A Coaching Model for Neurodivergent Minds
Guest blog post by Sal Uddin
When I began my coaching journey, I leaned heavily on the tried-and-tested models already out there. GROW, CLEAR, OSKAR, IDEAL ? each one had real value, and I often found myself switching between them or blending them together depending on the client in front of me. Over time, however, I started to notice a pattern. Many of my neurodivergent clients ? whether ADHD, ASD, or AuDHD ? responded well to structure, clarity, and a more directive style.
While purely non-directive coaching creates space for exploration, it sometimes left these clients feeling overwhelmed or unsupported. What I needed was something that gave both direction and flexibility, something I could adapt without losing focus.
After my first year of coaching, I took a step back and reflected on what I was actually doing in sessions. I realised that I had already developed a loose rhythm: I framed challenges, organised strategies, coordinated practical steps, encouraged reflection, and worked on sustaining change. This was my natural flow, even when I thought I was improvising.
To make my own practice easier ? and to give my clients a clear roadmap ? I decided to shape this into a proper framework. And because I am an educator at heart, I knew it needed an acronym. That is how the FOCUS ? model was born. FOCUS provides a structured, dynamic, and personalised approach to coaching.
It starts with F ? Framing the individual?s unique neurodivergent profile, identifying strengths, challenges, sensory needs, and communication styles.
Next, O ? Organise strategies that genuinely reflect their lived experience, creating a personalised plan instead of relying on generic ?one size fits all? advice.
Then C ? Coordinate practical, adaptive approaches across different areas of life ? planning, prioritisation, sensory regulation, social navigation, and energy management.
The U ? Understand stage builds self-awareness and self-
acceptance, supporting individuals to see their identity more clearly and step into self-advocacy.
Finally, S ? Sustain ensures that progress lasts, by embedding routines, habits, and boundaries that strengthen resilience and independence.
What makes FOCUS different is not just that it is an acronym, but that it strikes the balance so many neurodivergent people need: clear scaffolding combined with flexibility. It is directive enough to guide, but adaptable enough to honour each person?s individuality. For me, it is not just a tool for clients, but also a compass for my own coaching practice. It keeps me FOCUSed by reminding me to keep sessions structured without becoming rigid, supportive without becoming prescriptive.
In the end, FOCUS is about helping people build the skills and self-knowledge to live authentically and independently ? and for me, it has become the framework that truly brings my coaching into alignment with the people I serve.
