Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Helen’s Story
This week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a time to challenge stereotypes, break down misconceptions, and recognise the strengths, talent, and value neurodivergent individuals bring to our workplaces and communities.
At Alliance, we’re proud to create a culture where people feel seen, supported, and able to thrive. This year, our colleague Helen bravely shared her lived experience of being neurodivergent at Alliance.
1. Please, introduce yourself
Hello, my name is Helen, and I am one of the counsellors for Alliance Plus. I joined Alliance in July 2025, and I absolutely love working here, it’s such a supportive environment that truly feels like family.
As someone who is dyslexic and ADHD, I’ve experienced incredible understanding and support from Alliance. The team has created a space where I can be myself, and that acceptance has made a huge difference in my confidence and wellbeing.
2. What support have you received from Alliance?
From my very first meetings with Alliance, I felt accepted and valued for who I am. The organisation has not only embraced my neurodivergent identity but also worked with me to remove barriers so that I can flourish in the workplace.
Before joining Alliance, I had been on long-term sickness absence. Since starting here, I’ve been fully supported in returning to and thriving at work, even taking part in extra activities such as the Health and Wellbeing Group and the Neurodiversity Group.
Right from the start, HR and management helped me access, the Access to Work funding, which included:
- Co-coaching with my manager, so they understand how best to support me
- Training for staff and admin support
- We have also created an Adjustment Passport
I am supported by the Alliance Plus Team who help me thrive. We are currently transitioning from one database to another, something that can be tricky because of my executive functioning and working memory challenges. The team helps me build systems and structure, which allows me to work at my best.
Alliance has also invested in the delivery of neurodiversity training, which has helped shape how we approach inclusion systemically. It’s refreshing to see the organisation adopting “curb-cut” language and inclusive practices, even before some staff completed the training!
What stands out is that Alliance is always open to learning and growing to be more inclusive, it’s truly a breath of fresh air.
3. How has that support helped?
Alliance’s support has allowed me to be myself. By removing barriers, they’ve given me the space to shine, and that energy directly translates into my work with clients, helping them feel empowered to do the same.
Because of this support:
- I’ve been able to remain in work and maintain my required workload.
- I can focus fully on my clients instead of being distracted by workplace challenges.
- I feel confident, included, and capable.
A small but powerful example: I sometimes find it difficult to sit still during meetings. Alliance not only accepted this but encouraged me to use fidget tools, which has been incredibly helpful. It’s even inspired me to introduce similar techniques with clients, normalising different ways of self-regulation.
4. How does being neurodivergent help you as a therapist?
Thank you for asking this, it’s such a meaningful question.
Being neurodivergent gives me a unique perspective and a deep sense of empathy for my clients. I’m naturally solution-focused and skilled at noticing where systems can be improved, not just for myself, but for others too.
I have a strong sense of justice, and that drives me to make positive, practical changes where I can. Research increasingly shows that neurodivergent people often have higher levels of empathy, something I deeply recognise in my work as a therapist.
5. What are your thoughts on Neurodiversity Celebration Week?
I think it’s fantastic that we’re celebrating this week and raising awareness. Neurodiversity Celebration Week is such a valuable opportunity to promote understanding, break down stigma, and highlight the strengths and perspectives neurodivergent people bring.
I’m proud to work for an organisation that sees and celebrates difference, and that actively works to make inclusion a lived reality.
