Posted 05 Dec 2024
Genius Within: An Account of Coaching Success
I was diagnosed with autism in November 2022 at 39. While the diagnosis brought relief, it also left me feeling unmoored. I was no longer just “Emma” – I was autistic. It reframed my entire life, especially childhood memories, and left my head spinning with realisations.
When I shared my diagnosis, I encountered disbelief: “You don’t look autistic,” “you’re just quirky,” or “everyone’s on the spectrum.” These comments stemmed from misunderstanding and years of masking – even I had fooled myself.
The shift came during Covid. Working from home, avoiding small talk, and living in a world of clear rules and quieter spaces felt freeing. But when life returned to “normal,” my anxiety surged. Googling my symptoms, I repeatedly came across autism, though it didn’t align with the stereotypes I knew. Discovering how autism presents in women gave me my “lightbulb moment”, I sought a private diagnosis in November 2022, unable to wait three years on the NHS as my mental health was suffering.
Post-diagnosis, I struggled to process it all and explain my needs to friends and colleagues. I applied for Access to Work funding in September 2023, but my life was upended by a storm that flooded my home, forcing me into temporary accommodation. The upheaval wrecked my routines and left me overwhelmed. My manager suggested reasonable adjustments, but unmasking decades of ingrained behaviours to pinpoint my needs was daunting.
In early 2024, my Access to Work assessment recommended coaching, and I started sessions with Genius Within that February. By then, I was dealing with flood recovery, workplace struggles, and no reasonable adjustments. When I began coaching with Elisabeth Goodman, I was at my lowest.
Elisabeth was kind, patient, and skilled at helping me understand myself better. Through coaching, I learned to articulate my emotions, explore challenges, and recognise my neurodivergent traits as normal. The validation was empowering—what I once thought were “Emma things” were common among autistic individuals, and my imposter syndrome began to fade.
As our sessions progressed, so did my confidence. I became more comfortable discussing autism with others, identifying adjustments to help me recover from challenges, and developing tools to navigate unpredictable situations. I also took on a leadership role in my workplace’s Neurodivergent Network, eventually accepting and embracing my position as Co-Chair. By supporting colleagues, I realised I was making a difference.
Elisabeth’s training for my colleagues on neurodiversity was well-received, helping them understand how to support neurodivergent individuals. She also facilitated co-coaching sessions with my line manager, during which we developed my Reasonable Adjustments Passport. These sessions were transformative, allowing me to openly discuss workplace struggles and implement meaningful changes.
Since the coaching concluded, I’ve implemented many of Elisabeth’s strategies into my life. I feel like a different person—stronger, more confident, and able to articulate my needs. I’ve taken on more responsibility in the Staff Network and now sit on the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion group in my department. I’m even preparing to deliver training on supporting neurodivergent colleagues—something I never thought possible.
This growth wouldn’t have been possible without Elisabeth’s support, which has instilled in me a lasting sense of confidence and self-belief.
-Emma, Genius Within Coaching Client
