For Neurodivergent people to have a fair chance at fulfilling our potential
We need to remove the cards that are stacked against us
We need a
New Deal
for Neurodiversity
Our mission is to level the playing field for Neurodivergent individuals, empowering them to fulfil their potential in the workplace and in the world. We believe in a world where everyone, regardless of their neurotype, can thrive.
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At New Deal for Neurodiversity, we take a holistic approach to foster understanding and collaboration among all stakeholders - allies, employers and Neurodivergent individuals.
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Whether it is tailored training programs for managers and HR staff, or personalised coaching for individuals, or the resources for allies we share in the Collective, everything we do is neurodiversity affirming and designed to build towards a neuro-inclusive future.
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About Lizzie Somerfield
My Lived Experience
In the back of my mind, I always knew there was something different about me. I could see that other people were picking up on it, even if I didn't know what it was. Eventually, I was diagnosed as Autistic and ADHD at the age of 30. ​ As I worked through what this meant for me personally, I was also having to think about what it meant for me at work. ​ It was this first venture into advocating for myself that lead me to seek coaching from a fellow Neurodivergent person, and opened my eyes to the scale of the challenge faced by Neurodivergent people in the workplace. ​ The challenges I was facing - the misundersandings, lack of adequate training and processes, and mistreatment - they were not just my challenges but shared by a huge number of Neurodivergent people. It was this realisation which lead me to New Deal for Neurodiversity.
My Career
I am a qualified lawyer, and I find that a lot of the skills I gained as a lawyer - advocating for others, active listening, etc - are serving me equally well in my capacity as coach and trainer in the Neurodiversity space. I decided to leave my legal career as my priorities had changed because of my diagnosis. I invested a lot of time into retraining as a Coach and Certifed DEI professional, reading extensively on Neurodiversity and related topics, and engaging with the Neurodivergent community. Very quickly my work at New Deal for Neurodiversity has been recognised as industry leading, resulting in partnerships like that with Tiimo - designing and hosting their first ever group coaching program.
My Qualifications
Since transitioning away from a corporate / legal career, I've completed the following: - Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certification from HR University - Make ADHD Work for you in 30 days, ADHD Works - Project Management Certification, Google (via Coursera) - ADHD Coaching Certification, ADHD Works ​ These courses, coupled with my corporate experience give me unique insight into realistic pathways to tangible changes in neuro-inclusion in the workplace - as well as equipping me to support fellow Neurodivergent people! I've gone on to design and host group coaching programs for both New Deal for Neurodiversity and third-parties, like Tiimo), organise free ADHD Awareness month events, gain 60+ hours of coaching experience, publish resources for the Neurodivergent community, and more!