Latest news with #neurodiversity
BBC News
2 days ago
- General
- BBC News
Police unveil calming mural to support neurodiverse detainees
A calming new mural has been unveiled at a custody suite, in a pioneering effort to provide better support for detainees with neurodiverse all four walls of the Gloucestershire Constabulary's custody yard, the artwork was officially revealed on 7 July. Local artist Murmur designed the mural which incorporates soft colours, abstract patterns and a transition from night to day, all aimed at reducing overstimulation and anxiety in what can be a stressful Andy Miller said: "When somebody is in custody their welfare is of paramount importance and we want to make sure that we're doing all we can to minimise the impact of detention." Insp Miller, who works in the custody unit and managed the project, added: "We've recognised that there's a need to make changes to the sensory demands in the custody environment to accommodate people with neurodiversity and the new, calming mural is one of the steps we've taken to reduce the stress and anxiety many might feel."The initiative was developed with input from neurodivergent individuals, Gloucestershire's neurodiversity network, Independent Custody Visitors (ICVs), and was supported by the Integrated Adults Commissioning Hub. Additional changes have been introduced, including a dedicated quiet cell for those overwhelmed by noise and a visual guidebook to explain the custody process to detainees who may struggle with verbal communication or unexpected and Crime Commissioner Chris Nelson said: "People who are detained in custody are some of the most vulnerable in society. "Making small changes to how we treat them can have big impacts."Detainees are not prisoners and are innocent until proven otherwise. "This mural is a small but meaningful step toward making the experience more trauma-informed."
Entrepreneur
2 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Entrepreneurial Minds
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur United Kingdom, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. ADHD is often misunderstood as a lack of focus or follow-through. But step into the world of entrepreneurship and you'll find a different story. Research suggests that adults with ADHD are up to 300% more likely to start their own business than their neurotypical peers. Far from being a professional liability, many of the traits that define ADHD - curiosity, risk tolerance, emotional intuition, and creative problem-solving - are exactly what help entrepreneurs thrive. But that's not the story most ADHDers grow up with. Many spend years being told they're too much, too chaotic, or simply not trying hard enough. It's no surprise that so many end up burnt out, masking their struggles in traditional workplaces, or questioning their value altogether. It's often only after they step away from rigid systems that they discover what their minds are really capable of. Why So Many ADHDers Leave Traditional Work Let's start with the environment. Most workplaces are designed for brains that are wired for importance. Tasks get done because they matter. ADHD brains, however, are wired for interest. And that difference changes everything. This shows up in small but significant ways. Take something like replying to emails. For many ADHDers, that's a cognitively heavy task with no emotional or intellectual stimulation. One of our clients runs a wildly successful tech company with a multimillion-pound turnover. He can lead teams, pitch ideas, and drive vision like nobody else. But when he first came to coaching, it was the basics that brought him in. Emails piling up, mornings starting in chaos. ADHD doesn't just show up where you expect it to. Often, it's in the day-to-day friction that others assume should be easy. This mismatch between ability and environment leads many ADHDers to feel like they're failing at things they "should" be able to do. The truth is, the system isn't built for them. And when they step out of that system and start building their own, everything changes. Why Entrepreneurship Works for ADHD Brains Entrepreneurial life naturally aligns with the ADHD operating system. There's novelty, autonomy, flexibility, and urgency. These are all key ingredients for stimulating an interest-based brain. You get to follow your energy, solve problems creatively, and build structures around your own needs rather than trying to fit someone else's. ADHDers tend to be big-picture thinkers. They see patterns others miss. They move quickly, adapt instinctively, and often carry a strong intuitive sense of what's needed next. One client we coached shared a story that speaks volumes. He had spent years suppressing his emotions in professional settings, assuming they were a liability. Too intense, too reactive, too much. It wasn't until a coaching session that he began to understand these emotional surges differently. ADHD brains process emotion more intensely because of structural differences in the brain's wiring. Think of it like this. If emotional processing is the wiring in a house, an ADHD brain has thinner wires. When you flip a light switch, those wires heat up faster. That's overwhelm. But thinner wiring also means picking up the signal faster, which creates incredible emotional intuition. In this client's case, he realised that his ability to scan the emotional temperature of a meeting before it even started wasn't just sensitivity. It was strategy. It informed how he opened conversations, managed teams, and built trust. What he had assumed was a flaw turned out to be one of his greatest strengths. Coaching helped him see that. And that shift from deficit to design feature is where the real power lies. We see the same kind of reframing in stories of other neurodivergent entrepreneurs. Consider Ingvar Kamprad, the dyslexic founder of IKEA. Instead of struggling with traditional item codes, he created a new product labelling system using Swedish names for furniture. This turned a personal challenge into a brand-defining strength. He also pioneered IKEA's signature wordless instruction manuals, replacing written guides with universally understandable visuals. These weren't just clever workarounds. They were design innovations born from a different way of thinking. Kamprad's approach prioritised accessibility, simplicity, and systems that make sense to real people. Whether it's ADHD or dyslexia, neurodivergent brains often question the norms others take for granted. In doing so, they reimagine what's possible. The Real Work of ADHD Coaching It's tempting to frame ADHD coaching as a set of productivity hacks. And yes, sometimes it includes practical strategies for time management, planning, or delegation. But the deeper work, the life-changing part, starts with identity. Most of our clients come into coaching having internalised a narrative of personal failure. They've spent years trying to be more organised, more consistent, more "together." ADHD coaching doesn't offer a to-do list. It offers a mirror. When you start to understand your brain, really understand it, you begin to see that the things you've struggled with aren't evidence of brokenness. They're often signs you've been trying to operate on someone else's terms. Coaching helps people rebuild trust in themselves. From that foundation of self-understanding and clarity, the right tools and systems start to flow more naturally. You stop asking, "How can I be better?" and start asking, "What works for me?" That's why we always say that ADHD coaching is identity work first, strategy second. Rethinking What Success Looks Like The typical image of a successful entrepreneur is still heavily shaped by neurotypical norms. Things like self-discipline, control, and linear thinking are still held up as the gold standard. But the reality is much broader. ADHDers are building businesses that reflect a different kind of intelligence. One rooted in creativity, humanity, responsiveness, and heart. And this shift isn't just good for ADHDers. It's good for business. Teams led by neurodivergent founders are often more innovative, more inclusive, and more adaptive to change. They value lived experience as much as credentials. They break rules that were never working in the first place. If you're reading this and seeing yourself, in the tension, the restlessness, the bursts of brilliance, know this. You're not alone. You're not broken. You may have just been building your business in the shadows of a system that was never designed for you. And now, maybe, it's time to build something different. That's what we explore in our book,It's not about trying harder. It's about understanding your brain and leading from it. Whether you're a founder, freelancer, or figuring out your next move, it starts with self-trust. Everything else flows from there.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Sergeant finds job 'well-suited' to being autistic
An autistic police sergeant has said the condition helps him in his Flo Linscott, 50, from Hayle, has worked for Devon and Cornwall Police for 26 years but was diagnosed as autistic just two years is a police sergeant for the Cornwall Diverse Communities Team which he said was "a good job choice" for someone with the condition."I realise now that the work routine, the uniform, the internal code of conduct, following orders and approved practice - even the shift work - is well-suited for my condition," he said. "I was diagnosed later in life although I always suspected the differences from growing up, my career and everything else."But what I found was really wonderful and helped me in my own job is that within the Devon and Cornwall Police we have a neurodiversity support network and that was one of the helping hands that gave me the confidence to then get myself assessed... and ultimately got my diagnosis," he added. 'Super anxious' The National Autistic Society describes autism as a condition which influences how people experience and interact with the world and says more than one in 100 people in the UK are Linscott said he was not surprised when he was diagnosed."Autistic people will recognise that there are elements where you will mask or you will present yourself in a certain way to perhaps hide some of the inner things that you're going through yourself," he said."So you could be super anxious about a certain thing that's about to happen, albeit once I've rehearsed how I'm going to conduct myself, it then becomes a bit more predictable."Then it becomes safe and then you can relax completely."But it doesn't always work out that way, which is why I then rely on my colleagues in the same network." Sgt Linscott now peer supports newly-diagnosed police officers and those who think they may be neurodivergent."We share experiences and we share advice because even though there's a lot of commonality between autistic people, we're all so different," he explained."So if you've met one autistic person, you've met one autistic person."But because I have an understanding of my own neurodivergence, I can relate to theirs. "I have helped a few officers back to work or helped them stay at work. "As this is a two-way exchange, the whole process helps me too - I now know I am not the only one who perceives the world this way." Force equality, diversity and human rights officer Teresa Berridge works alongside Sgt Linscott and said: "Being an autistic person... this enables him to put himself in the shoes of others with, perhaps, a greater desire to truly understand what that person's own experience is and how different situations may impact them."Sgt Linscott is a really well-known police officer in his local area and this is testament to his ability to engage and understand people, to listen and hear their concerns and actively seek out solutions to help them."
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Neurodiversity festival in Exeter born from 'passion project'
A mother with autism and ADHD has worked with an art venue to put together a festival celebrating neurodiversity in Way-Evans, who was diagnosed with the conditions two years ago at 38, said the Kaleidoscopic Minds Festival of Neurodiversity in Exeter was a "passion project" for event is on from 11:00 to 16:00 BST at Exeter said it featured workshops, a family disco and various activities for neurodivergent people and families. Ms Way-Evans, who has two neurodivergent children, said she "wanted to create an event which is for families like mine... to feel welcome and understood and just to kind of relax and have a nice day"."The hope is that people will take something from it, whether it's a feeling of connection, maybe some tools and strategies, information," she "pay what you can" event would see local neurodivergent charities on site, such as Dimensions for Autism, to offer resources to Way-Evans said people could "book a free ticket if you need to, otherwise it's £5 or £10"."The lovely team at the Phoenix have kind of allowed me to create it and they've helped me make it happen," she said"It's for all ages and everyone's welcome." There are movement and writing workshops, art and printing workshops aimed specifically for people with disabilities, guidance on regulation techniques and a family rave. There will also be ear defenders available for those who need them, as well as two regulation areas, a play room and a sensory Way-Evans said: "I've done as much as I can to design it specifically for neurodivergent people based on my experience... and I've tried to think of everything but if there's anything I've missed I would really love to know."I have put a lot of effort into it, and it's been a bit of a passion project for me, it's obviously very close to my heart."
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I've spoken about autism with Gregg Wallace & he never mentioned diagnosis… it's a disgrace he's using it as an excuse
IF you're caught with your trousers down, just like Gregg Wallace has been, you need to come up with an excuse to get out of trouble fast, don't you? The troubled MasterChef presenter has done just that by revealing he's been diagnosed with autism and this 'neurodiversity' was even 'suspected and discussed across countless seasons of MasterChef'. 7 7 I don't doubt his formal diagnosis. But I'd be surprised if he openly discussed how it may be affecting his behaviour because I chatted, at length, with Gregg about autism before this scandal ever broke and he never, ever, mentioned it. I visited his home in 2021 to talk about his wellness brand. We got on well, he was welcoming and there was plenty of banter. Yes, he was overly chatty with some bizarre jokes which made it difficult to get a word in edgeways at times, but I liked him. He was the cheeky chappy we've all seen on screen for years. I met his family, including his delightful little boy Sid. And after the interview ended Gregg and I wandered around his glorious garden chatting while I had another coffee. Sid and my son are the same age. Gregg and I shared our fears as parents, the difficulties of managing a work-life balance and how, having both had kids a little later, neither of us were the youngest parents at the school gates. Gregg was trying to get a formal diagnosis of autism for non-verbal Sid at the time and went into the struggles that he had been through and his fears for the boy's future. 'Devastated' Gregg Wallace FIRED by BBC over MasterChef sexual comments We discussed how autism appeared to be on the increase now and how there hadn't been nearly as many diagnoses when we were growing up. But — although it is often genetic — Gregg never once shared the fact he believed he had the condition too, or that his neurodiversity was such a major issue for him that it had affected his work or been discussed with TV producers during those countless seasons of MasterChef. You could argue that why on Earth should he share any of that? It is a private matter, especially to a journalist. Looking back, though, given the depth of our chat, it does leave me questioning whether autism was having the significant impact on his work life he now claims. He never mentioned it in his autobiography either or when he and his wife bravely and openly discussed little Sid's diagnosis. So I find it odd that he has wheeled his diagnosis out now — just as his career hits the skids — as though it is some kind of loophole. I fear that as well as autism he is suffering from a bad case of old- fashioned sexism and a dreadful dose of 'it-wasn't-me' blame-shifting. T-shirt pulled so tight The allegations against him include inappropriate sexual comments, touching and groping, all of which he denies. He allegedly dropped his trousers in front of a junior worker to reveal he wasn't wearing underwear. According to one of his mates, the lack of Calvin Kleins is because he has autistic 'hypersensitivity to labels and tight clothing'. Autism is a common condition now. More than one in 100 people have it but don't feel the need to expose themselves to young work colleagues. And that hypersensitivity didn't seem to have kicked in when he was promoting his wellness brand because he wore a T-shirt pulled so tight across his chest and arms that you could, if you'd looked for it, seen the offending inside labels bulging from the outside too. Gregg even wants to blame bosses for failing to 'investigate my disability'. It seems ridiculous that Gregg — who must be a smart man to make it to the top as a prime-time TV presenter — expects to pass the responsibility for HIS health on to his bosses. And now, because the BBC has ditched him (saying they doubt he could change his questionable behaviour), those close to Gregg say the Beeb are using his autism against him. But the only one using autism for anything, Gregg, is you. And wheeling it out as an excuse and so publicly shouting about it now, at a time when you should be taking responsibility for your actions and apologising to those you've hurt, really is disgraceful. A disability can never be used as an excuse for behaviour like this — it is doing a disservice to every other person with autism by claiming it can. BE MORE LIKE JEN? IT'S A BIT OF A STRETCH SEEING Jennifer Aniston posing in a swimsuit for her fitness brand Pvolve is a thing of wonder. I am utterly jealous. Flat stomach, toned arms with zero bingo wings and a good, solid decent thigh gap. There is not a wrinkle or a sag in sight. No grey hairs, no eye bags. Utter perfection. And she is an age-defying 56. Yay, great and all that, let's all rejoice about 50 being the new 30. But back in reality . . . let's remember if we spent all day in the gym, could afford endless tweakments, had a stylist and an airbrushing expert at our disposal we too could look (a bit) like that. And if all else fails, try this mantra ladies . . . it's what's on the inside that counts. BAG SO PLAIN, JANE WE all know that the original Birkin bag, sold for £7.4million this week, is the ultimate It bag. 7 Replicas have become the ultimate arm candy. The original has spawned thousands and thousands of dupes. Now actress and style icon Jane Birkin's original bag is winging its way to Japan after being bought by a private collector. But I actually wouldn't want it. The leather is faded and scuffed, with residue from stickers on it, and there is even a pair of nail clippers inside because Jane liked to clip her nails. Yuk. Without the famous name attached, you'd struggle to even sell a bag like that on Vinted. I'll stick to my 'replica'. WE'VE had hot girl summer and brat summer, now it's the boys' turn. According to M&S we are in the middle of 'thigh guy summer', with fellas proudly donning micro shorts as Britain swelters. The fashion fad is being led by Normal People star Paul Mescal, who insists: 'I'm a big advocate for men wearing shorter shorts.' While I'd have a fit if the (middle-aged!) Geordie started wearing a pair of thigh grazers to do the weekly shop in Tesco, I can't see any harm in the trend. Bring it on. If the blokes doing it are young and fit enough to pull it off then I say go for it. The thigh's the limit. IT CAN'T WEIGHT I GET the sentiments of WeightWatchers, which has emerged from bankruptcy and has blasted quick-fix fat jabs, saying it is 'the most trusted, science-backed platform, proven to drive better results and lasting impact'. But the problem is when you've got that holiday coming up and have a 14-day battle to squeeze into last year's holiday gear the last thing on your mind is a lasting impact . . . it's a quick impact. DO LEAF IT OUT, PLEASE PRET A Manger has released a brand new salad range with some costing £12.95. Yes, £12.95. Sales of Pret salads have grown at three times the rate of their sarnies, and these credit card-abusing versions include black bean mole, quinoa and pomegranate seeds, Japanese style togarashi spiced seeds and 'hand-massaged' kale. I have no idea what half of that lot truly is but it sounds v. v. posh. Customers are kicking off about the price. I don't blame them. You wouldn't find me paying for that – or many other northern- ers too, it would seem. When I enquired about these new salads in the Newcastle Pret, I was told they didn't have them, probably wouldn't ever get them and were already struggling to flog the fancy £6 sarnies they had on display. Not because us northerners are tight – we just have common sense and know when we are being had. BIT TOO SALTY AMID all The Salt Path scandal I do feel sorry for poor Gillian Anderson. 7 7 Before I found out the original book – about the trek around the South West coast by Raynor and Moth Winn – was all a bit of a con story I had zero interest in watching the film. I thought it sounded quite dull, even with Gillian and Jason Isaccs in the starring roles. Now I want to see what the web of lies truly entails. And I won't be the only one. It may become one of Gillian's best-known films . . . for all the wrong reasons.
