A MOTHER who took up a new career after finding out her son was autistic wants to help families in the same position.  When Kathryn Ansley’s five-year-old son Ben was diagnosed in December 2003, she realised she could no longer look after him and her 10-year-old daughter Sophie as well as holding down her job.  So, inspired by her own experiences, the Waterview Close, Newhey, mother embarked on a new career, retraining as a life coach and setting up her own company, Living Years Coaching.

The 39-year-old says she and husband Nick have used their personal experience positively.  She said: "We knew our lives were going to change and we did not know what we were going to do at first so we carved out a new life".  As well as working with private clients face-to-face and on the telephone, Kathryn also runs coaching skills workshops.  She said: "Coaching is for anyone who wants to make some positive changes in their life".  Many clients are at a crossroads when they come for coaching or have a work-life balance or self- esteem related issues".  These days we feel too busy and pulled in too many directions".  I help my clients get back on track towards restoring their sense of well-being."

Happy with her new career and with both children at the Sacred Heart Primary School, Mrs Ansley now wants to encourage people looking after someone with a condition like autism to get some coaching.  She said: "I firmly believe that people and carers are in the best position if they feel good about themselves and they have a sense of direction in their lives".  You are dealing with medical professionals and local authorities and you need to be able to deal with them".  I recognise the stresses and strains they are going through."

Article written by Vaila Finch.