When Two Neurodivergent Minds Meet: A Virtual Assistant and an Editor Share Their Process (Part 1)

Even though I’m about to hit a decade of freelance editing — three years full-time — I still struggle with managing my business: getting invoices out; keeping on top of long-term projects; knowing what is coming to me when, and then tracking new pieces when they come in. My ADHD is a big factor in these struggles.

This past June, I decided to invest in help. I’d tried hiring a virtual assistant (VA) before, but never found one with whom I clicked: one who could understand what I needed, offer solutions and design robust systems for my business.

All that changed when I met Melanie Lobo, a VA who specializes in supporting neurodivergent freelancers, creatives and other brilliant nerds with the day-to-days of their businesses. In just eight to 12  hours per month, she has substantially lightened my mental load.

To help other neurodivergent (and neurotypical and uncertain or undiagnosed) editors considering hiring a VA, Melanie and I interviewed each other about our first six months working together. For this week’s post, I interviewed Melanie; next week, she’ll interview me.

Letitia Henville: What am I like to work with as a client? 

Melanie Lobo: Every client or business has their own rhythm. I view you as a whirlwind: quick, practical and fiercely efficient. Yet, you also have a soft gush of air, steady and guiding me patiently. Sometimes, I also picture the wind blowing through a field, as you’re always seeking new adventures and breezing through each.

LH: What’s your favourite project or task you’ve helped me with?

ML: Initially, I think that the project management system I set up for you, the Weather Forecast, was my favourite:

Now that I’m working on some automations, though, I’m finding I’m really liking that work. I’ve enjoyed your willingness to let me experiment with processes that make sense for your business and brain.

LH: What’s something you wish all editors knew before hiring a VA?

ML: A good VA learns your preferences and brings your voice into their work. It’s less about delegation and more about co-creating systems that work with your brain. 

If you’re a neurodivergent editor or business owner, you need someone who truly gets you: your working style, your energy, your rhythm. No masking, no over-explaining, no apologizing for how you work. The right VA will meet you where you are and build from there.

For anyone thinking of hiring a VA: always have a meeting to discuss priorities, clarify dos and don’ts, identify your difficulties and determine where you want your VA to take the lead. 

LH: You’re based in India, so what advice would you give to Canadian freelancers interested in working with a VA in another country — particularly around ensuring a fair, ethical working relationship?

ML: I’ve seen cases where freelancers are underpaid or exploited, and this doesn’t just happen across international borders — it happens everywhere.

Freelancing is a business and, like any business, it takes time, effort and emotional labour to build trust, reliability and connection. Our professional relationship isn’t just transactional or about delivering tasks.

For VAs in countries like India or the Philippines, rates are often lower because of the local cost of living, but that shouldn’t justify underpayment. I’ve seen job posts offering terrible hourly rates. Sometimes this happens because small business owners themselves are struggling, but other times, it’s clear exploitation.

Freelancers in India and the Philippines should be paid fairly, promptly and within market standards. Like freelancers in Canada, we have to cover our own pension, medical insurance, paid leave and business expenses.

My advice would be to have open conversations and a contract that outlines scope, expectations and payment terms. A trial period can really help both sides understand each other’s communication style, reliability and work dynamic.

LH: Am I your favourite client? 

ML: That made me laugh! I don’t think I have a “favourite” client. Every client–freelancer relationship has its own rhythm and connection.

About the co-author: 

Melanie Lobo is a neurodivergent Virtual Assistant based in India who supports neurodivergent freelancers, consultants and healthcare practitioners to create flexible systems that work with their brains and bodies, grounded with empathy. 

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