In this episode, I’m joined by John Clark — afilmmaker, scriptwriter, director, and advocate with lived experience of autism. Diagnosed with Asperger’s at just four years old, John’s journey has been one of self-discovery, resilience, and creative expression.
John shares how, as a child, he struggled with socialinteraction and masking, often feeling “weird” or isolated until open conversations with his mum helped him begin to understand himself. In his twenties, the constant fatigue from masking became overwhelming, but letting goof it brought him a sense of liberation.
We dive into how his lived experience has directly inspiredhis filmmaking. From Aspergers and What of It?—a finalist in the National Autistic Society’s Autism Uncut competition—to Snapshot, which highlighted the barriers autistic people face in employment, John has used film to challenge misconceptions, depict the realities of stress andanxiety, and spotlight the importance of reasonable adjustments in the workplace.
John also talks about his latest project, Idøle,inspired by research with neurodivergent and disabled communities as well as his wife’s experiences with fibromyalgia. The film addresses microaggressions,stigma around disability benefits, and the devastating impact of diagnostic overshadowing in the medical system. With crowdfunding plans in the works, Johnhopes to bring this important story to life.
Beyond filmmaking, John delivers the Oliver McGowanTraining, advocates for better understanding of hidden disabilities, and reflects on his unexpected but rewarding journey into fatherhood. We also discuss the challenges autistic people face in recruitment, the dilemma ofdisclosing neurodivergence to employers, and recent government changes to PIP.
This is a powerful conversation about creativity, advocacy,and the reality of living — and thriving — as an autistic adult in a world full of barriers.
Links:
National Autistic Society - John Clark
I have Asperger’s – And What of it? SnapshotSia film - Music Iambic 9 Poetry - Squarepusher
In this episode of the NDV Podcast, I sit down with MandyRichardson, who shares her journey as the mum of Alex, a neurodivergentyoung man and past guest of the podcast.
Mandy reflects on what it was like raising Alex more than 20years ago, when there was little understanding of autism and very limited information available. She talks about the challenges of navigating sensory issues, advocating for support in schools, and the loneliness she often felt atthe beginning of the journey. Through it all, Mandy became Alex’s strongest voice—celebrating every milestone, standing up for his needs, and never losing hope.
She also highlights the amazing teachers, tutors,therapists, family, and friends who played such an important role in Alex’s growth, from helping him manage sensory triggers to encouraging him to thrive in radio, filmmaking, and public speaking. Today, Alex inspires Mandy dailywith his joy, fearlessness, and independence.
Mandy now works in education, helping families withDisability Living Allowance (DLA) applications and advocating for better awareness and support. Her advice to parents is simple but powerful: celebrate every achievement, be your child’s voice, and never give up.
This conversation is about resilience, advocacy, andlove—and a reminder, through the “Welcome to Holland” poem, that even when life takes us on an unexpected path, it can be just as beautiful.
Links:
Welcome to Holland By Emily Perl Kingsley
When her son Mike was diagnosed as autistic, KasiaMcGavigan’s world shifted overnight. Overwhelmed and determined to help, she poured herself into therapies—until burnout made her rethink everything. Inthis heartfelt conversation, Kasia shares how letting go of constant demands and allowing Mike to grow at his own pace transformed both their lives.
Inspired by Mike’s sensory needs and the challenges offinding clothing that kept him comfortable and safe, Kasia founded Blue Bee Mike, a unique clothing brand designed for autistic children and those with physical disabilities. She tells the story behind the brand’s name, the life-changing impact it’s had for families, and the powerful support networkthat keeps her going.
We explore the balance between therapy and simply being aparent, the importance of mental health, and why it’s okay not to be okay. Kasia’s journey is a testament to turning personal challenges into solutions that bring joy, dignity, and comfort—not just to her own child, but to manyothers.
Links:
In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with KimAshwin, a neurodivergent leader, parent, and advocate who’s making real changethrough her work as CEO of Autism Oxford UK. We recorded this conversationright from the heart of Autism Oxford, and it’s one that really stayed with me.
Kim shared her powerful story — from being a teen mum tofounding an organisation that listens, validates, and supports neurodivergentindividuals and families. She was diagnosed with dyslexia at university, afteryears of struggling with reading and feeling like she just wasn’t trying hardenough. That diagnosis shifted everything for her. She told me how dyslexia isnow her leadership superpower, and how, without it, she wouldn’t be where sheis today.
She opened up about her parenting journey with her autisticand PDA daughter and how stepping back and “unparenting” became a complete gamechanger. Despite working within the NHS, Kim still faced judgment around herparenting — an experience many of us will sadly relate to. Her decision toleave the NHS was driven by her desire to support families in a way the systemwouldn’t let her, and that’s how Autism Oxford was born.
We spoke about the battle scars so many of us parents carryfrom having to fight for support, and the power of simply being listened to andbelieved. Kim talked about how services like SENDIASS helped her build theconfidence to advocate and how navigating these systems often means knowingmore than the system itself.
She also told me about her upcoming book, “From Teen Mumto CEO”, which she hopes will inspire others to believe in their potential,even when the odds feel stacked against them. And we talked about George theSensory Bus — a travelling, inclusive play space inspired by her dyslexic brainthat will soon be bringing joy to communities across the county.
Finally, we discussed the government’s recent plans to scrapEHCPs and what that could mean for families like ours.
Kim’s story is one of grit, transformation, and rewritingthe narrative. I left this conversation feeling deeply inspired, and I know youwill too.
Links:
In this episode, I sit down with Craig Henderson,also known as The Neurodivergent Barber, to hear the inspiring storybehind Craig’s Barbershop—a sensory-friendly, inclusive space that’sbeen featured in The Sunday Times, BBC North West Tonight, TheMirror, and Bolton News.
Craig shares how his own experiences shaped the way hesupports neurodivergent clients, especially those with sensory processingdifferences or who find traditional barbershops overwhelming. We talk about thetools and strategies he uses to make haircuts more comfortable, the importanceof understanding individual needs, and how he works closely with local schoolsto support neurodivergent children and young people.
We also discuss men’s mental health—something Craig isdeeply passionate about. After losing a client to suicide, he began encouragingother barbers to take mental health training, helping to create safer spaceswhere men can open up and feel supported.
Craig opens up about the feedback he’s received fromfamilies, his vision for the future of the hair industry, and the people who’vesupported him along the way. He also answers some of my favourite reflectivequestions, like what his heart would say if it had a voice, which song captureshis journey, and what message he’d give to his younger self.
This conversation is full of heart, purpose, and real-lifeimpact. I left it feeling hopeful—and I think you will too.
Links:Craig Barber Shop The Neurodivergent BarberBloodstream - Tokio Myers
In this episode of the NDV Podcast: Neurodiverse Voices, I had the pleasure of speaking with Susan Liverman – a late diagnosed autistic and ADHD woman, parent to neurodivergent children, and founder of The Kindful, a Community Interest Company focused on wellbeing and mindful support.
We recorded this conversation at the Phoenix Picturehouse, and it was a deeply reflective and honest discussion. Susan opened up about the struggles she faced in her twenties that went unsupported, and how discovering she was neurodivergent later in life felt like a new beginning. It gave her the language and insight to better understand her needs and how to meet them.
With a Masters in Cognitive-Based Therapy and in Mindfulness, Susan spoke about her early interest in self-discovery and positive psychology, long before terms like "autism" or "ADHD" were part of her vocabulary. We explored what mindfulness really is – not about relaxation, but about bringing awareness and compassion to the present moment.
In our conversation, we talked about:
The emotional impact of a late autism and ADHD diagnosis
Parenting neurodivergent children while discovering her own neurodivergence
Using mindfulness as a tool for emotional awareness and navigating overwhelm
Her ongoing campaign against SEND-related attendance fines and working with MPs
The importance of peer support and finding community
How The Kindful came to life – and why the name is so meaningful
The power of rest, sensory experiences, and self-compassion for overwhelmed parents
Susan shared her views on emotions as important signals rather than things to fear, and reminded us that we don’t have to do it all alone. She’s inspired by those in the community who create initiatives to help others – and she’s one of them.
This episode is full of warmth, wisdom, and a strong message: be kind to yourself.
Please note that we had some technical difficulties with the video, therefore there are few seconds with freezing images or no images.
Links:
In this special episode of the NDV Podcast: Neurodiverse Voices, I return to KatieFest, held this year at Witney RFC, for the second consecutive time. This heartfelt event honours the memory of Katie Peel, whose legacy inspired the creation of the SEND Friendly Rugby Sessions—a community initiative close to many hearts, especially her father, a dedicated rugby coach.
I was honoured to be invited back to KatieFest to capture the joy, energy, and progress since my 2024 visit. This year’s episode features inspiring conversations with those making a real difference in inclusive sport and community engagement:
Leandra Hamblin, volunteer at the SEND Friendly Rugby Sessions
Derek Burrows, representing the Wooden Spoon Charity
Rachel Rea, rugby coach and volunteer with Gosford All Blacks
Cllr Nigel Simpson, Oxfordshire County Council representative for Kidlington
Ruth Newton, volunteer at the SEND Friendly Rugby Sessions
Darren Rea, coach at Gosford All Blacks and Lead of the SEND Friendly Rugby Sessions
From the power of community to the importance of accessible, inclusive sport, this episode radiates the positive spirit that defined the day. With laughter, teamwork, and determination on full display, KatieFest 2025 was an unforgettable celebration of legacy, inclusion, and love.
I'm already looking ahead with excitement to KatieFest 2026 at Wallingford Wolves!
Links:
In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the NDVPodcast: Neurodiverse Voices, I sit down with Jack Newton, founder and host of Auticast, for an open and honest conversation about self-acceptance,advocacy, and what it means to finally feel seen. Jack, who was diagnosed as autistic later in life, shared how that moment of clarity helped him make senseof years of feeling different and disconnected, particularly in relationships and employment.
We spoke about the challenges that not everyone sees, theisolation that comes from being misunderstood, and how receiving a diagnosis gave Jack the ability to set clearer boundaries and decide what he can and can’t tolerate. Jack talked about the transition from his first podcast, Out of the Ordinary, which was created during a darker period, to launching Auticast, a project that now comes from a place of light and inspiration, shaped by the powerful stories of his guests.
We also explored the ongoing mental health crisis, especiallyamong men, and the lack of both self-compassion and wider societal compassion. Jack shared his view of autism as a disability, not because of stigma, but because of the real limitations and barriers he faces, particularly in a worldthat often isn’t designed for neurodivergent people.
A key part of our conversation focused on the lack ofunderstanding and education among healthcare professionals, particularly GPs. Jack reflected on how autistic people are frequently dismissed or not taken seriously in medical settings, which only adds to the challenges they face. We also discussed the role of the media in fuelling the narrative that autism and ADHD are suddenly “trendy”, and how this can trivialise genuine lived experiences.
Jack is deeply curious about others, driven by a strongdesire to understand people fully and help them feel better about themselves and the world around them. I left our chat feeling incredibly moved, and I think you will too.
Links:
In this episode of the NDV Podcast: Neurodiverse Voices , Andreia welcomes Talia Zamora, a Neurodivergent Business & Family Coach. Faced with the challenges of office life and supporting her children through diagnosis,Talia started her own business to help other neurodivergent families. She applies a bespoke coaching approach, empowering clients to build confidence, set realistic goals, and rediscover joy.
Talia emphasises the importance of rejecting societalpressures and making choices that truly suit your family. She also shares practical advice for parents, encouraging connection with supportive communities.
Beyond coaching, Talia collaborates with local organisationsto raise neurodivergence awareness through workshops. Her insights, drawn from lived experience, offer a fresh perspective on finding fulfilment by embracing what works best for you and your family. As she says, "I live in my normal, but I don’t necessarily know what normal is."
Links:
In this episode of NDV Podcast: Neurodiverse Voices, wewelcome Dr Alex Lau-Zhu, a Clinical Psychologist, MRC Fellow, and researcher at the University of Oxford’s Department of Experimental Psychology. Alex studies the role of mental imagery in anxiety and trauma, particularly in autistic young people—an area with little existing research but profound implications.
We discuss how mental imagery—our ability to visualise andimagine sensory experiences—plays a crucial role in trauma and anxiety, from intrusive memories to catastrophic thinking. While autistic individuals areoften assumed to lack mental imagery, Alex challenges this misconception, highlighting the diversity of experiences on the spectrum, from aphantasia to strong visual thinking.
We explore how autistic young people experience traumadifferently, why traditional diagnostic frameworks often fail to recognise their experiences, and how interventions can be improved. Can mental imagery be harnessed as a therapeutic tool? What does this mean for clinical practice, especially within CAMHS?
Join us for a fascinating conversation that bridges cutting-edge research and real-world clinical work, shedding light on new ways to support autistic young people navigating anxiety and trauma.
I'm excited to share a special episode for Autism Acceptance Day!
My Season 2 guest, Alex Richardson — who has lived experience of autism and serves as an ambassador for the National Autistic Society — and I reunited for this year's Stream for #TeamAutism. This incredible initiative by the National Autistic Society helps raise funds to support autistic people and their families.
We went live on Facebook on March 14th to have an open and heartfelt conversation about our lived experiences. Together, we raised an amazing £354! To keep this moment alive and share it with even more people, I'm releasing it as a special podcast episode.
I hope you enjoy listening! 💙
Links:
My Autism Journey - Alex Richardson
Dr. Jiedi Lei - Exploring Character Strengths on Autistic Young People
Reading Football Club - Living with autism | Royals supporter Alex Richardson
In this episode of the Neurodiverse Voices Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Rachel Rea, a passionate advocate for children and families in her community. Rachel is the lead children and family worker at Kidlinks, where she runs SEN Squirrels, a weekly session tailored for children with special educational needs. She also plays a key role in the SEND-friendly rugby sessions at Gosford All Blacks, where her husband Darren leads a team dedicated to fostering inclusion through sport.
We dive into Rachel’s journey, the inspiration behind SEN Squirrels, and how she ensures the sessions provide a calm, flexible, and welcoming space for neurodivergent children and their families. She shares insights into the challenges faced by families, from social isolation to the struggle of finding truly inclusive spaces, and highlights the power of community-driven support.
Tune in to hear heartwarming stories of resilience, inclusion, and the difference that grassroots initiatives can make. If you’re looking for a dose of inspiration and practical insight into supporting neurodivergent children, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Links:
In this enlightening episode of the NDV Podcast, Professor Clare Mackay shares her journey of discovery into neurodiversity and her lived experience with body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs). Clare explains the science behind BFRBs such as trichotillomania (hair pulling), dermatillomania (skin picking), and nail-biting, and discusses how these behaviours are often misunderstood and stigmatised.
Clare reflects on her 40-year struggle with hair pulling, which began at the age of 12, and how shame has shaped her experience. Despite decades of studying the brain, it wasn’t until recently that Clare combined her expertise with her lived experience, becoming a leading advocate for the BFRB community.
We explore the profound emotional toll of BFRBs, including the role shame plays in anxiety and depression, and the groundbreaking findings of Clare's research. Clare also discusses the importance of community, her work with BFRB UK & Ireland, and how the first-ever UK BFRB conference created an inclusive space for connection and understanding.
This episode is a call to reframe the narrative surrounding BFRBs and neurodiversity, raise awareness, and challenge the stigma that perpetuates shame. Clare also highlights the role the beauty industry and medical professionals can play in supporting those with BFRBs.
Join us for this powerful conversation, as Clare's contagious energy and compassionate insights inspire hope and understanding for vastly underrepresented communities.
Links:
The Trich Prof Social Media
What are Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours?
Hair & Beauty National Federation
Freddie Flintoff – Living with Bulimia
Imogen Bramwell, a 16-year-old autistic young woman, shares her journey from feeling like an “alien on the wrong planet” to embracing her identity. Diagnosed at 14, years after her brother’s early diagnosis, Imogen highlights the challenges autistic girls face, including misconceptions, late diagnoses, bullying, and lack of support in schools.
She recounts her struggles with mental health, school refusal, and masking, emphasising the need for reasonable adjustments and better understanding in education and healthcare. Now thriving in college, Imogen appreciates its inclusive environment, where she feels understood and accepted.
Imogen credits her parents, particularly her mum, as her greatest support, and the Autistic Girls Network for showing her she’s not alone. She calls for systemic changes, including more awareness, improved diagnostic processes, and greater acceptance of autistic individuals. Her advice to other autistic young people: celebrate small victories, practise self-compassion, and embrace who you are.
Autistic Girls Network:
https://autisticgirlsnetwork.org/
Fern Brady:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHLnaHJwATk
On the final episode of Season 2, I welcome Leila Moeeni—an ADHDer, Team Bonding Expert, and small business owner whose journey is as inspiring as it is insightful.
Leila shares her late ADHD diagnosis during peri-menopause, the challenges of masking, and her path to self-acceptance. Through her business, Bake2Explore, she creates sensory-friendly spaces that bring people together over the simple joy of bread baking.
In this heartwarming and practical conversation, we discuss:
Join me as I close out Season 2 with an episode filled with resilience, connection, and powerful lessons from Leila’s lived experiences.
Links:
Bake2Explore:
https://bake2explore.co.uk/
Leila's Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-moeeni-teambuildingevents/
Brene Brown:
Atlas of the Heart
ADHD Brains in Business:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/adhdbrainsinbusiness/
Temple Grandin (film):
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1278469/
In this inspiring episode of NDV Podcast, I am joined by Alex Richardson, a 22-year-old autistic ambassador for the National Autistic Society. Diagnosed at the age of five and told about his autism at ten, Alex shares his journey growing up autistic—from lining up his toy cars in colour order to thriving as a young adult raising awareness for autism.
Alex opens up about the challenges he faced, including sensory struggles, bullying at school, and difficulty fitting in. Despite these obstacles, he had a supportive family who embraced his autism and used role-play to help him navigate difficult situations. Alex reflects on his achievements, including completing college, getting his driver’s license, getting a job he loves, and driving a van (which left me amazed!).
As an advocate, Alex has used his voice to make spaces more inclusive, including at Reading FC and music festivals. His awareness video, My Autism Journey, has reached over 6,000 views on YouTube, and he’s been featured on radio and TV, sharing his story and advice.
In this episode, Alex discusses the importance of being open about autism for mental health, seeing autism as a positive influence rather than a disability, and offering heartfelt advice for others: “Talk to your friends and family—they can support you better.”
Join us as Alex shares his empowering story of resilience, acceptance, and advocacy. Whether you’re autistic, a parent, or just curious to learn more, Alex’s story is one you won’t want to miss.
Inside our autistic minds:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0bbnh47
Unmasking my autism:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001k31t
Reading FC:
Follow Alex on social media:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/alexrichardsonautism/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alexrautism
X: https://x.com/alexrautism
In this episode of the Neurodiverse Voices Podcast, I’m joined by Richard Liverman, an ADHD entrepreneur and father to an autistic son. Richard runs his own business, Richer Solutions, and shares his deeply personal journey navigating the education system, which he believes fails neurodivergent children like his son. His son has not attended school for the past three years, and Richard emotionally recalls the day they both decided to walk away from school together, marking a bittersweet but liberating moment in their lives.
Richard encourages other parents to challenge societal expectations about what children “should” achieve, advocating for a shift in perspective and a more personalised approach to each child’s needs. He also reveals that, if he had a superpower, it would be to find lost car keys, something many ADHDers can relate to!
Richard also talks about his work with small businesses, supporting them in navigating neurodiversity, and shares how much he enjoys helping others in this space. For the past three years, he has practised daily gratitude, which he credits for helping with his mental health. He’s also incredibly proud of his son, who recently won a gaming competition.
Richard provides some useful resources, and I encourage you to check out the links below. Don’t miss this heartfelt and insightful conversation!
Access to Work:
https://www.gov.uk/access-to-work
The Lilac Review:
https://lilacreview.com/
SquarePeg:
https://www.squarepegparenting.com/
Not Fine in School:
https://notfineinschool.co.uk/
No School Fines Petition: https://www.change.org/p/updated-attendance-guidance-encourages-prosecution-and-fines-of-families-facing-barriers-to-attendance-undiagnosed-children-with-send-are-particularly-at-risk-please-don-t-criminalise-our-families
Positively PDA Support Group – Clubhouse https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/positively-pda-support-group-clubhouse/
Julia's Story:
https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/resources/julias-story/
Outside the Box Coaching:
https://www.coachingoutsidethebox.net/
In this episode of the Neurodiverse Voices Podcast, I am joined by Lorraine, who is Autistic/ADHD, a mother to two autistic daughters, an EYFS teacher, and the founder of the Neurodiuniverse project. We delve into Lorraine's journey to her late diagnosis and how it transformed her understanding of herself and her daughters. Lorraine shares her insights on the education system, offering thoughtful suggestions for improvements. We also discuss her sensory sensitivities and the strategies she employs to manage them. Lorraine's family is her greatest support, embracing and normalising their neurodivergence at home. She provides valuable advice to parents and talks about the activities she runs at Neurodiuniverse.
Social Media links for Neurodiuniverse:
https://www.facebook.com/Neurodiuniverse
https://www.instagram.com/neurodiuniverse1/
https://www.tiktok.com/@neurodiuniverse_
In this episode of Neurodiverse Voices Podcast, I sat down with Mark Fleishman, Digital Media and Music Production Mentor at Oxford Creators. Although not neurodivergent himself, Mark suspects he may be ADHD and shares his perspective on mentoring neurodivergent young people, along with the insights he’s gained through that experience.
Mark reflects on his personal journey, including leaving school at 15, losing his father to cancer at age nine, and struggling with depression and challenges at school. He discusses sensory sensitivities, the fight/freeze response to bereavement, and the importance of individualised learning approaches, noting that a one-size-fits-all model doesn’t work for everyone—especially for neurodivergent young people.
Through his mentoring, Mark highlights how misconceptions about neurodivergence can overshadow the strengths neurodivergent individuals bring. He also shares his thoughts on perfectionism, steady progress, and how his mother’s advocacy for equality in education shaped his passion for working with young people.
Mark’s love for learning, travel, and music fuels his work, and he shares the superpowers he’d choose: the cure for cancer and, interestingly, being the president of the U.S.
Oxford Creators:
https://www.oxfordcreators.co.uk/
McFly Productions Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/32ToyO6OfrP8UPclkmvPvm?si=eyQ50fOuQn64y8jgffj4Ag
McFly Productions YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mcflyproductions101
In this episode of Neurodiverse Voices Podcast, I’m joined by Dee, the founder and CEO of Autism Champions. Dee, who is both Autistic and ADHD, shares her incredible journey of self-discovery as a neurodivergent person. We talk about her experiences as a teacher, a music therapist, and her constant craving for engagement through studying and learning. Dee opens up about the ongoing battle between the routine-driven nature of autism and the impulsiveness of ADHD, and how she masked her true self for so many years.
Dee’s diagnosis came as a relief, finally confirming that nothing was "wrong" with her. She also reflects on the challenges of being a people pleaser and how exhausting that can be. We discuss her belief that judgement should shift to curiosity, especially in teaching, and the importance of kindness. Dee shares the story behind Autism Champions and their mission, including their "Power to Parent" framework, as well as her understanding that real change takes time. This conversation is full of powerful insights into living authentically as a neurodivergent person. Have a listen!
Reference links:
https://www.autismchampions.co.uk/
https://sycamoreobm.co.uk/
https://sendittoalex.co.uk/
https://brenebrown.com/
https://wecandohardthingspodcast.com/
https://scribepublications.co.uk/books-authors/books/itas-not-fair-9781911617174
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enqytyWSr70
https://www.britannica.com/biography/bell-hooks