Autism Coaching and Mentoring
Our autism coaching and mentoring is delivered by our team which includes both neurodivergent and non-neurodivergent coaches and mentors. It is suitable for autistic and other neurodivergent individuals as well as their families and colleagues.
Our coaching/mentoring sessions are now either online or by telephone. Face-to-face sessions are delivered only in exceptional circumstances if agreed with the coach/mentor.
Our coaching and mentoring team
Coaches
Manar Matusiak – Lead Coach
Manar has over 20 years’ experience at director level in the specialist health, care and education sectors. She currently leads a team helping autistic people find support and services and delivers autism training, coaching and mentoring to autistic individuals and those with other neuro-diverse conditions. Manar especially coaches neurodivergent people in the workplace, as well as their managers supporting in an understanding of how neurodiversity impacts on each individual differently and offering suggestions of how best to navigate the workplace.
Dr Jonathan Vincent – Coach
Jonathan is a lecturer in Higher Education at Lancaster University. He has an international profile and has published several papers. Jonathan is an experienced trainer and has delivered interactive workshops on inclusive recruitment to professionals from health, education, banking, and government departments. For the best part of the last decade he has worked with autistic university students and graduates, with a particular focus on transitions and employment.
Kathryn Lewis – Coach
I’m a PhD student working within the School of Psychology at York St John University, researching pupils with SEN’s experiences of school transitions. I previously worked for The Retreat York, providing pre- and post-diagnostic support for adults with Autism and ADHD, as well as supporting with diagnosis for children, young people and adults. I have particular experience in supporting with learning more about the impact of autism and discussing specific individualised adjustments. This includes supporting with work or education, working on strategies to support with planning and prioritizing, organisation, and memory, and accessing social opportunities. I am passionate about building strong relationships with clients and focusing on individual preferences and goals.
Coach/Mentors
Elaine Hatfield-White – Coach/Mentor
“I have Autism (diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 2016) which gives me an autistic inside-out perspective of how to navigate the demands of education, the workplace and social environments. Being autistic also affords me a deep understanding , empathy and rapport with many other autistic people.”
Elaine has worked as a Disability/AccessAbility Officer for Universities both in Kent and Western Australia for the last 17 years, providing adjustments and recommendations for support for neurodiverse students as well as those with long term and lifelong conditions. From 2018- 2021, Elaine also Co-Coordinated a Specialist Mentoring Program for autistic students at Curtin University in Perth Western Australia. Elaine is currently studying a distance PGCert in Autism and Asperger Syndrome with Sheffield Hallam University/National Autistic Society as well as working as a coach/mentor for autistic people.
Ian McRae – Coach/Mentor
I was very pleased to be diagnosed Autistic and ADHD in 2023, at the age of 49. This diagnosis
helped me to reframe the struggles that I have had throughout my life, and to understand how to
best make use of my strengths. A fully qualified teacher with over 10 years’ experience in schools, I have worked with many neurodivergent people, helping them to understand their own, unique place in the world. Using skills developed through a background based in counselling, I am passionate in the goal of assisting other neurodivergent people to navigate some of the complexities of living in a predominantly neurotypical world. I am also a father to two amazing children.
Nicci Lou – Coach/Mentor
Ever feel like you’re acting out a part? With only one short life ahead of you, can you really afford to show up as anyone, but you? Trained at Great Ormond Street, I worked as a Senior Nurse in PICU for 15 years until an amalgamation of mysterious illnesses had me leave nursing for self employment. I became NHS diagnosed Autistic at age 44 and at the same time I was told I am probably ADHD too, (like my sister and probably my daughter). My son too is awaiting assessment for autism. An out and proud gay woman, having jumped back in the closet the first time around aged 18, when I got my diagnosis I was determined to help other neurodivergent women and queer people live the life they deserved. I have psychology AS level and an Understanding Autism level two alongside my nursing diploma. I’m also currently working towards my ICF Associate Coach certification as a Neurodivergent Family Coach. When not working you’ll find me life-learning alongside my kids, in the ocean, or waiting to jump on a no obligation free call with you, to see if we’re a good fit for each other.
Peer Mentors
Craig Dyson – Peer Mentor
If you are waiting for a diagnostic assessment or if you are considering being referred for a diagnostic assessment, I can empathise with how you are feeling and I can help you talk through your current experiences. I was diagnosed with autism at the age of 38 after spending all my life knowing I was different to most other people but having no label to attach to it and worrying whether it was due to personality defects. When I received my diagnosis, my overwhelming feeling was that of relief, but I know it can and will impact people in different ways and I am passionate in sharing my experiences and ways of coping to help others who are getting a late diagnosis. If you’ve experienced anxiety or depression whilst waiting for answers, I can empathise having gone through similar experiences, I am here to listen and to help you talk it through.
Titi Soyombo – Peer Mentor
I’m Titi and I have spent most of my life wishing I had someone to listen to me and make me feel understood. During my undergraduate years my mental health took a serious hit and I have been steadily building it back up since then. I am currently pursuing an MSc in Environment, Politics and Development where I have been fortunate to meet many amazing and passionate people that I get to learn from every day. Whether you’re a student waiting on an autism diagnosis like me, or navigating life after receiving your diagnosis, I would love to help you feel listened to and understood. I can provide empathy during trying times and practical advice should you need/want it. I know how overwhelming taking everything on at once can feel so I will help you take things bit by bit so that managing becomes easier. I like to take a holistic approach to problem solving and will talk issues through with you. Sometimes a different perspective is all it takes to break through what once seemed to be an insurmountable wall.
Session length
Our sessions last 45 minutes.
You can book sessions online, on the telephone or face-to-face (face-to-face sessions are only offered in exceptional circumstances if agreed with the coach/mentor).
The coaches work from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm UK time. If you need coaching or mentoring outside those times you need to agree it directly with the coach/mentor once we have made the introduction.
How to book
To book an autism coaching and mentoring session with any one of our coaches/mentors please email training@livingautism.co.uk indicating which coach/mentor you would like to work with and times suitable to you.
How much does it cost?
Autism coaching and mentoring sessions are –
Online or telephone
£72 including VAT
Face-to-face (if mutually agreed with the coach/mentor)
£72 including VAT (venue hire is extra)
If you are interested in Autism Training please visit https://livingautism.com/autism-training/
_________________________________
If you need help looking for services for an individual with an autism spectrum condition, we can help. Click below for the Autism Placement Support Service.
