Navigating the Year with Confidence: My guide for students

A new school or university year often brings a mixture of feelings—excitement, nerves, anticipation, and, for many neurodivergent students, a fair bit of uncertainty. Whether you’re autistic, have ADHD, dyslexia, or another neurodivergent profile, school environments aren’t always designed with your needs in mind. That’s why having strategies tailored to your unique brain can make such a powerful difference.

I'll be honest - I wasn't the most organised person at school or Uni - I followed everyone else round like a sheep (clearly had no idea how to read a timetable or, if I did, I had no clue where it was), I had no idea what was on the syllabus and I was often shocked to discover I had an exam (once again, I had no idea how to read a timetable). I'm not suggesting you are as clueless as me (!) but what I've learnt is that my neurodivergence combined with a lack of skills, (I've since learnt the hard way) meant I didn't always meet my potential. Ok I excelled in my GCSEs, but as I got to A-levels and then Uni, my inability to organise myself meant I stuck my head in the sand and generally just tried to wing it.

That's not what I want for my clients. I don't want them to wing it, I don't want them to make choices they later regret because they just didn't have the skills or the support to reach their full potential.

The good news is: you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. There are tried-and-tested tips, books, and online resources created by neurodivergent people for neurodivergent people that can help you approach the school or Uni year with clarity and confidence.

Start by Owning Your Strengths

One of the most empowering things you can do is learn to appreciate how your brain works—not just where it struggles, but where it shines. This is always my starting point with clients. Being neurodivergent means you might process the world differently but it is just one part of who you are. You may have intense focus, think creatively, spot patterns quickly, or feel deeply. These are not flaws—they’re strengths.

Jessica McCabe, creator of the YouTube channel How to ADHD, speaks openly about the challenges and gifts of living with ADHD. Her videos are full of accessible tools and offer encouragement for anyone who’s ever felt “too much” or “not enough” in traditional learning spaces. Similarly, in the book ADHD Is Awesome, Penn and Kim Holderness explore how ADHD traits can be reframed as superpowers, especially when we’re given the right environment and support.

Autistic teens and young adults may find real value in books like The Awesome Autistic Go-To Guide and I Am Autistic, both written from lived experience. These resources help you understand your sensory profile, social needs, and communication style—while reminding you that your way of being is valid, important, and worthy of support.

Build Your Own Toolkit

Having the right strategies in place can transform your school or Uni experience. But it’s not about being “more organised” in a generic sense—it’s about finding tools that actually work for you.

One great strategy, especially for ADHDers, is breaking tasks into “micro-tasks.”

For example, instead of seeing “write history report” as a single overwhelming goal, break it down into small steps like “open the document,” “write the first sentence,” or “set a 10-minute timer to brainstorm.” These manageable chunks reduce overwhelm and make it easier to get started.

Jessica McCabe’s YouTube videos also recommend using visual cues and reminders—like sticky notes, visual planners, and alarms with custom labels—to help you transition between tasks. These external supports are not a crutch; they’re smart adaptations for brains that work differently.

Other helpful tips include creating “transition rituals” (such as playing a short piece of music or doing a stretch between subjects) and building in regular breaks that honour your sensory needs. If your body needs movement, quiet, or compression to reset—honour that. Sensory overload isn’t something to power through. It’s something to respect and manage.

Design a Structure That Supports You

Neurodivergent students often thrive in structured environments—so long as that structure is flexible and customised to their needs. A visible weekly timetable, colour-coded subject lists, or using apps like Forest or Time Timer can help make time feel more manageable and tasks less ambiguous.

Articles on sites like Verywell Mind suggest setting up a distraction-reduced workspace, incorporating calming sensory elements (like soft lighting or noise-cancelling headphones), and using written checklists to stay on track. These suggestions are small tweaks that can have a huge impact when integrated consistently.

If your school offers learning support, an education plan, or reasonable adjustments, don’t hesitate to use them. These aren’t “special treatment”—they’re legal entitlements designed to level the playing field. And remember, you don’t need to explain why something helps you to anyone who isn’t directly supporting your education. Your wellbeing comes first.

Learn to Advocate for Yourself

Self-advocacy is one of the most powerful skills you can develop—and it gets easier with practice. Whether it’s asking for extra time on tests, requesting instructions in writing, or needing a quiet space to reset, learning how to clearly communicate your needs is essential.

The book Out of the Box: A One‑Stop Guide to Navigating Neurodivergence gives useful guidance on how to advocate in school and beyond. It emphasises that your needs are real and valid—and it’s OK to ask for support.

If you're nervous about speaking up, try writing down your thoughts beforehand or practising with someone you trust. You could even carry a small card or note explaining your needs, especially if verbal communication is tricky under stress. There’s no one right way to advocate—only the way that works for you.

Let’s Craft a Plan That Fits Your Brain

The truth is, there’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to thriving at school or Uni. Your brain is beautifully unique, and your support plan should be too. Whether you need help with executive functioning, managing anxiety, sensory needs, social dynamics, or study techniques—there is a way forward that works for you.

That’s exactly what I do through Your Neurodiversity Coach’s Thrive Clarity coaching.

We begin with a one-hour strategy session where we map out your strengths, challenges, and specific goals for the school or Uni year. Together, we create a tailored support plan that works with your learning style, energy patterns, and neurodivergent identity.

From there, you’ll have 20-minute coaching check-ins every two weeks, where we chat through your progress, explore what’s working, and tweak strategies as needed. In between sessions, you’ll also get weekly check-ins - via your own private portal space on my website - to help you stay on track, feel supported, and celebrate your wins (however big or small they are).

ND Coaching for teens: a guide

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This is a coaching service built around you—not someone else’s idea of success. It’s supportive, flexible, and designed to help you show up confidently and authentically in school or Uni and beyond.

Ready to build your personalised strategy?

Get in touch today and let’s begin crafting a plan that works with your brain—not against it.

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