Creating an autistic life that feels good
– from the inside out
What does it mean to thrive as an autistic adult?
Join me on a journey of self discovery and reconnection with yourself – exploring what’s important now you know you’re autistic, the life you want, and what you actually need to live a happy and authentic autistic life.
~ Enrolment for Thrive is currently closed ~
This is for you if…
You’ve been formally identified (or self identified) as autistic as an adult, and are at the start – or in the process – of figuring out what this means for you, how this knowledge might impact your life, and what happens next. And/or you’re in burnout (or coming out of burnout)…
And you want to explore creating a life (and work) that feels better from the inside out and will meet your autistic needs.
What this is
This is a 12-week program of reflections, questions, journalling and exercises that I’ve developed from my own experiences and learning. It’s designed to take autistic women and nonbinary people like you on a journey of self discovery around your autistic identity and figuring out what you want out of life, what might be changed or made to fit you better – and where to start.
Meet Amy Richards
I was formally identified as autistic at age 37 (in 2016). But I’ve been investing in my own personal development since 2014, when I was still an undiagnosed high school teacher deep in burnout, on the brink of breakdown, convinced I was trapped in that role, and that life, forever.
Since then, I’ve seen first hand the power of both one-to-one and group coaching and mentoring. I’ve had some big breakthroughs personally, professionally and financially, and I’ve built a life for myself that I love, through a combination of self reflection and discovery, mindset work, action taking and nervous system regulation.
I recognise the privilege inherent in this, but I also believe that there are many things we can all do to bring us closer to what we really want, and to lives that feel like they fit us better. The lives we often feel that we’re meant to be living – but that can often feel out of reach.
I’m not holding myself up as any kind of ‘guru’; we are all on the same journey and in this together. I am the facilitator, there to hold space for you and walk alongside you.
But I have made big changes to my life and in my work to meet my needs better as an autistic woman with health challenges. Changes that have enabled me to build a life that feels like it fits; to move towards the things I’m drawn to; to attract people who are on my wavelength, who I enjoy working with; to shift things for myself on a deeper level; to feel better in my body and more connected to myself, to others, and to a larger purpose.
And I’ve managed to thrive, despite being unable to work full time.
What previous participants are saying about Thrive…
“Thrive is definitely worth the investment. Amy is a wonderful, thoughtful teacher who goes above and beyond to help her Thrivers.
For the first time in my life, I feel that it is okay and SAFE to be myself, and I have been able to let go of other people’s expectations of what I should be doing and how. I have also become a lot more tolerant and accepting of other people’s challenges and problems.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Amy’s teaching videos, she has such a lovely way of explaining things and getting your brain going. There is so much hope and positivity, and it is nice to hear these things when you’ve ‘failed’ at life for so long.”
“This was such a life changing experience.
I love that I got to work with you personally – that was such a huge piece of this for me, actually getting to know you after having listened to your podcast for so long.
I really appreciated the way that you helped to drive the conversation in the group. It was a good way to keep pulling me back in; even if I couldn’t fully engage with the module at the time, to be able to come and hear what other people were saying was really helpful.
My biggest takeaway from this group and experience has been redefining rest and the things that are supportive for me, the things that I had cut out as not as important. It’s really, really helpful. This was such a life changing experience. Thank you for what you’re modelling. It really makes a difference.”
“Well worth it. Be prepared to get out of it as much or more than you put into it.
I had 2 big lightbulb moments during these sessions. I got clarity on a big career project that I’ve been toying with in my head for years. And I realised that the work that has to come first for me right now is my own personal work of understanding and self-acceptance. I took away some concrete tools to use in both these areas.
It was so validating to hear the other participants’ stories and struggles that so closely mirrored my own. This was the first time I’ve ever gotten an opportunity like that. If you’ve been recently diagnosed, or if you’re still in the process of figuring out how to rework your life to support your own wellbeing, you will definitely find Thrive helpful.”
I want to share with you what I’ve learned over the past 12 years about coming to terms with a late autism recognition/self identification, understanding yourself better, self care, mindset, self care, self acceptance, regulation…
…and re-imagining (and building) a life that fits better as an autistic adult.
Let’s get started.
All the details…
🌟 This is a 12-week self-study program, with a private community group for discussion, support and connection with the other participants, live group Zoom calls, and the option for 1:1 support with me.
🌟 We start on Tuesday 21 April 2026, when you’ll get login access to the learning portal, where you’ll find Module 1 ready for you to get started right away. Then every 2 weeks a new module will appear, with videos, audios and a workbook.
🌟 Over the 12 weeks I’ll take you through a series of exercises (video and audio) and journalling prompts designed to make you think and go deep into your needs and desires in life, figure out what you want and where to start in building your ideal life as a late-identified autistic person.
🌟 There’s a workbook for each session, which you can choose to print out or fill in on your computer (or if you prefer you can use your own journal/notebook, or record your reflections on a voice app, or any other way that feels right for you).
🌟 There’ll be an opportunity for you to share your thoughts and observations and discuss the things that come up for you with me and the other Thrive participants in the private community group (off social media), should you wish to.
🌟 We’ll have 3 live group calls (on Zoom) during the 12 weeks of the program, where you’ll get to meet the other participants, share your experiences and reflect together on your Thrive journey.
🌟 There’s an option to add three 1:1 sessions with me (on Zoom), one at the start of the program, one during, and one at the end.
The program
I’ve created Thrive™ based on my own journey over the past 12 years – what I’ve learned from experience, from talking to other autistic people, and through investing in my own self development.
The program began as two rounds of live workshops in 2022, and I used those tried-and-tested materials and the feedback and experience of delivering them with groups and revised and tweaked to create the Thrive program, first delivered in autumn 2023.
All the modules are centred around the autistic experience and our particular needs as neurodivergent adults.
Module 1: Reconnect
Who are you really, under the mask? This module is all about beginning the process of rebuilding yourself from the ground up, through reconnecting with your younger/unmasked self, and reconnecting with your body.
Who do you want to be? What do you want to be, do and have – if you could have anything? I also I take you through a powerful (and fun!) exercise that has helped me bring about massive change in my own life.
Module 2: Foundation
In this module we look at where you are now, and bridging the gap to a future you.
We think about your specific needs as an autistic person, and how you can discover/rediscover/tap into deep connection with yourself, your body and your nervous system, and what you can bring in to feel good, safe and secure from the inside out.
Module 3: Acceptance
In this module we examine our beliefs and stories about ourselves, and how we can love and accept ourselves better, as we move closer to creating a life that fits our us better.
We think about how we can be kinder to ourselves, accept our autistic traits and ways of being, and move towards acceptance of all parts of ourselves – our challenges as well as our gifts – what we need to change, and what we need to accept.
Module 4: Purpose
What’s the purpose behind what you do and what you love? This is important to a lot of people, but seems to be especially so for autistic people.
In this module we explore your ‘why’, tap into your life philosophy, higher purpose and special interests and discover how these might connect with your future life and work.
Module 5: Toolkit
What’s in your Autistic Toolkit™? Some of us will have more than others, but I think most of us late-identified, high-masking autistic adults have probably (consciously or unconsciously) developed a toolkit of strategies to help us manage our autistic challenges and navigate the world.
In this module we explore your toolkit, evaluate what’s still of value and what’s no longer serving you, and see what else you can add to your toolkit to enhance and enrich your future self.
We also look beyond the idea of the toolkit and explore deeper ways to help yourself feel and cope better as you move through the world.
Module 6: Action!
I don’t know about you, but I know I live in my head a LOT. And it can be all too easy to get stuck in ‘research mode’, dream big dreams that we forget to actually take action on, or hold ourselves back because we feel – or believe – that we can’t make changes.
Now it’s time for some clarity, inspiration, mindset, and practical steps to start moving you forward into a new sort of life (and/or work) that fits you better. So you get out of your head and start living your new way.
This module is all about taking action that feels right in your body, whether the steps are big or small.
New for 2026
Thrive has evolved (and so have I!) since I last ran it in 2024. This new round adds a new and deeper dimension, bringing in a thread of nervous system regulation throughout the programme, as a vital aspect of thriving as an autistic human.
More reflections from previous participants…
“Since doing Thrive I’ve realised I’m not as alone in my experience of the world as I’d thought.
Meeting people over Zoom and in the community made it more real. This was the first time I could meet and talk with other late diagnosed autistic women in person, and that in itself felt life-changing.
I’m now more willing to recognise that my needs make sense and are worth meeting, and I feel much better about moving forward as an authentically autistic person!
I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate all you’re doing! And how much value it has. Thanks for creating this program and all that you bring to it!”
“This is a unique and compassionate course which gives tools and hope for living an authentic autistic life.
Since doing Thrive I have more self-compassion and am more aware of my inner critic. I can pace myself more each day.
Much of the content reminded me of what helps me, such as music. I enjoyed the group sessions and found it really helpful to use the group chat to ask questions. Meeting Amy was a privilege too. And the resources are available after the course, so that self-reflection can continue and evolve.
To anyone thinking about doing Thrive I would say: Go for it. Amy makes every one of us feel we are special and carry great potential. It was a very affirming experience.”
“Thrive will definitely help you with making decisions that are right for you.
From my own experience, I had a realisation about what I should be doing and why and how towards the end of Thrive. I’m trying to think of a way to say this that doesn’t sound woo-woo – you already have the solutions.
What Thrive offers is the safety and support to unmask and explore and be authentic and trust yourself.”
The 1:1 calls
If you’d like the opportunity to work 1:1 with me during the program, I’m offering an option to have three live sessions with me (on Zoom) as part of Thrive™ .
One at the start of the program, where you can share your story with me, and I can help you get clarity around the main areas you want to focus on and what would be a great outcome for you.
One during the program, to talk through what’s come up for you in the first few modules and what your self discoveries might mean for you.
One after the program is over, to reflect on your discoveries over the 12 weeks and talk about your next steps.
This optional extra is for you if…
✨ You’d like to share your story/journey with me
✨ It helps you to have some 1:1 support/input
✨ You’d like extra opportunities to reflect and process your thoughts out loud during this journey
✨ You’d benefit from some added accountability to encourage you to stick with and complete the program.
“Adding on the optional 1:1 calls with Amy helped in processing the course ideas more deeply and getting some thoughtful outside input.”
“I love that I got to work with you personally – that was such a huge piece of this for me, actually getting to know you after having listened to your podcast for so long. This was such a life changing experience. Thank you for what you’re modelling, it really makes a difference.”
Join the waitlist for Thrive!
If you’re interested in coming with me on a journey of self discovery around life, work, fulfilment and figuring out what you want, what you actually need as an autistic adult, and where to start, you can let me know by popping your details in the waitlist form below:
~ I’ll be in touch as soon as enrolment opens for the next round! ~
FAQs
I'm self identified as autistic - not 'officially' diagnosed. Is that a problem?
Absolutely not!
Personally I believe that self identification is 100% valid. Diagnosis can be unattainable for many people for all sorts of reasons, and people don't tend to identify strongly as autistic without good reason.
So if you're self-identified, you're very welcome to enrol.
Do I have to live in the UK or a nearby time zone?
No, you can be anywhere in the world to do this - it's a self study program with an online members' group, so no need to be in the same time zone as me. The group calls will be scheduled to fit with UK, European, US and Australian/New Zealand time zones.
The only possible challenge might be if you opt to have 1:1 calls with me (these are optional) - but so far I've always managed to find a time we could both make, so this shouldn't be a problem. But feel free to email me to check: hello@squarepeg.community.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes, there is a 3-month payment plan available.
When does Thrive™ start?
We start Tuesday 21 April 2026!
What will happen once I sign up?
You’ll receive a welcome email from me.
Then before the doors open on 21 April you'll receive an email with your login details for the Squarepeg Members portal, where you'll find the first module available.
You’ll also receive an invitation to the private Thrive members' group (off social media).
If you’ve opted to have live calls with me, I'll send you a link to book your first call.
How is the program delivered?
The 6 self-study modules are delivered in a series of videos, audios and workbooks.
There is also a private Thrive community group, which is where you can talk to other participants, share your thoughts and experiences and ask questions.
During the 12 week program we will have three 1-hour live group Zoom calls.
And if you would like to have some 1:1 sessions with me (over Zoom), there is an option to add these at checkout.
Are there any live sessions?
Yes! During the 12 week program we will have three 1-hour live group Zoom calls, which all participants are welcome to attend.
What days and times are the group sessions?
The group calls will be on a Wednesday evening and Friday morning, UK time (I do two calls each time, to accomodate different time zones and working patterns).
Is the program accessible?
Each module is delivered in a series of videos, audios and workbooks, and there will be transcripts of all audios and videos available to download. So you can choose how to interact with the material depending on your needs and preferences.
Can the Thrive™ resources be downloaded and saved to refer back to?
You can download the workbooks and transcripts, but not the audios or videos. But once you are a Thrive™ member, you'll have access to all the materials via the learning platform for the lifetime of the program, so you'll be able to revisit any part of the program whenever you want.
Would I be missing out significantly if I chose not to join the Thrive community group?
A lot of people who've gone through the different rounds of Thrive really appreciated the opportunity to hear about other people's experiences and share with each other. But because not everyone wants or needs this, the Thrive Community group isn't compulsory. It's there for those who want it. All important info will be shared in the member portal and/or by email, and there will be an opportunity to meet other participants on the group calls.
I have a question that's not answered here.
No problem! You can email me at hello@squarepeg.community with any questions you have.
I’d love to have you in THRIVE…
What previous participants are saying about Thrive…
“The workshops have really boosted my self acceptance.
The questions you asked us to think about during the sessions and in the workbook made me think about things I’d never thought about before. I had a breakthrough about unmasking, what it means for me, how to do it more.
The workshops have really boosted my self acceptance. They’re a great way of processing this huge thing that is realising you’re autistic.”
“It’s so brilliant to have something that’s made for someone like me, instead of listening to something and thinking, ‘Oh, okay, I need to adapt that, so it fits me in the way I work, my brain.’ Thank you.”
“Since enrolling in Thrive I’ve experienced a boost to my autistic self-acceptance.
I think that moving forward as an authentically autistic person is something I will be able to work out – I have tools to use now.
Amy’s honest examples from her own life in the course materials helped me start to think through my own life journey with more self-acceptance.
I enjoyed meeting other autistic people – both Amy and the participants – and finding out a little of what makes them tick. It was the first time I had (knowingly!) met peers in this way.
Adding on the optional 1:1 calls with Amy helped in processing the course ideas more deeply and getting some thoughtful outside input.”
“This has been such a gift to me.
To have the container, the accountability, time and tools. I’d been unhappy for years and needed to change something. This has helped me see that it’s possible. I feel a lot lighter. One of the gifts of Thrive was to re-examine how I think and see things in the framework of my own values. This has been so important for me – I credit Thrive for helping me move into a new role. I’m so appreciative of this programme.”
“Thrive has really helped me around self care, and stimming – your demonstrations, and your on camera dancing! I enjoyed that and hadn’t done it for years. I enjoyed the group sessions and meeting people.”
“Since enrolling in Thrive I have a better understanding of myself and how my autism has shaped who I am.
It has been quite emotional! What was most helpful was thinking about what I need to make my future a joyful one.
I think Thrive is really helpful for wherever you are on your autism journey. Amy has so much insight, and although my life is completely different to hers I learned so much about myself.
I particularly enjoyed the group Zoom sessions – I find it really hard to connect with people over social media so it was lovely to meet other women.”
“Thrive has been uplifting. It’s set at a really nice level. It had a nice pace, relaxing rather than intense, and I looked forward to all the different things. Amy has a very nice energy, very positive, and a very human and authentic voice and stories.”
“It’s focused me into starting to do the necessary thinking about my life.
I signed up for Thrive to take a look at where I am now and have the space to think about the near future and beyond. Doing the workshops has given me the time to think, and be guided in that process, in thinking about how to live an authentic autistic life going forwards.
My biggest takeaway is seeing how fundamentally important it is to live in an authentically autistic way. It’s focused me into starting to do the necessary thinking about my life.
It’s been wonderful.”
“Really powerful…
It really helped to have you say things in an autistic way. Especially for those of us without a formal diagnosis, being able to do the things in the course and be able to tick those boxes and say ‘this is me’ was really valuable. Have I found my tribe? Yes! This is exactly my experience that you’re talking about, and that’s really powerful. It’s clear that this is the work you’re supposed to be doing.”
“Thrive offers a portal to reconnecting with your true self and better understanding your needs.
If you have recently self-identified or been diagnosed, Thrive offers a portal to reconnecting with your true self and better understanding your needs, so that you can begin to create a more authentic life.
The prompts and examples from Amy’s own experiences were really helpful to explore and uncover what my needs actually are and how I might begin to live a more authentic life.”
“I just wanted to say how useful this whole hour has been. These questions and reflections are just so nourishing and needed and necessary. I feel like I want to go over it again in my own time as well, because I’m only just skimming the surface, but I’m pretty blown away by how helpful this is.”
“During Thrive I’ve gained in self knowledge and learnt about how my internalised ableism has affected me.
As I am fairly recently diagnosed it was good to hear about Amy’s experiences and those of the group, it validated my own feelings.
I found the whole approach in Thrive helpful, that you could go at your own pace, that there was time built into the course to reflect. That you did not have to participate in the group if you didn’t want to, but if you did people would respond to you with their experiences.
It was good to have the opportunity to do a live session; I personally found it impactful and it made my diagnosis more real to me, seeing other people in the same situation.”
“The material is rich and dense. Doing Thrive was a worthwhile endeavour.”
“My biggest takeaway was learning to have more awareness of what works for me and makes me happy.
The most helpful parts were hearing about Amy’s experiences and process, and hearing what other group members were looking to change and adjust.
My biggest takeaway was learning to have more awareness of what works for me and makes me happy, considering small adjustments and tweaks that could make a difference, and changing my mindset around these.
The content of the workshops will continue to permeate and I will keep going back to the worksheets and refine.”
“It already feels worthwhile – I’ve made some changes/decisions and I’m definitely moving forward. Thank you for doing this and for leading us through the sessions in a way that feels safe.”
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