If you are an adult with ADHD, you have probably been struggling for most of your life. Family life is often particularly difficult when you have children who also have the condition. A coach can work with you to take control of your life, identify your strengths and help you overcome the barriers to achievement.
It is not always easy to make the necessary changes in your life on your own. Coaching can offer you non-judgemental guidance, support and encouragement.
Midwife coaching for ASD and ADHD.
Raising Awareness of Neurodiversity in Maternity Care
At ADHD Norfolk, the team includes a senior midwife who has a lifetime of experience with neurodiversity within her family. This unique perspective highlights the importance of raising awareness, acceptance, and understanding of both autistic and ADHD individuals in maternity care. By doing so, we can improve health outcomes and address the inequalities that these groups often face. Ongoing research is investigating the experiences of autistic people in parenthood and identifying how healthcare professionals can enhance their care practices to be more inclusive and supportive.
Does Your Maternity Provision Cater to Neurodiversity Needs?
A vital question for all maternity services is whether they have a clear policy, guidance, or embedded practices that cater to autistic and ADHD individuals. This is a critical area of focus, as understanding the challenges faced by neurodiverse pregnant individuals can help in providing the appropriate support.
The Need for Early Diagnosis and Its Impact on Health Inequalities
According to research 80% of autistic women are not diagnosed by the time they turn 18. This is often due to ‘masking,’ where individuals may hide their needs throughout childhood and adulthood. As a result, many autistic individuals enter pregnancy without a formal diagnosis or any support in place. This lack of recognition and support can lead to significant health inequalities, negatively affecting both their physical and psychological wellbeing. It is therefore essential that maternity care is equipped to address these disparities by being proactive and inclusive in their approach.
Challenges Faced by Autistic Pregnant People
Pregnancy can be a particularly challenging time for autistic individuals, and they may require extra support. Healthcare professionals must recognise that autism and ADHD affects people differently, and each individual has their own unique needs. The development of a comprehensive Personal Care Plan (PCP), created in collaboration with the individual, is considered best practice to ensure that their specific requirements are met throughout their maternity journey.
Common Challenges Include:
When these challenges become overwhelming, it may result in either a ‘shutdown’ or a ‘meltdown.’ These episodes can be physically and emotionally exhausting, requiring a significant amount of time and space to recover. Unfortunately, some autistic individuals may avoid treatment and care altogether, which can be perceived as non-compliance by healthcare staff, potentially exacerbating health inequalities.
Best Practice: Implementing the SPELL Framework
The SPELL framework (Structure, Positivity, Empathy, Low Arousal, and Links) is an excellent tool for maternity services when supporting neurodiverse individuals. By incorporating this approach, healthcare providers can better understand and meet the needs of autistic and ADHD individuals.
Structure
Providing a structured, predictable environment is essential to helping autistic individuals feel safe, calm, and in control. Best practices include:
Positivity
Adopt a positive, non-judgemental, and kind approach, especially during new or challenging situations such as labour, establishing feeding routines, and postnatal care. Support the individual’s choices and encourage them to take the lead in decisions about their care.
Empathy
Empathy is key to reducing anxiety and distress. It is helpful to ask questions like, “What do you need to feel comfortable?” Additionally, it’s important to accept and understand self-soothing behaviours and accommodate the individual’s sensory and communication preferences to create a more relaxed and supportive environment.
Low Arousal
A low-arousal approach can significantly help in reducing anxiety. This might involve using dim lighting, reducing noise levels, and minimising small talk or unnecessary interruptions to ensure a peaceful, stress-free environment.
Links
Healthcare providers should help build and maintain connections to a strong support network that may include family, friends, and professionals. Adjusting to parenthood can be overwhelming, and extra support may be required. Clear communication with GPs and health visitors before discharge is essential to ensure ongoing care and support for both the parent and their baby.
Additional Factors to Consider in Maternity Care
Maternity staff should be aware of co-occurring conditions that many autistic or ADHD individuals might experience, such as:
It is also important to acknowledge that some autistic and ADHD individuals may identify as non-binary or gender-fluid. Therefore, it is crucial not to make assumptions about a person’s gender and to ensure that inclusive language is used throughout their care.
Psychological and Physiological Impacts of Pregnancy on Neurodiverse People
Current research is exploring both the psychological and physiological factors that may affect autistic and ADHD individuals during and after pregnancy. Some evidence suggests that autistic individuals may have an increased likelihood of experiencing certain health conditions that can impact pregnancy, such as heavy menstrual periods or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Additionally, mental health conditions such as postnatal depression and anxiety may also be more common among neurodiverse parents, making it all the more essential to provide tailored, comprehensive support.
Raising awareness and understanding of autism and ADHD in maternity care is vital in ensuring that neurodiverse individuals receive the support they need for a positive pregnancy and parenthood experience. By employing a person-centred approach, implementing the SPELL framework, and developing individualised care plans, healthcare professionals can help reduce health inequalities and improve outcomes for neurodiverse parents and their babies.
Receiving an ADHD/ADD diagnosis as an adult can be initially a relief, however, following this period adults can often feel very confused. Why didn’t their parents pick up on this when there were younger? Possible feelings of resentment to the teachers that had repeatedly told them off for not sitting still, telling them that they needed to concentrate better, questioning why they are not listening to what they had just been told, losing things like their homework or your P.E. kit. These are some of the common issues faced by adults with ADHD. Coaching will support an adult through this emotional stage and guide you forward to a positive understanding and an increased confidence of who they are.
It can help you to clarify your goals & set priorities.
It can encourage you to find solutions to your problems.
It can facilitate moving you from where you are now, to where you want to be.
"I cannot thank you enough for helping me transform my life around. I didn't ever think ADHD could be an assest to me"
Adult ADHD, Business Owner
The coach is an emotionally neutral person who can help you to take an objective view of your situation.
The coach guides you through the individual steps required to achieve the desired outcome.
The coach encourages you to be accountable for the action you have committed to take.
The coach works with you to identify the areas you most need to work on and to set both short-term and long-term goals.
We initially offer 6 weekly sessions that last one hour but more can be arranged if required.
Telephone support may be provided in between sessions if necessary.
ADHD coaching is a process requiring energy, commitment and dedication as there is no ‘quick fix’. Like most things, you will get out of coaching what you put into it, our job is to assist and guide you in the right direction. A direction that ultimately can have a positive impact upon your daily life.
If we feel that coaching is not right for you at this time or vice versa, This will be discussed at the end of your initial consultation.
Appointments are payable at the time of booking. We require 48 hours notice if you would like to cancel or reschedule your appointment. Appointments cancelled within 48 hours are non-refundable. Appointments cancelled before 48 hours can be rescheduled.
Please email us on coaching@adhdnorfolk.org.uk to book an initial consultation.
