top of page
Black and white photo of the founder.

"Other coaches tried to give me better maps. Charlie helped me understand my engine was designed differently and that was the point, not the problem." - Stacy Chamberlain

​

Finally getting your diagnosis of autism can be met with mixed emotions. And what if you are still waiting? Or, there is simply no way you can see yourself going through the assessment process, but you are coming to terms with your self-diagnosis? Maybe you sit comfortably with the sense that you are neurodivergent, but unsure how that may have affected you.

 

We know there is very little accredited and qualified support available to help you adjust to this new identity. And even fewer people are capable of bridging the entrepreneurial world with that of the neurodivergent woman's experience. This is precisely what I do well.

 

Are you a late-diagnosed autistic person looking to embrace your unique strengths, unlock your full potential, and find happiness in every aspect of your life? Are you a neurodivergent female entrepreneur looking to adjust your life to bring your best possible self to work and to model healthy work-life habits for your daughters, sisters, and female employees?

 

My mission is to empower you to thrive in a world that may not always understand your neurodivergence. As an autistic woman with ADHD myself, I believe that being neurodivergent is a remarkable gift. I am here to help you harness your strengths, overcome challenges, and lead a fulfilling life guided by positivity and self-acceptance.

 

My coaching sessions focus on fostering optimism, building resilience, and cultivating a mindset that promotes personal growth and well-being. No two neurodivergent female entrepreneurs and business professionals are alike, and neither are their journeys. I work closely with you to create a personalised coaching plan that aligns with your goals and aspirations, ensuring that your progress is meaningful and sustainable.

​

Don't let your late diagnosis define your limitations and avoid neurodivergent burnout. Embrace your uniqueness, unlock your potential, and lead a life filled with positivity and purpose.

SERVICES

  • Online positive psychology coaching and mentoring for late-diagnosed autistic women

  • Online positive psychology coaching and mentoring for neurodivergent female entrepreneurs and professionals

  • In-company or online workshops on autism and neurodivergence in the workplace

  • Online and in-person training on neurodiversity and autism (areas of interest: Academia, Higher Education, Autism in Women)

  • #ActuallyAutistic writer, speaker and advocate

  • Equity and inclusion consultancy for HRM

ABOUT

ABOUT CHARLIE

I went into coaching just as "life coaching" was taking off. I was determined to train rigorously and follow the path of positive psychologists like Robert Biswas-Diener, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Barbara Fredrickson, and Martin Seligman. I did not want to be a "life coach"; instead, I wanted to specialise in applied positive psychology using coaching techniques to support autistic people. I have experienced counselling, therapy, CBT, psychotherapy and psychoanalysis - and even though they all have their distinct place in the seasons of our cognitive and emotional life, positive psychology coaching was what resonated with me the most.

​

I am currently pursuing my PhD in Education Research at Lancaster University, specialising in neuroinclusion in universities. â€‹I have an MSc (Merit) in Applied Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology from the University of East London. I also hold a Post Graduate Certificate (Distinction) in Autism from Sheffield Hallam University and The National Autism Society.

 

I combine my coaching with teaching and consultancy projects. Prior to embarking on my Master's degree, I had an international career spanning over two decades in Media, not-for-profit and Education. I speak Portuguese fluently and French well, and have lived and worked across the Continent of Europe for much of my life. I have worked for and collaborated with illustrious pan-European organisations such as UEFA, the European Commission, the European Union Youth Orchestra, & The British Council.

​

I was part of a small team of Lead Trainers for the National Autism Trainer Programme run by AT-Autism and Anna Freud (Anna Freud is a world-leading mental health charity for children and families). I also work for the Centre for Research in Autism and Education at University College London as a researcher and research engagement specialist, and for the Autistic Girls Network.

​

I use my experience and research, alongside my understanding of positive psychology, to support clients through short periods of focused, goal-oriented coaching. 

EDUCATION & AFFILIATIONS

  • PhD Candidate, Lancaster University (Neuroinclusion in Higher Education)

  • PgCert Autism (Distinction), Sheffield Hallam & National Autistic Society

  • MSc in Applied Positive Psychology & Coaching Psychology (Merit), University of East London

  • Level 5 Award in Supporting Adults with Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties (Dyslexia Guild)

  • Safeguarding Training Level 3 for Managers and DSLs (Ann Craft Trust)

  • Member of PASSHE – The Professional Association of SpLD Specialists

  • Certified SS-ASC - Specialist One-to-One Study Skills for Autism Spectrum Conditions

  • Working Effectively with Autistic University Students, National Association of Disability Practitioners

  • National Autism Trainer Programme (NATP) – Lead Trainer

  • Qualified Teacher Status

CONTACT

Email: hello@betternessmanifesto.org​

​

By emailing me, you are not committing to anything at all. We usually arrange a free introductory call lasting about 15 minutes to answer your pressing questions and to see if we "connect" well and can work productively together.

bottom of page