Zakia Shaikh
Zakia Shaikh

Zakia Shaikh

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About Zakia

I'm Zakia, an ICF-credentialed neurodiversity coach with over 20 years of experience supporting neurodivergent adults, including those with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.


My work sits at the intersection of mind, body, and nervous system. I believe that lasting change happens when we go beyond strategies and work with the whole person, including the complexity that comes when multiple neurotypes or conditions overlap, and the cultural, social, and identity contexts that shape how you experience the world. This is what makes my approach genuinely intersectional, not just in name.


I'm an ICF-credentialed coach, PASSHE Quality Assured Tutor Member, and accredited in Executive Function and ADHD coaching, with a background in higher education as a Specialist Academic Tutor and trained Dyslexia Assessor. In practice, this means I bring both depth of knowledge and real-world, practical tools to every session, covering focus, organisation, time management, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy. I also have specialist experience in workplace strategy coaching, supporting neurodivergent professionals to navigate organisational environments, communicate their needs, and thrive in work on their own terms.


I have a particular interest in supporting PhD researchers and doctoral students, where the demands of independent, self-directed work can intersect in complex ways with neurodivergent experience.

What I love most is witnessing people move from self-doubt and frustration to recognising their own strengths and building lives that genuinely reflect who they are.


I offer tailored coaching, typically in 6-session packages, with the option of individual sessions where that works better for you. Book a free 15-minute consultation to explore how coaching could support you. Sliding scale fees are available for self-funded students and those on lower incomes, please get in touch to discuss.

Qualifications

  • Associate Coach Diploma (ICF ACC Level 1) (Optimus Coaching Academy)
  • Association of Coaching and Universal Coaching Alliance Accredited Award ADHD Coaching (Barrett Coaching & Training Ltd)
  • Accredited Executive Functions Skills Coach (Connections In Mind)
  • Post Graduate SEND (Autism Skills and Knowledge) (Real Training)
  • Examination Access Arrangements for Specialist Assessors (Dyslexia Action)
  • Practising Certificate for Assessing and Teaching (Dyslexia Action)
  • CCET- Certificate in Competence in Education Testing (Real Training)
  • Adults in Dyslexia: A course for tutors in FE/HE ( Dyslexia Action)
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Studies in Education/Dyslexia (Open University)
  • BSc (Hons) Psychology with Human Biology (University of Wolverhampton )

Associations

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Zakia's Testimonials

  • "I’ve struggled with ADHD my whole life and could never understand why my behavioural patterns were the way they were. But since having these sessions I was able to fully talk in a supportive, non-judgmental space and communicate things I may not have been able to prior. This coaching approach helped me better understand how my ADHD affects my daily..." See more

    Safa

  • "Working with Zakia has made a huge difference. She's given me practical tools and strategies to manage overwhelm in my corporate role, especially around mornings and transitions. It's been valuable to speak with someone who understands how my brain works. Her empathy and insight have made me feel more grounded and capable."

    Charlotte

  • ""I had the privilege of working with Zakia, and I found the impact was very helpful. It helped me understand and give insight to 30 years of my life. Her deep understanding of ADHD and neurodiversity, combined with a compassionate and practical approach, helped me gain clarity, develop effective strategies, and feel more in control of my challenges. Each session..." See more

    Hassan Vaizie

  • "I highly recommend Zakia to anyone looking for guidance in understanding ADHD and developing strategies to manage. The sessions she had with my son were engaging and practical. Through her patient and empathetic approach, she helped my son build his own strategies that he continues to use around manging his time and breaking down tasks."

    Anonymous

  • ""Thanx molto for helping me through this challenging time of figuring out and taming (+ CELEBRATING) whatever this mind/emotion/soul challenge is.""

    Anthony

  • ""Working with Zakia has been absolutely transformative for me. Her engaging strategies, empathetic yet practical approach, and endless encouragement have helped me to manage my ADHD in ways I never thought possible. I feel more focused, confident and better equipped to tackle the challenges I have faced academically while at university and on a personal basis in my daily to..."

    Amaani

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