What if your many interests, unfinished projects, and non-linear path aren't signs of failure—but evidence of a different way of moving through the world?
In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Nathan Stafford-King, a storyteller, photographer, theatre director, and lifelong explorer whose journey has taken him across the UK, Germany, Denmark, India, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Mexico, and now Canada.
Together, they explore how ADHD can be misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and masked—especially when navigating different cultures, systems, and expectations.
Nathan shares memories of early childhood signs, the impact of a later misdiagnosis, and the moment he realised that even when he was doing everything "right"—sleeping well, exercising, eating properly, and maintaining routines—his ability to focus still felt unpredictable. That realisation ultimately led him to seek an ADHD assessment and a deeper understanding of how his brain works.
The conversation dives into the daily realities of ADHD, including task initiation challenges, unfinished projects, time blindness, distraction, patience, and adaptability. It also celebrates the strengths that often accompany neurodivergence: creativity, humour, curiosity, storytelling, and the remarkable ability to hyperfocus on meaningful work.
Nathan also shares an unforgettable travel story from a night bus in India—a vivid example of how impulsivity, adaptability, and problem-solving often intersect in real life.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
• ADHD and late understanding of neurodivergence
• Misdiagnosis and self-discovery
• Living and working across different cultures
• Time blindness, focus, and unfinished projects
• Hyperfocus and creative flow states
• Storytelling, photography, and theatre
• The value of being a generalist in a specialist world
• Building a meaningful life through diverse experiences
• Patience, flexibility, and self-acceptance
• Why non-linear paths can still lead somewhere meaningful
Memorable Moments
"Some days I did everything right… and I still couldn't focus. It felt unfair."
"Task initiation is sometimes really hard… but with video editing, I could just go."
"Identity is the one thing about us that isn't ours—it's given by others."
"If you can step into someone else's perspective, you double your knowledge."
Key Takeaway
Many neurodivergent people worry they're too scattered, too curious, or too multi-passionate.
Nathan offers a different perspective:
The experiences you collect, the skills you build, and the stories you gather can come together in meaningful ways—even when the path isn't obvious at the time.
Sometimes being a generalist is not a weakness. It's a strength.
Resources Mentioned
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialised World by David Epstein
Connect with Nathan Stafford-King
Instagram:
@NathSK
Watch Nathan's play:
youtube.com/watch?v=T8CJ1yXZMBY
Why This Conversation Matters
In a world that often rewards specialisation, this episode is a reminder that curiosity, adaptability, creativity, and broad experience have value.
For neurodivergent people whose lives don't follow a straight line, Nathan's story offers reassurance that meaningful growth can happen between places, between identities, and between expectations.
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Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices and create conversations that foster understanding, belonging, and self-acceptance.
ADHD, Neurodiversity, Generalist, Creativity, Storytelling, Late Diagnosis, Neurodivergent, Identity, Hyperfocus, Photography, Theatre, Nathan Stafford King, Neurodiversity Voices, Podcast
About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast
We are now available to watch on Apple Podcasts. Watch now! Join us!
The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience.
Hosted by Paul Cruz.
Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com
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@neurodiversityvoicespodcast
Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice.
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