The Hidden 20%

In this episode, Ben is joined by Dr Tony Lloyd, former CEO of the ADHD Foundation, for a conversation that steps back and looks at the bigger picture of neurodiversity at a moment when the landscape is rapidly changing.Now retired, Tony reflects on decades at the forefront of ADHD and neurodiversity advocacy, and why we’re still asking the wrong questions.They explore why more people are recognising themselves than ever before, and the tension between medical models and the idea of thinking differently.From SEND systems and long waiting lists to public narratives and stigma, Tony shares what he believes still isn’t working and where real progress is happening.This is a conversation about where we are now, what needs to change, and why the future of neurodiversity may look very different to its past.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction1:03 The Current Neurodiversity Landscape: ADHD, Autism & Society3:50 The Global Neurodiversity Identity Crisis Explained5:50 “We Are Everywhere”: The Rise of Neurodivergent Voices9:44 The Future of Neurodiversity: Why People Are No Longer Hiding20:02 Medical Model vs Neurodiversity: Disorder or Difference?27:00 SEND System & ADHD/Autism Reports: What’s Broken?32:10 Why Neurodiversity Should Be Seen as Opportunity, Not Deficit42:03 De-stigmatising ADHD & Autism: What Gives Tony Hope48:06 ADHD & Autism Waitlists: Advice for Those Still Waiting50:18 The Role of Neurodivergent Public Figures & Advocacy55:16 Regressive Narratives vs Being Yourself: Courage & Kindness1:02:22 Dr Tony Lloyd’s Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benTony LloydIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben is joined by Kelly and Hester Grainger, the married co-founders of Perfectly Autistic.Together they work with major organisations to build workplaces that actually work for neurodivergent people but as Kelly (AuDHD) and Hester (ADHD) explain, inclusion isn’t about a single training session or a handful of adjustments.They reflect on careers shaped by masking, burnout and trying to fit systems that weren’t designed with neurodivergent people in mind. Together they unpack why so many workplaces unintentionally exclude ND employees, what genuinely neuroinclusive organisations do differently, and why awareness has to go beyond a one-off training session.They also share the more personal side: exploring their own careers, why Hester once had over 30 jobs, and what it’s like running a business together as a neurodivergent couple.If you’ve ever felt exhausted by work environments that don’t quite fit your brain, this episode will help you see why - and what could change.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction1:26 Neurodiversity at Work | Hester & Kelly Grainger on ADHD, Autism & Corporate Consulting2:19 The #1 Thing Employers Need to Understand About Neurodiversity in the Workplace3:50 Supporting Neurodivergent Employees at Scale: What Actually Works7:26 Which Companies Are Asking for Neurodiversity Support at Work?8:31 ADHD & Autism at Work: Common Challenges and Simple Workplace Adjustments19:15 Who Is Responsible for Neurodiversity in the Workplace?23:37 Why Neurodiversity Training Can’t Be a One-Off Session & The Power Of Listening & Curiosity at Work26:38 Neurodiversity Labels at Work: Why Language Around Autism & ADHD Matters33:16 Undiagnosed ADHD or Autism at Work: Your Rights as an Employee37:40 What Does The Dream Neuroinclusive Employer Look Like?42:30 Neurodiversity & Recruitment49:34 Running a Business Together as a Neurodivergent Couple50:40 Kelly’s AuDHD Diagnosis: Telling Employers About ADHD & Autism53:48 Creating Safe Conversations About Neurodivergence & Advocating For Yourself57:43 Neurodivergent Workers Are Everywhere: Why Companies Need to Adapt59:30 What Do “Best in Class” Neuroinclusive Companies Do Differently?1:06:06 What Neurodivergent Candidates Should Look for in an Employer1:08:22 Practical Ways Employers Can Create Neuroinclusive Workplaces1:09:50 If Hester & Kelly Had a Magic Wand: The One Thing They’d Change About Workplaces1:19:26 Kelly & Hester’s Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benHester Grainger @hestersvibe linkedin.com/in/hestergrainger Kelly Grainger linkedin.com/in/kelly-grainger-9601b43www.perfectlyautistic.co.ukIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today Ben is joined by Andy and Gaz, hosts and founders of The Autism Dadcast Podcast, which has quickly become a vital voice for parents raising profoundly autistic children - gaining tens of thousands of followers and millions of views in just weeks. They share candid insights about parenting, grief, and the day-to-day realities of life with children who have profound autism, from navigating meltdowns and stimming to advocating in school and in public.Andy and Gaz reflect on the moments that may look small to an outsider - a smile, a new word, a shared laugh - but are in reality huge victories that shape their children’s lives and their family’s world. This episode offers quietly powerful perspectives on empathy, resilience, and the deeply human side of raising children with profound autism.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction1:03 Why Andy & Gaz Created the Autism Dadcast Podcast4:44 Parenting Profoundly Autistic Children: Gaz & Andy’s Lived Experience16:40 Processing Grief & Parenting Expectations for ND Children23:40 Public Reactions to Autistic Meltdowns, Stimming & Neurodivergence28:57 Being an Autism Dad: Advocating & Speaking Up on Parenting Challenges33:29 Home Life vs School Masking: Supporting Autistic Kids Authentically35:44 Understanding the Term “Profoundly Autistic” in Daily Life41:36 Lessons Learned: How Andy & Gaz Navigate ND Parenting47:06 Adjusting Life Around Autism: What Feels “Normal” Now?54:12 The Future of Autism Dadcast & Growing Community Impact56:06 Top 3 Parenting Tips for Raising Autistic Children Effectively58:10 Surprising Insights About Being an Autistic Parent1:03:33 Andy & Gaz’s Green Dot BadgesThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benThe Autism Dadcast with Andy & Gaz @autismdadcastIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of Ben’s conversation with Dr Shyamal Mashru, they unpack what actually makes a good ADHD assessment - and why so many people are still waiting, misdiagnosed, or left without answers.Dr Shyamal, an NHS Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Lead for Adult ADHD, explains what happens inside a thorough assessment, who is qualified to diagnose ADHD, and why emotional dysregulation is so often overlooked. Together, they explore NHS vs private pathways, co-occurring conditions like autism and RSD, and why ADHD rarely shows up in neat, textbook ways.We hope this episode brings clarity to a process that can often feel stressful, and inaccessible. If you’re questioning ADHD, on a waiting list, or trying to understand what good care really looks like, this conversation is for you.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction01:12 Who Can Diagnose ADHD in the UK?04:25 ADHD Assessment Options: NHS vs Private Explained11:20 ADHD Assessments Outside the UK: What’s Different?13:00 Why ADHD Assessments Are Complex & Often Siloed20:14 ADHD & Reduced Life Expectancy: What the Research Shows24:20 What Makes a Good ADHD Assessment?29:25 ADHD at School vs University: Missed Support32:50 RSD, Relationships & Emotional Regulation Flags34:16 ADHD & Daily Life: Hobbies, Money, Sleep41:02 When ADHD Gets Misdiagnosed - and Why47:15 Autism + ADHD: What If You Suspect Both?55:06 The Missing Piece in ADHD Diagnosis: Emotional Dysregulation59:00 Dr Shyamal’s Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Shymal Mashru @harrowhealthcicHarrow Health offers bespoke NHS community outpatient services across London, plus fast adult ADHD assessment and treatment across England. For more information please visit: https://adhdrighttochoose.com/If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben sits down with Dr Shyamal Mashru, Consultant Psychiatrist and Medical Lead for Adult ADHD, for a clear and compassionate deep dive into Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD).Often misunderstood or dismissed as being “too sensitive,” RSD is explored here as a real, neurological experience - one that can hijack rational thought, flood the body with emotional pain, and quietly shape relationships, work, and self-worth. Dr Shyamal explains what RSD is (and isn’t), how it shows up differently across people, and why ADHD brains may be especially vulnerable.They unpack the science, the role of trauma and hormones, why RSD isn’t currently in the DSM, and what actually helps when rejection hits hard.If rejection feels overwhelming, confusing, or deeply personal - this conversation offers clarity, relief, and language for what you may have been carrying alone.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction01:00 Dr Shyamal Mashru’s ADHD Background & Clinical Work03:15 What Surprises Clinicians About ADHD Assessments04:41 Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Explained: What RSD Is & Why It Hurts09:16 RSD Coping Mechanisms: Shutdown, People-Pleasing & Avoidance11:44 Is It RSD or Something Else? How to Tell the Difference15:05 The Neuroscience of RSD: Why Rational Thinking Switches Off17:27 RSD in Romantic Relationships & Attachment21:33 How to Support a Partner With Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria22:50 How Aware Is Society of RSD?24:38 RSD, Hormones & ADHD: Menstrual Cycle, Perimenopause & Menopause26:33 Is There an Upside to RSD? Emotional Depth & Sensitivity29:56 Can Non-ADHD People Experience RSD?31:55 RSD vs Trauma & Fear of Failure34:46 Why RSD Is More Than “Not Handling Rejection”36:15 Why Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Isn’t in the DSM40:00 How RSD Shows Up in Children41:29 Early Signs & Patterns Clinicians Look For42:59 How Common Is RSD in ADHD — and When It Appears46:20 Treating RSD: Therapy, Medication & Regulation56:18 The One Thing Dr Shyamal Would Change About RSD AwarenessThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Shymal Mashru @adhdhealthclinicwww.adhdhealthclinic.co.ukIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Semi-Professional cyclist, Connie Hayes, joins Ben for a deeply personal conversation about growing up autistic, dyslexic and dyspraxic - and how cycling became both a regulator and a place of safety.Connie reflects on the early signs of autism that were missed, the self-esteem battles that came with puberty, hormones and friendships, and the long road to understanding her neurodivergence.She shares how sport - particularly cycling - helps regulate her nervous system, why environment matters so deeply for autistic performance, and how dyspraxia shows up at an elite level.Together, they also explore autism in women, eating disorders in sport, disclosure, and the urgent need for more inclusive practices across the industry.If you’re curious about neurodiversity, sport and identity, this episode is for you!Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction01:05 Connie Hayes: The Autistic, Dyslexic & Dyspraxic Professional Cyclist02:20 Early Signs of Autism & Being Missed03:07 How Cycling Regulates Connie’s Autistic Brain04:41 Understanding Autism Through Sport (Post-Diagnosis)05:57 Designing Environments Where Autistic Athletes Thrive08:05 Autism, Dyslexia & Dyspraxia Diagnosis Journey: Self-Esteem, Puberty & Friendships10:42 Dyspraxia in Elite Cycling: Coordination, Balance & Training12:28 Fighting for School Support & Being Left With Questions16:59 The Right University & Autism in Women: “It Saved My Life”25:53 Identity: Seeing Herself as an Autistic Woman26:38 Society’s Expectations vs Autistic Females27:19 Neurodiversity in Sport: What We Get Wrong29:21 Autism, Sport & Eating Disorders39:43 Why Autism Can Be a Strength in Professional Cycling46:45 Women’s Cycling Through an Autism Lens55:06 Disclosing Autism: Regret, Relief & Reality58:38 Is Cycling Good for Neurodivergent People?01:02:07 Connie’s Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benConnie Hayes @connie_hayesIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of this conversation, neurobiologist and author of The Lost Girls of Autism, Gina Rippon, rejoins Ben to focus on the women autism research left behind.Picking up where part one ends, Gina traces how early brain science, diagnostic bias and cultural assumptions combined to hide autistic women in plain sight. She unpacks why autism was framed as a “male condition,” how masking became a survival strategy, and the real cost of decades of late or missed diagnosis.They explore the neuroscience behind prediction and masking, the forgotten female figures in autism’s history, and why the language of “over-diagnosis” risks oversimplifying a much more complex history of under-recognition .Gina also reflects on autistic bullying, and what meaningful change in diagnosis and research could look like next.If you’ve ever wondered why so many autistic women are only being seen now - or why you still don’t feel seen - this conversation is for you. We hope it offers some clarity, context, and hope.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction01:00 Gina Rippon’s Career in Autism & Neuroscience02:00 The Brain Questions That Changed Autism Research05:12 Autism & the Brain: Predictive Coding Explained08:11 Why So Many Autistic Women Were Missed09:09 The Forgotten Female Psychiatrist Who Identified Autism Decades Earlier16:52 Autism Diagnosis Ratios: Female vs Male Explained18:02 How Many Autistic Women Have We Missed? The “Overdiagnosis” Myth24:02 Masking in Autistic Women: The Breakthrough Moment29:30 The Reality of Bullying for Autistic Girls31:18 The Cost of Late Autism Diagnosis in Women35:59 Autism, Hormones & PMDD: What Research Still Lacks37:00 Debunking the “Refrigerator Mother” Myth40:15 What Neuroscience Tells Us About the Autistic Brain44:11 Neurodivergent vs Neurodiversity: Why Language Matters46:00 The Future of Autism Diagnosis in Women47:54 What Gives Gina Rippon Hope50:45 Gina Rippon’s Top Tips for Autistic Women51:44 Gina’s Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benGina Rippon https://www.ginarippon.com/If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part one of this two-part conversation, neurobiologist and author of The Gendered Brain and The Lost Girls of Autism - recently awarded the British Psychological Society’s Popular Science Book Prize - Gina Rippon joins Ben to unpack what we really know, and don’t know, about the human brain.From left-brain/right-brain myths to the rise of gendered brain science, Gina explains why many of the ideas we’ve grown up with simply don’t stand up to scrutiny. Drawing on decades of research, she explores how brains change across the lifespan, how experience actively shapes neural pathways, and why no two brains - neurodivergent or not - are ever the same.They dive into alpha rhythms, brain plasticity, ageing, and the cultural bias baked into neuroscience, including why the idea of distinctly “male” and “female” brains has caused more confusion than clarity.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction00:57 Why Gina Rippon Became Obsessed With the Brain2:54 What Science Really Knows About the Neurodivergent Brain7:18 Brain Waves Explained: Alpha Rhythms & Neurodivergence10:24 Debunking Common Myths About the Neurodivergent Brain12:00 Left Brain vs Right Brain: Does It Actually Exist?17:14 The Best Analogy for How Brains Really Work18:17 Why London Taxi Drivers’ Brains Change19:30 How the Brain Changes With Age21:46 Brain Plasticity, Careers & Learning Over Time23:27 Why Every Brain Is Different And Neurodiversity26:45 Gender Bias in Neuroscience: “Neuro Trash” Research27:53 Is There Such a Thing as a Male or Female Brain?35:18 The Real Impact of Gendered Brain Science40:56 Neurodivergence, Gender & Brain Differences Explained44:07 Moving Beyond Gendered Brains to Human Brains45:22 What Are Thoughts, Really?48:40 Why Gina Decided To Write “The Lost Girls of Autism”The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benGina Rippon https://www.ginarippon.com/If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian, presenter and creator Holly Morris joins Ben for a candid conversation about living with AuDHD, the hidden cost of masking, and why being “funny” is often a survival strategy rather than a personality trait.Holly shares how her comedy career grew out of lifelong hyper-vigilance - constantly scanning rooms, people and conversations and how that same awareness fuels both her humour and her exhaustion. She opens up about navigating networking, friendships and online spaces as a neurodivergent adult, and why masking can feel automatic, ingrained, and hard to switch off.They explore Holly’s later diagnoses of ADHD and autism, imposter syndrome, her experience of Emetophobia, and how her Autism and ADHD overlap and show up in daily life. If you’ve ever felt socially switched on but internally depleted, this episode will feel quietly familiar.AD Head to https://bit.ly/hidden20_getdopa and use code Hidden20 for 10% off.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction & AD1:48 Holly Morris’ AuDHD Comedy Journey5:04 Masking as an AuDHD Comedian & Networking Pressure8:36 How Masking Shapes Holly’s Online Content13:14 Discovering AuDHD & Living With Emetophobia17:25 Hypervigilance, Anxiety & the AuDHD Nervous System21:50 ADHD vs Autism: How AuDHD Shows Up Day to Day27:30 Being Open About Neurodivergence: Online vs In-Person30:39 Adult Friendships, Social Energy & Neurodivergence44:40 Masking vs Unmasking: What Actually Helps46:48 The Hidden Cost of Being a Neurodivergent Creator50:09 AuDHD, Imposter Syndrome & Self-Doubt51:30 Thinking Differently: Strengths, Creativity & Hope1:02:00 What’s Next for Holly Morris1:10:30 Holly’s Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benHolly Morris @hollymorrisssIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr Renata Fialho is back in the green chair.In this conversation, Renata and Ben pick up where they left off - this time with Renata sharing her own ADHD diagnosis, what it was like to receive it later in life, and how it has quietly reshaped both her inner world and her clinical work.Together, they unpack the realities of autism and ADHD assessments across the NHS and private sector, why certain myths continue to circulate, and where Renata sees genuine potential for more thoughtful, humane practice.Renata also shares why she’s joining The Hidden 20% as a clinical psychologist, her hopes for the direction of neurodiversity care, and reflections on her work at the intersection of neurodivergence and sport - including why swimming can be such a powerful regulator for ADHD nervous systems.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction00:47 Dr Renata Fialho Reveals Her ADHD Diagnosis03:57 Why Dr Renata’s ADHD Was Missed for So Long08:39 How ADHD Shows Up in Dr Renata’s Daily Life10:25 Neurodiversity Care: NHS vs Private Explained11:45 The Autism Assessment Myth That Frustrates Clinicians13:00 Why Many Clinicians Work Across NHS and Private Practice15:46 What Gives Dr Renata Hope About the Private Sector17:14 Dr Renata Joins The Hidden 20% Team21:15 The Autism Assessment Case That Changed Dr Renata’s Practice24:05 Identity, Community & Diagnosis: Beyond the Medical Model29:22 Dr Renata’s Vision for The Hidden 20%31:57 ADHD, Sport & Mental Health: Why Swimming Helps ADHD Brains38:38 What a Good ADHD Assessment Actually Looks Like42:44 Can One Clinician Assess All Neurotypes?45:14 What Keeps Dr Renata Up at Night and Her Hopes for the Future49:06 Dr Renata’s Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_ben@DrRenataFialho (LinkedIn)If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben sits down with bestselling author, psychologist and behaviour change expert Shahroo Izadi for a deep, honest conversation about ADHD, addiction and how habits really form.Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Shahroo reflects on how years spent working in addiction services helped her make sense of her own impulsivity, shame cycles and coping strategies - long before she had the language for neurodivergence. Together, Ben and Shahroo unpack why addiction is often misunderstood, how neurodivergent brains are especially vulnerable in a frictionless modern world, and why behaviour change isn’t about willpower or fixing yourself.This is a compassionate, practical conversation about trust, self-belief and designing habits that work with your brain - not against it.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction01:26 Shahroo Izadi’s ADHD Diagnosis & Personal Journey08:12 ADHD, Neurodivergence & Addiction: What’s the Link?11:44 Is Addiction a Disease — or a Coping Strategy?13:04 Why Willpower Fails: Understanding Habit Formation16:50 ADHD vs Autism: Impulsivity, Dopamine & Delayed Reward19:08 ADHD & Addiction: Shahroo’s Framework for Sustainable Change29:18 Trusting an ADHD Brain After Years of Self-Criticism33:33 Applying Behavioural Psychology to Living With ADHD36:15 The ADHD Tax: Shame, Avoidance & Hidden Costs39:25 External Dependence, Coping Mechanisms & Control42:03 Shahroo’s 3 Practical Tips for Lasting Behaviour Change52:13 Ben on Addiction & Recovery: Choice Without Deprivation58:47 What We Still Get Wrong About Addiction & Neurodivergence1:02:02 Healthy Habits vs Addiction: Where’s the Line?1:07:21 Addiction, ADHD & Autism: What Needs to Change Systemically1:15:20 Shahroo’s Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benShahroo Izadi @shahroo_izadi www.shahrooizadi.co.ukIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As another year closes, we’re taking a gentler approach to New Year’s thinking. In this special episode, Ben is joined by familiar voices from across the year and a hint of who’s to come in 2026 - as he sits down with clinicians, creators, advocates and friends of The Hidden 20% to talk about goals, not resolutions.From Dr Renata Fialho to Shahroo Izadi, Céin McGillicuddy, Dr Alison Lennox, Dr Josephine Neale and Tony Lloyd, each guest reflects on what they’re carrying forward into 2026 and what they’re intentionally leaving behind.Together, we unpack why “resolutions” can feel loaded, deficit-focused and unrealistic for neurodivergent brains, and why goals rooted in compassion, flexibility and self-trust tend to work better.This is a calm, grounding end-of-year listen - focused less on fixing yourself, and more on meeting yourself where you are.From all of us at The Hidden 20%, thank you for your support this year - we’ll see you in 2026. 🟢Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction1:15 A Neurodivergent Rethink of New Year’s Resolutions with Dr Renata Fialho4:25 Sam Branson on Realistic ND Goals & Letting Go of Pressure5:50 Shahroo Izadi: Neurodivergence, Money & Rewriting Financial Goals7:40 Céin McGillicuddy on ND Creativity, Balance & 2026 Intentions10:13 Dr Alison Lennox’s New Year Goals as an Autistic Psychiatrist12:19 Dr Alison Lennox: Hopes for Neurodivergence in 202622:10 The Hidden 20% Team: Community Goals for 202626:10 Dr Josephine Neale: Why “Goals” Work Better Than Resolutions for ND Brains41:42 Tony Lloyd: How I Set ND-Friendly Goals Across Life, Work & Purpose47:07 Tony Lloyd’s Three Wishes for Neurodivergence in 202648:25 Ben’s Personal New Year Goals for 2026The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Renata Fialho Shahroo IzadiSam BransonDr Tony LloydDr Alison LennoxDr Josephine NealeCéin McGillicuddyIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our Refocus series rewinds the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required.To celebrate Christmas 2025, we rewind to Carrie and David Grant talking about life post-diagnosis for Carrie, neurodivergent parenting, unmasking as a family, and how letting go of Christmas pressure can transform life for neurodivergent children and their parents.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen FullerThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benCarrie Grant @carriegrantsaysDavid Grant @davidgrantsays_If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr Josephine Neale - Clinical Director for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services at the Priory and founder of Neale Health, the UK’s first fully online child and adolescent psychiatry service - joins Ben to unpack ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), a condition many people have never heard of but is increasingly recognised in autistic and ADHD individuals.Josephine explains that ARFID isn’t about weight or body image, but driven by four key subtypes: sensory discomfort, fear and anxiety (often around choking or vomiting), low appetite, or a combination of these.Drawing on her specialist work across autism, ADHD, and eating disorders, she breaks down why ND people experience food so differently, why ARFID is still often missed, and how eating difficulties can quietly build long before families know what’s happening.This conversation offers clarity, compassion, and practical tools - whether you’re navigating ARFID yourself, supporting a young person, or simply trying to better understand ND eating differences.If you would like to support us this Christmas please consider gifting from the below link to spread awareness and carry on the conversation:https://www.hidden20.org/christmas-grotto________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction00:48 Dr Josephine Neale: Her Background in Eating Disorders, Autism & ADHD7:20 Why Mind & Body Are Often Seen As Separate in Eating Disorders: & Why That Can Be Problematic 11:26 What Is ARFID? (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder Explained)15:01 How Clinicians Assess ARFID 23:35 ARFID in Neurodivergent People: Autism, ADHD & Sensory Profiles25:29 The Four ARFID Subtypes: Fear, Sensory, Low Appetite & Combined29:40 What Causes ARFID? Understanding Roots, Triggers & Early Signs31:13 ARFID Fear Subtype: Anxiety, Choking Fears & Avoidance32:44 ARFID Low Appetite Subtype: Interoception & Reduced Hunger34:38 ARFID Sensory Subtype: Texture, Smell, Taste & Food Aversions48:23 Can ARFID Come and Go? Understanding Episodic Presentations50:30 Did ARFID Exist Historically? Why Modern Life May Be Increasing Cases55:36 Christmas & ARFID: How to Support People with Eating Difficulties1:01:08 ARFID at Someone Else’s House: How Families Can Navigate Christmas Day1:05:59 Dr Josephine’s Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Josephine Neale @drjosephineneale www.nealehealth.comIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christmas is often described as joyful, but for many neurodivergent people it can be overwhelming, exhausting and full of hidden pressure. In this special episode, Dr Alison Lennox returns to unpack why the festive season can feel so challenging - and how preparation, boundaries and regulation strategies can make a huge difference.Ben and Alison discuss sensory overload, disrupted routines, family expectations, social fatigue and the pressure to “perform” throughout December. Alison shares practical, compassionate advice on preparing for gatherings, setting boundaries ahead of time, creating exit plans, managing burnout, supporting ND children, and finding small moments to regulate even in busy environments.Whether you look forward to Christmas or quietly dread it, this episode gives permission to approach the season differently - with clarity, self-compassion and a plan that puts your wellbeing first.CW: This episode contains discussion of mental health crisis, overwhelm and emotional distress, particularly around the festive period.If you are struggling, in emotional distress or feel unsafe, please reach out:Samaritans (24/7) - Call 116 123 or visit https://www.samaritans.orgShout Crisis Textline - Text SHOUT to 85258Mind – https://www.mind.org.ukNHS 111 (urgent mental health support) – https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-servicesIf you are in immediate danger, call 999 or go to A&E.________If you would like to support us this Christmas please consider gifting from the below link to spread awareness and carry on the conversation:https://www.hidden20.org/christmas-grottoHost: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction00:47 Being Neurodivergent at Christmas: Why the Festive Season Is Hard3:34 Family Expectations, Routines and Holiday Pressure5:00 Why the Festive Season Can Be Overwhelming for ND People6:03 First Christmas After an ND Diagnosis: Handling Difficult Family Reactions10:24 Setting Boundaries Without Guilt & Planning Ahead to Reduce Holiday Stress14:40 Setting Boundaries Without Shame: ND Social Masking & Avoiding Burnout25:25 How to Support Neurodivergent Children at Christmas30:30 Dr Alison’s Top Tips for Setting Healthy Boundaries34:42 Dr Alison’s Festive Advice for ADHD’ers on Medication36:00 Alcohol vs Neurodivergent Brains39:50 The Importance of Preparation for ND Regulation at Christmas42:39 Managing Sensory Overload & Navigating Christmas Traditions45:54 What ND People Can Do If They or a Loved One Are in Distress48:03 Dr Alison’s Final Words of Advice: Q&A From Our ListenersThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Alison Lennox https://www.dralisonlennox.com/If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seventeen months on, Sam Branson - Ben’s Wife - returns for her most honest conversation yet. Their daughter River is now diagnosed autistic, and Sam and Ben reflect on how that has reshaped their marriage, family life and understanding of each other.This episode is their most vulnerable yet.Sam reflects on what it has really been like since Ben’s autism diagnosis and the pain of autistic shutdowns from both perspectives. Together, they talk about parenting an autistic child, adjusting their communication and finding understanding and compassion in the hard moments.This is a raw, honest conversation for anyone raising an ND child or loving someone whose brain works differently.Join us at hidden20.org/donate._________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction01:26 Reflecting Since Sam’s Last Episode (17 Months Later)05:22 Autism Diagnosis: How Are Things Now in Our Marriage?06:19 “Let’s Talk About Autistic Shutdowns”: The Pain From Both Sides21:12 Ben & Sam on Their Daughter River’s Autism Diagnosis28:34 Sam vs Ben: Parenting an Autistic Child Differently36:25 The Importance of Neurodiversity-Aware Schooling38:45 “I Have More Patience for Our Daughter’s Autism Than Yours”39:45 “I Wasn’t For Our Daughter’s Autism Diagnosis”58:11 Navigating Autism, Marriage, Shutdowns & Family Life1:00:12 Sam’s Top Tips for ND Families at Christmas1:14:15 Sam’s Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In part two of Ben’s conversation with Dr Luke Beardon, they move from language and identity into the systems shaping autistic lives - classrooms, healthcare, and even the criminal justice system. With over 30 years’ experience in autism education, Luke breaks down why inclusivity isn’t a “nice extra” but the foundation of genuine support, and why a one-size-fits-all approach consistently fails autistic people.Luke shares his top three tips for supporting neurodivergent children in school, explores how the UK’s autism training compares globally, and offers a candid look at how medical and justice systems misunderstand autistic communication and behaviour.This episode reframes what meaningful inclusion really looks like. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, misinterpreted, or pushed to fit into systems that don’t fit you or your brain, this conversation will help you make sense of it and remind you that the problem was never you.Join us at hidden20.org/donate._________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction1:00 How Dr Luke Beardon Approaches Autism & Education: Why Inclusivity Matters8:43 Understanding Life Through the Autistic Lens VS “One Size Fits All” Support10:00 Dr Luke’s Top 3 Tips for Supporting Neurodivergent Children in School17:42 Neurodiversity History: Educating the Education System19:55 Autism Training in the UK: What Medical Professionals Are (Not) Taught27:57 How the UK’s Autism Understanding Compares to Other Countries29:13 Autism & the Criminal Justice System: What Needs to Change36:52 The One Belief Luke Would Change About Autism in Society37:24 Luke’s Green Dot BadgeThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Luke Beardon On X:@sheffieldlukeIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this first of a two part episode, Dr Luke Beardon - senior lecturer in autism, long-time educator, and author of Autism in Adults and Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Adults - sits down with Ben to unpack why the language we use around autism matters more than we think.Luke explains why he rejects terms like “the autism spectrum,” and even “autistic behaviour,” and introduces his concept of autistic epistemology - a way of understanding autism grounded in lived experience, not pathology.Together, they look at the myths that still influence public thinking, the gaps in UK education, and why simple changes can make learning environments more inclusive for everyone.This episode is a sharp, thoughtful, and refreshingly human look at autism that challenges old ideas - a genuinely empowering listen for autistic people, parents, educators, and anyone trying to understand neurodivergence better.Join us at hidden20.org/donate._________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen Fuller00:00 Introduction1:00 What Drives Luke’s Work in Autism After 30 Years4:40 Why Language Matters: Rethinking How We Talk About Autism10:00 Autistic Epistemology: Luke’s Groundbreaking Framework13:08 The Biggest Myths About Autism: Debunked28:48 How to Share Your Needs as an Autistic Person (Luke’s Practical Advice)31:44 “Autistic” vs “Person with Autism”34:07 Why Luke Rejects the “Superpower” Narrative35:50 Hope for the Future: How Autistic Language Is Changing39:30 Communication, Miscommunication & Being AutisticThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Luke Beardon On X:@sheffieldlukeIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, writer and director Céin McGillicuddy joins Ben to talk about his late autism diagnosis and ‘Play Time’ - ITV’s joyful new series celebrating neurodiversity in children and adults.Céin reflects on growing up with parents so supportive that his autism went unnoticed for decades, the shock of discovering a 17-year NHS waitlist, and how finally understanding his brain reshaped his life and creativity.From ‘Horrible Histories’ and ‘The Assembly’ to ‘Play Time’, he shares an honest look at hyperfocus, burnout, and what it really means to tell neurodivergent stories - both through the camera and behind it.Plus, Ben and Céin react to an exclusive clip from ‘Play Time’, and discuss why TV shows like these are changing how we see neurodivergence on screen.CW: This episode includes discussion of mental health and suicide.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Where To Watch Playtime:YouTube - https://tinyurl.com/ITVPlayTimeITVX - https://tinyurl.com/ITVXPlayTime_________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen FullerThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benCéin McGillicuddy @ceinmcgIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Episode, Plant-based chef and author Sophie Waplington (@sophsplantkitchen) opens up for the first time about her self-diagnosed ADHD, family estrangement, and the burnout that comes with juggling business, creativity, and self-employment.We talk about the emotional toll of family relationships when loved ones don’t believe in neurodivergence, the pressure to “perform” online, and why rest is sometimes the most productive thing you can do.Along the way, Soph shares her favourite plant-based tips for ADHD brains and her reflections on sobriety, self-acceptance, and slowing down.If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, overstimulated, or like you’re constantly starting over, this episode will remind you that you’re not broken - you’re just wired differently.Join us at hidden20.org/donate._________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergHead of Marketing: Kristen FullerThe Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson.Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.Join us at hidden20.org/donate.Become a monthly donor.Be part of our community where great minds think differently.Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benSophie Waplington @sophsplantkitchenIf you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.