Unlocking Neurodivergent Potential

Joanne Lockwood is joined by Alexandra Bellitter from Shimmer ADHD Coaching to explore what neuro-inclusive coaching looks like in practice, and why traditional coaching approaches can miss the mark for ADHD and other neurodivergent clients.

Together they unpack how small shifts in structure and communication can reduce overwhelm and make support feel genuinely person-centred. Alexandra shares examples such as narrowing overly broad questions, agreeing expectations up front, and designing accountability and note-taking approaches that work with how someone’s brain processes information.

The conversation also moves into the workplace: what challenges can show up around deadlines, memory, time estimation, prioritisation and interruptions, and how managers can address performance needs without “othering” someone or forcing disclosure. They discuss psychological safety, stigma, and practical ways to request adjustments by describing needs and outcomes rather than diagnoses.

Closing out, Alexandra outlines the elements of ADHD coaching—goal-focused coaching, psychoeducation, and executive function skill building—centred on collaboration, experimentation, and empowerment rather than “fixing” people. The key message is that thriving often comes from finding systems that fit, not forcing conformity.