Audhd Forward

16/03/2026

Do you dare to dream?

It’s recent to occurred to me how significant daring to dream is. If we can’t dream it how can it ever happen?

I have an easy day today … time for gentle admin after particularly (self inflicted) busy week last week and clients rearranging today.

That leaves me plenty of time for day dreaming but let’s call it manifesting … somewhere warm, by the sea working with women to love and celebrate their bodies, hearts and minds- working on embodying all that practice myself and I when I’m ready to claim that for me it will happen.

And it will.

Every day is one tiny step forward as I work on myself. Today taking supplements cortisol, creatine and drinking water seriously; taking accountability for monitoring the choices I’m making when I put food into my body.

When I was identified as at risk of type 2 diabetes I was given an app through nhs which has waited patiently for almost a year to take pictures of what I ate. I refused - or I only selected the ‘healthy’ meals. I didn’t want to face up to bad habits. Too much sugar, more carbs than my body needs, late night snacking. I know my disorganised eating was exactly that.

So now I’m saying I’m worth feeding properly.

I’m not dieting, I’m not restricting I’m just looking at what benefits the food that goes in my mouth has. No more ultra processed food, no more empty carbs. No alcohol - that’s been consistent since Christmas.

Strength training every day even if it’s 5 mins. No more walking past the weights on the landing without picking one up.

10k steps every day minimum plus 3 x hours intensive movement a week.

Feel like I’m ready to choose me.

Still a long way to go - stepping back from doom scrolling and binge watching tv not that I do much of that but still it takes time from reading, meditating, connection with people I love.

Time is precious. Life is precious.

Thing is I’ve always achieved the dreams I’ve consciously committed to. It’s the daring to commit that’s the hardest and crucial step.

We have to allow ourselves see, feel, connect with our dreams and yes it’s scary but if we can’t dream it - it will never happen.

It means change. It will probably mean with dealing with stress, fear, disappointment along the way but embracing all that as a means to the end- our lessons, our purpose, awareness, understanding. I’ve always learnt through doing- so there’s no other way.

Time to learn 🇪🇸 🫶

13/03/2026

Sharing incase any young people you know might be interested in the paid for opportunity - sounds exciting and a wonderful experience 🫶

06/03/2026

Free coaching for family members of someone who is autistic … maybe for educators too if you’re working closely with a child with autism.

Do you work with family members of autistic people?

Or do you need personalised guidance for your own family?

We’re commissioned by the NHS to offer free, online coaching sessions through Autism Central.

These sessions are delivered by our trained and supervised peer guides with lived or family experience.

The sessions offer a safe space to reflect on autistic wellbeing, family life and practical guidance, helping you feel heard, connected and navigate services.

Anyone living in England and supporting an autistic person of any age is eligible. 4, 8 or 10 consecutive sessions can be booked.

Find out more and get booked in: https://orlo.uk/9MhkS

NHS England Workforce, Training and Education

24/02/2026

Reposting as this provides a calm and balanced overview of the white paper and changes actually not being changes but acknowledging reform is still very much needed and this isn’t it!

19/02/2026

Half term hasn’t gone to plan…

When I went to work I felt guilty for not being at home.

When I worked at home I enjoyed and gave my all to planned coaching sessions but apart from dog walks and running not much else has happened 😬.

So had to work hard at not beating myself up about that as I’ve had such a productive start to the year it’s uncomfortable to feel as if I’ve ‘lapsed’ into ‘old ways’. Even though it was more than a year ago, the fear and memory of burn out is a shadow that isn’t far away it would seem.

In the future I’ll know school holidays are not the time for doing extra jobs.

They’re time for working as a coach and being mum and taking down time.

Always learning and listening to my body now. That’s the difference and that’s why I’m confident burn out won’t happen again. Life may not always look the way I want to but learning to accept that too.

Rather than fighting these ways of being (ourselves) it’s about planning for them. And I know to do that now.

My brain and focus struggles to be in 2 camps at the same time. That’s just how it is right now.

So if that feels like you too, just letting you know it’s not only you 🫶

12/02/2026

I just saw a glossy, curated post for a slick solution focussed approach to ensuring you are always successfully productive.
Or something like that. I didn’t actually read it as I don’t buy into any of that.. ‘you just need this…’. approach.

My approach is more organic /messy.

For me there’s 3 approaches to getting things done. And I use all of them.

1. Stress, pressure, deadlines - we’re all familiar with that - and allthe negative side effects - stress, exhaustion/melt down, need to decompress afterwards. Results can be effective. But impact can be destructive . Works for emergencies not good as a geverdl long term ‘go to’ plan.

2. Dopamine fuelled … either I feel in flow, because it’s an act of joy or because I’m working towards a long term goal which brings me joy/excitement to think of (although not too much otherwise I get overwhelmed and have to stop 🥴). The risk here is that the task may be a bit left field, impulsive, perhaps not as much a priority as my attention suggests. But can leadto unexpected results.

3. This is when I’m in balance … ticking over nicely - all the safe care is in place, I’m checking and ticking off (sometimes) my to do list; I can be productive on a measured, calm way. I’ve had a lot more of those days since I invested in a new work space and I am reaping the words in terms of business and other (although not all) holistic goals around health and well being and being mum.

But - what I’ve experienced this week is when I’m in that regulated place ie feeling good suddenly I think I’m Wonder Woman - suddenly I moved the parameters which had been working nicely do that I could do more (be more). It’s not that I’m advocating staying static, I am adhd after all but trying to triple my exercise routine and start getting up at 6am and going to ed late obviously was never going to work. Not all in one go.

I can reflect now that I’ve been pushing myself too much.

Spoons theory is always relevant - I’ve been getting up early, going to bed late and increased my exercise count.

Today I’ve flaked. I’ve still been functioning but allowed myself to be distracted- I kept 2 appointments but the other tasks were not on my to do list.

I could - kind of was - be cross with myself because those extra tasks have been social media posts (3 today 🫣) and I’d promised myself social media would take a back step.

But I also recognise the role social media has - posting is my go to as an ‘unhealthy’ calming strategy when I’m too ‘far gone’ to remember to choose the healthier options.

And even though I’m thinking of my unloved to do list - it’s ok. This is my reminder that wanting something to be possible isn’t enough.

And it’s my reminder that I need to be soconscious about the choices I make.

That’s the main take away i just needed reminding of today.

As someone who is neurodivergent I think it’s inevitable that every day is a school day. And how can that be anything other than a good thing?

12/02/2026

‘Through our sesssions I’ve learnt to advocate for myself’

Working as a DSA approved specialist mentor for students with Autism, ADHD and dyslexia is something I’m so grateful to be able to do.

There’s no asking clients to pay for what they need.

I’m in a position where I can be flexible and accommodate individual needs around things and frequency of sessions.

We work on camera, off camera, occasional check ins, accountability, reminders via WhatsApp.

I work with students straight from A levels, late diagnosed mums juggling everything, mature students starting a new phase of life.

I work with undergraduates and postgraduates.

I respond to whatever’s needed - I offer body doubling within a session, we plan the week ahead and how to balance the energy and social demands, health and wellbeing…

I ask questions which help students clarify their priorities and notice their own assumptions. I call out (gently) negative self talk. I pre-empt RSD - it’s ok - what is that telling you?

Sometimes it’s about the studies, the planning, organisation, the starting, the editing and the finishing of assignments

Sometimes it’s about the celebrations, the achievent - why are we all so reluctant to do that?

And so my favourite moment of this week was a mum telling me how she had advocated for her son and arranged for him to have his hair cut when the salon would be closed to any other customers.

That followed a hair appointment in which for the first time, after years struggling she wore ear buds, explained she found conversation and touch stressful, opted out of conversation and head massage and had a much more manageable experience.

There’s the ripple effect of this type of work. People learning it’s ok to meet their own needs, advocate for themselves rather than pushing through and then model self advocacy, self acceptance and self worth to others - teaching younger generations to do the same.

‘Self advocacy’ was never a target in any of our sessions, but self worth and self compassion are integral and woven through them all.

And this is why this work is a privilege 🫶

09/02/2026

It’s never too late…

4 days before I hit 54 and I’m a world away from the tears I shed at 40 where I just felt lost and overwhelmed.

Understanding, accepting and showing yourself compassion - however much effort that may be is important for everyone and for me identifying as autistic and adhd gave me permission to stop apologising for who and how I was and still am has been a massive step to take, but it was only ever me that could gift myself that new thinking

It’s true you don’t need a diagnosis but start giving back to yourself, it’s ok to tend to your own needs first - work out what lights you up, what makes you feel like running for cover, triggers your anxiety and make changes. They don’t have to be huge things in themselves … just a shift in balance and a few more boundaries to protect but you can’t do that until you can say out loud ‘I matter too’ and that can feel huge.

Still work to do - still got changes I’m working on but in general … I’m feeling good.

And it’s good to be you 🫶

05/02/2026

📣Online support for neurodivergent university students is a big part of what I do.

These days when the universe prompts me I take action.

I just saw post with someone asking whether support for neurodivergent university students was a thing.

And people who have interacted with me on here responded with no I don’t think so, but it’s a good idea 🥴

So yes it is a thing and I provide it. I’m a registered practitioner with Disability Student Allowance(DSA) and Student Loans Company.

If a student has a diagnosis then they are assessed and allocated necessary support - usually a mix of equipment, apps and specialist support by someone like me as a mentor and/or a study skills practitioner. And it’s all funded.

If you have someone in mind you would like to support you as a student and they are registered then you can ask your DSA assessor to name them on the awards letter.

I’ve updated my profile accordingly. Keep the prompts coming universe - I’m listening ☺️

05/02/2026

These findings surprise me - not that there is an apparent equal number of women diagnosed as men but that the numbers were found to be almost equal by the age of 20. Sweden is obviously ahead of the game compared to most other countries and definitely compared to here.

I don’t think I would have been diagnosed at school even now - I know I wouldn’t because I was a ‘good girl’ and that trumped everything. But I was also a secretly very unhappy girl.

No one was looking for that and I had no idea feeling that way was anything more than a ‘failing’ on my part.

Now I have my diagnosis I feel whole in terms of understanding myself and loving who I am. Self acceptance and self love has taken me over 50 years so do labels/diagnosis matter? I think so - that’s my personal opinion and experience, though I respect and understand people who don’t seek or feel they need them. If you have that level of self assurance, awareness and acceptance then the need to label is reduced.

And that’s the aim isn’t it a world where people who are living good lives, the best lives they can - just are and are just accepted as who and how they are by themselves and others?

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/feb/04/autism-women-men-diagnosis-childhood-adulthood?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

31/01/2026

Noticing changes in my life as I approach 54 in a couple of weeks. My life, circumstances, self awareness and how I see myself has changed in so many ways.

This morning I ran for over 2 hours. This afternoon I’m on my way to Leeds for a fascia release treatment with Mariesa . Movement and healing energy are non negotiables for me now and it shows in the way I feel calmer, more focused and positive - not just about the world outside my head but the world inside it too.

This morning I cancelled my upcoming birthday haircut because I have too many clients to see that day and can’t make the time! That is definitely a first since setting up my business in Sept 21. And doing that work brings me joy and feels like a wonderful way to celebrate my birthday- that’s a definite first … ever!

After 4.5 years in business snd drastic changes in my personal life I feel I’m turning a corner.

I think it’s probably inevitable when people decide to set up a business that it coincides with some dramatic shift in life… so it’s obvious that it will take time to work out. People should point that out more I think - over promising magical solutions. You can’t really rush the process.

In my business I really feel like I’m covering what I need to right now but with clear ideas of next steps which I’m excited about: Breathwork, yoga, EFT and happy to take the time it takes to get there.

And all this shows up in small ways like no tears, no overwhelm when my train was delayed this afternoon … it might sound daft but in the past that’s been the reality - tears on the platform, at the ticket office, on the train … thankfully always found someone to help me.

Looking forward to this afternoon - forcing myself not to work … I have so much to work on at the moment especially as I’m still establishing my in person business but I know down time is important so the weeks are as productive as possible- I have to remind myself of that - luckily I have people in my life to remind me.

Happy weekend from me and Charlie 🐾🫶