Hi!

I'm Katie, and I'm a late diagnosed autistic (straight to the point). I was diagnosed at age 26 and have been on a journey the past few years of understanding 'me' and reflecting on my experiences and how they could have been different with the right support. With an ADHD husband and son, I also have plenty of experience and understanding of the ADHD brain. 

 

With years of experience working alongside young people and adults with diverse needs, including autism, ADHD, PTSD, depression, anxiety, dyslexia, and learning disabilities, I have gained some incredibly valuable experience. I completed an apprenticeship aged 18 in NVQ Level 3 Children & Young People's Workforces, and went to university as a 22 year old mum- graduating in 2022 with a 2:1 BSc (Hons) Child & Adolescent Mental Health & Wellbeing, driven by my experiences as a 'fallen through the gaps' young person into my late 20's. I am now proud to also be working towards my Foundation Diploma Level 3 in Life Coaching. I've also completed various training such as Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health First Aid, ASD and ADHD awareness courses and extensive Safeguarding training. However, it hasn't been easy to get to where I am now, especially as a late diagnosed adult. I'm still waiting on my ADHD assessment too- 2 years after referral.

 

My journey has taken me from nurseries to healthcare settings, 3 years in children's residential homes as a support worker and then deputy manager, and then working as support for a leaving care outreach team. Most recently, as a team leader for asylum seeking young people aged 16-21. But in-between, I have done many 'one-shifters' in care homes and chip shops, before never returning due to severe anxiety, lack of diagnosis for my autism and understanding myself, and unaccommodating workplace environments for my neurodiverse brain and social interaction difficulties. My career has consisted of a LOT of advocating for others. It's something I'm very passionate about, making sure everyone has the best support and the same opportunities as others. My vision is everyone being able to just 'be themselves' without judgement, discrimination, disadvantage in work life, home life and healthcare, and for employers to stop stereotyping neurodivergent individuals and to realise our potential.

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So how can I help you with your journey to inclusive workplaces and self advocacy? As an autistic person myself, I get it. The social interaction struggles (what does that facial expression mean? why did they use that tone? am I supposed to say something now?) and the crushing anxiety that busy settings and the unknown can cause. Not only that, but I always wondered why I struggled so much in school, college, uni and every. single. job. Then I learned- it's not us, it's the employment system and a complete lack of awareness (or ignorance). I've worked a lot on empowering myself, accepting who I am and how my brain works, identifying my strengths and knowing my worth. I've become so confident in advocating for myself finally, as well as others. You deserve to feel a sense of belonging in the workplace- just like everyone else. Your neurodivergence shouldn't be seen as a weakness by others, and you should be able to feel comfortable in your day to day work.

 

There really are accepting, empowering and adaptable work environments, organisations and managers out there, I've experienced it, and I'd like to help you find one of those good ones, too. Even more so- to help you advocate for yourself and your needs. During my career, I've supported a lot of young people and young adults to look at career options, and to help them write a CV that stands out and apply for jobs as their authentic selves. I'm a proud weirdo and promise I'm very understanding as someone who's been there and done that. I fought for my autism diagnosis and my son's ADHD diagnosis. My husband always says, as I touched on earlier, when it comes to other people, I am a FIERCE advocate. (Thank you autism for my strong sense of justice).