Neurodiversity-affirmative Coaching for Newly Diagnosed Autistic and AuDHD Adults

Give yourself space to reflect, experiment and integrate

Are you looking to…

  • Icon of a person with a star on their chest, wearing a cape or jacket.

    Be yourself

    Be more confident and positive about who you are and your unique strengths, now that you know you’re neurodivergent.

    Feel more comfortable in your own skin, be able to drop the mask more and be more authentic.

    Be more confident, feel less shame and stop apologising for who you are and what you need.

  • Black outline of a briefcase with a handle and a clasp.

    Do well at work

    Be more organised, better able to manage your time, feel comfortable saying no to things, or delegate without feeling guilty.

    Feel more confident speaking in meetings and presentations and send emails more quickly.

    Find out what you innately like to do, are suited to and enjoy - and have a job that you can do and grow in.

  • A heart-shaped battery icon with a lightning bolt in the center and medical cross symbols, representing health and energy.

    Be well and healthy

    Be less anxious about what people think and be more confident to speak up more.

    Reduce the frequency and severity of a meltdown cycle and be less exhausted.

    Have the energy to engage in a hobby or spend time and play with your family, friends or pets when finished for the day.

Then you’re in the right place.

I work with late diagnosed and late self-identified neurodivergent professionals, who want to be more authentic and more satisfied at work and in life in general. 

I've helped my clients improve their lives in significant ways:

  • Create a more sustainable working environment, by taking control of their needs and not letting the burnout cycle control them.

  • Make a conscious decision to stay in the current role and meet their need for Love of Learning through hobbies outside of work.

  • Move into a role that’s more suited to their needs, interests and skills.

  • Finally receive acknowledgement and support from their employer, having not been taken seriously before.

  • Come back to work after a period of burnout.

Alicja Nocon of Expand the Circle having a conversation with a woman with grey hair in a bun and orange sweater, holding a notebook and pen, sitting on a wooden bench surrounded by lush green foliage and flowers.

Maybe I can help you too?

About me

My name is Alicja (‘Aleetsya’) Nocon,

I’m a late-diagnosed autistic coach and mentor, based in County Durham and working across the UK.

 

Click on the headings below to learn more about my experience:

  • After years of trying to understand why I struggle while others somehow can keep it together, I found the answer (and no, it’s not BPD or ‘low self-esteem’) – I’m autistic and they are not! I received my diagnosis in 2020 when I was in my early 30s.

    Since then, autism, neurodivergence and neurodiversity have become my new interest: I consumed books, lived experience accounts and scientific research papers on the topic. I have also been working with a specialist autism mentor myself. In 2022, I published my own research on character strengths of autistic adults in the UK in a peer-reviewed academic journal.

  • Before I became a neurodiversity coach and mentor, I spent 10 years working in the insurance / financial services sector. I qualified as an Actuary (FIA CERA) and worked as an Actuarial Consultant at Deloitte, Legal & General, Munich Re.

    I’m originally from Silesia, a mining region in Poland. When I was 18, I decided to travel solo to Edinburgh with £300 and one-way flight ticket in my pocket. Unbelievably, it worked out. I have since lived and worked in Scotland (Edinburgh and Isle of Skye), Spain (Salamanca) and England (Croydon, Greater London and now County Durham).

    I currently live in Darlington, a town in North East England located between York and Newcastle, with my husband, two rescue cats, lots of plants and zero children. My interests include snooker, aerial hoop, long-distance hiking, and gardening.

  • I’m accredited with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC) at the Senior Practitioner level (see the certificate here). This confirms that I’ve carried out at least 250 hours of coaching and mentoring for at least five years and have appropriate qualifications to do so. I have a Master’s degree in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology from the University of East London (Distinction).

    Since November 2020, I’ve worked with more than 25 neurodivergent clients, across a range of neurovariants (autistic, ADHD, dyslexic – often a combination of two or more), ages (from 20s to 60s), gender identities (cis-male/female, transgender, gender fluid) and career levels (job-seeker, specialist, manager, department head).

    I work under regular coaching and mentoring supervision of two experienced professionals, one of which is a specialist autism mentor.

More about Me

About my approach

I use a blended coaching and mentoring approach:  
  

As a coach

I will facilitate a safe thinking environment, which will allow you to:

  • reflect on your current situation

  • get clarity on what you would like to be change (or accept)

  • think of different strategies that can make the changes happen – which you will then try in-between sessions

I will do this by listening without judgement, asking stimulating questions and being unashamedly curious – all for your benefit.

In coaching, we work on the assumption that you know yourself best and have the answers to your questions. This means that you know what strategies and support mechanisms will work best – and my role is to make you aware of them.

Sounds like a lot of pressure? Don’t worry, we can start slowly and use more of mentoring, throughout or just initially.

As a mentor

I will share my knowledge and lived experience with you freely. This includes, for example: resources that are relevant to your situation and experiences and strategies of my clients (without disclosing any identifiable information – I take confidentiality seriously).

I may offer advice, but it’s your decision whether to follow it. I will not tell you what to do.

Let’s Work Together

or read on to find out more…

Topics we will cover together

Our coaching partnership will be centred around you: your objectives and the topics you want to explore.

Depending on your readiness and individual circumstances, we will spend more or less time developing your:

  • Awareness

    For example, of:

    • Your neurodivergent needs and triggers (sensory, change, social)

    • Your strengths and areas where extra support may be required (‘spikey profile’)

    • How the external environment and societal norms and structures impact your wellbeing and productivity (‘social model of disability’)

    • Thought patterns and survival strategies that no longer serve you

  • Acceptance

    For example, of:

    • The way your neurodivergent nervous system responds to situations

    • The fact that the world is unfair and not built for neurodivergent brains and nervous systems (yet)

    • The need to learn how to navigate neuronormative environments (“play the game”), for example by adapting a neuronormative communication style

  • Action

    For example:

    • Doing more of what's best for you (versus what's expected of you and is harmful)

    • Expressing and self-advocating your needs

    • Communicating assertively and getting other people’s acceptance and support

    • Testing your limits (more often than not, this is self-inflicted!)

Flexible packages and transparent pricing     

I offer several coaching packages to suit your needs.

All packages include:

  • A complimentary 15-minute introductory session to meet virtually and answer your questions before we begin

  • Copies of all psycho-educational materials and worksheets used during our sessions

  • Personalised actions, strategies and experiments to ensure our sessions lead to actual change, not just more information

  • Access to a private visual board via a secure web link, keeping everything in one place without needing to search through emails

  • Regular reflection on our coaching partnership and your experience and progress, through simple and engaging online forms

Optional free extras:

  • Analysis of your core inner strengths, including your natural drivers and camouflaged strengths

  • Curated resource recommendations to supplement your self-discovery and learning in your own time

Note:

  • Prices below apply from 1 April 2026. As a small (but mighty) business, I don’t charge VAT.

  • For accessibility, I offer discounted prices for those who wish to pay for coaching themselves.

  • A circular icon with a beige background and a white letter 'S' in the center.

    Short-term "sprint"

    Best for you if…
    You have a clear objective, such as creating a workplace needs / access rider document or thinking through your next career pivot.

    You can carve out a chunk of time and make progress outside of the sessions.

    What you get:
    4 fortnightly sessions over 2-3 months:

    1 x 90-min opening session

    2 x 60-min coaching sessions

    1 x 90-min closing session

    Extras above

    Cost
    £1,150 if employer or grant sponsored

    £750 if self-funded (35% discount)

    Payment options
    A single payment if sponsored (employer/grant)

    2 x £375 if self-funded

    UK bank transfer or credit/debit card

  • A large beige circle with a white letter 'M' in the center, set against a black background.

    Medium-term "jog"

    Best for you if…
    You have some loosely defined objectives, such as being more open and confident at work, or have a list of 3-5 topics to explore.

    You might not have a lot of time or energy for out-of-session "homework".

    * Most popular *

    What you get:
    6 fortnightly sessions over 3-4 months:

    1 x 90-min opening session

    4 x 60-min coaching sessions

    1 x 90-min closing session

    Extras above

    Cost
    £1,610 if employer or grant sponsored

    £1,050 if self-funded (35% discount)

    Payment options
    A single payment if sponsored (employer/grant)

    3 x £350 if self-funded

    UK bank transfer or credit/debit card

  • A beige circle with a white letter 'L' inside, set against a black background.

    Long-term "walk"

    Best for you if…
    You can name your workplace struggles and are open to co-creating new strategies to support your daily life and work.

    You need coaching progress to align with your own pace.

    What you get:
    Support over 4-6 months:

    12 hours of coaching structured in a way that meets your individual needs and sponsor constraints, for example:
    - 12 x 60-min weekly sessions
    - 8 x 90-min / 6 x 120-min fortnightly sessions

    Extras above

    Cost
    £1,716 when funded by an Access to Work support grant

    Payment options
    A single payment if made by your employer or monthly payments if you choose to pay yourself

    UK bank transfer or credit/debit card

Looking for a dedicated Access to Work (AtW) coaching package?

I’m pleased to be able to provide a competitive Access to Work (AtW) package at the following discounted rate:

12 x 1 hour of Autism / ADHD / AuDHD Coaching Session (Virtual)

Cost (excl. VAT): £1716.00

Cost (incl. VAT): £1716.00

Important information:

  • If there's less than 6 months left on the grant award, we are unlikely to be able to help. Access to Work will only reimburse the cost of the sessions after they have taken place and these need to happen within the deadline on your award letter.

  • You’ll need to provide a copy of your grant award to check the details - we don’t get a copy directly from DWP.

  • Coaching can only start once the invoice has been paid.

  • We will work with you to agree on how to best use the 12-hour package, considering both individual needs and the time left on the grant.

  • We ask you to make time for coaching within your working hours and join from a space where you’ll be able to speak openly, honestly and without disruption (such as a private meeting room at work or your home office).

  • Please note if I’m personally unavailable, I reserve the right to match the grant holder (coachee) with one of my coaching associates who are suitably qualified, adhere to the same ethos and work under my supervision. 

Get Started

 or scroll down to hear from some of my clients and FAQ…

What my clients say

  • “Alicja gives validation, kindness and encouragement without gushing. I genuinely enjoyed talking to her and found her very easy to get along with. Maybe that’s ironic, or maybe autistic people just find it easier with people like them..

    Because I’m quite sceptical and like to have evidence and reasoning, I can find some styles of coaching fluffy and unconvincing. This meant that Alicja’s scientific and research-based approach was particularly appreciated. She often refers to academic research and explains things in biochemical, physiological or sociological terms. I like the fact-based approach.”

    — Naomi, Autistic Corporate Research Analyst in Investments

  • “What I value most in Alicja’s approach is her flexibility towards my needs, her openness and willingness to gently encourage me in the right ways. She is clearly very engaged with the subject matter beyond coaching sessions, so I always felt confident I was with someone who not only had the right level of knowledge to be helpful, but also has a genuine desire to further neurodiverse understanding.”

    — Glenn, Autistic Data Analyst in Tech

  • “Working with Alicja allowed me to enter into an authentic and constructive working relationship where I felt understood, and encouraged, as well as challenged - in ways which worked so well for me and felt right. “

    — Helen, Trainee Therapist

  • “After six sessions with Alicja, my confidence has improved dramatically. When situations arise that previously would have sent me into a meltdown, I feel more grounded and able to bring myself back from the edge. What I value most in Alicja’s approach is her ability to know the theory and explain it, but also get me to think about how to implement it. “

    — Lizzie, Autistic & ADHD Law Professional

  • “Coaching with Alicja gave me space to reflect.

    I have built my personal and professional identity on being a flawed neurotypical individual, when I need to build it on being neurodivergent. I hadn’t appreciated how much this had had an impact on my professional life, as well as my personal one. I have always felt strong imposter syndrome at work, but now I am beginning to reframe my professional identity around my lived experience. This process has helped me begin to see how to do that, and how I can begin to reframe my mindset.”

    — Holly, Manager with ADHD in the Charity Sector

  • “Alicja is personable, intelligent knowledgeable and asked me all the coaching questions I didn’t know I needed to ask myself. I have recommended her services in my place of work. I decided to enact change in my first coaching session and have been applying some of the tools I have learnt successfully!”

    — Anita, Dyslexic & Autistic Project Manager in Tech

  • “What I value most in Alicja’s approach is that she made me do the thinking. She empowered me to find the answers that would help me to become a better person. Along the way Alicja kept calm, despite a few sessions where I really struggled to get my head around things.

    I really enjoyed my time and sessions with Alicja. She's taught me lots of new methods to help me develop.”

    — Ahmed, Middle Manager with ADHD

  • “After six sessions with Alicja, I feel much more confident in my strengths and feel better able to manage issues in the workplace that were previously causing me worry, including sensory and communication issues. I now have a much better understanding of what I need to be comfortable and productive, and I have been able to ask my employer for these or put strategies in place for myself.”

    — Marie, Autistic D&I Professional in the Charity Sector

Read full-length testimonials

Frequently asked questions and answers

  • I have dedicated coaching slots on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to best fit within your working week and other commitments, such as a lunch break and kids pick-up:

    • 11 AM

    • 1:30 PM (1:00 on Wed)

    • 3:00 PM (2:30 on Wed)

    • 4:00 PM Wed

  • I meet with most of my clients online via Zoom / Microsoft Teams / Google Meet or telephone. You are free to choose whether to keep your (and mine) camera on or off, whatever makes you more comfortable.

    I relocated to Darlington, County Durham in autumn 2025. If you live locally in Darlington, Stockton, Durham or Newcastle, I might be able to meet in person for our first session, so do let me know if you’re interested.

  • Due to time zone differences and insurance restrictions, I currently only provide coaching for people based in the UK.

    Please note my understanding of the workplace support available to neurodivergent employees is restricted to the UK only.

  • To help manage capacity I work in intakes starting January, April and September. Current waiting time is posted on top of the coaching intake form.

    While waiting, I suggest you explore some of the neurodiversity resources in my blog.

  • You can pay by a UK bank transfer or online with a credit card to help spread the cost.

    You will receive your first invoice for a set of package sessions before our first session (the 90-minute opening call for S/M packages).

    You will find payment instructions on the invoice.

  • Yes, though typically can only support coachees working at smaller organisations with swift payment processes or those who are happy to make payments and reimbursement themselves. We’re currently unable to take on any more NHS clients due to supplier onboarding complexities.

    Remember, if you’re employed and don’t have Access to Work in place, your employer may be willing to sponsor the cost of the sessions.

    Note: Looking for a blank quote to support your AtW application? Take a screenshot of my Access to Work pricing or download a quote.

  • No problem. I suggest having a look at the New Coachee Hub page, and if you still need help, feel free to contact me and I will get back to you (please allow 3-5 working days).

Ready to get started?

Start the Intake process

or find out more about me.

Further Learning

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