As virtual assistants (VAs), we pride ourselves on being adaptable, resourceful, and problem-solvers for our clients. But in today’s ever-evolving work environment, one growing segment of the population remains largely untapped—neurodivergent clients. These individuals, who process the world differently due to conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and others, are entering the workforce and entrepreneurial spaces in increasing numbers. However, they often require tailored support that many VAs aren’t equipped to provide—until now.

Our upcoming "Diversify Your Business with Neurodivergent Clients" virtual assistant workshop is designed to change that. At Inclusive Change, we have spent years working with neurodivergent clients, providing them with the guidance, structure, and flexibility they need to thrive in their careers. Collaborating with experts like Kate Brewer from Dedik8 Collective, we’ve built a wealth of knowledge about how VAs can successfully support neurodivergent clients. In this blog, we’ll share why diversifying your client base to include neurodivergent individuals not only boosts your VA business but also empowers a largely underserved community.

Establishing Credibility: Why Trust Us?

You might wonder: what makes Inclusive Change and Dedik8 Collective experts in this field? The answer lies in our personal and professional experiences.

Lucy Smith, founder of Inclusive Change, started her career as an officer in the National Crime Agency and later transitioned to roles that focused on change management, working within large organisations like Bristol University. Despite a highly successful career, Lucy found herself facing personal challenges when her children were diagnosed as neurodivergent. The experiences she faced as a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) parent transformed her understanding of workplace inclusion, igniting her passion for making the world of work more accessible to neurodivergent individuals.

Inclusive Change was born out of this passion, and today it focuses on preparing businesses to employ and support neurodivergent individuals. Whether working with schools, parents, or employers, Lucy’s team has developed targeted strategies to help neurodivergent individuals thrive in professional settings. This work is underpinned by lived experience and extensive knowledge of both change management and workplace accessibility.

In collaboration with Kate Brewer, the founder of Dedik8 Collective and a former corporate professional with over 25 years of experience, we’ve sharpened our approach to directly benefit neurodivergent business owners and employees. Kate’s journey mirrors Lucy’s—balancing the demands of her career with the needs of a neurodivergent child, she too left her corporate job to build a business that supports vulnerable and neurodivergent clients. The lessons learned from these personal journeys, combined with our practical, hands-on work with clients, have given us unparalleled insights into what works for neurodivergent individuals.

Key Insights from Our Podcast with Kate Brewer

In our recent conversation on the Inclusive Change podcast, Kate and I discussed some of the unique challenges and rewards of working with neurodivergent clients. Here are some key takeaways that illustrate why this niche is so vital—and how VAs can excel within it:

1. Neurodivergent Clients Often Struggle to Identify Their Needs
Many neurodivergent individuals have difficulty pinpointing the kind of support they require. As VAs, we play a crucial role in helping them discover their needs through careful listening and observation. By guiding neurodivergent clients toward greater self-awareness, we can tailor our services to meet their specific challenges, whether it’s managing executive functioning difficulties or organizing their workload.

2. Delegation is Harder for Neurodivergent Clients
Delegation doesn’t come naturally to everyone, but for neurodivergent clients, it can be particularly challenging. Neurodivergent individuals may struggle with letting go of tasks or understanding how to communicate what they need to others. As a VA, you can create a safe, judgment-free space where clients feel comfortable delegating work, knowing that their needs will be met. This requires patience, strong communication skills, and often a high level of adaptability.

3. Body Doubling and Accountability Systems are Game-Changers
For some neurodivergent clients, body doubling—where someone else works alongside them (virtually or physically)—can help them stay focused and productive. Accountability systems, such as regular check-ins or structured work sessions, can also make a significant difference. These unique approaches to support can help neurodivergent individuals overcome procrastination and accomplish tasks that they might otherwise find overwhelming. At Inclusive Change, we teach VAs how to incorporate these systems into their client relationships, offering a higher level of support that is both practical and empowering.

4. Building Trust and Tailoring Communication
Building trust is crucial when working with neurodivergent clients. It’s not just about the work you do—it’s about understanding how they communicate and process information. For instance, many neurodivergent individuals prefer written communication to phone calls, as it allows them more time to process and respond. Similarly, small adjustments, like using dyslexia-friendly fonts or breaking down tasks into manageable steps, can have a huge impact on how effectively you communicate. These are the kinds of insights that we share in our upcoming workshop to ensure you’re well-equipped to support neurodivergent clients.

Why You Should Diversify Your VA Business

Supporting neurodivergent clients is not only incredibly rewarding but also represents a significant growth opportunity for virtual assistants. Neurodivergent individuals make up around 20% of the population, and as more of them enter the workforce or start their own businesses, the need for specialized support is growing. By developing the skills to assist this demographic, you can tap into a largely underserved market and distinguish yourself from other VAs.

Here are some key reasons why diversifying your business with neurodivergent clients is beneficial:

• Unique, Loyal Client Base: Neurodivergent clients often have unique needs, and once you prove you understand them, they tend to be extremely loyal. Providing the right kind of support builds lasting, trust-filled relationships.

• Personal Fulfilment: Working with neurodivergent clients offers a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond typical client relationships. You’re not just helping someone manage tasks—you’re empowering them to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.

• Increased Revenue Streams: With Access to Work grants available in the UK, many neurodivergent clients can access government funding to cover VA services. This can be an excellent way to ensure steady work while making a positive impact.

Join Us: Expand Your Skills, Grow Your Business

Our upcoming "Diversify Your Business with Neurodivergent Clients" virtual assistant workshop is the perfect place to start. Through hands-on strategies, real-life examples, and direct feedback, we’ll teach you how to tailor your VA services to meet the unique needs of neurodivergent clients. You’ll learn everything from how to set up accountability systems to navigating Access to Work grants and implementing communication strategies that work.

Ready to take the next step? Register today and unlock the tools you need to support neurodivergent clients, grow your VA business, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Register today for our VA Course.