I spent years being told I was careless and lazy, and had a butterfly mind

Award-winning coach Kim Morgan meets old client Alice, who is struggling to make sense of a late diagnosis

- With Kim Morgan

I had coached Alice a few years ago. Her employers had engaged me to help her organise her time and workload more efficiently. I soon realised that Alice was a talented and creative leader and was under pressure from her organisation to conform to their working style. Alice had felt shamed by her employers and had interpreted the referral for coaching as a remedial, rather than a developmental step.

At the end of our final session back then, I had offered Alice two parting thoughts. The first was to wonder how far the organisation could meet her learning and working style, besides simply expecting Alice to meet theirs.

The second went something like this: 'I have noticed how you bring unique perspectives to problem-solving. I wonder if it might be interesting for you to read some books or listen to some podcasts about the different ways our brains work?'

After the coaching session, I had regretted making this suggestion. It was a departure from my usual style, and I had hinted at neurodiversity without naming it – I felt I had been clumsy and directive.

Then, years later and out of the blue, Alice booked some more coaching sessions with me. This time she was paying for them herself.

She arrived at my office eager to tell me everything that had happened since she was last here.

‘I went back to work and noticed what a fish out of water I was in that business. I became aware of how others rolled their eyes and got frustrated with me. I started reading about neurodiversity Everything I read or listened to felt like coming home!’ She sat back and looked directly at me.

‘So, at the ripe old age of 44, I have received a diagnosis of ADHD, and it feels like a huge relief and an equally massive shock.’

I invited Alice to say more.