Empowering Me: Understanding and Embracing ADHD & ASD

By Jacqui Grant

Empowering Me: Understanding and Embracing ASD & ADHD is for anyone who is neurodiverse or a family member or friend who would like to learn more. Be true to you, be your unique self and embrace your neurodiversity.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Apr 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9781447736905

Book preview

Empowering me

Understanding and Embracing ADHD & ASD

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Bearberry Pty Ltd

ABN: 22 165 659 914

Trading as: Break Free Consultancy

Copyright © 2023 by Jacqui Grant

All rights reserved.

This book or any part thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the author/publisher except for the use of a brief quotation in a book review or scholarly journal.

Empowering Me

First Printing: 2022

Second Printing 2023

ISBN:  978-1-4477-3690-5

Break Free Consultancy

Level 1 530 Little Collins Street

Melbourne

Website: www.breakfreeconsultancy.com

E: [e-mail]

Disclaimer: The material in this publication is of the nature of general professional advice, but it is not intended to provide specific

guidance for particular circumstances and it should not be relied on

as the basis for any decision to take action or not take action on any

particular matter which it covers. Readers should obtain an individual. advice from the author where appropriate before making any such decision. To the maximum extent permitted by law, the author. disclaims all responsibility and liability to any person,

arising directly or indirectly from any person taking or not taking

action based on the information in this publication.

Empowering Me

Understanding and Embracing

ADHD & ASD

Jacqui Grant

2023

Forward

Jacqui Grant is one of the most amazing people I have met; her life story and what she has overcome in her journey inspire me every day.

As a woman in her 50s, Jacqui was not diagnosed with ASD and ADHD until late in life and had to learn to adapt, raising one child and caring for others when these diagnoses were not as common as they are now, which meant that Jacqui had to learn and develop strategies not just for herself but for those in her life.

For over 50 years, Jacqui has overcome multiple life challenges, some of which may have been avoided if she had the diagnosis earlier in life.

I first met Jacqui in 2012 when my daughter was six years old; we happened to be at the same networking event. We talked, and I shared my daughter's behavior and delayed developmental milestones.

Jacqui suggested I see a different doctor, and after months of testing, we finally got the diagnosis of Autism; my daughter is also deaf, so we had a journey ahead of us.

Even though I am a trained counselor and have a Bachelor of Education, I was at a loss regarding my child. Jacqui spent months helping me get the proper support, practicing Auslan sign language, and understanding my daughter's world.

Now that my daughter is 16 years of age and going through more changes, Jacqui is still there for us.

Jacqui has so much knowledge in this area and is a fantastic person to educate support workers on neurodiversity from both perspectives of being authentic and realistic. She advocates for treating each person and situation as an individual, which is refreshing.

Jacqui understands it all from an education of support workers perspective in a workplace that needs to understand neurodiversity and how to make changes there. Her ability to be an educator to others comes from lived experience, qualifications, and work experience in health and disability. Jacqui understands that we have children we struggle to connect with at times; she has a way of explaining this to others so that we know that we, our children, and our loved ones are understood and supported.

I highly recommend that disability businesses and sole traders become educated by Jacqui on this topic.

I also highly recommend that other businesses and workplaces bring Jacqui in to train managers on neurodiversity and how to support their staff.

She is an empowering woman who knows what she is talking about and will guide you to the right people as needed.

If you are not in the disability sector and are looking for support with your struggles with ADHD and Level 1 Autism, then book a coaching session with Jacqui; she will guide you and refer you as needed.

This book is a guide, as Jacqui states, and I love that she keeps it honest and real. The personal experiences of others shared at the back of the book are a great touch as you connect with others living with neurodiversity in their life.

Makayla T (Melbourne, Australia), Mother of an ASD and Deaf beautiful young lady, counselor, and teacher.

Testimonials

Jacqui Grant is a gift to the disability sector; she understands not only the industry from a compliance space but also disabilities and how to work with people, especially neurodiverse. I highly recommend working with Jacqui in her coaching sessions!

- Kate T (Support worker sole trader – Adelaide)

Jacqui presented to my management team on neurodiversity in our workplace as we had recently employed some staff who are neurodiverse and found that we needed to learn how to support them or approach the topic without offending them. Jacqui provided us with a checklist to use in our business and some strategies and training around communication. I highly recommend Jacqui Grant for training in your business to be neurodiverse-inclusive. We will get Jacqui back to run Health well-being seminars for our entire team.

Nicole (Owner – Of healthy Be Coaching)

As a neurodiverse person, I have recently started coaching with Jacqui Grant; she is incredibly patient and has given me a few strategies to help me keep a job. It is still early days, but I will continue working with Jacqui on my skills for working. I recommend Jacqui to anyone ready to have support and live with ASD and ADHD.

- Bianca (ASD & ADHD)

"Jacqui Grant is an incredible advocate of those who is neurodiverse. I first met Jacqui while looking for a support worker for my ASD, ADHD, and epileptic participants. As a support coordinator, I meet many people, and Jacqui is one of the few who completely understands neurodiversity in every capacity. Jacqui taught me and still teaches me about neurodiversity and the best way I can help my clients and their families. Jacqui is a born leader and teacher. Suppose you are ready to understand neurodiversity or want to achieve goals in your life. Book a session with Jacqui. You will laugh and learn all at the same time.

I highly recommend Jacqui Grant, Break Free Consultancy."

Sarah A (Support Coordinator - Tasmania)

"Jacqui Grant is incredible with her knowledge of neurodiversity. Our family first met Jacqui 3 years ago, not long after our 5-year-old son was diagnosed with ADS Level 3, nonverbal. We also have an older child (15) who is level 1 ASD also. Jacqui was Godsend; she helped us to implement strategies that helped us with 2 ASD children. She also empowered my husband and me with plans for our self-care and well-being.

I recommend Jacqui Grant for coaching, even as a parent, to not feel so alone and to have the energy to be there for our children. My husband and I felt so comfortable and supported by Jacqui."

Toni & Peter (parents of ASD children Melbourne)

"If you run a business in the disability sector or not, I suggest booking Jacqui Grant to present to your staff on neurodiversity. She has a way of helping you understand neurodiversity in a positive way, which is empowering both staff and the person who is neurodiverse. Jacqui's extensive knowledge and living with it daily also gives her insights that someone who isn't neurodiverse can only partially understand.

I will have Jacqui back to speak with my staff again, especially as my business grows."

- Adam S (Disability Business owner Brisbane)

Dedication

Empowering Me is dedicated to every person whose life has been touched by neurodiversity. You are worthy of the very best in life.

Ron Walker – Dad, you always stood by me through every struggle in my life; you are gone but never forgotten.

My family & friends, I know I have not been the easiest person to understand. However, you have stuck with me; thank you.

Contents

Introduction                                    21

Defining Neurodiversity                                    33

ADHD, ASD, ODD, OCD                          41

Behaviors & Strategies                                      63

Stimming

Triggers

Overwhelm, Meltdowns

Anxiety

Self-esteem and Self Confidence

Executive Dysfunction

Overthinking, Oversharing, Overanalyzing

Hyper fixation

Emotional sensitivity

Masking

Energy levels

Hyperactivity

Spontaneity, Risk Taking, Impulsivity

Anger and Depression

People Pleasing

Working Memory

OCD

ODD

Routines

Forgetfulness. Out of sight, out of mind

Communication Styles123

Verbal, Non-verbal

Delayed Speech development

Miscommunication

Neuro-affirming language

Overtalking

Social cues

No filter

Attention to detail.

Literal

Challenges, Strengths137

Power Hour

Overwhelm

Medication

Eating

Smells

Sensitivities – Clothing and textures

Other medical conditions.

Building relationships

Social Awkwardness.’

Judgements

Be YOU – Know your Superpower.165

Embrace your Uniqueness.

Self-Care

Nutrition

Exercise

Well-being

Follow your dreams.

Rights & Inclusion            175

Goals & Self Reflections                          181

Family and Friends                                      191

Disability Service Providers 197

Schools 201

Workplace 203

Personal Stories and Experiences 209

Checklist and Useful links 221

Break Free Consultancy – What else we offer: 235

Understanding and Embracing ADHD & ASD workplace seminars.

Empowerment Seminars- Health, Fitness & Wellbeing for the workplace.

Wellbeing Programs – development and implementation.

Empowerment Coaching – Personal

Masterclass

Empowerment Workshops

Podcasts and Video’s

Other books by Jacqui Grant

Clothing and Product Range

Contact us.

Introduction

You are beautiful, unique, and incredible. Embrace and love every aspect of you and empower yourself to live your best life!

Have you ever felt judged, misunderstood, and like you don't fit into this world because you have been diagnosed with ADHD, ASD, or a combination of both?

Have you felt that no matter how hard you try, and maybe you mask your natural state of being, you can only fit in for a short period and then feel like you have to escape the world for some time and build your energy levels back up?

If you, as a parent, friend, manager, co-worker, or support worker, have found it so confusing to understand the person in your life who is neurodivergent, then is book is for you.

Let me be clear a neurodiverse person, no matter what the diagnosis is not a puzzle or a person to be fixed or changed.

We are incredible people who view the world. Differently, we are fun and unique and care deeply. Programs created by a neurotypical while their intentions may be to be supportive, are not neuro affirming and do not always cover exactly what a life is like for a neurodiverse person.

They need to understand our world and accept that our world is different from a neurotypical person, and we are perfect as we are. We do not need fixing. We are all individuals, and we all have our strengths.

Empowering me is for those who are considered neurodiverse and have been diagnosed with ASD (Autism) and ADHD. Perhaps you are a family member, friend or formal support worker, or allied health professional for someone who has the diagnosis that fits under the umbrella of being neurodiverse and would like to know more. You could be someone who has a diagnosis could be a combination of both ASD and ADHD.

One of the main things that I would love for you to remember is that every person is beautiful and unique; while we may have things in common with other people, we are all still uniquely who we are.

Someone who is neurodiverse and trying to fit into a world can be very harsh in their judgments of those who are different.

As you read this book, I aim to help you feel empowered and wherever you can embrace who you are. If you are reading this book because you know someone who is neurodiverse, then you may find some strategies that you could use to help your person to feel empowered, to love who they are, and to shine brightly using their incredible skills, as I know they have some amazing ones.

I am not a psychologist or by any means an expert in Neurodiversity; I am, however, someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD and ASD (Autism). I am what many terms as high functioning neurodiverse; my diagnosis was in my 50s. I have raised neurodiverse.

children, one for over 20 years, cared for a couple of foster children who are ASD, worked in Childcare, healthcare, and disability for over 35 years, and successfully ran a support worker business in disability, and that included working with participants who are neurodiverse.

My Professional Qualifications: Registered nurse (35 years), Early childhood education – worked in Childcare and as an Integration aide, Personal Trainer, Health & Wellness Coach, Business Coach, Completed Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, Certificate in Neurodiversity, Mental Health First Aid. Graduate Certificate in Counselling.

I complete professional development every year, including psychosocial recovery coaching, Autism, ADHD,