Neurodiversity Coaching

by Nancy Doyle, Nancy Doyle (Editor)

Neurodiversity Coaching demystifies the themes and assumptions affecting neurodivergent coachee experiences at work, whilst at the same time exploring the necessary safeguards required for working with this vulnerable group. The book supports existing coaching practitioners, managers and community leaders to understand the essentials of neurodivergence, a term which encompasses ADHD, Autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourette Syndrome, and how these diagnoses require specific coaching approaches to support individuals to thrive at work. This book is practically focused on the “how”, sharing coaching exercises and activities that have been evaluated and researched by authors with extensive experience in the field. Grounded in coaching psychology theory, those with existing knowledge will be able to transfer their skill set to the neurodiversity context and those who are considering learning more about coaching can be signposted to essential knowledge and skills. Neurodiversity Coaching will be suitable for independent coaching practitioners and internal organisational coaches and managers seeking a coaching approach.

Genres: Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Adhd

308 pages, Paperback

Published December 21, 2023

Reviews

[Vivian Maher · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offers a clear and accessible introduction to coaching neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. It brings together practical coaching tools, case studies, and structured frameworks – most notably the INVESTS model – to help coaches support a wide range of neurodivergent clients, including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. It also includes helpful references to reflective practice and supervision, drawing on established models such as Hawkins and Schwenk’s seven lenses and introducing the idea of restorative supervision in emotionally demanding work.

For coaches new to this area, it provides a strong foundation, giving insight into how neurodivergence can present in professional contexts and offering practical suggestions for adapting coaching approaches. It’s well-referenced throughout, with contributions from coaching, psychology, and workplace inclusion literature.

However, the book does cover a broad spectrum, and at times that breadth comes at the expense of depth. While there is acknowledgement of emotional challenges such as overwhelm or meltdowns, it sometimes falls short of fully exploring the psychological, developmental, or identity-based aspects that underpin these experiences. In particular, although supervision is clearly mentioned, there’s less discussion around the type of supervision that might best support coaches working in this space – especially those who are neurodivergent themselves.

The book also raises important questions about how we approach neurodivergence in coaching. There’s a risk of categorising traits too narrowly or relying too heavily on set models or techniques. In practice, every individual presents differently, and what matters most is how those traits interact in context – not just how they are labelled or managed. Flexibility, openness, and curiosity remain key.

In summary, this is a useful and practical starting point for coaches wanting to explore neurodiversity more confidently. It contributes to an important conversation in a still-developing area of coaching. That said, for those looking for deeper psychological grounding or more nuanced, identity-informed perspectives, this may only be the beginning of the journey.

[Hayley Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent (and essential) resource for coaches and people managers.

[Zoë · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ful of useful insights that will inform my coaching, supervision and line management.

[Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even reading the sample so far was interesting - I learned a lot from the first chapter, and when I want to deepen my knowledge, I will read the rest.