Guide
Session Steps for Coaching a Neurodiverse Person
A 9-step session framework using OARS, DARN-CAT, and SMART goals.
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Summary. A complete coaching session structure — from rapport building through goal exploration, SMART planning, skill building, action planning, and accountability — adapted for neurodivergent clients.
1. Check-in & Rapport Building (OARS)
- Open-ended questions: "How have things been going?" "What's been on your mind?"
- Affirmations: "I appreciate your honesty." "You've shown great resilience."
- Reflections: "It sounds like you're feeling…" "You seem excited about…"
- Summary: "Let me make sure I understand. You've been…"
2. Session Recap
- What stood out from our last session?
- How have you applied what we discussed?
- What progress have you made on previous goals?
3. Goal Exploration (DARN-CAT)
- Desire: What changes would you like to see?
- Ability: What strengths and resources can help?
- Reasons: Why are these changes important to you?
- Need: On a 1–10 scale, how important is this right now?
4. SMART Goal Setting
- Specific — what exactly do you want to accomplish?
- Measurable — how will you know you've achieved it?
- Achievable — is it realistic given your situation?
- Relevant — how does it align with your aspirations?
- Time-based — by when, with what milestones?
5. Skill Building
- What skills do you need to develop?
- How can we adapt those skills to your neurodivergent traits?
- What learning methods work best for you?
6. Strategy Development (Commitment, Action, Taking Steps)
- How committed are you to working on these goals?
- What specific actions can you take this week?
- What's the very first small step?
7. Action Planning
- How can the plan accommodate your neurodivergent needs?
- What environmental adjustments would help?
- How do we build in flexibility for varying energy and focus?
8. Accountability Setup
- How would you like me to check in?
- What kind of support or reminders are helpful?
- How will we celebrate successes?
9. Session Wrap-Up
- Key takeaways from today.
- How are you feeling about the plan?
- Anything else you'd like to discuss?