Neurodiverse Voices: Celebrating Difference

About Neurodiverse Voices: Celebrating Difference

The NDV Podcast is part of Neurodiverse Voices Connect, a not-for-profit organisation rooted in love, connection, support and kindness. Hosted by Andreia Costa, a late-diagnosed ADHDer and mother of an autistic daughter, it brings together neurodivergent people, parents, professionals, advocates and researchers. Through honest conversations and lived experiences, we challenge exclusion, build understanding and celebrate human differences, working towards a kinder, more inclusive world where neurodivergent people feel heard, valued and supported.

Publisher

Andreia Costa

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

6 Apr 2024

Latest episode

3 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

50 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Oct 2026

   Understanding ADHD & Social Anxiety with Dr Kenny Chiu

   What happens when ADHD and social anxiety intersect — and are we doing enough to understand the experience of young people living with both? In this episode of Neurodiverse Voices, Andreia is joined by Dr Kenny Chiu, clinical psychologist, researcher and co-founder of Beigi and Chiu Clinical Psychology, for an insightful conversation about ADHD, social anxiety and adolescent mental health. Kenny explores why social anxiety may look and feel different for young people with ADHD, from working memory and attention differences to fears of being negatively perceived by others. He explains the “maintenance factors” that can keep anxiety going and why understanding what is driving an individual young person’s anxiety matters when providing meaningful support. The conversation also explores the gaps that remain in research and existing treatments, including Kenny’s work investigating how common social anxiety is among adolescents with ADHD in the UK and how clinicians currently approach supporting these young people. Andreia and Kenny discuss masking, self-compassion, staying present, hyperfocus, burnout and the importance of creating environments where neurodivergent young people feel understood rather than constantly being expected to adapt. They also reflect on the strengths that can accompany ADHD and why recognising those strengths often requires looking beyond environments and expectations designed around the majority. Later, Kenny shares why young people themselves need to have a genuine voice in shaping research and the solutions intended to support them. And in our Inner Journey section, we get to know the person behind the research — from the role Kenny’s parents have played in his journey, to dogs, photography, Iron Man, resilience, innovation and the advice he would give his younger self. A thoughtful conversation about understanding before intervening, embracing individual differences, and building a future where support for ADHD and social anxiety is informed by both evidence and lived experience. 🎧 In this episode, we explore: • What social anxiety can look like in young people with ADHD • Why ADHD may shape the experience of social situations and anxiety • Social anxiety, introversion, overwhelm and masking • The factors that can maintain anxiety over time • Current gaps in research and psychological treatment • How clinicians, schools and families can create more supportive environments • Recognising strengths in young people with ADHD • Why neurodivergent young people should help shape research • Self-compassion, resilience and finding environments where differences can thrive Guest: Dr Kenny Chiu — Clinical Psychologist, Researcher and Co-founder of Veggy and Chu Clinical Psychology Host: Andreia — Neurodiverse Voices

2. 

   5 Sept 2026

   The NEURO Standard: Transforming Workplace Inclusion with Robert Annis

   Welcome to Season 6 of the NDV Podcast! In our first episode, Andreia is joined by Robert Annis, Co-Founder of NEURO — the Neurodiversity, Empowerment, Understanding and Resilience Organisation. Robert brings together his experience in organisational psychology with his lived experience of being diagnosed with autism and ADHD in his forties. Together, Andreia and Robert explore what it really means to create a neuro-inclusive society — and why awareness and good intentions alone may not be enough. They discuss Robert’s late diagnosis and the journey that led to NEURO, the need to move from individual adjustments towards systems change, the role of businesses and leaders in creating more inclusive environments, and how neuro-inclusion can benefit organisations as well as individuals. Robert also introduces the NEURO Standard, designed to move organisations beyond simply saying they are inclusive towards demonstrating meaningful and measurable change. The conversation also explores identity, wellbeing, connection and Robert’s hopes for the future of the neurodiversity movement. And when asked, “If your heart had a voice, what would it tell us?”, Robert leaves us with two powerful words: 💜 “Don’t give up.” 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES NEURO – Neurodiversity, Empowerment, Understanding and Resilience Organisation https://www.neurocharity.org/ (https://www.neurocharity.org/) The NEURO Standard https://www.neurocharity.org/the-standard (https://www.neurocharity.org/the-standard) NEURO Library & Resources https://www.neurocharity.org/introduction-to-neurodiversity (https://www.neurocharity.org/introduction-to-neurodiversity) Robert Annis on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/robannis/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/robannis/) 💜 Follow and subscribe to the NDV Podcast to join us for the rest of Season 6, and please share the episode with anyone who might find this conversation valuable.

3. 

   2 May 2026

   Exploring Neurodiversity in Mental Health: Simona’s Journey as a Researcher

   In the Season 5 finale of the NDV Podcast, Andreia speakswith Dr. Simona Skripkauskaite, an Economic and Social Research Council and Administrative Data Research UK Fellow at the University of Oxford’s Department of Experimental Psychology and lecturer in Clinical Psychology at theUniversity of Surrey. Simona’s research focuses on neurodiversity-informed childand adolescent mental health, exploring how neurodivergent young people interact with systems such as education, healthcare, and social services before the age of 12. By analysing linked administrative data from schools and theNHS, her work aims to identify where support pathways succeed—and where young people may be falling through the gaps. In this thoughtful and insightful conversation, Andreia andSimona discuss the gap between diagnostic frameworks and lived experiences, the challenges of translating research into real-world policy and practice, and why co-production with neurodivergent people and families is essential formeaningful change. They also explore the importance of self-identification,strengths-based approaches, and moving away from deficit-focused language in mental health systems, while highlighting the barriers that still exist in accessing timely diagnosis and support. This episode offers a powerful reflection on the future ofneurodiversity-informed research and the importance of bringing together researchers, policymakers, clinicians, and lived experience voices to create better systems for young people. A hopeful and inspiring conversation about research, systemschange, and the importance of listening to neurodivergent voices. Links: Simona Skripkauskaite (https://www.psy.ox.ac.uk/people/simona-skripkauskaite) University of Oxford – Department of ExperimentalPsychology (https://www.psy.ox.ac.uk/) Administrative Data Research UK (ADR UK) (https://www.adruk.org⁠) Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) (https://www.ukri.org/councils/esrc⁠) University of Surrey – Clinical Psychology (https://www.surrey.ac.uk⁠) CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) (https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/⁠) EHCP Plans (Education, Health and Care Plans) (https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs⁠)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

935

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

83

Social presence

0

YouTube

66

Engagement

32

Contact Neurodiverse Voices: Celebrating Difference

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.