In this episode, Ben sits down with Professor Francesca Happé - one of the most distinguished and respected voices in autism research. With over 30 years at the forefront of the field, Francesca has reshaped how we understand autism, from exploring social cognition to uncovering the hidden experiences of autistic women, the elderly, and under-researched groups.

In this chat with Ben, they unpack hidden autistic talents like perfect pitch and detailed memory, why late diagnosis fuels burnout, how emotional care differs from cognitive mind‑reading, and why research on sensory processing and inclusion is needed more than ever.

This is part two of a two-part episode. To catch all the groundbreaking discoveries, be sure to check out last week's episode!

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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 Branson

Head of Production: Bella Neale

Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

______________

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Francesca Happé @happelab

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 Professor Francesca Happé - one of the most distinguished and respected voices in autism research. With over 30 years at the forefront of the field, Francesca has reshaped how we understand autism, from exploring social cognition to uncovering the hidden experiences of autistic women, the elderly, and under-researched groups.

Together, they get to the heart of why so many women remain unseen, undiagnosed and misdiagnosed. As well as exploring what ageing means when the world was never built for your brain. 

They unpack diagnostic overshadowing, the crossover between CPTSD and autism, and what happens when a late diagnosis reframes an entire lifetime.

This is the first of a two part episode - tune in for some groundbreaking discoveries next week in Part Two!

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00:00 Introduction

1:30 Autism: The Study That Keep’s Francesca Up at Night

4:00 Autistic Elderly People VS Our Society 

5:45 Late in Life Autism Diagnosis: A Lifetime Reframed

10:07 Autistic Women: The Missing Diagnoses 

12:50 Eating Disorders VS Autism: What is Diagnostic Overshadowing?

17:16 Autism in Women & Girls: Finally Being Diagnosed

19:40 What is the Difference between Male and Female Autism?

23:20 Can Animals Be Autistic?

25:33 Aging VS Autism: Does Autism Lower Life Expectancy?

28:10 Living with CPTSD & Autism: Untangling the Symptoms

33:45 Are Autistic People More Sensitive?

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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 Branson

Head of Production: Bella Neale

Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

_____________________________________

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Francesca Happé @happelab

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.

CW: Addiction & Bullying

Bestselling author and broadcaster Matt Cain opens up about discovering autism and ADHD at 50 after decades of feeling "othered" as a gay man.

In this chat with Ben, Matt unpacks how his autism and ADHD were long blurred with queer expression, explains how ADHD fuels his creative work but also complicates his relationship with alcohol, and emphasises why "coming out" as proudly neurodivergent- just as he has as a gay man- is so vital.

_________________

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 Branson

Head of Production: Bella Neale

Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

__________________

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Matt Cain @mattcainwriter

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.

At just 12 years old, Nelson Taylor is turning heads in UK junior racing - fast, instinctive, and fearless on the track. But his path to the podium has been anything but straightforward.

Diagnosed as Autistic, Nelson once found it difficult to leave the house, held back by anxiety, sensory overload, and social struggles. Today, he’s thriving in the high-pressure world of motorsport and chasing a future in Formula 1.

In this chat with Ben, Nelson and his parents, Sophie and Shane, share the story of his remarkable transformation - from shutdowns to starting grids - and reflect on the power of autistic focus, family support, and what it took to move through the darkest days.

_________________

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 Branson

Head of Production: Bella Neale

Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

__________________

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Nelson Taylor @nelson_taylor_racing91

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.

CW: Mental Health & Suicide

Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any medical concerns or treatment decisions.

For many, menopause is the moment ADHD becomes impossible to ignore - and too often, it’s still misunderstood.Today’s guest is the remarkable Dr Louise Newson - GP turned pioneering menopause specialist and founder of the internationally renowned Balance app and Newson Health Menopause & Wellbeing Centre.

A trailblazer in women’s health, Louise has transformed how we understand hormones, with her work reaching millions. As a neurodivergent woman and mother to ND daughters, she offers a rare and powerful blend of clinical authority and personal insight.

In this chat with Ben, they explore how hormonal changes can unmask ADHD traits, why women are so frequently misdiagnosed, and why the current approach to menopause has become, in Dr Newson’s words, “the biggest car crash in women’s health.”

_________________

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 Branson

Head of Production: Bella Neale

Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

__________________

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Dr Louise Newson @menopause_doctor

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.

Will Chase is best known as the man who turned potatoes into gold, first with Tyrrells crisps, then with Chase Vodka. But beneath the branding genius and business triumphs lay decades of inner chaos he couldn’t explain.In this chat with Ben, Will opens up about the high-octane ambition that built his empire, and the internal battles that nearly undid it all.

Diagnosed with ADHD and autism in his 60s, he’s now reckoning with a lifetime of shame, restlessness, and relationships left in his wake.They talk about building billion-pound brands from the ground up and what happens when the very traits that make you succeed are also the ones that nearly destroy you.

_______

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

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.

Lucinda Miller is a leading naturopath and functional medicine practitioner with over 30 years of experience supporting children’s health. She’s the founder of NatureDoc, a nationwide clinic helping families navigate everything from gut and sleep challenges for neurodivergent children.

Her expertise isn’t just clinical, it’s personal. As a late-diagnosed ADHD’er and mum to a neurodivergent family, Lucinda brings a rare combination of lived experience and deep professional insight.

In this conversation with Ben, Lucinda shares practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting neurodivergent kids. Plus smart, accessible tips that can supercharge nutrition, even for children with highly restrictive diets.

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00:00 Introduction

1:26 Lucinda’s Brain & ADHD

6:05 Why Nutrition?

9:16 Lucinda’s Clients: Who She Helps and How

14:12 What is Naturopathy?

17:14 How Long Covid is Linked to Hyper-mobility and Neurodivergence

21:37 Accessible Nutrition for Neurodivergent People

25:30 Lucinda’s Sleep Tips For ND Kids

37:04 Balancing Being the Expert & Vulnerable Clients

38:34 Does Poor Nutrition Cause Neurodivergence or Enhance Traits?

41:33 Hormones and Fluctuations in Traits

42:36 Neurodivergent Pre-Puberty Nutrition Tips

46:00 What Are Mood Boosting Foods?

49:22 ARFID & ND Children: How To Variate Food

56:50 ND & Inflammation of the Gut: Why?

58:00 What Neurodivergent Children Have Taught Lucinda & What Needs To Change

1:02:10 Lucinda’s Green Light Badge

_______

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Lucinda Miller @naturedockids

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.

Life changed for James Hunt when he became a father to two non-verbal autistic sons. Now, through his platform Stories About Autism, James offers a raw and honest look at raising children with high support needs. In this chat with Ben, he shares invaluable insights on creating consistent routines, the importance of self-care as a parent, minimising triggers, and calming strategies during meltdowns. James also reminds us that communication goes beyond words and that our children are our greatest teachers. Plus, he unpacks the real cost of government neglect for neurodivergent family caregivers.

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00:00 Introduction

1:30 AuDHD and Non Verbal: James’ Son, Jude

4:12 Autistic & Non Verbal: James’ Son, Tommy

7:06 Communication Devices and Autism: “It’s So Much More Than Words”

9:57 What James Love’s Most About His Boys

11:47 James’ New Normal

14:17 Autism: Balancing Routine VS Trying New Things

17:48 Jude & Tommy’s Living Situation

20:08 James’ Top Tips For Autistic Meltdowns

24:36 Navigating Co-Parenting and Living Situations

27:08 The Moment James Knew His Life Had Changed

29:28 How James Feels Autism Is Portrayed

32:18 Autism & Isolation: James’ Writing Journey

33:49 James’ Advice For Struggling Parents

37:21 The Positive Power of Social Media

41:20 James: “I’m Scared of Dying”

46:26 How Do You Look After Yourself First?

48:07 UK Government VS Carers: How Do We Move Forwards?

52:27 James’ Green Light Badge

_______

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

James Hunt @storiesaboutautism

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.

CW: This episode contains offensive language which is involuntary aspects of Tourettes, as well as discussions of mental health and suicide.

After a seizure and a brain tumour in 2019, Luke Manton was diagnosed with adult-onset Tourette Syndrome- plunging him into a turbulent period of unemployment, stigma, and mental health challenges.After being fired and rejected by countless employers, Luke chose to rewrite the narrative, launching his own successful neurodivergent-led business.

In this chat with Ben, Luke speaks about the power of self-acceptance, why he’s campaigning to change outdated diagnostic criteria for Tourette’s and the often-misunderstood causes of adult-onset tics. He also opens-up about navigating adoption and the care system as a neurodivergent parent.

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00:00 Introduction

1:55 Life Before Tourettes & The Journey to Diagnosis

6:41 “I Left Hospital and My Voice Did Not Come Back”

10:59 Luke’s First Vocal Tic of Many: “The Doctors Had No Idea What It Was”

13:00 What is Adult Onset Tourettes?

15:58 The Power of Singing & Tourettes

17:36 Mental Health VS Tourettes

26:21 Tourettes Diagnosis: The Timeline

31:10 Vocal Tics: What Do They Feel Like?

33:17 Tourettes VS Being a Dad

37:22 Life: Post Tourettes Diagnosis

40:15 What Are Mental Tics?

42:18 Representing Tourettes: The Reality of Self Acceptance

48:23 Luke’s Green Light 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 Branson

Head of Production: Bella Neale

Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

__________________

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Luke Manton @lukemanton92

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.

The average person makes around 35,000 decisions a day, but for neurodivergent minds, even the smallest choices can feel overwhelming, often leading to anxiety and decision paralysis.

This week we’re joined by Adrienne Adhami, podcaster, business advisor, keynote speaker, and author of Decisions That Matter. Adrienne has helped global giants like Microsoft, Spotify, and Range Rover empower their teams to make intentional, confident decisions in a world full of noise and distractions.

In this chat with Ben, Adrienne shares her six golden rules for cutting through overwhelm. Packed with real-life examples and actionable strategies to overcome procrastination, reclaim their mental energy, and reduce decision fatigue, so you can take back control of your time and focus on what really matters.

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00:00 Introduction

1:43 Adrienne’s Best Decision

7:31 Adrienne’s Worst Decision

11:20 6 Golden Rules for Neurodivergent Decision Making: High Stakes & Low Stakes

18:08 ADHD & Sleep

20:17 No Stakes Decisions

23:08 FOBO: Fear Of Better Option

27:11 Setting Decision Deadlines

29:10 Outsourcing: Asking For Help

31:54 ND: Adrienne’s Top Tips on Daily Decisions

38:06 Maximisers VS Satisficers

40:17 Regret: “It’s Inevitable”

44:10 The Power of Intuition

51:40 ADHD & The Power of False Deadlines

56:39 The Beauty of Being an Amateur: Making Room for Joy

_____

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 Branson

Head of Production: Bella Neale

Assistant Producer: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

_____________________________________

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Adrienne Adhami @adrienne_ldn

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.