18/03/2026
At Evolve, it’s important for us to listen, learn, and recognise the lived experiences of neurodivergent people, including those who discover their neurodiversity later in life.
This Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we’re sharing the perspective of one of our Evolve team members as they talk about their own experience of neurodiversity.
For many adults, understanding neurodiversity can bring new insight into past experiences, strengths, and challenges.
Hearing personal stories can help others feel less alone as they begin exploring their own journey.
"For a long time, this little squirrel always knew she was different to other people I just never knew or understood why. On the outside I am a friendly, chatty, warm, inquisitive and down to earth person, but on the inside a person who always wanted to belong. My journey into a deeper understanding of my autism and ADHD came from attending neurodiversity conferences, because I wanted to understand how I could support individuals further with their strengths and differences..... and it was at this pivotal moment, that the pieces of the puzzle I longed to understand were piecing together. I felt more certainty that I ever did before but also worried that the mask I carried for a very long time was wavering but understanding the nature of masking helped me understand many things of my neurodivergent brain.... I have different ways of coping with things and that's just me... I love squirrels, daisies and owls, they bring a sense of enjoyment to my life and that's just me in a nutshell.
In a work place, I am very organised, caring, thorough but there is a fine line in understanding where your tolerance line actually is. And like a squirrel I am focussed but can become quite distracted by things... I can care too much because I want to be thorough and make a difference to everyone I meet. Carrying that responsibility can be tiring in any role we have in life... we always want to do the right thing, by the right person and at the right time... So supportive ways around this is knowing who you can talk to at work and in your personal life... For others to make small accommodations where necessary so that you feel understood and your unique ways of navigating your life is validated... At work I have a colour coding system to keep me organised, I always use supervision peer support and calming music that keeps me regulated throughout the day. At home, having people in your corner to help you understand... whether it be family, friends, carers, neighbours, siblings, and your own spirituality can make a difference....it make take longer for others to understand you but that's okay... it is a journey...for everyone!
My advice to anyone thinking or going for an assessment is to embrace the process, is do not be scared, I understand why that would be the case, some people often wonder, "is it just me"... You know you better than anyone... and speaking from experience, knowing is more powerful than not knowing... even if it is or is not the outcome you expected, the journey of a deeper understanding of your strengths and differences is important... and you will learn more about ways of coping, learn more about yourself and a sense of relief in a way that you feel validated and understood. There is a team of professionals who are key drivers in supporting you within your neurodevelopmental assessment. If one thing I took a way from my own journey is I am neurosparkle... I embrace my new me and it can be scary but also brilliant! You will be absolutely fine, be yourself because it's your time to shine...like the stars in the night sky."