What is ADHD coaching?

ADHD coaching provides practical support, tools, and accountability to help manage executive functioning, emotional regulation, and daily challenges — especially for late-diagnosed adults.

Do I need a diagnosis to work with you?

No. I work with diagnosed, self-identified, and questioning clients. If you relate to the challenges, you’re welcome here.

What’s the difference between therapy and coaching?

Therapy focuses on healing and mental health. Coaching focuses on goals, action, and sustainable change. I work alongside therapy, not instead of it.

What is ADHD coaching?

ADHD coaching offers structured, practical support to help you manage executive functioning, emotional regulation, and life’s daily demands. It’s focused on action, not just awareness — helping you build systems that work with your brain.

Do I need a formal diagnosis to work with you?

No diagnosis needed. I work with diagnosed, self-identified, and questioning clients. If you're neurodivergent — or think you might be — you're welcome here.

What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?

Therapy often looks to the past to heal. Coaching helps you look ahead — supporting motivation, boundaries, planning, and burnout recovery. Coaching can complement therapy, but it isn’t a replacement.

Who do you work with?

I specialise in supporting neurodivergent adults — especially parents, professionals, and business owners — who feel overwhelmed or stuck. If you're juggling too much and need sustainable support, I can help.

What happens in a discovery call?

It’s a free 45-minute session to explore what’s not working and where you need support. No pressure, no sales tactics — just a chance to see if coaching feels right for you.

Virtual Assistant (VA) vs. Specialist Support Worker: What’s Best for ADHD or Neurodiverse Entrepreneurs?

Sarah Hardy
Jun 22
3 min read

How to Choose the Right Support for Your Brain, Business, and Budget. (Including Access to Work Grant Funding)

Running a business when you're ADHD, Autistic, or Dyslexic can feel like you're doing three full-time jobs at once: CEO, admin assistant, and crisis manager.

You’ve likely reached a point where doing it all alone is no longer sustainable and that’s not a failure. It’s your cue to explore the kinds of support that are actually designed for brains like yours.

You may have heard of Virtual Assistants (VAs) or Specialist Support Workers, but how do you know which one is right for you? Maybe you've just received an Access to Work grant and are wondering what support is actually available or best for you.

This blog breaks it all down in plain English so you can make a clear, confident choice about what will genuinely help.

What’s the Difference Between a VA and a Specialist Support Worker?

At first glance, both offer help but the type of help, how it’s delivered, and how it's funded can differ significantly.

Virtual Assistant (VA):

A VA is usually a freelancer or self-employed professional who provides remote admin and business support.

They can:

Manage your inbox
Organise your calendar
Follow up with clients
Help with systems, processes, or marketing tasks
Take care of the things that keep falling through the cracks

Best for:

✅ Admin overload

✅ Missed messages or double bookings

✅ Creating order out of chaos

✅ Getting things off your plate entirely

Specialist Support Worker:

A Specialist Support Worker (sometimes called a job coach or support assistant) provides practical, cognitive, and emotional support that helps you do the work rather than doing it for you.

They often:

Help you prioritise and plan your week
Offer body doubling or co-working
Support you in using tools like ClickUp or Notion
Help you manage overwhelm and reduce shutdowns
Understand and work with executive functioning challenges

Best for:

✅ ADHD paralysis

✅ Executive dysfunction

✅ Emotional regulation and stress

✅ Task initiation and staying focused

Which One Do I Need?

Here’s a simple decision guide:

Challenge	Best Fit
I know what to do but can’t start	Support Worker
I’m overwhelmed by unread emails	VA
I forget what I’ve promised or scheduled	Support Worker or VA
I need someone to take admin off my plate	VA
I need help building routines and structure	Support Worker
I struggle with overwhelm and time blindness	Support Worker
I need both practical and emotional support	Support Worker, possibly alongside a VA

Can Access to Work Pay for This?

Yes if you’re neurodivergent and self-employed in the UK, Access to Work can fund both:

Specialist Support Workers (for executive function, task support, coaching)
Some VA services (particularly if it relates to disability support)
Coaching, software, assistive tech, and more

➡️ Start your application here: https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

Even without a formal diagnosis, you can still apply — just be prepared to share how your differences affect your ability to manage or stay in work.

Why Neurodivergent-Specific Support Matters

Generic admin help or accountability won’t cut it if the person supporting you doesn’t understand your brain.

The best VAs and support workers for neurodiverse entrepreneurs are:

Flexible with how you communicate (e.g. voice notes, short tasks)
Non-judgemental and shame-free
Able to adapt their style around your energy, focus, and executive functioning

Having someone who gets it can be the difference between barely surviving and finally thriving.

How to Move Forward

Get clear on where you’re stuck (Emails? Focus? Time management? Stress?)
Decide what kind of support fits
- Do you need someone to do the work for you? → VA
- Do you need help staying on track and getting started? → Support Worker
- Do you want both? → Combo is possible!
Apply for Access to Work You can get support fully or partially funded and choose your own provider.
Book a Discovery Call - I offer neurodiversity-affirming coaching, VA-style support, and work with many clients who receive Access to Work funding. My support is designed for your brain, your goals, and your way of working.

You don’t have to “just try harder” or power through alone.

Whether you're ADHD, Autistic, Dyslexic, or identify as neurodivergent in your own way, the right kind of support can change everything.

This isn’t about fixing you it’s about backing you up so your ideas and talent have room to shine.

👉 Curious which option is right for you?

Book a Free Discovery Call — no pressure, just a supportive chat.