What is Occupational Therapy for Neurodivergent Adults?

Answer: Empower Neurodiversity focuses on improving daily life skills through neuro-affirming approaches. This includes support for autistic adults, those with ADHD, and others with neurodivergent conditions to enhance sensory regulation, routines, executive functioning, and overall independence.

How Can Occupational Therapy Help Adults with ADHD?

Answer: Neuro-affirming Occupational therapy for ADHD adults is collaborative and empowering. 'Empower Neurodiversity' supports people with ADHD in ways that honour your brain style, rather than trying to force them into neurotypical moulds. It's strengths-based, collaborative, and geared toward building a life that works with the ADHD brain - not against it. Executive Functioning Support (Without Shame) supporting you with planning, organising, task initiation, time management, and follow-through without judgment. Supporting the use of neurodivergent-friendly strategies, like: Visual timers and reminders, or body doubling (doing tasks with someone else), task chunking and pacing. We may explore energy accounting and pay attention to hyper focus. We may support you to build a routine that sticks and prioritise 'good enough' not perfect. Building self compassion and emotional regulation strategies may support you. Creating systems and support strategies that support you to thrive.

What is Neuro-Affirming Occupational therapy and How Does it Benefit Neurodivergent Adults?

Answer: Empower Neurodiversity respects and supports the unique ways neurodivergent individuals experience the world. For autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent adults, it focuses on acceptance, empowerment, and self-advocacy, instead of ‘fixing’ people. This approach helps individuals thrive by acknowledging their strengths and challenges.

What Should I Expect During an Initial Occupational Therapy Assessment?

Answer: The Initial Occupational Therapy Assessment provides an opportunity to develop a detailed understanding of your occupational functioning, strengths, current difficulties, environment, priorities and goals.

The areas explored will depend upon the reason you are seeking Occupational Therapy and may include everyday routines, executive functioning, sensory needs, occupational balance, work or education, and participation in meaningful activities.

Following assessment, I use Occupational Therapy clinical reasoning to identify priorities and make individualised recommendations.

Further intervention is agreed according to your individual needs rather than through a predetermined programme.

How Does Occupational Therapy Support Autistic Adults?

Answer: Neuro-affirming Occupational therapy is collaborative and empowering. It supports autistic adults in thriving as themselves. We may explore your sensory world and environment, sensory regulation and support. We may explore communication and building advocacy skills, like setting boundaries and acknowledging your own needs. Executive Functioning Support Assists with planning, organizing, prioritizing, and managing time in ways that work for you. Rather than pushing neurotypical methods (like rigid schedules), Occupational therapists collaborate to find flexible, functional strategies - like visual schedules, timers, body doubling, etc. We may explore daily living and independent living skills like cooking, hygiene, transportation, or managing a household in neurodivergent-friendly ways. The focus is on autonomy and comfort - not on conforming to standards of how things should be done. Support with Burnout & Mental Health: Empower Neurodiversity recognises 'autistic burnout' as a legitimate, serious issue. We can explore tools to manage your overwhelm, rest and reduce 'masking.' Building a life that feels good for you Supporting engagement in meaningful activities - whether that’s hobbies, work, rest, or social connections. Respecting individual definitions of success, productivity, and happiness. Encourages building a life aligned with your interests, values, and energy levels.

Do you work with adolescents?

Answer: Yes. I offer neuro-affirming Occupational Therapy and coaching support for older adolescents aged 16-17 who may be navigating the transition into adulthood, education, university, employment, or greater independence.

Support is tailored to the individual young person’s needs, goals and stage of development, with a collaborative and strengths-based approach at the centre of intervention.

Do I need parental consent for support if I am under 18?

Answer: Yes. Services for individuals under 18 require parental consent and appropriate involvement from a parent or legal guardian prior to commencing support.

Confidentiality, autonomy and parent/carer involvement will be discussed sensitively and in an age-appropriate way to ensure safe, supportive and effective intervention for the young person.

What areas of Occupational Therapy support do you offer for older adolescents?

Answer: Support for older adolescents aged 16-17 may include:

• transition to sixth form, college, university or employment
• increasing independence and daily living skills
• executive functioning difficulties
• anxiety, overwhelm and burnout
• emotional regulation
• sensory challenges
• self-advocacy and understanding their neurotype
• routines, organisation and time management
• preparing for adulthood
• education-related stress and reasonable adjustments

Support is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to the individual young person’s goals and needs.

Parent/carer involvement and consent will be incorporated where appropriate to ensure safe, supportive and effective intervention.

How do you work with sensory challenges?

For individuals with sensory sensitivities, such as those with autism, sensory processing challenges can create challenges in daily activities. Occupational therapists use sensory-based interventions to support individuals:

• Identify sensory triggers
  
• Develop coping strategies
  
• Individualised sensory regulation strategies : We can explore practical sensory regulation strategies that can be incorporated realistically into your everyday routines, environments and occupations.

Adapting the Environment

Each individual’s sensory needs are different. We may:

• Modify the environment to reduce sensory overload or provide appropriate sensory input in ways that support your individual needs.
  
• Create sensory-friendly spaces at home, work, or school to help you feel more comfortable and focused.
  

Executive Functioning and Sensory Regulation

Empower Neurodiversity may explore support with executive functioning - such as organizing tasks, staying on track, or regulating emotions - alongside sensory sensitivities.

• Developing strategies for task management by breaking tasks into smaller steps and using visual supports.
  
• Exploring practical regulation strategies that support participation, functioning and engagement in everyday occupations.
  

Can you support me to advocate for myself?

Empower Neurodiversity recognises the importance of self-advocacy and choice. This can involve:

• Exploring self-awareness: Supporting you to understand your sensory preferences and needs
  
• Encouraging self-advocacy: Occupational therapy can empower you to 'speak up' in various environments (university, work, or social settings) about your sensory needs and request reasonable accommodations/adjustments

Personalised Strategies and Support

Undertaking and exploring your unique sensory profile. Empower Neurodiversity strategies will be

• Tailored to the individual, considering your sensory needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
  
• Focused on building strengths and creating a supportive environment where you can thrive.

Collaboration with Other Professionals

Empower Neurodiversity can work alongside other professionals, such as those in education, other therapists, and mental health practitioners, to create a comprehensive, holistic approach. This collaboration ensures that the individual’s sensory needs are understood in multiple settings, including home, work, or university. It is your choice if you wish me to collaborate with key people in your support plan ( see exceptions on crisis management and safeguarding ) Support is tailored to you.

What does Occupational Therapy focused on work involve?

Answer: Occupational Therapy focuses on how health, wellbeing, and neurodivergence impact a person’s ability to participate in everyday life, including work.

I work with you to understand:

• how your current role or environment affects your functioning
• where demands become overwhelming or unsustainable
• what supports, structures, or adjustments may help

The focus is on practical, real-world change to support sustainable functioning.

What is the AHP Health and Work Report? 

The AHP Health and Work Report is an optional, non-statutory tool designed for Allied Health Professionals (e.g. Occupational therapists) to support people who are off work or struggling at work.

Can you provide an AHP Health and Work Report?

Yes - but only under specific circumstances.The Allied Health Professions (AHP) Health and Work Report is a helpful tool used to recommend workplace adaptations, but I only issue it as part of an ongoing, broader therapeutic coaching package.I can consider completing this report for you only if:

• You are an active coaching client or undertaking regular online therapy with me.
• We have already thoroughly explored your routines, sensory profile, and executive functioning challenges.
• The report is used strictly as an advisory tool to help you start conversations with your employer about reasonable adjustments (not for legal or benefits claims).

If you require a formal, legally binding capacity evaluation or an assessment for Access to Work, this must be commissioned through an in-person health provider.

Do you provide autism or ADHD assessments?

Answer: No. I do not carry out standalone diagnostic assessments or issue formal clinical diagnoses for autism or ADHD. 

My Clinical Expertise & Background:

Please be reassured that my approach is backed by extensive experience within formal neurodevelopmental diagnostic pathways. I am a Specialist Occupational Therapist fully trained in the "gold standard" diagnostic assessment frameworks, including the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), having recently undertaken clinical refresher training. I am also thoroughly familiar with the diagnostic criteria outlined in the DSM-5. 

While I am fully qualified to assess autism as part of a formal Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), I operate independently online through this practice. Therefore, my services are entirely separate from, and do not influence, the formal diagnostic process. 

How I Can Support You Instead:

Because I understand exactly what formal diagnostic pathways look for, I leverage this specialist background to offer expert, neuro-affirming guidance. I can support you to: 

• Explore your experiences in a highly structured, expert-led, and reflective environment.
• Understand clinical patterns related to neurodivergence, helping you make sense of your traits, executive functioning, and sensory profile.
• Prepare for a formal assessment if you are currently navigating long NHS or private waiting lists, ensuring your personal history is clear, organised, and ready for your future diagnostic team.
• Identify practical strategies and tailored reasonable adjustments to help you thrive right now at home, university, or in your workplace.

Are you assessing Fitness for work?

Answer: No, not directly.

I do not carry out formal Fitness for work assessments or make decisions about whether someone is fit to work.

As an Occupational Therapist, I provide occupationally focused input. This includes:

• understanding how health impacts your ability to work
• identifying barriers to sustainable functioning
• recommending adjustments and supportive strategies
• any reports I provide are advisory in nature. They are designed to inform discussions and support decision-making, but they do not determine outcomes.
• formal decisions about Fitness for work are made by employers, often informed by Occupational Health and other relevant professionals.

I do not provide medico-legal opinions or make determinations regarding employment status, capability, or contractual Fitness for work.

Can you tell my employer what adjustments they must make?

Answer: No

I can provide recommendations and guidance based on occupational therapy assessment and clinical reasoning.

These recommendations are intended to support conversations with your employer, but they are not binding. Decisions about what adjustments are implemented remain the responsibility of your employer.

Can you attend meetings with my employer?

Answer: No

I am not able to attend workplace meetings, act as a representative, or advocate on your behalf in employment discussions.

If you require support in meetings, it may be helpful to involve:

• your union (e.g. UNISON)
• HR
• or another appropriate workplace representative

What is the difference between you and Occupational Health?

Occupational Therapy and Occupational Health have different roles.

My role (Occupational Therapy):

• focuses on functional impact
• explores how work affects your wellbeing
• identifies strategies and adjustments
• supports you to understand and communicate your needs

Occupational Health:

• advises employers on fitness for work
• makes formal recommendations
• contributes to employment decisions

Both roles can be helpful, but they serve different purposes.

Do I need a diagnosis to work with you?

Answer: No

You do not need a formal diagnosis.

We focus on your lived experience and current challenges, and what will help you function more effectively - regardless of whether you have a diagnosis.

Will this affect my employment status?

Answer: No

My work is supportive and advisory.

I do not make decisions about:

• employment status
• capability
• contractual arrangements
• or fitness for work

My role is to support you in understanding your needs and identifying what may help you sustain work.

Can you help me if I’m struggling at work?

Answer: Yes

This is a core part of the work.

I can support you to:

• understand why work is currently difficult
• identify patterns of overload or stress
• develop strategies for pacing and sustainability
• think through adjustments that may help
• prepare for conversations with your employer

Can you help me decide if I should stay in my job?

Answer: I won’t make that decision for you.

However, I can help you:

• explore how your role fits with your needs, values, and capacity
• understand what is and isn’t working
• consider alternative ways of working
• think through options in a structured, non-pressured way

Is This Psychotherapy or Counselling?

Answer: No. My service provides Occupational Therapy and, where appropriate, Workplace Neurodiversity Coaching.

Occupational Therapy may involve reflection and supportive discussion, but its focus is on occupational functioning, participation, practical change and real-world application.

I do not provide psychotherapy or counselling.

Is my information confidential?

Answer: Yes

All sessions and reports are confidential and handled in line with HCPC and professional standards.

Information is only shared with others if:

• you give explicit consent
• or there is a legal or safety requirement to do so

How can you support me through Access to Work?

I provide Workplace Neurodiversity Coaching for clients where appropriate workplace support has been agreed through Access to Work.

This is a separate service from my private Occupational Therapy assessment and intervention pathway.

My private Initial Occupational Therapy Assessment is not presented as an Access to Work-funded assessment.

If you have applied for Access to Work but are still awaiting a decision, you are welcome to contact me. You can either wait until you know what support Access to Work has agreed, or you may choose to access private Occupational Therapy separately while your application is progressing.

Any private Occupational Therapy undertaken while an Access to Work application is pending remains a separate private service. I cannot guarantee that Access to Work will subsequently fund or reimburse privately purchased Occupational Therapy.

If you have already received an Access to Work award, please provide details of the workplace support that has been approved so that I can establish whether this corresponds with the Workplace Neurodiversity Coaching I provide.

Do you provide the Access to Work Assessment?

No. I do not carry out assessments on behalf of Access to Work or make decisions about what Access to Work should fund.

Access to Work manages its own assessment and decision-making process.

Where appropriate, I can provide information and a quotation for the Workplace Neurodiversity Coaching service I offer.

Workplace Neurodiversity Coaching

Where Workplace Neurodiversity Coaching has been agreed through Access to Work and the support falls within the scope of my service, coaching is tailored to the individual and the demands of their employment.

Depending upon individual need and the support agreed, this may include:

• executive functioning within the workplace;
• planning, prioritisation and organisation;
• managing workload and competing demands;
• workplace routines and time management;
• sensory regulation within the working environment;
• communication and self-advocacy;
• occupational pacing and sustainable ways of working; and
• implementing practical strategies that support occupational functioning at work.

Support is individualised rather than delivered through a predetermined coaching programme.

Choosing me as your Workplace Coaching Provider

If you would like to use Empower Neurodiversity as your Workplace Neurodiversity Coaching provider, I can provide information about the service and, where appropriate, a quotation for Access to Work.

If you have already received an Access to Work award, please provide the relevant details of the support that has been approved.

Before coaching begins, I will establish that the support authorised through Access to Work corresponds with the service I provide.

Is Neurodiversity Coaching covered by Access To Work?

Answer: Access to Work is a UK Government scheme providing practical support to eligible disabled and neurodivergent people in employment or preparing to enter employment.

Depending upon an individual's circumstances and the support Access to Work agrees is required, funding may contribute towards different forms of workplace support.

I provide Workplace Neurodiversity Coaching where this type of support has been appropriately agreed and falls within the scope of my service.

Access to Work determines eligibility, what support will be funded and the value and terms of an individual award. I cannot guarantee that a particular service or cost will be funded..

For neurodivergent adults, Access to Work may cover a range of support options, including:

• Job coaching or mentoring to help with workplace interactions and communication.
  
• Specialist equipment to accommodate sensory sensitivities or communication needs.
  
• Travel assistance for getting to and from work.
  
• Workplace adaptations to reduce distractions or provide a sensory-friendly environment.
  
• I offer Neurodiversity specific coaching for neurodivergent people
  

If you are considering applying for Access to Work, information about eligibility, applications and the funding process is available directly from the UK Government Access to Work service.

How Long Does Occupational Therapy Take for Neurodivergent Adults?

Answer: The duration of Occupational Therapy varies according to individual need and agreed goals.

Some people benefit from a short, focused period of intervention addressing specific occupational difficulties, while others may benefit from support over a longer period.

The Initial Occupational Therapy Assessment is approximately 1.5 hours and includes detailed history-taking and assessment, clinical formulation and a written report with recommendations.

Subsequent individual Occupational Therapy sessions are typically 60 minutes.

The frequency and duration of intervention are agreed according to individual needs and goals and reviewed as the work progresses.

Do You Offer Online Occupational Therapy for Neurodivergent Adults?

Answer: Yes! Empower Neurodiversity offers online Occupational therapy sessions tailored for neurodivergent adults. This includes flexible, remote support for managing sensory needs, executive functioning, and daily life challenges, making therapy accessible from the comfort of your home.

How do I pay for sessions?

Answer: Payment is by bank transfer. An invoice will be provided before the appointment and payment is due prior to or on the day of the session, unless otherwise agreed.

Can I cancel if I am unwell, how much notice do you need?

Answer: To ensure that I can accommodate all of our clients effectively, I kindly ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. This helps me manage our schedule and offer the time to others who may need it. Please note that cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance may be subject to a charge for the session. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Do you provide Functional Capacity Assessments or Fit Notes?

No, I do not provide full Functional Capacity Assessments (FCAs), formal fitness-to-work evaluations, or statutory legal Fit Notes.

Because my practice is conducted entirely online, conducting physical or hands-on clinical workplace assessments falls outside my current scope of practice. I do not provide tribunal reports or make formal legal decisions regarding your employment capacity.

Can you help me with my PIP application?

(Personal Independence Payments)

Answer: NO

Why?

PIP decisions are based on specific daily living and mobility activities that require full functional assessment. The work is focused on sensory regulation and neurodiversity support, so providing PIP-specific evidence would be outside my HCPC scope of practice.

I cannot provide:

✘ full functional capacity assessments

✘ letters for PIP entitlement

✘ advice or phrasing for PIP descriptors

✘ tribunal attendance

Can I discuss a sliding scale for fees?

Answer: We understand that everyone’s financial situation is different. While our fees are set to reflect the expertise and time involved, we are open to discussing a sliding scale for sessions on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us to explore options that suit your needs.

What Are the Fees for an Initial Occupational Therapy Assessment and What Does the Process Involve?  

Answer:

The Initial Occupational Therapy Assessment is £120 and is approximately 1.5 hours.

It includes detailed history-taking and assessment, Occupational Therapy clinical formulation, and a written report with recommendations.

The purpose of the assessment is to develop an individualised understanding of your occupational strengths, needs, barriers and priorities and to establish whether further Occupational Therapy intervention would be beneficial.

Legal and Medico-Legal Boundaries

• I do not provide: diagnostic assessments, PIP reports, tribunal/legal reports for court, or fitness-for-work decisions
• Reports and advice are advisory
• Legal, employment, or tribunal decisions are made by the appropriate authorities

I can:

• Support daily living skills and independence
• Build executive functioning
• Develop sensory regulation and emotional coping
• Support work and life participation
• Foster self-advocacy, empowerment, and tailored coaching

I do not provide:

• diagnostic assessments for autism or ADHD;
• PIP assessments or reports;
• tribunal or court reports;
• medico-legal opinions;
• formal fitness-for-work assessments; or
• determinations regarding employment status or capability.

My reports and recommendations are advisory in nature.

Formal legal, employment, diagnostic and fitness-for-work decisions remain the responsibility of the appropriate professionals and authorities.

Sessions, Fees, and Payment

• Initial assessment: (detailed history, clinical formulation, written report, recommendations)
• Typical session: 60 minutes, tailored to individual goals
• Payment: Bank transfer; invoice sent before session, payment within 24 hours
• Cancellations: At least 24 hours’ notice required

How Do I Get Started with Empower Neurodiversity?

Answer: Please contact me initially with your name, contact details and a brief outline of the support you are seeking.

I will review your enquiry to establish whether it appears to fall within the scope of my service.

Where it would be helpful to establish suitability before proceeding, I may offer a free 15-minute Suitability Call.

The Suitability Call is a brief introductory conversation. It is not an Occupational Therapy assessment or Workplace Neurodiversity Coaching session and does not include individualised clinical recommendations or intervention planning.

Where private Occupational Therapy appears appropriate, the next step will usually be a paid Initial Occupational Therapy Assessment.

For Access to Work enquiries, I will first establish where you are in the Access to Work process and, where an award has already been made, what workplace support has been approved.

What is a Suitability Call?

Answer: I may offer a free 15-minute Suitability Call where a brief conversation would be helpful before deciding whether my service is appropriate.

The purpose is to:

• clarify the main reason you are seeking support;
• establish whether your needs appear to fall within the scope of my service;
• briefly explain the type of support I provide;
• answer essential questions about the service; and
• identify an appropriate next step.

A Suitability Call is not an Occupational Therapy assessment or coaching session.

It does not include:

• Occupational Therapy assessment;
• individualised clinical recommendations;
• sensory assessment or profiling;
• identification of individual reasonable adjustments;
• personalised executive functioning or workplace strategies;
• reports or Workplace/Reasonable Adjustments Passports; or
• Workplace Neurodiversity Coaching.

These services require an appropriate assessment and/or a separately agreed programme of support.

Enquiries

To enable me to establish whether my service may be appropriate, please provide:

• your full name;
• contact telephone number;
• home address;
• a brief outline of the support you are seeking;
• whether you are seeking private Occupational Therapy, Access to Work-funded workplace support, or are currently unsure;
• your current occupation, profession or course of study, where relevant; and
• if enquiring about Access to Work, whether you have applied and whether you have received an award.

I may request additional information before offering an appointment.

Providing this information does not establish a therapist-client relationship or commit either party to proceeding with services.

Incomplete enquiries may not receive a response.