Expert: Valerie Herskowitz - 12/28/2009

Question
Hiya,
So a quick introduction.  I'm 21, about to finish a double major in business and Spanish, and I was diagnosed with Asperger's when I was 14.  Since receiving that diagnosis, I've very aggressively and deliberately worked to build up my social skills.  I've read books on social interaction and body language, taken communications classes, worked with parents and friends to sharpen my skills, and spent countless hours "in the trenches" meeting people and building relationships.  As a result of that work, I've learned a great deal about how to interact socially successfully and how to have healthy relationships.  People are generally shocked when I tell them about my AS diagnosis, and people tell me that I come across as very confident and outgoing.

Now, here's my question.  I recently had the idea of hiring myself out as a "social coach"  Essentially, I would meet with people with AS (or people who were simply shy or lacking social skills), and would work with them one-on-one to achieve their social goals.  I would work with them to figure out their social goals, identify areas for improvement that would help them reach their goals, give them tips and tricks on various aspects of social interaction, practice interactions with them, and play "wingman" when they went to a social event to help them meet people.  I've talked to a few people about this and they're skeptical of the idea.  They think that for me to be able to help people with AS in this way, I would need a degree in psychology or special ed or something similar.  I believe that I don't need any formal degree, and that my years of studying social interaction qualify me to help others with their social interactions.  However, I would like an expert opinion.  As you've worked extensively with people with AS, do you think that my idea of being a social coach has merit?  Could I help people simply through what my own experience has taught me, or do I need specialized information that only a degree would give me?  If you believe that my idea has some merit and I could potentially help people with AS with their social problems, do you have any advice for how I could do that effectively?  Also, do you have any sense of how much I could potentially charge for a service like this?
Thanks so much.  I'm grateful for your advice.
Dan

Answer
Hi Dan

Congratulations on all your accomplishments.

I do think you have a lot to offer. I would probably shy away from the word, "coach," and possibly use the word,"mentor," or something like that. The profession of coaching does imply some educational background (though it is not a requirement) and may mislead people.

I would also be very open about the fact that you have the AS diagnosis so people will know that you are coming from a place of personal experience rather than from a some sort of training.

But you do have a lot to offer.

Make sure you offer a very structured program with guidelines and the like. It will be more professional.

In the beginning, you may have to keep your costs very low until you have some years under your belt. I would start with around $20/hr. Eventually, if you develop a good program and reputation, your charges should reflect that.

Let me know how it goes and good luck.