Let's talk about what neurodivergence means (to me)

05.09.25     About 2 min
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Key Points

    My Background in Neurodiversity

    One of the things I’ve grown into over the past couple of years is giving talks about neurodiversity. These aren’t lectures filled with textbooks and clinical detail — they’re grounded in something much more personal: lived experience.

    I hold a TQUK Level 2 Certificate in Understanding Autism, which gives me a solid foundation for what others could experience with Autism, but I always make it clear that I can only speak from my own perspective. For me, that perspective is shaped by living with both Autism and ADHD — together often called AuDHD.

    Living with AuDHD

    And that distinction matters. Having Autism brings one set of challenges and strengths. ADHD brings another. But having both creates an overlap that is unique in its own right — a different rhythm of thought, a different way of processing the world, and a whole new set of experiences that don’t always fit neatly into either category.

    What I Share in My Talks

    • The double-edged sword of focus — hyperfocus when something truly matters, and complete derailment when it doesn’t.
    • The sensory and emotional load of Autism, paired with the restless drive of ADHD.
    • The creative and problem-solving advantages that come from spotting connections and patterns others might miss.

    My Goals

    • To raise awareness of what neurodiversity really looks like.
    • The key differences between Neurodiversity and Neurodivergence.
    • To remove stigma and misunderstanding that still exist around Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD.
    • To highlight opportunities — because neurodiverse individuals often bring fresh thinking, resilience, and innovation when given the right environment.

    Creating Inclusive Spaces

    I want to encourage businesses, organisations, and communities to see that this isn’t just about “accommodating” people like me. It’s about recognising the value of different perspectives and creating spaces where those differences are celebrated, not just tolerated.

    So when I talk about neurodiversity, it’s not from a place of theory — it’s from lived experience. I’m open, honest, and sometimes a little raw, because that’s the reality of what it means to live and work with a brain that doesn’t always fit the mould.

    Let’s connect

    If you’d like me to speak to your team, organisation, or event — to help you understand more about Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD, and how you can create environments where different kinds of minds can thrive — I’d love to chat.

    Hi! I'm James Kindred. I wrote this!

    With over 25 years of experience in design, branding, and business growth, I help businesses craft compelling identities and scale with confidence. From start-ups finding their voice to established businesses refining their brand presence, I work closely with clients to develop distinctive brand identities, engaging assets & collateral, and results-driven strategies.