Freya Swenson Costello runs the digital marketing agency Freya Helps Me in Bristol. She believes being your own boss can be brilliant if you’re neurodivergent, and she works to help neurodivergent people thrive wherever they work.
The freedom to create your own working environment
For neurodivergent professionals, freelancing offers a unique opportunity to design their ideal working environment. This autonomy can be transformative, allowing individuals to work in settings that support their sensory needs and cognitive patterns.
“I can be in my own environment and set my day up how it works for me.” As someone who identifies as having both ADHD and autism (AuDHD), Freya has found that running her own business allows her to create conditions where she can flourish.
Breaking free from traditional constraints
Traditional office environments often require neurodivergent individuals to mask their natural behaviours and conform to neurotypical expectations. This masking can be exhausting and counterproductive. Freelancing removes these pressures, allowing neurodivergent professionals to channel their energy into productive work rather than conformity.
“We don’t fit into the standard boxes, and often, in an office, it can take a lot of energy to conform and mask. You lose who you are a bit. But when you freelance, you can use that energy for positive things,” Freya explains.
Capitalising on neurodivergent strengths
Many neurodivergent individuals possess unique strengths that can become significant advantages in freelance work:
- The ability to hyperfocus on tasks
- Pattern recognition skills
- Strong intuitive decision-making
- Creative problem-solving abilities
- Deep expertise in areas of interest.
These characteristics can translate into exceptional client service and business outcomes. “I can hyperfocus and complete tasks in a day that might take most people a week. I can pick up patterns that others don’t see and have good gut feelings,” Freya notes.
Creating client relationships on your terms
Freelancing allows neurodivergent professionals to build authentic relationships with clients. Without corporate policies restricting natural communication styles, freelancers can interact in genuine and comfortable ways.
Freya structures her business around monthly rolling contracts, offering various service packages with built-in flexibility. This approach provides clarity and structure while allowing room for adaptation—essential elements for many neurodivergent individuals.
Managing challenges
While freelancing offers many benefits, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Self-employment requires strong self-management skills and the ability to handle various business responsibilities. Some key strategies include:
- Building buffer time into schedules
- Setting clear work boundaries
- Using tools and apps for focus and relaxation
- Establishing consistent routines
- Working with coaches or mentors when needed
The value of being yourself
Perhaps the most significant benefit of freelancing for neurodivergent individuals is the freedom to be themselves. “My clients love me for me. I don’t have to worry about what others at work think of me,” Freya shares. This authenticity often leads to stronger client relationships and more satisfying work experiences.
Creating sustainable work patterns
Successful freelancing as a neurodivergent individual often involves creating personalised work patterns that respect your needs. Test different ways of working to get to know what works best for you to achieve:
- Flexible working hours that align with your natural rhythms
- Regular breaks when needed
- A comfortable working environment
- Choice in client interactions
- Freedom to dress comfortably
- Control over workload and projects.
Freya’s tips to help neurodiverse people in the workplace
- Give yourself praise.
- Change things and test things.
- Have ‘walk and talk’ meetings when you don’t need to write stuff down.
- If someone asks you for ‘a quick catch up’, go back and ask for the agenda and if there’s anything you can prep (this stops me from jumping to the worst conclusions).
- Get a coach (Charlotte Dover is my coach, and I’ve had so many moments of clarity with her).
- Block out time to work and take breaks.
- Just have two or three calls a day maximum, and use Calendly to book in calls in time slots that work for you.
- Just get the ball rolling with work—it might not be the highest priority task.
- Look into Access to Work.
Look into Access to Work
Access to Work is a UK government programme that supports disabled and neurodivergent people in the workplace. The scheme offers practical assistance and funding to help cover costs like specialised equipment, software, or support workers. You can apply even without a formal diagnosis as long as you can clearly explain what support you need to do your job effectively. While the programme can be tremendously helpful in providing workplace accommodations, some people find the application process and eligibility requirements complex to work through.
Criteria for freelancers applying for Access to Work
When applying for Access to Work, it’s important to understand that different criteria apply to those in paid employment versus those who are self-employed. To qualify as a self-employed individual, you must meet these requirements:
- Self-employed status: You need to be registered as self-employed or as a business owner with HMRC, and you may need to provide documentation such as Companies House certification.
- Established businesses: You must demonstrate your business is viable by providing evidence of consistent work or income over time.
- Newly established business: If you have a new business without accounts, you must submit a CV or business plan outlining your work and business growth strategy as proof of viability.
- Identified needs: You must clearly explain the workplace barriers you face due to your neurodivergence and specify why you need support in these areas.
- Supports & suppliers: You’ll need to identify required services and equipment. You can specify a preferred supplier to ensure neuro-affirmative service delivery.
- Quotes: When requesting a preferred supplier, you’ll typically need to provide several comparative quotes (note that Access to Work will choose the lowest-cost option).
- Costs: Access to Work operates on a reimbursement basis rather than paying suppliers directly. You’ll need to cover initial costs, and there will be a gap between paying suppliers and receiving your reimbursement.
Supporting others
Many neurodivergent freelancers find purpose in supporting others on similar paths. Freya’s business name, ‘Freya Helps Me’, reflects this commitment to helping others. Her journey from struggling with her diagnosis to embracing her neurodivergent identity as a strength has inspired her to support others in similar situations.
As workplace cultures continue to shift, freelancing represents an increasingly viable option for neurodivergent professionals seeking environments where they can succeed on their own terms. The combination of autonomy, flexibility, and authenticity makes freelancing an attractive choice for many neurodivergent individuals looking to build rewarding careers while honouring their unique needs and strengths.
