Latest news with #neurodivergent
Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Chase told to pay £150 to neurodivergent customer because app didn't have dark mode
A bank was ordered to pay a neurodivergent customer £150 after she complained that its app didn't have a dark mode. A Chase customer – known only as 'Mrs C' – said that the bank's app was more difficult to use because she couldn't toggle the background colour. Those with neurodivergence – a blanket term often used for conditions including autism and ADHD – sometimes prefer using dark mode as it is said to reduce distractions, making it easier for them to focus. Mrs C, who has complained about the bank before, said the lack of a dark mode option 'made her feel as though she didn't matter' in a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). She also claimed she has to use the app because an undisclosed disability means she cannot speak on the phone. An online FOS ruling, which found in her favour, said: 'For a bank to not have dark mode on their app disadvantages neurodivergent customers, including herself, and makes her feel not listened to and that Chase doesn't take accessibility for their customers seriously.' Chase told the FOS that changing the app to provide a dark mode would be a 'colossal and expensive task'. It also said that Mrs C had been a customer for more than a year when she complained in March 2024, and hadn't mentioned the lack of dark mode before. 'No evidence' Ombudsman Nicolas Atkinson wrote: 'There are certain groups of customers who've found that 'dark mode' makes websites and apps, for example, more accessible to them. That includes, for example, people who are neurodiverse.' He added: 'I can see that Chase offers this to its card merchant services customers, so it's disappointing to see it say that this would be a colossal and expensive task when it has no evidence to back this up.' Chase had offered to pay Mrs C £50 after mistakenly calling her to discuss her complaint, despite knowing that she was unable to speak on the phone. But the bank was ordered to pay an extra £100 because of the lack of dark mode although the ombudsman admitted that it was 'not an ideal solution'. Some banks already have apps with dark modes. In March this year, Lloyds introduced it on its mobile app for iPhones, and Spanish bank BBVA has a similar feature. Dark modes, which turn the background of an app to a darker black or grey colour, rather than white, can reduce eye strain and keep phone batteries running for longer. Chase, which was launched in the UK in 2021, is a digital-only bank which offers current and savings accounts. It is owned by JPMorgan, America's largest bank. A spokesman for Chase said: 'We offer a range of different accessibility options based on the needs of our customers, and in line with our commitment to create accessible and inclusive products and services for all. 'While we don't currently offer dark mode in our app, customers can make colour adjustments on their mobile phones – including colour inversion which will make the Chase app 'dark', if the device allows and the customer chooses to.'
The Sun
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Emmerdale newcomer Bradley Riches reveals soap bosses allowed him to re-write his scripts for new role as Lewis Barton
EMMERDALE newcomer Bradley Riches has admitted soap bosses allowed him to re-write parts of the script after joining the programme as Lewis Barton. The Netflix actor was unveiled as the ITV soap's new star signing earlier this year and has already become a fan favourite among the viewers of the show. 4 4 Like Bradley, Lewis is autistic and the actor has worked with show bosses in order to carve out the best ways of accurately portraying a character such as Lewis. Speaking to The Sun alongside co-star Natalie J. Robb at this year's British Soap Awards, he revealed how he had been allowed to make changes to the script and dialogue for his character. Heartstopper actor Bradley told us: "I think when they first said he was a neurodivergent character, an autistic character - they were like we really want to use the language that Bradley would use. "They were very open with that. "When I got the first script, for me personally, I don't say 'I have autism', because it feels like an extension - I just say 'I'm autistic' because it is part of me. "So little lines like that I changed and they were very open to that and understanding." He continued: "A lot of the things that people don't understand about Lewis are probably because he is an autistic character. "Him hyperfixating on what the hell happened to his mum and Moira is like 'she was a crazy woman' but he is hyperfixating on what happened to his mum. "He is tunnel vision until he knows the truth." His character Lewis has already begun to cause chaos in the Dales after discovering the true secrets of his biological family. Emmerdale's Amy Walsh admits she took mass soap axing 'personally' Despite initially bonding with his brother Ross Barton, he soon began to fall out with his family as the truth behind his mother Emma's murder came to light. It saw Lewis vow to run to the cops and tell them that it was in fact Moira who killed Emma and not her son, Adam, like they believe. Fans will remember that Adam covered for his mum and took the blame for the killing and went on the run as a result. The incident has largely been forgotten about until Lewis' shock appearance in the village. Bradley first rose to fame in Netflix's smash hit drama, Heartstopper. He then appeared as a housemate in the first revival series of Celebrity Big Brother on ITV last year and was cruelly evicted through the back door just days before the show's final. 4 4
Telegraph
27-05-2025
- General
- Telegraph
I took an ADHD test at 47. Here's what I found out
The day begins in the usual fashion. As I frantically search the house for my car keys, I find them hiding under my handbag. On my drive to meet my friend I get distracted by the radio and overshoot the turn, arriving flustered, late – and without her birthday present. Last month my car insurance payments doubled since going (just) over the speed limit. It might not sound like much, but I make these sorts of mistakes on a regular basis, and they have become alarmingly common in the last few years. After having two out of three of my children diagnosed as neurodivergent, one with autism in 2019 and one with ADHD in 2023, I began to wonder, might I also be neurodivergent? Or is it just the inevitable forgetfulness that comes with middle age? I was also, however, aware, since starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in 2022, that I was in the grip of the perimenopause, so I put most of my symptoms – poor concentration and memory, insomnia and anxiety (to give the edited highlights) – down to that. It seems that I am not alone, and that at this stage of life (I'm 47) many women struggle to carry on 'masking' their ADHD and this is when the wheels start to come off. Dr James Kustow, a psychiatrist and adult ADHD specialist at The Grove, a private psychotherapy practice in Harley St, says that the menopause can often be a time when ADHD hits its peak. 'We know that when oestrogen levels come down, dopamine levels also drop and that this can exacerbate and, in some cases, 'unmask' ADHD symptoms,' he notes. Dr Kustow thinks, however, that it's about much more than just brain fog. 'We need to widen the lens further and start to see ADHD as a whole-body problem, and not just our brain and behaviour,' he says. 'ADHD impacts everything from the functioning of the body's main stress system, to our internal body-clock and ability to sleep.' Could that, I wonder, explain why my insomnia has ramped up considerably? All of this has led me to finally seek some clarity on my situation, so I take the plunge and decide to seek a proper diagnosis. I book in to see Dr Michaela Thomas, a clinical psychologist who specialises in working with women with ADHD. This is what happened next. What to expect when going for an ADHD diagnosis The process, Dr Thomas tells me, will involve completing pre-assessment forms and questionnaires, including one which looks at my medical history and another which looks at how often I feel anxious; a three-hour structured interview, and a call with my family to help provide a more detailed diagnostic overview. Afterwards, Thomas tells me, I will receive a detailed report explaining her findings and including some recommendations and a personalised support plan, which may include therapy or medication referrals. NHS waiting times for ADHD assessments can vary and may take over a year. Dr Thomas offers private assessments from £2,000. What happens in my assessment We start with a 'clarity call' where Dr Thomas and I chat through my current concerns and what has led me to get in touch with her. I tell her that, like many women, I've found trying to juggle the demands of three children, my job, ageing parents and general day-to-day life, increasingly difficult in the last few years. Dr Thomas says she sees many women like me who have kept it all together for a time but started to crumble when perimenopause kicks in. 'This is when the perfectionism, or rather the self-criticism, starts to come in, and then the burnout,' Dr Thomas explains. She tells me perfectionism can manifest itself in many different ways, especially for women in their 40s who have been raised as people pleasers at a time when ADHD wasn't really recognised in girls. 'The pressures put on neurodivergent girls are often intensified because the expectations placed on us to fit in are heightened,' she explains. 'This can make us less forgiving later on when we make mistakes, because there is more onus on the mother to be the default parent and remember everything.' I talk through my symptoms with Dr Thomas – forgetfulness, poor concentration, disorganisation, struggling with basic tasks and impulsivity – and my family history (my late mother was quite chaotic and my late brother had schizophrenia, which used to be known as childhood autism). We decide there is enough to go on for an assessment. I am sent several forms including one which looks in detail at my childhood experiences and whether I've experienced any traumatic events, such as abuse (I haven't, thankfully) or a family bereavement, and a checklist which looks at day-to-day things, including how often I make careless mistakes (all the time). These questions cover everything from my relationship with my parents; whether I had any difficulties at school; my work history; relationships and alcohol use. It takes several hours to fill in. Dr Thomas then has a call with my father and sister to discuss my childhood and build a full picture of my life to date. The in-person screening I opt for the in-person retreat assessment at Dr Thomas's house where we have a structured interview documenting my life up until that point. The screening looks at everything, from how often I avoid or delay tasks which involve lots of mental effort to how often I feel overly active and compelled to do things, as if driven by a motor. We look in more detail at some things referenced in my pre-assessment questionnaires including how I was often described as a 'handful' as a child, with a need for constant stimulation and activity. My dad and sister described me as a 'fuzzy whirlwind' and Dr Thomas wants to know how that made me feel. I tell her it contributed to my sense of 'otherness' and sometimes made me feel ashamed as though there was something wrong with me. She also asks more about my current day to day life, including how I organise myself. I tell her about the piles of paperwork dotted around my house and how I often struggle to think ahead to organise meal plans for the week. She is alarmingly perceptive and picks up on me going off on tangents, constant fidgeting and intermittent daydreaming. It's quite emotional to feel so 'seen' and in such a non-judgemental way. Dr Thomas has ADHD herself and clearly recognises the same sort of traits in me. We go through the diagnostic forms which look at my formative years at school and how I operate now, including avoiding queues, losing things and struggling to organise myself. This takes several more hours. As the six-hour day comes to an end, Dr Thomas tells me that a detailed report will follow, but that I fit the profile of someone with combined hyperactivity and inattentive ADHD (a type of ADHD characterised primarily by difficulties with focus, attention, and organisation, rather than hyperactivity or impulsivity). What the report tells me A detailed report follows which documents my education (how I was bright but disorganised and frequently 'told off' at school); work (which is ruled by deadlines); and my ability to maintain long-term friendships. It includes a better understanding of the ADHD condition and how it impacts me. The key findings in terms of a diagnosis show that I fall under the 'inattentive domain', which references an endless list which includes my difficulty sustaining attention, avoiding tasks that require sustained mental effort and how often I lose things. Combined ADHD is the most common and accounts for between 50 to 75 per cent of all cases, according to the ADHD Foundation. Using the DSM-5 criterion, an assessment tool which uses diagnostic criteria to assess mental health conditions, individuals over the age of 16 must have five or more symptoms of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity for a diagnosis of ADHD. I have an average of nine which puts me in the moderate category. I also fall under the hyperactivity/impulsivity domain in terms of restlessness both internally and externally, always being on the go and blurting out answers without thinking. The report then looks at the impact these ADHD traits have had across my life 'domains' including my erratic work schedule and pattern of over committing then becoming overwhelmed to struggling with simple life admin such as paying bills on time and replying to emails. My initial thought is one of relief that there is an explanation. I also feel, having thought back to the times in my childhood when I was punished for forgetting things or not listening, quite emotional. Dr Thomas tells me that a diagnosis is just the first step of the process. 'I always say to clients that they need to think about their next steps and the following six to 12 months and that there will probably be an element of grief too, for the child who wasn't given the right support.' What the report advises The report goes on to recommend a number of different support measures including access to visual learning resources (for example: mind maps, colour-coded notes and video-based content) to support my information retention. I sign up to one called Mindgenius which pledges to 'visually organise my thought process' and help clarify my thoughts with images, colour-codes and shapes. As people with ADHD typically rely more on visual learning to help process and understand information, I try to use it to help brainstorm some feature ideas on Monday morning. I start by writing a pitch idea but I get distracted by the mewing cat and then a work call. It also recommends using time management and organisation tools and ADHD-friendly task management apps, such as Todoist, Notion or Structured to assist with planning and reminders. In true ADHD fashion, I make a note of which ones to use and then procrastinate and, without the dopamine hit of instant gratification, delay. I finally download the Todoist app which promises to help organise my life in 30 seconds. It gives me a number of helpful categories, work, personal and so on. I write a list of work deadlines and shopping (to save me writing one from scratch each week). It gives me the option to build my routine, from setting reminders to going for a walk every day and texting a friend. I can see how it could be useful, but I doubt it's something I'm going to use every day. What are the next steps after diagnosis? Dr Thomas recommends having regular follow-ups (such as coaching or check-ins) to track progress, adjust strategies and reinforce consistency. She suggests finding a community and some peer support and connecting with neuro-divergent spaces, such as Spark – The ADHD Club for late-diagnosed ADHD women or local support groups to reduce isolation and access shared experiences. Dr Thomas also recommends resources including podcasts, books, and websites. These include the ADHD Foundation, a UK-based charity providing training, research, and resources for individuals with ADHD, families, and professionals. So how do I feel at the end of it all? In the weeks after the diagnosis, I have mixed emotions. On the one hand, it's a relief to finally understand why my inner and outer worlds don't always align. For me, people always seem to be 'together' and organised, whereas under the surface I am constantly worried I'm going to drop the ball and make people angry by making mistakes. It also explains why I find simple things, keeping on top of my invoices for example, so difficult whereas other people seem to glide through such things with ease. It helps explain that sense of 'otherness' I had at school and all the negative messages I received about being inconsistent, either too much or too little. I don't feel the need to make it part of my identity, and even feel quite reluctant to share it with friends in case they think I'm just jumping on the ADHD bandwagon. Ultimately, though, it has given me a greater sense of self-compassion and understanding. It's helped me overcome some of the shame about the parts of me most people don't see. And you can't put a price on knowing who you are, can you?
Travel Daily News
27-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Business Travel Show: Minority groups not a priority in business trips
Latest research from Business Travel Show Europe highlights there is more to be done to include travellers from minority groups and those with additional needs in corporate travel. Ahead of Pride Month, new data published today by Business Travel Show Europe reveals that minority groups of business travellers, including those from the LGBTQ+ community, are being considered less and less when it comes to travel policies and programmes. More than half – 55% – of the 115 travel buyers surveyed stated that they do not provide special consideration for LGBTQ+ travellers – a slight increase from 54% in 2024. In addition, only 9% stated they are planning to provide special consideration in the future and just over a fifth (22%) already do – a decline from 27% in 2024. Travellers with accessibility needs Those travellers with accessibility needs are also facing greater marginalisation as just over a third – 35% – of respondents stated that they do offer special consideration, a marked decline from 43% in 2024 and 48% in 2023. Neurodivergent people Despite estimates that up to 20% of the global population is now neurodivergent, this cohort also continues to face the challenge of inclusion when it comes to corporate travel. Indeed, only 15% of respondents to this year's survey consider neurodivergent travellers, down from 18% last year. Women still expected to go it alone The recent PwC Women in Work report forecasts the positive impact that women in the workforce can deliver for productivity and economic growth. It predicts that sustaining continued progress on female participation rates up to 2030 could translate to an estimated UK GDP increase of £43.5bn by 2030. Despite this contribution, however, just over a quarter – 29% – of travel managers take into account specific needs of solo women travellers, down from just over a third – 36% – in 2024. Younger and older travellers Both categories of age group have seen a continued decline in the level of consideration they receive. Only 22% stated they consider the needs of younger travellers, compared to 20% considering the needs of older travellers when planning policies and programmes. These figures are also down from 26% and 23% respectively in 2024. Commenting on the results Carolyn Pearson, CEO of Maiden Voyage, a business travel safety training provider, said, 'The findings are concerning given that we are seeing increased risk to minority groups of travellers. We know that women face specific challenges related to pregnancy (such as Zika virus exposure), varying airline fit-to-fly protocols, and menopause supplements that are illegal in some countries. Likewise LGBTQ+ employees face severe safety threats and travellers with disabilities face unique challenges related to accessibility and accommodation, sometimes leading to serious disruptions to their travel plans. Employers have a duty of care toward their employees and appropriately preparing employees to travel is a better outcome for all, morally, fiscally and legally.' Business Travel Show Europe Marketing Director Jonathan Carter-Chapman adds, 'The results from this year's survey highlight that there is still important work to be done to support minority groups when it comes to travelling for business. 'Knowledge and understanding of the requirements of different groups is increasing all the time and so too is research on the valuable contribution all sections of society can make to business performance and wider economic growth. Whilst some of those surveyed have stated they are planning to include minority groups in their business travel policies and programmes this year, the majority are not and, whilst cost isn't seen as a barrier for the majority, the results would therefore suggest it is perhaps a lack of willing. 'For travel managers and corporates to unlock the potential of our minority groups, they need to take a more inclusive approach to corporate travel policies, programmes and reporting to understand where and how they can make a contribution to corporate growth. This year's Business Travel Show Europe includes a session on 'Sustainability and other ESG strategies that work' where buyers will have the chance to learn more about applying equal opportunities across their programmes and implementing a more inclusive approach in the future.' YEAR ON YEAR RESPONSES TO: Has your travel policy/programme been built with special consideration for the following travellers?
Times
21-05-2025
- Health
- Times
A neurodivergent employee is struggling with the office, what can I do?
Q: I have an employee who is underperforming, and they have now told me it's because they are neurodiverse, and they are struggling within the office environment — what can I do? A: Issues in the workplace involving neurodiversity are becoming increasingly common so you are not alone. They can create a number of challenges for employers. The terms 'neurodiverse' or 'neurodiversity' refers to differences in brain processing that can affect social interaction, learning, attention, sensory processing, and other aspects of interacting with the world and other people. Neurodivergent identities include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette syndrome, dyspraxia and dyscalculia. These conditions very often co-occur, and many symptoms overlap. Crucially, no two people are the same; it affects everyone differently. It's
