Running a limited company is never just about doing the work you love.
There’s admin. There are accounts. There’s tax.
And for neurodivergent business owners—whether they have autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or another form of neurodivergence —the mental load can feel even heavier.
We know this because we’ve lived it.
At Beansprout, our co-founders bring both neurodivergent and neurotypical perspectives to the table.
One of us thinks in spirals, thrives in creativity, and sometimes struggles with structure. The other finds clarity in process and detail. We’ve learned how to support each other, and now apply those same principles to the way we support our clients.
Traditional accounting support doesn’t always suit the neurodivergent brain. Too often, business owners feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or as though they’re constantly falling short.
But your brain isn’t the problem. The system is. You deserve support designed around your strengths not your struggles.
Here’s a more accessible, neurodivergent-friendly approach to managing your limited company finances.
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Work With Your Brain, Not Against It
Start by accepting how your brain works and tailoring your systems to match.
Are you a visual thinker? Use graphs and dashboards instead of raw data.
Do you struggle with time blindness? Set up recurring reminders.
Are you easily overwhelmed by big tasks? Break things into smaller, check-off steps.
There’s no one right way, only what works for you. Many neurodivergent business owners need more clarity, not more complexity.
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Automate What You Can
Automation reduces decision fatigue and creates breathing room.
Try:
- Xero or FreeAgent – link to your bank, reconcile transactions automatically.
- Dext or AutoEntry – snap a receipt photo and let the software handle the rest.
- GoCardless or Stripe – set up recurring payments to avoid chasing clients.
Many of these tools include visual dashboards that make interpreting financial information easier than combing through spreadsheets.
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Outsource the Tasks That Drain You
There’s a difference between being capable and being energised. If finances feel like a weight, it’s okay to get help.
Consider outsourcing:
- Monthly bookkeeping
- Payroll and pensions
- VAT returns
- Annual accounts and tax filings
Work with someone who explains things clearly, understands your communication style, and never makes you feel judged for asking questions. That relationship matters just as much as the technical work.
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Batch Tasks When Focus Strikes
Focus often comes in bursts. When you’re in flow, group similar tasks together.
For example:
- Send all invoices in one session
- Block an hour to upload receipts
- Check in with your numbers weekly, at the same time
- Using a timer, building a routine, and adding rewards can help you stay motivated without burnout. You’re not lazy, you’re managing your energy wisely.
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Try Body Doubling
Body doubling, working alongside someone else, either in-person or virtually can boost focus and reduce task avoidance.
You could:
- Join a virtual co-working session
- Set up a quiet Zoom call with a friend
- Work side-by-side in a shared space
You don’t need to talk. Just having someone present can be grounding and help you get through repetitive or anxiety-inducing tasks like expenses or bookkeeping.
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Use Visuals, Not Just Words
If long paragraphs or number-heavy spreadsheets are overwhelming, switch to visuals.
- Track income using bar charts
- Colour-code categories in your budget
- Use icons, diagrams, or even video walkthroughs
At Beansprout, we use visuals regularly, whether it’s a sketch of your business model or a simple graph showing where your money is going. It’s all about making things easier to understand and act on.
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Prefer Talking? Choose Calls Over Emails
Written communication can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re prone to overthinking or struggle with written processing.
If you prefer verbal communication:
- Ask for a call or voice note instead of an email
- Request follow-ups as bullet points
- Allow yourself time to process and revisit information
You can shape the way your business communicates. It’s not unprofessional to ask for clarity, it’s essential.
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Break Tasks Into Chunks
Executive function challenges can make starting feel like the hardest part. The solution? Make tasks smaller.
Instead of “Do my tax return,” try:
Log in to HMRC
Find last year’s figures
Upload this year’s receipts
Email accountant with questions
Tick off what you can. Progress is progress, and momentum builds confidence.
Final Thoughts
Running a business as a neurodivergent founder is hard. You’re not just juggling clients, delivery, and strategy, you’re navigating systems that often weren’t built for the way you think.
And when it comes to finance, traditional support often falls short. It can feel rigid, confusing, or overly complex.
At Beansprout, we’re doing things differently. With one neurodivergent and one neurotypical founder, we’ve built a business that understands both worlds—and we’re committed to making financial advice feel inclusive, supportive, and empowering.
We break things down into manageable steps. We use pictures, voice notes, or plain-language calls. We meet you where you are and move at a pace that works for you.
Because we believe that understanding your finances shouldn’t be overwhelming. It should be liberating.
With the right tools and support, you can run your limited company in a way that feels calm, confident, and completely aligned with who you are.
And we’re here to help you do just that.
Photo by Memento Media on Unsplash


