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 Session?

Answer: In your first Occupational therapy session, we’ll discuss your specific needs, goals, and challenges. The therapist will assess areas like sensory sensitivities, time management, executive functioning, and daily routines. Based on this, a personalised therapy plan will be created to help you achieve greater independence and well-being.

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.

Sensory Processing and Regulation

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
  
• Sensory diets: We can work together to create a personalised sensory diet (a structured schedule of sensory activities) to help regulate your sensory input throughout the day,

Adapting the Environment

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

• Modify the environment to reduce sensory overload or enhance sensory input in ways that support your individual’s needs. For example, adjusting lighting, sound levels, or providing sensory breaks during the workday or school.
  
• 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 tools for emotion regulation, including mindfulness techniques, grounding exercises, and physical movement activities that help reduce anxiety.
  

Self-Advocacy and Empowerment

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.
• It can be used to inform a GP’s Fit Note or return-to-work planning, but it does not replace an employer's Occupational health assessment.
• It allows comment on your functional capacity for work - from an AHP perspective.
  

Do you provide autism or ADHD assessments?
Answer: No

Answer: I do not carry out diagnostic assessments for autism or ADHD.

However, I can support you to:

• explore your experiences in a structured and reflective way
• understand patterns related to neurodivergence
• prepare for a formal assessment if you are on a waiting list
• identify strategies and adjustments that support you, regardless of diagnosis

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 functional, 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 therapy?

Answer: This is Occupational Therapy.

While it can feel reflective and supportive, the focus is on:

• function
• participation
• practical change
• real-world application

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?

If you're applying for support through the Access to Work scheme, I can offer Occupational therapy informed Neurodiversity coaching once your application is approved.

Do you provide the Access to Work workplace assessment?

No, I don’t carry out formal workplace assessments for Access to Work.

These are usually completed by an independent assessor assigned by Access to Work (such as Remploy or Seetec). If you're not sure where to start, the scheme will arrange this for you.

How I can support you?

Once your workplace assessment is complete and funding is in place, you can choose me as your provider. I offer tailored support that focuses on:

• Executive functioning (planning, memory, focus)
• Sensory processing and workplace regulation
• Communication and assertiveness at work
• Routines, time management, and self-advocacy
• Implementing strategies based on your needs and strengths

Choosing me as your provider

If you’d like to work with me, just let your Access to Work Assessor or Case manager know. I can provide a clear quote and support plan for them to review.

If you’ve already had your assessment, I’ll work with you to begin sessions as soon as your funding is approved.

• Contact me if you need help with the next steps or a quote to send to your case manager.

Is Neurodiversity Coaching covered by personal health insurance for Neurodivergent Adults?

Answer: Access to Work is a UK government program designed to support autistic adults and individuals with other disabilities in the workplace. The program provides funding for workplace adjustments, specialized equipment, and support services that can help improve job performance, workplace accessibility, and overall career development.

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 seeking support to thrive in your current role or to help find employment, Access to Work can provide the financial support and resources needed to ensure a successful career. Empower Neurodiversity can guide you through the application process and help you make the most of the resources available to you.

How Long Does Occupational Therapy Take for Neurodivergent Adults?

Answer: The duration of Occupational therapy varies depending on your needs and goals. Some individuals benefit from short-term support to address specific challenges, while others may engage in longer-term therapy to build new skills and strategies. I will work with you to set realistic, individualised goals. The length of each Occupational therapy session can vary depending on your needs and goals. Typically, our sessions last between 50 to 60 minutes. However, some individuals may benefit from longer or shorter sessions, especially when addressing multiple areas of concern such as sensory sensitivities, executive functioning, or routine building.

I recommend starting with a 60-minute session for a comprehensive assessment and to ensure we have enough time to explore your goals. After that, the duration can be adjusted based on your preferences and the progress you’re making.

Whether you need shorter, more frequent sessions or longer sessions with a deeper focus on specific challenges, we’ll work together to find the right approach for you. As your therapist, I will always tailor the session length to what feels most supportive for you.

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: If you are in receipt for access to work or health insurance provision please see above, otherwise payment is by bank transfer. I will provide an invoice for you just before a session and payment is to be received no later than 24 hours after a session. Prompt payments help me to run my small business smoothly and without any delays to your support.

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.

Can you help me with my PIP application?

(Personal Independence Payments)

Answer: Not directly

Why?

PIP decisions are based on specific daily living and mobility activities that require full face-to-face 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.

You are welcome to submit my sensory report as background information if you feel it helps explain your needs, but it does not indicate a decision about entitlement.

I can provide:

• sensory assessment
• sensory profile
• strategies to manage regulation
• support with occupational participation

I cannot provide:

✘ functional capacity assessments

✘ letters for PIP entitlement

✘ advice or phrasing for PIP descriptors

✘ tribunal attendance

Why are Access to Work sessions slightly more expensive than standard sessions?

Answer: Access to Work Neurodiversity Coaching sessions are slightly higher in cost than standard private coaching. This reflects the additional administrative requirements of the funded scheme, such as reporting, accountability, and, in some cases, pre-approval, rather than any difference in the coaching itself.

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.

When is payment due

Answer: Payment is due prior to or on the day of the session unless otherwise agreed. Let us know if you have any problems with this and we will try to accommodate you.

What are the fees for initial assessment and what does this process involve?  

Answer: The initial assessment (£120) includes detailed history-taking, clinical formulation, and a written report with recommendations.

How Do I Get Started with Empower Neurodiversity?

Answer: Getting started is easy! Simply book a free discovery call to discuss your needs with an Occupational therapist. During the call, we will assess how we can support you in achieving your personal goals and create a plan that works for you.