The Hidden 20%

Life changed for James Hunt when he became a father to two non-verbal autistic sons. Now, through his platform Stories About Autism, James offers a raw and honest look at raising children with high support needs. In this chat with Ben, he shares invaluable insights on creating consistent routines, the importance of self-care as a parent, minimising triggers, and calming strategies during meltdowns. James also reminds us that communication goes beyond words and that our children are our greatest teachers. Plus, he unpacks the real cost of government neglect for neurodivergent family caregivers.______00:00 Introduction1:30 AuDHD and Non Verbal: James’ Son, Jude4:12 Autistic & Non Verbal: James’ Son, Tommy7:06 Communication Devices and Autism: “It’s So Much More Than Words”9:57 What James Love’s Most About His Boys11:47 James’ New Normal14:17 Autism: Balancing Routine VS Trying New Things17:48 Jude & Tommy’s Living Situation20:08 James’ Top Tips For Autistic Meltdowns24:36 Navigating Co-Parenting and Living Situations27:08 The Moment James Knew His Life Had Changed29:28 How James Feels Autism Is Portrayed32:18 Autism & Isolation: James’ Writing Journey33:49 James’ Advice For Struggling Parents37:21 The Positive Power of Social Media41:20 James: “I’m Scared of Dying”46:26 How Do You Look After Yourself First?48:07 UK Government VS Carers: How Do We Move Forwards?52:27 James’ Green Light Badge_______Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benLuke Manton @lukemanton92If 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.

CW: This episode contains offensive language which is involuntary aspects of Tourettes, as well as discussions of mental health and suicide.After a seizure and a brain tumour in 2019, Luke Manton was diagnosed with adult-onset Tourette Syndrome- plunging him into a turbulent period of unemployment, stigma, and mental health challenges.After being fired and rejected by countless employers, Luke chose to rewrite the narrative, launching his own successful neurodivergent-led business.In this chat with Ben, Luke speaks about the power of self-acceptance, why he’s campaigning to change outdated diagnostic criteria for Tourette’s and the often-misunderstood causes of adult-onset tics. He also opens-up about navigating adoption and the care system as a neurodivergent parent._____00:00 Introduction1:55 Life Before Tourettes & The Journey to Diagnosis6:41 “I Left Hospital and My Voice Did Not Come Back”10:59 Luke’s First Vocal Tic of Many: “The Doctors Had No Idea What It Was”13:00 What is Adult Onset Tourettes?15:58 The Power of Singing & Tourettes17:36 Mental Health VS Tourettes26:21 Tourettes Diagnosis: The Timeline31:10 Vocal Tics: What Do They Feel Like?33:17 Tourettes VS Being a Dad37:22 Life: Post Tourettes Diagnosis40:15 What Are Mental Tics?42:18 Representing Tourettes: The Reality of Self Acceptance48:23 Luke’s Green Light Badge__________________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348__________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benLuke Manton @lukemanton92If 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.

The average person makes around 35,000 decisions a day, but for neurodivergent minds, even the smallest choices can feel overwhelming, often leading to anxiety and decision paralysis.This week we’re joined by Adrienne Adhami, podcaster, business advisor, keynote speaker, and author of Decisions That Matter. Adrienne has helped global giants like Microsoft, Spotify, and Range Rover empower their teams to make intentional, confident decisions in a world full of noise and distractions.In this chat with Ben, Adrienne shares her six golden rules for cutting through overwhelm. Packed with real-life examples and actionable strategies to overcome procrastination, reclaim their mental energy, and reduce decision fatigue, so you can take back control of your time and focus on what really matters._____________________________________00:00 Introduction1:43 Adrienne’s Best Decision7:31 Adrienne’s Worst Decision11:20 6 Golden Rules for Neurodivergent Decision Making: High Stakes & Low Stakes18:08 ADHD & Sleep20:17 No Stakes Decisions23:08 FOBO: Fear Of Better Option27:11 Setting Decision Deadlines29:10 Outsourcing: Asking For Help31:54 ND: Adrienne’s Top Tips on Daily Decisions38:06 Maximisers VS Satisficers40:17 Regret: “It’s Inevitable”44:10 The Power of Intuition51:40 ADHD & The Power of False Deadlines56:39 The Beauty of Being an Amateur: Making Room for Joy_____On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benAdrienne Adhami @adrienne_ldnIf 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.

What really goes on behind closed doors in neurodivergent relationships? Psychosexual Therapist and ND Relationship Coach Karen Doherty brings 20+ years of experience to this eye-opening episode on late diagnosis, emotional dysregulation.In this chat with Ben, Karen unpacks why neurodivergent couples often struggle, and more importantly, how they can thrive. From the "code word" method to breaking the trigger cycle, Karen shares practical tools that help make strong ND couples. She also reveals hard truths about unmet needs, communication breakdowns, and the dangers of fast-moving, intense connections.__________00:00 Introduction1:44 20 Years of Neurodivergence in a Relationship: What’s Changed?7:11 Late Diagnosis VS Relationships8:44 Post ADHD & Autism Diagnosis VS Relationships13:33 The #1 Struggle Most ND Couples Face14:02 Increased Communication Challenges: RSD & Emotional Dysregulation22:20 The Danger of Unavailability: Karen’s Top Tips27:24 ND VS Dating Apps: Karen’s Top 3 Tips30:07 The Neurodivergent Intense Connection: From 0-10033:58 Keeping The Magic Alive: Karen’s Top Tips40:55 The Biggest Unmet Needs in Neurodivergent Relationships44:16 The Impact of Neurodivergence On People’s Individual Lives45:55 The Biggest Transformations of ND Couples in Therapy47:33 Noticing Signs of Neurodivergence: Karen’s Advice for Couples52:11 Neurodivergence and Integration55:15 Should You Disclose Your ND Whilst Dating?57:08 Shutting Down ND Myths58:39 If ND Couples Therapy Resonates: What Next?1:00:35 Karen’s Green Badge Choice_____On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benKaren Doherty Relationship Therapist @karendohertycoachingIf 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.

For Mental Health Awareness Week, Ben chats with Dr Adrian James, one of the UK’s most senior psychiatrists and NHS England’s first Medical Director for Mental Health and Neurodiversity. Adrian takes on this role at a crucial time, with rising waitlists, overwhelmed services turning away new referrals, and medication shortages forcing patients to ration.They delve into the postcode lottery of waiting lists, ongoing medication shortages, the lack of accessible NHS data, obstacles to the Right to Choose, why autism in women is so often overlooked, and what’s needed to fix a broken system._________00:00 Introduction2:03 Adrian’s Brain3:09 Adrian: “I Thought Mental Illness Happened to Other People”5:38 Psychiatrists VS Lived Experience6:30 What Does Adrian Do?7:53 Why Adrian Took on the Role: “Things Needed to Change”9:50 NHS Director or Neurodiversity and Mental Health: One Year In10:45 Mental Health VS Neurodiversity11:12 If Adrian Had a Magic Wand12:33 ADHD & Autism Assessments: How Do We Clear This Backlog?15:08 Ben: “No-one is on the List on a Whim!”17:14 Resource & Funding VS NHS19:50 Ben’s Push For Real Answers on Long Wait Lists, ADHD & Autism Diagnosis Delays22:00 The Messages Adrian Receives23:43 Neurodivergence: The Power of Early Intervention26:26 The Missed Women of Autism: “What Now?”30:31 Declined Right To Choose: Why?32:44 Can All GP’s Diagnose Neurodivergence?34:23 What Neurodiversity Training is Happening in the NHS?37:00 What Data Does the NHS Collect Around Neurodivergence?37:33 Why Are Waitlist Times So Different Around the Country?38:52 How Do You Action Change?43:00 The ADHD Medication Shortage VS NHS46:28 Do We Have Enough GP’s?47:33 How Do We Up-Skill Gp’s Understanding of Neurodiversity?50:56 Adrian: “I’m Very Aware We Haven’t Got Things Right”52:21 Neurodiversity: Parallels to Mental Health Evolution55:42 What is a Super Specialist?56:37 PMDD: What Exposure Is Adrian Having to This?57:45 A Face For Neurodiversity in the NHS 58:44 NHS VS Change and Solutions1:00:15 Weaving Neurodivergence into the NHS & Adrian’s Green Dot Badge Giving__________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benDr Adrian James @dradrianjamesIf 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.

Today, Ben is joined by two unforgettable voices from Big Brother UK 2024: show winner and forensic psychologist Ali Bromley, and her fellow housemate Lily Benson. Both Ali and Lily live with ADHD, but the way the public saw them couldn’t have been more different.In this powerful conversation, Lily reveals why she chose to hide her diagnosis from the Big Brother team. Ali opens up about the not-so-subtle ways she witnessed Lilly being misunderstood and othered, and why some of the reactions inside the house still haunt her.Together, they confront the uncomfortable truths about how neurodivergence is perceived by the wider public, especially when it doesn’t fit expectations. They unpack the emotional toll of being made to feel “different” or “odd”, and the quiet strength that comes from finding an ally when the world feels stacked against you.__________00:00 Introduction1:40 How Ali & Lily Describe Their Brains2:11 ADHD Meds VS The Brain5:53 The ADHD Daydreamers6:06 When Lily Was Diagnosed With ADHD6:32 ADHD Diagnosis VS The School System9:30 Why Ali Encouraged Lily to Share her ADHD Journey11:10 ADHD VS The Big Brother House14:43 Why Ali & Lily Clicked15:07 Why Lily Wishes She’d Listened to Her Mum16:36 Big Brother House: What Would Lily Do Differently17:15 Why Ali’s Protection of Lily is Personal21:40 Public Reaction: The Cost of “Othering”22:38 Neurodivergent People: The Social Disrupters23:52 Do Ali & Lily Regret Going in The Big Brother House?27:12 ADHD Diagnosis: Why Lily Decided To Go Public28:49 ADHD Sisters: Why Ali & Lily Love Spending Time With Each other30:03 Why Lily Loves Having ADHD & The Most Challenging Parts31:28 Lily: What ADHD Means To Younger People32:15 ADHD is Not An Adjective33:52 Ali on Her Potential Autism Assessment37:43 Lily: Growing Up in The Digital World Was Normal38:30 Ali & Lily’s Thoughts on Social Media Neurodivergent Content39:47 Lily & Ali’s Advice to The Next Generation of Neurodivergent Reality Stars41:45 Managing Public Reaction & Online Trolls44:04 Trolling: The Real Dangers on the ND Community46:37 Lily & Ali’s Best Piece of Advice for Supporting Someone With ADHD48:12 Lily’s Superwoman Mum: Linda49:30 Lily’s Green Badge Choice__________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benLily Benson @_lily.bensonAli Bromley @_ali.bromleyIf 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.

In this episode, Ben chats with leading nutrition entrepreneur and founder of Heights, Dan Murray-Serter about the link between brain health and mental health. Dan shares how discovering neuroplasticity changed his life, why gratitude can be a superpower, and how ADHD and entrepreneurship often go hand in hand. From simple daily habits to building mental resilience, Dan’s insights reframe how we look at burnout, anxiety, and brain fog. Dan also shares his top tips for neurodivergent entrepreneurs trying to build sustainable success.Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in November 2024, and all information discussed reflects that time. _________________00:00 Introduction1:37 Inside Dan’s Brain 2:42 I Can’t Live Like This: Discovering Neuroplasticity5:57 The Superpower of Gratitude: Dan’s Top Tips for Creating Life-Changing Habits 8:34 What Dan Has Learnt About His Brain 10:13 Golden Advice That Changed Ben’s Perspective 11:48 How Do You Build Mental Resilience?13:12 Dan’s Top Two Books To Read17:58 The Danger Of Overanalysing VS Taking Action19:40 ADHD & Entrepreneurship: Why Are They Often Best Friends?22:38 Why Dan is Self-Diagnosed with ADHD27:21 Reflecting On Childhood Through An ADHD Lens 28:02 Cambridge University Offer VS April Fools Day29:42 The Reality of Having a Disabled Parent34:35 Heights: Brian Nourishing Supplements 37:33 Why Dan Started Heights39:11 Brain Health VS Mental Health 43:45 How Dan’s Research Led To Heights47:00 The Dream Neurodivergent and Neurotypical Team 49:40 Supplements VS Pharmaceuticals52:33 Feeling Constantly Unwell VS Simple Interventions 53:50 Advice For Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs __________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benDan Murray @danmurraysIf 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.

Autism is back in the political spotlight in the U.S., as Donald Trump and his Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announce a major study to “find the cause” of autism — reviving the long-debunked claim that vaccines may be to blame. The move has sparked concern among scientists, advocates, and the autistic community.In this episode, Ben is joined by Independent journalist, Washington correspondent, and author Eric Garcia to unpack what’s really at stake. They explore the dangers of anti-vax politics, the truth behind the so-called autism “epidemic,” and the billion-dollar autism industry — including who really profits. As one of the few openly autistic reporters in Washington, Eric also explains why he fears for autistic people across the country._________________00:00 Introduction1:54 What is Happening in the USA?2:23 Anti Vaxxers & Autism5:01 Setting the Facts Straight: Business Profits VS Facts7:04 The World of Autism in the 2016 Former Presidency7:45 “Autism Is An Epidemic” VS The Facts Behind The Numbers10:57 Looking For Someone To Blame: Autism is Not a Disease12:35 Why is Autism a Priority in the USA?14:06 The Autism Industry in the USA: How Big Is It and Who Profits?16:00 What’s it like to be Autistic in the US? - A personal perspective17:06 Parents of Autistic Children in the USA: The Fear is Real19:08 Autism in America Under Joe Biden: What Was Happening?20:13 Why Eric Love’s Politics21:00 Why Don’t We Hear About Other Neurotypes?22:05 ‘Aspie supremacy’ & Elon Musk: Debunked23:53 Two Narrative Extremes: Eliminate Autism VS Supreme Autistic Beings24:30 How Does This All End?25:41 Victor Perez: The Killing of an Autistic Teen in 12 Seconds27:16 Why Eric Wrote His Book: Creating Autistic Acceptance29:10 Connection: The Invisible Autistic String30:37 Eric’s One Wish For the Future30:51 Green Badge Segment__________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benEric Garcia @ericmgarcia14If 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.

If you’ve binge-watched a British teen classic, you’ll know Kimberley Nixon — from Wild Child to Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging and Fresh Meat. But it’s her off-screen honesty that’s truly resonated.In this chat with Ben, Kimberley shares her raw and harrowing journey through perinatal OCD — a time when she felt trapped in “the Upside Down from Stranger Things,” her mind flooded with the darkest thoughts imaginable. They explore motherhood, mental health, and the compulsive need for repetition. Together, they unpack the overlaps between OCD, autism, and ADHD — and how Kimberley is helping shine a light on the struggles so many experience in silence. 00:00 Introduction1:54 Kimberley VS Her Brain3:07 How Other People Think4:10 Autism And Brains That Work Differently4:52 The Brain VS OCD5:39 OCD Stereotype VS The Reality: Hurricane Kimberley6:47 Who Flagged Perinatal OCD?8:04 Perinatal OCD: What We Need To Know?9:36 Examples of Perinatal OCD11:44 Intrusive Thoughts: Am I a Secret Serial Killer? Is My Brain Broken?17:28 How Does Perinatal OCD Manifest?18:45 Kimberley’s Husband VS Her Perinatal OCD20:12 Autism & ADHD NHS Diagnosis Assessment Wait List23:27 Ben’s Podcast Catalyst for Getting an AUDHD Diagnosis25:43 The Cross Overs of OCD, Autism & ADHD Traits30:40 Celebrating That Everyone’s Brain Is Different31:20 How Does Kim’s Autism Show Up?31:43 Opening Up To Friends & Family: “You’re Not Autistic!”32:40 Taking Off The Mask35:28 Physical Compulsions in Perinatal OCD36:56 The Journey of Recovery: Being Kinder To Yourself41:03 Literal Autistic Brains VS April Fools Day, Reading Between The Lines & Acting44:09 Taking Off The Autism Mask & Becoming Yourself45:22 OCD Therapy: Learning To Stop Enabling Reassurance47:43 Why Did Kim Decide To Go Public With Her Perinatal OCD Crisis?49:56 The Leading Cause of Death in Mother’s The First Year After Birth50:33 Are You Born With OCD?51:22 Avoiding Smoking & Drugs Due To Addictive Traits52:37 The Power of Familiarity & Autism: Kim’s Secret Audio Book Safe Place55:49 Autism, Motherhood & Resistance to Change59:19 Ben’s Unofficial Autism Diagnosis1:00:20 Perinatal OCD: Facing The Never Ending Nightmare1:01:47 Excuses VS Explanation1:08:08 The Benefits of Autism & A Career in Acting1:10:17 What Does it Mean To Be Neurodivergent in Today’s Society?1:16:49 Intrusive Thoughts: You Are Not Alone1:17:43 Kimberley’s Promise1:19:15 Kimberley’s Green Light__________On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Tourette's etc.] creatives, entrepreneurs, and experts to see how great minds.. think differently.Host: Ben BransonHead of Production: Bella NealeAssistant Producer: Phoebe De LeiburnéVideo Editor: James ScrivenSocial Media Manager: Charlie YoungMusic: Jackson GreenbergBrought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348_____________________________________Follow & subscribe…Website: www.hidden20.orgInstagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20podcastBen Branson @seedlip_benKimberley Nixon @realkimberleynixonIf 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.