"Thriving as long as socialising is optional"
Hello! My name is Elaine and I am so pleased to be associated with Thriving Autistic and this practitioners directory.
I am autistic. I understand firsthand how overwhelming — and freeing — it can be to finally understand your own neurodivergence. Knowing I’m autistic, has helped me see myself with more compassion, and it sparked a passion to help others do the same.
I have struggled with negative thoughts, anxiety, rumination, panic disorder, agoraphobia and OCD. I spent years feeling utterly lost and confused. From the outside I appeared to be “fine” but the effort to appear this way led me to autistic burnout time and time again. The mask was so heavy at times, and bit by bit it began to drop or no longer fit in ways it had. I carefully constructed my routine, my environments, escape plans and ways to avoid being in unfamiliar or busy spaces. This made a lot of life really hard. When I became a parent to an autistic child, I began to see just how much my autistic brain and nervous system needed to be respected and learned about. I started to treat myself with the grace I treated my autistic child with and this made a huge difference. It is OK to say no to play dates, it is not the end of the world to miss a birthday party or not join the school committee. Having restorative days at home are just as important as everything else parenthood throws at you. Setting boundaries is not selfish, it’s self care.
Having spent over a decade supporting autistic students as a tutor and their families , I made the decision to become a life coach.
Today, I am here to coach neurodivergent people who are looking for support, connection, and a reminder that they are not alone. I believe in creating a space where you can be fully yourself — no masking, no judgement, just understanding and encouragement.
Whether you’re navigating parenting, life changes, or just trying to figure yourself out, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy, honesty, and hope.
I am a qualified life coach having graduated from Kingstown College. I practice in line with the ICF and EMCC standards and code of ethics.
Topics Discussed:
“I think I might be autistic, what should I do next?”
“How do I tell my family and friends I am autistic?”
“My child is autistic, how can I support them?”
“Should I tell my workplace I am autistic, how can I ask for support?”
“I feel like I am not autistic enough!”
“I don’t know how to manage my sensory issues”
“What can I do to help shutdown/burnout?”
“I don’t know where the mask ends and I begin & how to find clarity”
“How to manage my needs as an autistic parent ?”
I can help you to find clarity to these questions, in a support and non judgemental way. Remember, I have also asked these questions.
Feel free to reach out for your free discovery call. Email :elaineolearycoaching@gmail.com
Website: http://www.elaineolearycoaching.com
Looking forward to chatting with you! Elaine