Autistic Peer Support Coaching

Background

When you hear the word “autistic,” what images come to mind? If you have gained your knowledge about autism from movies and television shows, you might think of a white boy (or man) who loves trains. They’re probably a genius with trouble making friends and communicating in socially acceptable ways. This, however, is a very narrow understanding of autism and fails to consider the spectrum of autistic experiences.

As a woman, my autism was missed by everyone, including my parents, teachers, doctors, and therapists. I don’t blame anyone for this. It was only until recently that researchers started to understand how autism in women/girls, AFAB, non-binary, and gender-fluid people can can present differently from men and boys due to differences in socialization, expectations, gender norms, etc.

No one linked my overwhelming sensory sensitivities (especially to bright lights, strong scents, loud noises, certain fabrics, and crowds of people), difficulties making and keeping healthy friendships, repetitive behaviours, passionate interests (to the point of obsession), hyper-focus, trouble with transitions, difficulty motivating myself to do things I have no interest in, stimming, and frustration with systems and structures that make no sense to autism. Instead, people saw the mask I wore to keep me safe. They saw my respect for authority, kindness, (almost) photographic memory, high marks, curiosity, and helpfulness and brushed off the rest as “quirks,” “highly sensitive,” or “old soul.” 

As a white woman, however, I am the first to acknowledge my privilege among those living with invisible disabilities. My gender may have kept my autism hidden from everyone for a long time, but the colour of my skin has kept me safe. Autistic people who are also BIPOC have the added challenge of navigating a world that is not only ableist and misogynistic, but also racist. Consequently, I am committed to listening to and learning from the BIPOC autistic community and amplifying the voices that need to be heard in this discussion.

Services I Offer

Since discovering I am autistic at the age of 40, receiving coaching from an actually autistic peer support coach has been the most important ingredient in helping me understand and embrace my autism. As a result, I am committed to providing autism coaching to other autistic people who will benefit from that level of support, education, encouragement, and space. I have learned how to lean into my strengths, acknowledge my own needs, take up space without apology, and understand who I am as a late identified autistic woman.

I offer individual coaching if you prefer a more personalized approach where we address your unique needs and goals. You will have the space to share your challenges, victories, and questions. As a result, you will get more comfortable with taking up space, using your voice, acknowledging and meeting your own needs, understanding your autistic mind and body, and learning to give yourself grace and compassion as you start to live more authentically.

In addition, I offer weekly workshops for small groups (usually 5 weeks with 5 people). We learn about and discuss a variety of topics in these sessions:

• Sensory, Emotional, and Physiological Needs
• Meltdowns, Shutdowns, and Burnout
• Masking and Unmasking
• Understanding Autism from the Neurodiversity Paradigm
• Individual Strengths and How to Maximize Them
• Special Interests
• Autistic Joy

This is just a small sampling of the topics we cover in our weekly workshops, and I am always open to suggestions for additional topics you would like to see covered.

Finally, I also offer several FREE Discussion Circles every month. Some of the upcoming topics include:

• Unique Approaches to Healing (BodyTalk, Emotion Code, Reflexology, Yoga)
• Autistic People 40+
• Recovering from Spiritual Abuse/High Control Religion
• Embracing our Passions to Increase Joy

If you’re looking for someone who utilizes Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), I am not the coach for you. However, if you want an autism coach who is actually autistic and is able to understand many of your experiences, I would love to connect with you. We will be a great fit if you are eager to learn, curious, excited to grow, willing to change, and ready to re-evaluate your life through a new lens.

If you have known you’re autistic for a while, or you’ve only recently discovered your autism, I invite you to reach out to schedule an individual session or sign up for a group workshop. Spending time in healthy, safe, intentionally autistic spaces is one of the best things you can do on your journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-love. I look forward to meeting you over zoom one day soon!