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 abuse

00:00 Introduction

1:05 Sleep Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Kids

2:46 The Corporate World & Creating a Safe Nervous System

3:31 The Most Common Questions About Sleep Answered

5:08 How to Change Unhealthy Sleep Behaviours

6:29 Sleep as the Golden Thread That Unites Everything

7:58 Why Do We Dream? The Science Behind It

9:12 How Long Do Dreams Actually Last?

10:16 Dreams vs. Nightmares: What’s the Difference?

11:07 How Sights, Sounds & Smells Impact Sleep

15:40 Touch & Sleep: Best Accessories for Better Rest

16:50 Dr. Nerina’s Top Tips for Sleeping in a New Place

19:43 Emotional Regulation & Setting Boundaries for Better Sleep

22:41 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 Branson

Production Manager: 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. Nerina Ramlakhan @drnerina

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, 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 Branson

Production Manager: 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. Nerina Ramlakhan @drnerina

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.

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 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

Kit Harington

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 is joined by Dr. Samantha Friedman, a researcher exploring the intersection of autism, human–nature relationships, and wellbeing. Together they discuss how natural environments can offer calming, non-judgmental spaces that support regulation, curiosity, and connection.

Dr. Samantha shares how autistic people connect with nature in ways that reflect their individual needs - from immersive outdoor experiences to more accessible, sensory-based encounters. With a PhD from Cambridge and a current Lecturer in Applied Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, her work is helping reframe how we understand autism’s unique and powerful relationship with the natural world.

_________

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. Samantha Friedman

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.

Introducing our Re‑Focus series, where we rewind the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required.

In this episode, Ben sits down with BAFTA Award winning broadcaster, vocal coach & author, Carrie Grant. They dive into her late autism diagnosis, shifting perspectives, the importance of overcoming internalised phobias and her four neurodivergent children.

_________

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

Carrie Grant @carriegrantsays

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: Reference to online abuse, mental health & sexual allegations

MasterChef UK semi‑finalist Vanessa D’Souza (aka The Autistic Chef) was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder in her 30s, after years of masking. Cooking became her sanctuary, a safe outlet and creative expression that calmed her mind.

As an ambassador for the National Autistic Society, she now champions sensory-friendly recipes and greater inclusion in hospitality.

In this chat with Ben, Vanessa breaks down navigating sensory processing disorder, why neurotypical standards don’t work in culinary spaces, how to make restaurants neurodivergent-friendly, and what it’s like to unmask after 35 years. Plus, she shares her experience of Gregg Wallace during her time on MasterChef.

00:00 Introduction

1:20 Vanessa’s Brain & Autism Diagnosis

7:35 ND Love: Meeting in the Middle

9:10 The Power of Vanessa’s Vulnerability

12:32 The Importance of Listening: Unpacking Meltdowns & Family Reactions

17:35 Vanessa’s Autism VS ADHD

20:41 Sensory Overwhelm: Taste & Smell

24:07 Why Vanessa Loves Cooking

28:01 What is Sensory Processing Disorder?

30:28 Vanessa’s Top ND Cooking & Restaurant Tips

38:10 Master Chef: The Hidden Truths & Realities of Being on TV

45:15 Greg Wallace: Vanessa’s Experience

47:13 “Autism Should Never Be Used as an Excuse For Bad Behaviour”

50:50 Vanessa’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

Vanessa D'Souza @the.autistic.chef

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.

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!

___________

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!

________

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?

__________

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.