753. Coaching Autistic People More Effectively – With Mark Walsh & Dr Helen Machen-Pearce

753. Coaching Autistic People More Effectively – With Mark Walsh & Dr Helen Machen-Pearce

Author: Mark Walsh January 27, 2026 Duration: 46:53

In this episode I'm joined again by Dr Helen Machen-Pearce, psychiatrist and long-time autism specialist, to explore what autism really means and how it shows up in coaching, teaching, parenting, and relationships.

We talk about the autism spectrum, neurodiversity, and why diagnosis has changed so much over the years. Helen shares how sensory processing, predictability, communication style, and nervous system regulation shape autistic experience, and what coaches can do to work more skillfully with autistic clients.

We look at practical coaching adaptations, clear language, structure, boundaries, and why too much choice can be overwhelming. We also explore trauma, masking, creativity, embodiment, touch, and the overlap with ADHD.

See more of Helen's work here: yogarogue.co.uk

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For seven years, The Embodiment Coaching Podcast has been a gathering place for a curious community. Host Mark Walsh sits down each week with pioneering thinkers and practitioners from across the globe, exploring the profound intelligence of the human system. While it’s essential listening for coaches and embodiment teachers, this series truly speaks to anyone who senses the body is far more than just a vehicle for the brain. Conversations flow naturally through a rich landscape of topics-from the practicalities of coaching and the subtlet of somatics to the grounded wisdom found in martial arts, yoga, and various movement practices. You’ll also find deep dives into mindfulness, meditation, and trauma-informed approaches, all discussed with a light-hearted and accessible tone. The focus remains on tangible, real-world application, stripping away unnecessary jargon. Tuning into this podcast feels like joining a thoughtful, ongoing dialogue where theory meets practice, offering insights you can feel in your bones and apply in your daily life. Mark’s genuine curiosity and the diverse range of guests ensure that every episode brings a fresh perspective on what it means to live fully in our skin.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Embodiment Coaching Podcast
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