About Me
Chiara Richards
Founder of Reframe neurodiversity
My story, my why, and the heart behind Reframe Neurodiversity
I help neurodivergent adults, parents and organisations create greater understanding, confidence and environments where different minds can thrive.
As a late-diagnosed autistic, ADHD and dyslexic woman, my work combines professional expertise with lived experience. Reframe Neurodiversity was created from a belief that diagnosis should be the beginning of support, not the end of it.
My story
My journey into neurodiversity began through my children.
Over more than a decade, I navigated assessments, waiting lists, barriers to support and countless conversations with professionals while trying to understand and advocate for their needs.
Along the way, I immersed myself in learning about neurodiversity, determined to help my family thrive.
What I didn't realise at the time was that I was also learning about myself.
In my forties, I was diagnosed as autistic, ADHD and dyslexic. Suddenly, many of the experiences, challenges and strengths that had shaped my life began to make sense.
"Diagnosis didn't change who I was. It helped me understand myself."
Why Reframe Neurodiversity Exists
After my own diagnosis, I realised something important.
Diagnosis often answers the question of why, but it doesn't always help people understand what comes next.
Families and individuals are frequently left to navigate burnout, identity, work, relationships and self-understanding on their own.
Reframe Neurodiversity was created to bridge that gap between diagnosis and thriving.
From Burnout to Understanding
From the outside, I looked successful, capable and highly competent.
Behind the scenes, I was exhausted.
Like many neurodivergent women, I spent years masking, striving for perfection and pushing myself to meet expectations that didn't fit the way my brain worked.
Learning about neurodivergent burnout changed everything.
Creating a New Way of Working
Building Reframe Neurodiversity allowed me to create the kind of working life I couldn't find within traditional systems, one built around flexibility, authenticity and wellbeing.
For the first time, I was working with my brain rather than against it.
Turning Learning Into Support
After diagnosis, I discovered there was very little practical support available for individuals and families trying to understand what came next.
Determined to bridge that gap, I retrained in psychology, ADHD coaching, NLP and Acceptance and Compassion Based approaches.
Today I combine evidence-informed practice with lived experience to help others navigate their own journeys.
Why I Do What I Do
I don't believe neurodiversity is something that needs fixing.
What many people need is understanding, validation, practical support and environments that allow them to thrive.
Every week I meet people who have spent years trying harder, adapting more and questioning themselves because the systems around them weren't designed with different minds in mind.
One of the greatest privileges of my work is watching that self-doubt transform into self-understanding.
When people understand how their brains work, everything starts to shift.
Confidence grows.
Self-compassion develops.
Possibilities expand.
I know how powerful that shift can be because I've experienced it myself.
"Different minds don't need to fit in. They need the right conditions to flourish."
Professional Expertise
Professional Training & Qualifications
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Psychology
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ADHD Coaching
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Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP)
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Acceptance and Compassion Based Approaches
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Neurodiversity Coaching and Inclusive Practice
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Workplace Neurodiversity & Inclusion
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Parent Advocacy & Lived Experience
Alongside professional qualifications, my experience as a parent of neurodivergent children and as a late-diagnosed neurodivergent adult shapes every aspect of my work.
What Shapes My Approach
Professional Expertise
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Psychology
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ADHD Coaching
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NLP
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Compassion Based Approaches
Lived Experience
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Late diagnosed autistic, ADHD and dyslexic adult
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Parent of neurodivergent children
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Burnout recovery
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Neurodivergent entrepreneur
Who I Work With
I support:
✓ Newly diagnosed autistic, ADHD and AuDHD adults
✓ People exploring whether they may be neurodivergent
✓ Professionals experiencing burnout or workplace challenges
✓ Parents of neurodivergent children and young people
✓ Organisations creating more inclusive workplaces
You Don't Have To Figure It All Out Alone
Whether you're exploring a diagnosis, recovering from burnout, supporting a neurodivergent family member or looking to create a more inclusive workplace, I'd love to hear your story.
“Reframe Neurodiversity has been a game-changer. The support, strategies, and guidance I received helped me transform my life in ways I never thought possible.”
Contact me
Feel free to reach out to me for any enquiries or to schedule a consultation.
Location
Reframe Neurodiversity is based in Cheltenham
United Kingdom.
Coaching is available online, preventing access barriers
