I was the girl that everyone seemed to see through a glass window. I would see their expressions flicker as they considered, 'Something isn't quite right with her', unable to quite put their finger on what it was. Peers, teachers and colleagues would smile politely before disengaging, ostracise or tease me, take advantage of my vulnerabilities, or subtly retreat, discouraging me from being me.
For the most part, I wasn't 'friend' material, nor was I 'girlfriend' material. I was strange and unconventional, living in an unforgiving neurotypical world. If I had known what I know now, that I am Autistic and have ADHD, I truly believe life would have been different. I would have advocated for myself better, encouraged my uniqiue authenticity, and been more self-compassionate. But I didn't. I was just an alien, or so I thought.
Knowledge has been both my power and the key to my happiness and success.
When you choose to understand and embrace your neurodiversity, you are committing to a richer life. You'll unlock your own operating manual, shifting your self-perception and expanding your self-awareness. Self-love will become your foundation, as you learn to set boundaries, advocate fiercely, and connect authentically, shattering that invisible wall. This is just the beginning.
Ready to transform?
The first step is often the hardest, and also the bravest. This is a journey of partnership. Let's take it together, starting with a fresh perspective on yourself and a deeper understanding of your inner workings."
Coach Katie from The Very Versatile Lemon now offers face to face and telehealth appointments every Wednesday, 9am - 5pm, and Thursday, 1pm - 5pm, at Melbourne Children's Clinic, Surrey Hills. Both adults and adolescents can use this service.
Please contact the clinic on 03 9813 5700 to make an appointment.
"Katie is a wealth of knowledge and has a beautiful approach to increasing the capacity of others to better guide the children in their lives. I hope to work with Katie more in the future and highly recommend both professionals working with children and parents to seek out opportunities to learn from her experience and wisdom."
"After trying many (Nero-typical) psychologists without any success. Katie was the first asd support professional that my daughter has opened up to and engaged with. They formed a trusting bond very quickly and my daughter loves her sessions with Katie. So happy we found your service,"
"Katie's lived experience has enabled her to form a connection with my daughter from the very first meeting. She is quickly able to identify when strategies will or won't work for my daughter. We are so happy with the progress that has been made and my daughter looks forward to every appointment. Highly recommend!!"
"Understood ADHD, my struggles, and what strategies I would benefit from moving forward. Very insightful and great at helping me explore my ADHD further. Asks great questions to help me reflect. I am very happy with what we cover during sessions and I can't think of anything the coach could improve on."