About us
Our story
The grapefruit is our metaphor for the neurodivergent mind: quirky, bold and unique. At Grapefruit, we believe every mind deserves the right support, understanding, and opportunities to thrive. Our consultancy was founded by James Perkins and Joanna Guilar, who bring together professional expertise, lived experience, and a shared passion for empowering neurodivergent individuals, families, schools, and organisations.
James Perkins
Educational Specialist | Integrative Coach | Mentor
James blends neuroscience, neurodiversity expertise, and integrative coaching approaches, drawing on over a decade of experience supporting neurodivergent individuals and families.
He studied Chemistry at Oxford before beginning his career at Deloitte, later transitioning into education where he developed a strong focus on psychology and learning differences.
As someone who is AuDHD (autism and ADHD) and dyslexic, James brings a distinctive combination of professional expertise and lived experience. This dual perspective allows him to offer deeply empathetic, insightful, and transformative support, tailored to the unique needs of neurodivergent minds.
Joanna Guilar
Educational Specialist in Neurodiversity | Parent | Public Health Professional | Coach
Joanna combines 15 years in NHS Public Health with lived experience as a parent of neurodivergent children. Her eldest child’s dyslexia diagnosis inspired her to retrain in neurodiversity teaching. Today, Joanna helps schools, families, and individuals create inclusive environments, while championing pride in neurodivergent identity.
Why Grapefruit
Whether you’re an individual, parent, school, or organisation, Grapefruit is here to help.
Contact us to start the conversation.
‘We are not entirely sure how we would have navigated the last couple of years had we not found Jo and James. An Educational Psychologist once said to us: ‘your child doesn’t need support, they need the RIGHT support’
Fiona, Director Photographer & mother of two neurodivergent children