Back in the years of my childhood, neurodivergence was a term applied to institutionalised young boys with educational difficulties. Today, we have a much better understanding of mental health and more women than ever, myself included, are being diagnosed over the age of 50 with conditions such as autism and ADHD. As a result, neurodiversity has never been so widely debated in the media. Yet, still, there is little real understanding and compassion and as a result we are constantly being fed misconceptions about overdiagnosis and costs to the NHS and SEND system, without acknowledging wider costs to society.

A military veteran, business owner and mother of three, I coped blindly for years at the top of my game until a severe mental health crisis during perimenopause floored me. Now a writer and speaker, I am passionate about making positive change, advocating for education about neurodiversity through my lived experience. On my tours around the UK, I meet so many women who have also suffered and my passion is to expand my reach and help as many as possible.