How Learning About My Own Neurodivergence Helped Me Become a Better Coach
Resources and Reflections for Mental Health and Autism Awareness Months
April was Autism Awareness Month, and May marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month. With so much happening in the world, I felt called to share something that’s helped me feel just a bit more sane: shedding light on neurodiversity.
Growing up as a second-generation kid in a Polish-only speaking home, I always thought my struggles in school came down to language. I was shy. I didn’t grow up with storytime. Reading felt hard. And for the longest time, I thought I just had to catch up.
It wasn’t until much later that I realized: it wasn’t just the language barrier.
My brain works differently.
And different doesn’t mean broken. It means diverse.
What Is Neurodiversity?
Neurodiversity is the idea that there’s no one “normal” way for brains to work. It includes Autism, ADHD, dyslexia, sensory processing differences, and more.
At its core, neurodiversity invites us to expand what we consider to be “intelligent,” “professional,” or even “human.” It’s not just about diagnoses or labels. It’s about embracing the full range of how people think, feel, and experience the world, including you.
Yes, even if you’re not formally diagnosed. Even if you don’t “fit the mold.”
Because the truth is, we’re all a little tangled up in trying to fit into a system that was never really built for any of us.
Want to Learn More About Neurodivergent Experiences?
Here are a few books, writers, and resources that have genuinely changed how I see myself, and the world:
📘 Bright Girl, Lacks Focus by Cindy Robinson
A hilarious, heart-opening memoir by a neurodivergent coach. Cindy’s storytelling had me laughing, crying, and underlining entire pages. It’s honest, messy, and incredibly validating.
📘 Unmasking Autism by Devon Price
This book does a phenomenal job unpacking what it means to “mask” and how so many of us (especially those who aren’t white, cis men) go unseen. Devon weaves in the intersections of race, gender, and queerness in a way that’s both deeply human and expansive.
📘 Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn’t Designed for You by Jenara Nerenberg
Especially powerful for women and femmes who’ve been told they’re “too sensitive,” “too much,” or “not focused enough.” Full of science-backed insights and stories that validate what many of us have felt our whole lives.
✍️ Substack: Lindsey Mackereth
Lindsey is an educator and writer whose Substack has been a gem of a resource. She explains neurodivergence with such depth, compassion, and nuance, through a lens of inclusion and complexity. If you want to go down the rabbit hole and somehow find light, her work is where I’d start. She threads together research, story, and soul in a way that helps you feel what it means to be neurodivergent, not just define it.
For Organizations: Bring Neurodiversity into the Workplace
I’m proud to partner with Higher Playbook, founded by my dear friend Julia Armet.
Higher Playbook is an ecosystem of changemakers on a mission to humanize work. One of their standout offerings is the Unmasking Neurodiversity Workshop, a heart-opening, perspective-shifting experience for leaders and teams who are ready to make their workplace more inclusive and aligned with real impact.
If you’re in a position to bring this kind of learning to your team or company, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s not just a workshop, it’s a movement.
Send me a message if you want to learn more or get connected. Your company will not regret this experience.
For Individuals: 1:1 Coaching for Neurodivergent Leaders
If you’re a neurodivergent (or questioning) leader, small business owner, social impact founder or just someone who:
feels deeply,
second-guesses themselves constantly,
is smart as hell but stuck in self-doubt, please know: you’re not alone.
I offer a 6-month, 1:1 coaching program, where we meet bi-weekly to support you in:
regaining your confidence,
clarifying your next big leap,
and building a path forward that actually makes sense to your brain and your life.
Whether you’re navigating burnout, executive function challenges, self-trust issues, or simply longing to feel like yourself again, you are not broken. You are brilliant. And I’d be honored to walk with you.
P.S. Need Support but Unsure If You Can Invest Right Now?
While some companies are scaling back on DEI initiatives, many still invest in Leadership Development, especially when it’s tied to mental health, retention, and supporting high-performing team members in sustainable ways.
If this resonates but finances are a barrier, consider asking your employer if they’d be open to sponsoring coaching that supports your growth. Even in tighter times, it never hurts to ask, and advocating for your needs can open doors you didn’t know were there.
Feel free to reach out if anything here resonates. I’d love to hear how your journey is unfolding and support you however I can.
With love,
Caroline
Photo by Matthew Daiter