Embracing Neurodiversity in Coaching

Information in this podcast was informed by the ICF’s Chapter Event: Coach Mastery: Neurodiversity – What every coach should know with Morwenna Stewart.

As a coach, understanding and embracing neurodiversity is important for practicing ethically. It’s also a real opportunity to expand our impact and create truly inclusive spaces for growth and transformation. 

At Lumia, we recognize the importance of this topic, especially as we've come to understand that many members of our own coaching community are neurodiverse. 

Today, let's explore the intersection of neurodiversity and coaching, and how we can better support and empower neurodiverse individuals in our practice as coaches.

Understanding Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity refers to the natural variation in human brains and cognition. It encompasses conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and Tourette's syndrome, among others. But here's what’s important – these aren't "disorders" to be fixed. They're different ways of experiencing and interacting with the world.

As Morwenna Stewart, an ICF coach and neurodiversity expert, points out, "We all have different brains." The concept of neurodiversity challenges us to move beyond the idea of a "normal" brain and instead appreciate the wide spectrum of cognitive differences that exist in humanity.

Inclusion and Understanding

The International Coach Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics provides a clear mandate for coaches to embrace diversity in all its forms. Section 4 of the code, which focuses on our responsibility to society, states:

"As an ICF professional, I pledge to avoid discrimination by maintaining fairness and equality in all activities and operations while respecting local rules and cultural practices. This includes but is not limited to discrimination on the basis of age, race, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or military status."

Neurodiversity falls under the protected class of disability, making it our ethical duty as coaches to understand and accommodate neurodiverse individuals in our coaching practice.

To truly embrace neurodiversity, we need to shift our understanding of disability itself. The National Disability Arts Collection and Archive (NDACA) presents a powerful social model of disability that challenges traditional views:

Instead of seeing disability as an individual's "bad luck" or limitation, we should instead see that societal barriers often create disability. When we expect everyone to fit into the same mold, we create prejudices, restricted access, and encourage exclusion.

As coaches, we have the power to challenge these barriers. By creating inclusive coaching environments and advocating for our clients, we can help reshape societal expectations and create more accessible spaces for all.

5 Practical Steps for Coaching Neurodiverse Clients

Ask, Don't Assume: If a client discloses that they're neurodiverse, ask open-ended questions like "What kind of adjustments do you need?" or "What would make coaching most helpful for you?" This empowers the client and acknowledges their expertise in their own experience.

Be Aware of Masking: Many neurodiverse individuals, especially women, may "mask" their traits to fit in. Be sensitive to this possibility and create a safe space where clients can be their authentic selves.

Recognize Strengths: Neurodiverse individuals often have unique strengths and perspectives. Help your clients identify and leverage these strengths rather than focusing solely on challenges. 

Educate Yourself: It's not your client's job to educate you, but it is your responsibility to learn. Seek out reputable resources to expand your understanding of different neurodiverse conditions.

Practice Unconditional Positive Regard: Challenge yourself to truly embrace differences without judgment. This is at the core of effective coaching for all clients, but it's especially crucial when working with neurodiverse individuals.

More Resources: 

Life Coaching for Neurodivergent Minds (ft. M Stoothoff)

How to Affirm Your Client

When a client discloses their neurodiversity, your response can have a profound impact. Here are some affirming responses:

• "Thank you for trusting me with this information."
• "How can I best support you in our coaching relationship?"
• "I'd love to hear more about your experience if you're comfortable sharing."
• "What would you like me to know about how this affects you?"

Avoid dismissive or minimizing statements like "You don't look like you have that disability" or "We all struggle sometimes." These can invalidate the client's experience and make it harder for them to trust you.

Coaching = Empathy and Action

As coaches, we're in a unique position to create spaces of respect, understanding, and growth. By embracing neurodiversity, we not only fulfill our ethical obligations but also enrich our practice and expand our capacity to facilitate meaningful change.

At Lumia, we believe that great coaches are made, not born. Part of that journey is developing the empathy, knowledge, and skills to work effectively with diverse clients, including those who are neurodiverse. We're committed to equipping our coaches with the tools they need to create inclusive, empowering coaching relationships.

Are you ready to expand your understanding and make your coaching practice more inclusive? Are you in to be part of a movement that celebrates neurodiversity and helps create a world where everyone can thrive? 

If so, we invite you to join us at Lumia Life Coach Training. Book a Call with one of our Admissions Coaches to learn more. Grounded in science, our ICF accredited program features authentic instructors, a robust curriculum, and business instruction to prepare you for liftoff.

‍Lumia Coaching: Vibrant community. Evidence-based life coach training. Lifetime support.