Service categories: Counselling and therapies, Information, advice and advocacy

Service URL: https://about.me/otonthespectrum

Hello - I'm, Liz de Mello, Occupational Therapist, offering post-diagnostic guidance and coaching for autistic adults.

I'm passionate about using my specialist professional training, clinical experience, and lived experience as an autistic person, to help other neurodivergent people overcome everyday challenges at work, at home, in daily life.

My approach is autism-specific, strengths-based and neuro-affirmative.

You are not in this life to suffer! You can enjoy your work, leisure activities & experience a fulfilling personal life too.

I have over 30 years of professional experience helping people with a range of disabilities overcome barriers to participation in mainstream activities, workplaces and educational settings.

I was a special needs Careers Guidance Counsellor for 15 years, then in 2014 qualified as an Occupational Therapist, specialising in vocational rehabilitation. More recently nearly 8 years as an NHS clinician within a multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental diagnostic service revealed to me the glaring unmet need for specialist post-diagnostic guidance, so I began offering private sessions.

My aim is to provide holistic autism-specific coaching, occupational therapy & guidance to enable you to participate in work or education, engage fully in family & social life, and effectively communicate your needs.

Examples of areas which we can focus on:

making sense of your diagnosis; work & university accommodations and reasonable adjustments; how / when to disclose your diagnosis; navigating friendships and relationships; managing life transitions such as leaving home, starting a family or retirement; avoiding or recovering from autistic meltdowns; communicating with medical professionals; dealing with co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, alexithymia, face-blindness, ADHD, dyspraxia, or chronic pain & fatigue; understanding your sensory needs; sleep problems; energy management and ‘burnout’ … and much more.

Most of my clients are self funding but some may claim a grant for work-related coaching & counselling through Access to Work - see www.gov.uk for details on eligibility. I offer discounted sessions for people on means-tested benefits and for clients aged 18-24.

Why choose an occupational therapist rather than a life-coach or counsellor? There is some overlap between OT, counselling and coaching, and all are valuable services that support individuals in improving their well-being and attaining their goals. However, OT is a unique and holistic approach that considers the whole person, their environment, and their daily activities.

Occupational therapists are Allied Health Professionals who must be registered with the Health Professions Council (HCPC) and maintain an up to date CPD portfolio. OT focuses on helping individuals engage in meaningful occupations, which are the everyday activities that bring purpose and a sense of life satisfaction. These include self-care, work, leisure, and social participation. In removing barriers to participating these occupations, OT addresses the practical aspects of daily life, empowering you to gain more control of your life, improve your general health, psychological and social well-being.

• Email for further details, pricing, T&C's, or to arrange a free initial chat: OTonthespectrum@protonmail.com

Aimed at: Adult , Professional, Students

Referral Sources: Private Only, Yourself

Specialisms: Autism, Autism and Neurodivergent , Exclusively autism specific, Has autism-specific elements, Has autism-specific elements

Other specialisms: Co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions and commonly co-occurring mental health difficulties.