Meet our freelance coach – Victoria Wilkin

We’re shining the spotlight on Victoria Wilken, one of our workplace coaches, who has ADHD and Autism, as she shares her own unique story about being neurodivergent and how she supports her clients in the workplace.

Victoria’s story

“I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and Autism in 2023. Sometimes, it’s hard to know how they interplay or how to separate them both out. I was diagnosed later because I had spent a long time masking and trying to fit into education and work.

My challenges were around being able to concentrate in class or at work, especially if I was working in an open plan office. Being able to retain information and recall it is also a challenge for me. My memory is visual and so now I understand how my memory works, I can use mind maps, visual reminders and action boards (visual boards) to stay focused on my goals and recall information quicker. I didn’t do very well at school because I had no learning strategies, and this had a huge impact on my self-esteem.

As a mature student, I found a subject (psychology) that I was interested in; this enabled me to be able to hyperfocus on and spend a long time researching. I realised that I could teach myself to learn because I was so driven to improve myself and the life of my young daughter. This was my driver.

I also used exercise to manage my challenges. I loved exercising, running and dance. This enabled me to get into a particular mindset where I could zone out and essentially meditate. This is helpful for reducing anxiety and helping my brain to relax and feel energised. The benefits of movement on cognitive functioning (memory, language, focus) are well documented in scientific research.

I’m now peri-menopausal and the impact of hormones fluctuating can bring new challenges with executive functioning skills as a neurodiverse female. I have had to navigate this time of my life and dig in deep to my workplace coaching strategy. What works for me is staying positive and looking after my SHED (Sleep, Hydration, Exercise and Diet). I’ve noticed that my sleep-wake routine needs to be regular (waking up and going to bed at the same time each day) to avoid feeling socially jet-lagged.

As a coach, I bring with me a lived experience whilst recognising the complexities of unique individual differences. Each person has their own story to tell. The essential theme that comes through is that we have to prioritise our health and wellbeing. Being kind to ourselves and having meaning and purpose in our lives is important. Bringing together the psychological research and understanding of neurodiverse thinking with all its strengths is powerful.

My ADHD strengths mean that I have great enthusiasm and energy. I love learning and will hyperfocus on psychology and health. Whilst coaching, I use my problem solving, analytical mind to ask challenging questions to work with the client to see if they can spot their own patterns that keep them stuck and how they want to move forward with what they know about their own strengths.

I wouldn’t change my neurodiverse thinking. It’s who I am and what makes me unique”.

Victoria specialises in helping clients with a range of needs, from workplace coaching to positive psychology. With her background in Organisational Psychology, psychometrics, and neurodiversity, she’s uniquely qualified to support those with a neurodiversity.

iDiversity’s coaches, like Victoria, can offer workplace coaching to help:

• Develop effective strategies for managing symptoms of neurodiversity.
• Harness your unique strengths and talents.
• Build confidence and resilience.
• Aid in creating a supportive and inclusive workplace environment.

Learn more about iDiversity coaching services and how we can support you here https://www.idiversityconsulting.co.uk/coaching-services/

For further support and guidance about ADHD, visit the ADHD foundation website  https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/

For further support and guidance about Autism, visit The National Autistic Society website https://www.autism.org.uk/