ABOUT
M Stoothoff
ABOUT ME
M Stoothoff
My name is M (they/them/theirs). As a neurodivergent (ND) and queer person, I have lived experience that has inspired me to be the coach, mentor, and advocate that I would have wanted. I am passionate about supporting other ND people and their supportive partners to promote neurodiversity, inclusivity, and equity.
I enjoy spending my time with my dog, Berkley, my plants, crystals, writing, designing/creating, and connecting with others. Some of my natural skills are recognizing patterns, creative problem solving, innovating, nurturing, and communicating on someone else’s level. My core values are justice, authenticity, making a difference, empathy, and love.
Before I identified as Autistic, I viewed myself as the opposite of how I view myself now. I used to think I was broken, weird, worthless, crazy, and any other negative word I could think of. Growing up as a hyperlexic, “gifted”, ADHD, OCD, undiagnosed Autistic, closeted queer kid, I knew I was different and hated it. I quickly learned what was expected of me from my family, friends, and social norms. I learned to curate a version of myself that fit in with others. I thought since I could act like other people, then I should act like them. Sure, the “curated” or “masked” version of myself fit in, but I still didn't because it was all an act. As soon as I left social interactions as my masked self, I would feel completely exhausted and drained, and would often have what I now realize were autistic meltdowns or shut-downs.
When I started learning about and embracing my Autistic identity, passions, interests, and strengths, I created my foundation for authentic connections with others. I struggled a lot because I didn’t know who I was, why I was different, or how to get the support I needed. Now, my mission is to help other neurodivergent people and supportive people in their lives discover and explore their neurodivergent identity and navigate barriers to unlock limitless opportunities for success.
MY APPROACH
I am here to:
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Support you
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Champion you
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Advocate for you
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Hold non-judgmental space for you
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Broaden your scope of mind by asking you powerful questions
Neurodiversity Model
I am Neurodiversity Affirmative, which means I believe that all neurotypes (brains) are normal and necessary components of human diversity, and do not need to be “cured”, “treated”, or pathologized. I use identity-first language, meaning I say Autistic person, not person with autism.
Neurodivergent is an umbrella term for anyone whose brain diverges from what is socially considered typical. This includes, but is not limited to:
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Autism, ADHD, dissociative identity disorder (DID), dyslexia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), dyspraxia, sensory processing disorder (SPD), dyscalculia, dysgraphia, bipolar, epilepsy, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), tic disorders, schizophrenia, misophonia, down syndrome, bipolar, and more.
Coaching
Coaches partner with clients to assist them in identifying where they’d like to go, what needs to be shifted, and what identified milestones will demonstrate that the partnership is producing desired results. You are in the driver seat, and I am your passenger.
Coaching is person-centered, meaning I believe and trust that you:
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are doing the best you can
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have worth, dignity, and deserve respect
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have the capacity and the right to self-direction
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have the right to choose your own values
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have the capacity to deal with your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors
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have the potential for constructive change
Mentoring
Mentors have significant experience in an area, situations, or niches that the mentee wishes to learn from. Mentors may oversee or offer advice similar to consultants. Mentors often take on a facilitator or teaching role in the relationship, and offer up feedback based on their expertise.
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Peer Advocacy
A peer advocate is someone with lived experience who supports another person to help them express their autonomy, self-determination, and rights.
An advocate can:
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"listen to your views and concerns"
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"help you explore your options and rights (without pressuring you)"
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"provide information to help you make informed decisions"
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"help you contact relevant people, or contact them on your behalf"
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"accompany you and support you in meetings or appointments"
