A Neurodivergent New Year: Shahroo Izadi, Dr Alison Lennox, Tony Lloyd & More Share Their Hopes For 2026

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.


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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


______________


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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





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