Let’s talk about what neurodiversity means (to me)

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.

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 is how that plays out in everyday life and in work. Things like:

• 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 aim is simple:

• To raise awareness of what neurodiversity really looks like.
• 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.

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.

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.

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Photo by C D-X on Unsplash