Dr Renata Fialho is back in the green chair.

In this conversation, Renata and Ben pick up where they left off - this time with Renata sharing her own ADHD diagnosis, what it was like to receive it later in life, and how it has quietly reshaped both her inner world and her clinical work.

Together, they unpack the realities of autism and ADHD assessments across the NHS and private sector, why certain myths continue to circulate, and where Renata sees genuine potential for more thoughtful, humane practice.

Renata also shares why she’s joining The Hidden 20% as a clinical psychologist, her hopes for the direction of neurodiversity care, and reflections on her work at the intersection of neurodivergence and sport - including why swimming can be such a powerful regulator for ADHD nervous systems.

Join us at hidden20.org/donate.

________

Host: Ben Branson

Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller

00:00 Introduction

00:47 Dr Renata Fialho Reveals Her ADHD Diagnosis

03:57 Why Dr Renata’s ADHD Was Missed for So Long

08:39 How ADHD Shows Up in Dr Renata’s Daily Life

10:25 Neurodiversity Care: NHS vs Private Explained

11:45 The Autism Assessment Myth That Frustrates Clinicians

13:00 Why Many Clinicians Work Across NHS and Private Practice

15:46 What Gives Dr Renata Hope About the Private Sector

17:14 Dr Renata Joins The Hidden 20% Team

21:15 The Autism Assessment Case That Changed Dr Renata’s Practice

24:05 Identity, Community & Diagnosis: Beyond the Medical Model

29:22 Dr Renata’s Vision for The Hidden 20%

31:57 ADHD, Sport & Mental Health: Why Swimming Helps ADHD Brains

38:38 What a Good ADHD Assessment Actually Looks Like

42:44 Can One Clinician Assess All Neurotypes?

45:14 What Keeps Dr Renata Up at Night and Her Hopes for the Future

49:06 Dr Renata’s Green Dot Badge

The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.

Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.

No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.

1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.

To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.

With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.

Join us at hidden20.org/donate.

Become a monthly donor.

Be part of our community where great minds think differently.

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

______________

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

@DrRenataFialho (LinkedIn)

If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ben sits down with bestselling author, psychologist and behaviour change expert Shahroo Izadi for a deep, honest conversation about ADHD, addiction and how habits really form.

Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Shahroo reflects on how years spent working in addiction services helped her make sense of her own impulsivity, shame cycles and coping strategies - long before she had the language for neurodivergence. 

Together, Ben and Shahroo unpack why addiction is often misunderstood, how neurodivergent brains are especially vulnerable in a frictionless modern world, and why behaviour change isn’t about willpower or fixing yourself.

This is a compassionate, practical conversation about trust, self-belief and designing habits that work with your brain - not against it.

Join us at hidden20.org/donate.

________

Host: Ben Branson

Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller

00:00 Introduction

01:26 Shahroo Izadi’s ADHD Diagnosis & Personal Journey

08:12 ADHD, Neurodivergence & Addiction: What’s the Link?

11:44 Is Addiction a Disease — or a Coping Strategy?

13:04 Why Willpower Fails: Understanding Habit Formation

16:50 ADHD vs Autism: Impulsivity, Dopamine & Delayed Reward

19:08 ADHD & Addiction: Shahroo’s Framework for Sustainable Change

29:18 Trusting an ADHD Brain After Years of Self-Criticism

33:33 Applying Behavioural Psychology to Living With ADHD

36:15 The ADHD Tax: Shame, Avoidance & Hidden Costs

39:25 External Dependence, Coping Mechanisms & Control

42:03 Shahroo’s 3 Practical Tips for Lasting Behaviour Change

52:13 Ben on Addiction & Recovery: Choice Without Deprivation

58:47 What We Still Get Wrong About Addiction & Neurodivergence

1:02:02 Healthy Habits vs Addiction: Where’s the Line?

1:07:21 Addiction, ADHD & Autism: What Needs to Change Systemically

1:15:20 Shahroo’s Green Dot Badge

The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.

Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.

No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.

1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.

To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.

With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.

Join us at hidden20.org/donate.

Become a monthly donor.

Be part of our community where great minds think differently.

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

______________

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Shahroo Izadi @shahroo_izadi

www.shahrooizadi.co.uk

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.

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 Branson

Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller

00:00 Introduction

1:15 A Neurodivergent Rethink of New Year’s Resolutions with Dr Renata Fialho

4:25 Sam Branson on Realistic ND Goals & Letting Go of Pressure

5:50 Shahroo Izadi: Neurodivergence, Money & Rewriting Financial Goals

7:40 Céin McGillicuddy on ND Creativity, Balance & 2026 Intentions

10:13 Dr Alison Lennox’s New Year Goals as an Autistic Psychiatrist

12:19 Dr Alison Lennox: Hopes for Neurodivergence in 2026

22:10 The Hidden 20% Team: Community Goals for 2026

26:10 Dr Josephine Neale: Why “Goals” Work Better Than Resolutions for ND Brains

41:42 Tony Lloyd: How I Set ND-Friendly Goals Across Life, Work & Purpose

47:07 Tony Lloyd’s Three Wishes for Neurodivergence in 2026

48:25 Ben’s Personal New Year Goals for 2026

The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.

Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.

No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.

1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.

To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.

With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.

Join us at hidden20.org/donate.

Become a monthly donor.

Be part of our community where great minds think differently.

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

______________

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Dr Renata Fialho

Shahroo Izadi

Sam Branson

Dr Tony Lloyd

Dr Alison Lennox

Dr Josephine Neale

Céin McGillicuddy

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.

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 Branson

Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller

The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.

Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.

No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.

1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.

To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.

With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.

Join us at hidden20.org/donate.

Become a monthly donor.

Be part of our community where great minds think differently.

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

______________

Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Carrie Grant @carriegrantsays

David 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 Branson

Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller

00:00 Introduction

00:48 Dr Josephine Neale: Her Background in Eating Disorders, Autism & ADHD

7:20 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 Profiles

25:29 The Four ARFID Subtypes: Fear, Sensory, Low Appetite & Combined

29:40 What Causes ARFID? Understanding Roots, Triggers & Early Signs

31:13 ARFID Fear Subtype: Anxiety, Choking Fears & Avoidance

32:44 ARFID Low Appetite Subtype: Interoception & Reduced Hunger

34:38 ARFID Sensory Subtype: Texture, Smell, Taste & Food Aversions

48:23 Can ARFID Come and Go? Understanding Episodic Presentations

50:30 Did ARFID Exist Historically? Why Modern Life May Be Increasing Cases

55:36 Christmas & ARFID: How to Support People with Eating Difficulties

1:01:08 ARFID at Someone Else’s House: How Families Can Navigate Christmas Day

1:05:59 Dr Josephine’s Green Dot Badge

The 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.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Dr Josephine Neale @drjosephineneale www.nealehealth.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.

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.org
• Shout Crisis Textline - Text SHOUT to 85258
• Mind – https://www.mind.org.uk
• NHS 111 (urgent mental health support) – https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services
• If 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-grotto

Host: Ben Branson

Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller

00:00 Introduction

00:47 Being Neurodivergent at Christmas: Why the Festive Season Is Hard

3:34 Family Expectations, Routines and Holiday Pressure

5:00 Why the Festive Season Can Be Overwhelming for ND People

6:03 First Christmas After an ND Diagnosis: Handling Difficult Family Reactions

10:24 Setting Boundaries Without Guilt & Planning Ahead to Reduce Holiday Stress

14:40 Setting Boundaries Without Shame: ND Social Masking & Avoiding Burnout

25:25 How to Support Neurodivergent Children at Christmas

30:30 Dr Alison’s Top Tips for Setting Healthy Boundaries

34:42 Dr Alison’s Festive Advice for ADHD’ers on Medication

36:00 Alcohol vs Neurodivergent Brains

39:50 The Importance of Preparation for ND Regulation at Christmas

42:39 Managing Sensory Overload & Navigating Christmas Traditions

45:54 What ND People Can Do If They or a Loved One Are in Distress

48:03 Dr Alison’s Final Words of Advice: Q&A From Our Listeners

The 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.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Dr 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 Branson

Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller

00:00 Introduction

01:26 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 Sides

21:12 Ben & Sam on Their Daughter River’s Autism Diagnosis

28:34 Sam vs Ben: Parenting an Autistic Child Differently

36:25 The Importance of Neurodiversity-Aware Schooling

38:45 “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 Life

1:00:12 Sam’s Top Tips for ND Families at Christmas

1:14:15 Sam’s Green Dot Badge

The 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.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.

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 Branson

Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller

00:00 Introduction

1:00 How Dr Luke Beardon Approaches Autism & Education: Why Inclusivity Matters

8:43 Understanding Life Through the Autistic Lens VS “One Size Fits All” Support

10:00 Dr Luke’s Top 3 Tips for Supporting Neurodivergent Children in School

17:42 Neurodiversity History: Educating the Education System

19:55 Autism Training in the UK: What Medical Professionals Are (Not) Taught

27:57 How the UK’s Autism Understanding Compares to Other Countries

29:13 Autism & the Criminal Justice System: What Needs to Change

36:52 The One Belief Luke Would Change About Autism in Society

37:24 Luke’s Green Dot Badge

The 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.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Dr Luke Beardon On X:@sheffieldluke

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, 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 Branson

Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller

00:00 Introduction

1:00 What Drives Luke’s Work in Autism After 30 Years

4:40 Why Language Matters: Rethinking How We Talk About Autism

10:00 Autistic Epistemology: Luke’s Groundbreaking Framework

13:08 The Biggest Myths About Autism: Debunked

28:48 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” Narrative

35:50 Hope for the Future: How Autistic Language Is Changing

39:30 Communication, Miscommunication & Being Autistic

The 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.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Dr Luke Beardon On X:@sheffieldluke

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, 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/ITVPlayTime

ITVX - https://tinyurl.com/ITVXPlayTime

_________

Host: Ben Branson

Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller

The 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

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Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Céin McGillicuddy @ceinmcg

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.

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