Gentle Living: Understanding Neurodivergence, Chronic Illness & Everyday Life

Living with ADHD, autism, neurodivergence and chronic illness often means navigating a world that wasn't designed with your brain, body or energy levels in mind.

Many of us spend years wondering why everyday tasks feel harder than they seem to for other people, why our energy comes and goes unpredictably, or why we know what would help but still struggle to do it.

This gentle six-week online programme offers a space to better understand yourself, connect with others who "get it", and learn practical strategies that work with your brain and body rather than against them.

There is no expectation to have your camera on, contribute every week or complete homework. You're welcome exactly as you are.

This programme is for you if:

• You are autistic, ADHD or identify as neurodivergent

• You live with chronic illness, fatigue, pain or fluctuating health

• You often feel overwhelmed, exhausted or stuck

• You're tired of trying to force yourself into systems that don't work

• You want greater self-understanding, self-compassion and practical support

What we'll explore

Over six weekly sessions we'll cover:

Week 1: Understanding Your Nervous System

• Why your brain and body respond the way they do

• Understanding safety, stress and regulation

• Back brain versus front brain

Week 2: Front Brain vs Back Brain

• The impact of stress, overwhelm and fatigue

• Understanding your survival brain

• Accessing your thinking brain

Week 3: Understanding Emotions

• Emotional regulation and neurodivergence

• Making sense of feelings using tools such as the Feelings Wheel

• Why emotions can feel so intense

Week 4: Managing Emotions Compassionately

• Gentle regulation strategies

• Reducing overwhelm

• Finding what works for your nervous system

Week 5: Self-Understanding Without Shame

• Letting go of self-criticism

• Understanding shame and self-compassion

• Beginning to create your own personal operating manual

Week 6: Executive Function & Everyday Life

• Understanding executive functioning

• Why everyday tasks can feel so difficult

• Working with your brain rather than fighting it

What to expect

• Six live online sessions

• Up to one hour per week

• Small, supportive group environment

• Gentle pace

• Low expectations and no pressure

• Psychoeducation, reflection and discussion

• Practical strategies you can apply in everyday life

This is not about becoming more productive or "fixing" yourself.

It's about understanding how you work, recognising your needs, and building a life that feels more sustainable.

Six weekly online sessions, each lasting up to one hour.

What Next

If you'd like to explore this topic in greater depth, once you've completed the first 6 weeks, you're invited to join Neurodivergence & Chronic Illness: A Deeper 10-Week Online Course.

Over 10 weeks, we'll take a more detailed look at the complex relationship between neurodivergence, chronic illness, burnout, energy-limiting conditions, self-advocacy, and sustainable wellbeing. You'll have the opportunity to build on the ideas introduced here, deepen your understanding, and explore practical strategies that can support you.

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