The Hidden 20%

The Hidden 20%

Great minds... think differently
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Great minds... think differently
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Episoden

Autism & Mental Health: Anxiety, Meltdowns vs Shutdowns & What We Get Wrong
15.04.2026
1 Stunde 9 Minuten
Dr Ann Ozsivadjian, Clinical Psychologist specialising in autism, joins Ben to unpack the reality of mental health in neurodivergent children and adults - and why so much of it is misunderstood.


Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Ann explains how anxiety, depression and low self-esteem often sit on top of something deeper: emotional dysregulation, unmet needs and environments that don’t fit. 


Together, they explore how this shows up in children and the long-term impact of being misunderstood early on.


They also break down the difference between meltdowns and shutdowns - what’s really happening beneath the surface, and how to respond with understanding, not judgment.





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


Dr Ann Ozsivadjian www.drannozsivadjian.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.
Mehr
Autism, Language & Intersectionality: The Hidden Bias In Diagnosis & Support
08.04.2026
1 Stunde 21 Minuten
Warda Farah, an autistic Independent Researcher and Speech & Language Therapist, joins Ben for a powerful conversation about identity, language and what happens when the systems designed to support you don’t see you properly.


Drawing on both lived experience and clinical insight, Warda reflects on leaving the NHS after recognising how standardised assessments were failing marginalised children - and why ideas of “normal” can exclude more than they help.


Together, they explore intersectionality, internalised ableism and the role language plays in shaping how we understand ourselves. 


If you’ve ever felt unseen by systems, misunderstood by language, or caught between identities - this episode is for 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





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


Warda Farah linkedin.com/in/warda-farah-210235129





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.
Mehr
AuDHD Relationship Goals & The Intersection Of Neurodiversity & Gender
01.04.2026
1 Stunde 33 Minuten
Content creators Lori-Jade and Max Siegel join Ben for an honest, deeply human conversation about late diagnosis, identity and what it means to build a life together as a neurodivergent couple.


Both diagnosed with AuDHD in adulthood, they reflect on being missed for decades - from masking and misdiagnosis to the quiet grief of realising how different things could have been. 


They explore how gender, queerness and hormones shape their neurodivergent experience, and what happens when both partners are navigating sensory needs, communication and regulation in real time.


If you’re navigating late diagnosis, identity or relationships as a neurodivergent adult, this episode is for 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


01:52 Late Autism Diagnosis & Where It All Begins


05:57 Early ND Experiences & Feeling Different


11:38 Self-Awareness & ADHD Masking


16:21 Life Before Diagnosis


23:59 Recognition & Getting Assessed For ADHD


27:45 Understanding Yourself After Autism Diagnosis


37:56 ND Communication Differences Explained


43:13 Discomfort, Boundaries & Misunderstandings


48:22 Trust, Relationships & Being Honest


52:09 Daily Life, Challenges & Coping


56:22 Gratitude & Positive Reflections


1:00:55 Identity, Background & Personal History


1:09:10 Shared ND Experiences & Validation


1:18:43 Overstimulation & Sensory Struggles


1:23:38 Secondary Impacts Of ND


1:28:59 Lori & Max's Green Dot of Light


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


Max Siegel @maxsiegel_


Lori-Jade Siegel @midlifeinvintage 





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.
Mehr
ADHD Media Narratives & Misinformation: What's Really Happening?
18.03.2026
1 Stunde 4 Minuten
In this episode, Ben is joined by Dr Tony Lloyd, former CEO of the ADHD Foundation, for a conversation that steps back and looks at the bigger picture of neurodiversity at a moment when the landscape is rapidly changing.


Now retired, Tony reflects on decades at the forefront of ADHD and neurodiversity advocacy, and why we’re still asking the wrong questions.


They explore why more people are recognising themselves than ever before, and the tension between medical models and the idea of thinking differently.


From SEND systems and long waiting lists to public narratives and stigma, Tony shares what he believes still isn’t working and where real progress is happening.


This is a conversation about where we are now, what needs to change, and why the future of neurodiversity may look very different to its past.


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


1:03 The Current Neurodiversity Landscape: ADHD, Autism & Society


3:50 The Global Neurodiversity Identity Crisis Explained


5:50 “We Are Everywhere”: The Rise of Neurodivergent Voices


9:44 The Future of Neurodiversity: Why People Are No Longer Hiding


20:02 Medical Model vs Neurodiversity: Disorder or Difference?


27:00 SEND System & ADHD/Autism Reports: What’s Broken?


32:10 Why Neurodiversity Should Be Seen as Opportunity, Not Deficit


42:03 De-stigmatising ADHD & Autism: What Gives Tony Hope


48:06 ADHD & Autism Waitlists: Advice for Those Still Waiting


50:18 The Role of Neurodivergent Public Figures & Advocacy


55:16 Regressive Narratives vs Being Yourself: Courage & Kindness


1:02:22 Dr Tony Lloyd’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


Tony Lloyd





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.
Mehr
ADHD & Autism at Work: Masking, Burnout and What Employers Still Get Wrong
11.03.2026
1 Stunde 21 Minuten
In this episode, Ben is joined by Kelly and Hester Grainger, the married co-founders of Perfectly Autistic.


Together they work with major organisations to build workplaces that actually work for neurodivergent people but as Kelly (AuDHD) and Hester (ADHD) explain, inclusion isn’t about a single training session or a handful of adjustments.


They reflect on careers shaped by masking, burnout and trying to fit systems that weren’t designed with neurodivergent people in mind. Together they unpack why so many workplaces unintentionally exclude ND employees, what genuinely neuroinclusive organisations do differently, and why awareness has to go beyond a one-off training session.


They also share the more personal side: exploring their own careers, why Hester once had over 30 jobs, and what it’s like running a business together as a neurodivergent couple.


If you’ve ever felt exhausted by work environments that don’t quite fit your brain, this episode will help you see why - and what could change.





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


1:26 Neurodiversity at Work | Hester & Kelly Grainger on ADHD, Autism & Corporate Consulting


2:19 The #1 Thing Employers Need to Understand About Neurodiversity in the Workplace


3:50 Supporting Neurodivergent Employees at Scale: What Actually Works


7:26 Which Companies Are Asking for Neurodiversity Support at Work?


8:31 ADHD & Autism at Work: Common Challenges and Simple Workplace Adjustments


19:15 Who Is Responsible for Neurodiversity in the Workplace?


23:37 Why Neurodiversity Training Can’t Be a One-Off Session & The Power Of Listening & Curiosity at Work


26:38 Neurodiversity Labels at Work: Why Language Around Autism & ADHD Matters


33:16 Undiagnosed ADHD or Autism at Work: Your Rights as an Employee


37:40 What Does The Dream Neuroinclusive Employer Look Like?


42:30 Neurodiversity & Recruitment


49:34 Running a Business Together as a Neurodivergent Couple


50:40 Kelly’s AuDHD Diagnosis: Telling Employers About ADHD & Autism


53:48 Creating Safe Conversations About Neurodivergence & Advocating For Yourself


57:43 Neurodivergent Workers Are Everywhere: Why Companies Need to Adapt


59:30 What Do “Best in Class” Neuroinclusive Companies Do Differently?


1:06:06 What Neurodivergent Candidates Should Look for in an Employer


1:08:22 Practical Ways Employers Can Create Neuroinclusive Workplaces


1:09:50 If Hester & Kelly Had a Magic Wand: The One Thing They’d Change About Workplaces


1:19:26 Kelly & Hester’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


Hester Grainger @hestersvibe linkedin.com/in/hestergrainger


Kelly Grainger linkedin.com/in/kelly-grainger-9601b43


www.perfectlyautistic.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.
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Über diesen Podcast

Help us rewrite the future for every mind. Join the movement and donate at hidden20.org/donate  The Hidden 20% is a UK-registered charity, podcast and movement rewriting the future for every mind Founded by autistic/ADHD entrepreneur Ben Branson, we find and share the truth about neurodiversity - catching society up and breaking the cycle of silence, shame and suffering. Through research, stories and science we share the truth - making the hidden visible. Each week, we speak with leading experts and lived experience voices to uncover the true scale and potential of neurodiversity - challenging myths, stereotypes and outdated systems. While others talk awareness, we demand recognition, representation and reform. Every month, more than 100,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to learn, connect and feel seen. With your support, we can reach further, grow louder and keep amplifying the truth. Great minds think differently. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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