Hi I’m Richard

Head shot of Richard Stephens

About RJSupport

I believe individuals who live with ASD and/or ADHD  deserve both deep self-acceptance and meaningful support. I aim to provide supports that allow an individual to  build their identity and experience behavioral growth — without abandoning compassion.

RJSupport provides one-to-one coaching for individuals on the autism spectrum and those living with ADHD.
Our work combines self-understanding with practical skill-building, helping you develop strategies that fit your brain so you can thrive and create a life that feels aligned and sustainable.

Some areas that I work with individuals on is social interaction, executive functioning and emotion regulation.

I know some of the challenges faced by individuals who are neurodivergent  in a world that often does not provide accommodations. I was diagnoisied with autism and ADHD in 2024.

While everyone’s journey is unique some challenges are common.

 

FAQs

Are you a registered Psychologist?

No, I am a Coach who has lived experience of Autism and ADHD.

Why use a Coach instead of a Psychologist?

There is a shortage of Psychologists in private practice and Community Mental Health often won’t work on some of the challenges faced by those who live with autism and ADHD.

By using a Coach you’re able to lay some ground work until you’re able to see a psychologist, an occuptional therapist or other professional.

What approach to coaching do you use?

I use a person centered approach to coaching. Often neurodivergent people have had decisions made for them by others.

I will listen to what the person I am coaching or supporting wants and try deliver this. I will also listen to family/whanau to help shape supports and sessions as well as make recommendations.

What are your qualifications?

My qualifications include:

Post-Grad Diploma in Health Science (Psychology) from Massey University

Bachelor of Applied Science (Psychology) from The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand

Diploma in Child and Adolescent Psychology from The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand

What other training have you had?

Understanding Autism from The Open University

Mental Health First Aid

Paths and Maps

Intentional Peer Support

What are your rates?

I work with the individual or family in terms of setting rates and what they are able to afford.

How long are sessions?

I aim for coaching sessions to be an hour long. 

From experience some days individuals have more energy and are able to focus while other days they are disengaged. While they may be disengaged there are still activities we can do.

What's a session like?

I have found splitting the session beneficial.  I set a timer for 20 minutes and we work together. I ask that the individual puts their cellphone away.

There is a 10 minute break and the individual is free to do as they please and can access their phone.

Then we focus again for another 20 minutes.