The Hidden 20%

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.

In Part Two with Dr Alison Lennox, we dive deep into the world of misdiagnosis in autism. Alison unpacks why conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Complex PTSD are often diagnosed instead of autism, the dangers of getting it wrong, and the real-life consequences for neurodivergent adults.Drawing on her own lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic psychiatrist, she explains where autism overlaps - and doesn’t - with BPD, CPTSD and other mental health conditions. Alison shares why systemic change in mental health services is urgently needed. If you’ve ever felt mislabelled, misunderstood, or struggled to get the right support, this episode is essential listening.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_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.

In this first of a two part episode, psychiatrist Dr Alison Lennox shares the inside story of autism diagnosis in the UK, why she left the NHS after being told to stay quiet about waitlists, and what every adult should know before seeking an assessment.Alison, a late-diagnosed autistic psychiatrist, has led NHS autism services and now works privately helping adults navigate the diagnostic process. She breaks down what to expect from NHS vs private assessments, explains why autistic women are so often misdiagnosed, and shares practical advice for people currently on waiting lists.If you’ve ever questioned whether you might be autistic or struggled to get answers, 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 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_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.

 In this episode, Ben sits down with consultant osteopath, author of The Meaning of Pain, and pioneer in understanding how body, brain, and pain are deeply connected.With over 25 years in clinical practice, Nick has worked with everyone from elite athletes to hedge fund traders, helping them manage pain, stress, and performance under pressure. Together they unpack the link between Hypermobility, ADHD, and anxiety, why pain is often misunderstood, and how the body tells the story the brain can’t.From insights on interoception, stress and breathing, to myths about chronic pain and “bendy bodies,” Nick shares practical tools for tuning into your body, managing stress, and finding balance.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_benNick Potter @backboneclinicIf 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 Rory the Vet - veterinary surgeon, TV presenter, author, and ambassador for the British Dyslexia Association.Diagnosed with dyslexia late during his veterinary studies, Rory is now a passionate advocate for early identification, school support, and embracing ND brains.They explore the realities of dyslexia in high-pressure work environments, the mental health crisis among vets, and the therapeutic (and often overlooked) role of animals in wellbeing.Rory also shares practical tips for revision and ND brains, insights from his charity work, and gives a playful way to find out how you might discover if your dog thinks differently…!CW: This episode contains references to mental health and suicide.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_benRory The Vet @rorythevetIf 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 second part of the conversation, Ben is joined again by Cathy Wassell - CEO of Autistic Girls Network, founder of The Haven online school, and author.The focus shifts to solutions: changing education, understanding the hidden side of emotions, and tackling the mental health risks autistic girls face. Cathy brings clarity and compassion to topics like Alexithymia, Interoception, and the realities of school life.She also answers listener questions on EHCPs, burnout, school refusal, and diagnosis, before closing with her vision for a fairer future rooted in authenticity and the joy of autistic brains.CW: This episode contains references to mental health and suicide.NB: All information was relevant at the time of recording.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_benCathy Wassell @autisticgirlsnetworkIf 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, Ben is joined by Cathy Wassell - CEO of Autistic Girls Network, founder of The Haven online school, and successful author.Neurodivergent herself and mum to two autistic children, Cathy is at the front line supporting autistic girls, women, and families, while campaigning for earlier diagnosis and a more up-to-date education system.With both lived experience and a Masters in Autism, Cathy brings honesty and expertise to a conversation that busts myths, challenges stigma, and shines a light on what’s really going on for autistic girls and non-binary young people today.00:00 Introduction1:17 On the Frontline: Supporting Girls with Autism7:30 Autism: How It Presents in Boys VS Girls10:00 Why Situational Mutism VS Selective Mutism?13:03 Masking & Sensory Differences: The Danger of Gender Bias in Autism19:46 Neurodivergent Children: Navigating the Secondary School Transition23:07 ND Passionate Interests: Explained26:33 Why Are Autistic Girls Diagnosed Later than Boys?32:30 Parent Groups for ND Children35:00 Autistic Girls and Navigating Puberty38:57 If Cathy Had a Magic Wand: Her Vision for ND Change43:28 Spotting Autism in Girls: Cathy’s Checklist45:24 Coming Up in Part Two_________Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergThe 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_benCathy Wassell @autisticgirlsnetworkIf 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.In this episode, Ellie Middleton shares her journey through late diagnosis, ADHD medication, and the burnout cycle - and why language, community, and finding your people matter more than ever._________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benEllie Middleton @elliemiddsIf 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, Ben and sleep expert Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan dive into the practical side of sleep. They discuss how parents of neurodivergent children can better support rest, the most common questions on sleep, and why it’s the “golden thread” that unites everything.Nerina unpacks the science of dreams, the role of our senses, and shares practical tips - from sleeping in new places to strategies for emotional regulation. With warmth and wisdom, she reveals how small, intentional choices can transform the way we rest.CW: Mental health and abuse00:00 Introduction1:05 Sleep Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids2:46 The Corporate World & Creating a Safe Nervous System3:31 The Most Common Questions About Sleep Answered5:08 How to Change Unhealthy Sleep Behaviours6:29 Sleep as the Golden Thread That Unites Everything7:58 Why Do We Dream? The Science Behind It9:12 How Long Do Dreams Actually Last?10:16 Dreams vs. Nightmares: What’s the Difference?11:07 How Sights, Sounds & Smells Impact Sleep15:40 Touch & Sleep: Best Accessories for Better Rest16:50 Dr. Nerina’s Top Tips for Sleeping in a New Place19:43 Emotional Regulation & Setting Boundaries for Better Sleep22:41 Dr. Nerina’s Green Dot Badge_________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr. Nerina Ramlakhan @drnerinaIf 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, Ben sits down with Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan - a Neurophysiologist, Author and Sleep Expert with over 25 years experience in the field, whose work is shaped by both science and lived experience.She shares her personal journey, from early struggles with insomnia and being sectioned at 31, to later returning as a practitioner in the very same psychiatric unit. Nerina brings rare honesty and depth to the conversation about why humans sometimes find it difficult to sleep.Together they explore the hidden science of sleep, how neurodivergent brains seek safety and rest, and reveal why the choices we make every day can dramatically improve the quality of our sleep.CW: Mental health and abuse_________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonProduction Manager: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benDr. Nerina Ramlakhan @drnerinaIf 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.In this episode, Kit Harington opens up about the reality of multitasking with a neurodivergent brain - from overwhelm and social anxiety, to addiction, labels, and the unexpected power of a shower.CW: references to addiction_________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348______________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charityBen Branson @seedlip_benKit HaringtonIf 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.