you?

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• Want someone who 'gets it'? As an autistic and anxious person myself, who fell through the gaps her whole life until age 26, I get it. The social interaction struggles (what does that facial expression mean? why did they use that tone? am I supposed to say something now?) and the crushing anxiety that busy settings, lack of awareness from others and the unknown can cause. I get the sensory overload with being an ND parent, the anxiety of travelling alone, interviews, new places, new people, and I get the overwhelm of raising ND children at times

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• Need someone to remind you that it isn't you, it's them? I always wondered why I struggled so much in school, college, uni and every. single. job. Then I learned- it's not us, it's the education and employment systems, society today and a complete lack of awareness (or ignorance). I also struggled for a long time to make any friends- but it wasn't me, I just hadn't found 'my people'. And as an autistic mum, of an ADHD child- I thought I was doing everything wrong and felt like the worst parent in the world for becoming overwhelmed and triggered so often. But it isn't you, or me- it's the societal pressures of what is classed as 'normal' and 'good'. 

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• Want support to find a job that works for you, too?  You deserve to feel a sense of belonging in the workplace- just like everyone else. It's not weak and should NOT be embarrassing to ask for extra support or reasonable adjustments- it's your right and I will support you all the way through, from interview buddying and confidence building to even to settling in visits during the first month or so of your employment (or longer if you wish) to make sure your needs are being met and that you're happy.

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• Want help to find employers who want to support you and will see and hear you ? There really are accepting, empowering and adaptable work environments, organisations and managers out there, I've experienced it, and I'd like to help you find one of those good ones, too, and to continue pushing for acceptance and inclusivity in workplaces.

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• Need a fierce advocate to help you stand your ground? I've had to advocate many times for the people I've cared for AND for myself and loved ones, when things didn't sit right with me, they weren't being heard, or they were not being involved in their care. I've got your back every step of the way, for meetings, appointments and workplaces.

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• Need someone who isn't too formal and scary? I'm a 'proud weirdo' and promise I'm very understanding as someone who's been there and done that with it all. I'm colourful and alternative. Most of all- there's no judgement, ever. But when it comes to the important stuff (DBS checked, insured, advocating, dealing with other professionals) I'm still professional. Whether you use my services for you or your child, I'd like to reassure you I am very approachable and always look at each individual's situation with an open mind and their best interests in mind. 

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• Last of all- I want to say something important. You are in a safe space here, however quirky and unique, whatever makes you, 'you', you are welcome here always. 

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Socials

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Instagram: @sharedstepsltd