THE NEURODIVERGENT TRUTH
ABOUT THE PROJECT
The Neurodivergent Truth is a large‑scale, collaborative exploration of what it truly feels like to be neurodivergent in Essex today.
If you have a formal diagnosis of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia, Dyscalculia, Dysgraphia or Tourette’s, or recognise yourself in neurodivergent traits and co-occurring experiences such as OCD, Hypermobility or Fibromyalgia, we invite any adults aged 18 and over who currently live in Essex or have lived there previously to take part and share their stories with us. You are welcome to remain anonymous if that feels more comfortable.
We would like to learn all about your experiences with:
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Work and education
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Mental and physical health
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Housing
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Drugs and alcohol use
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Family, friendships and relationships
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Community and belonging
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Getting a diagnosis and the support received afterwards
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Any other topics you feel would be important to highlight
The Neurodivergent Truth is entirely self-funded and fully independent, meaning no one outside the project can influence the outcomes and we will not profit financially from your story. The project is led by neurodivergent staff and will be guided and co-produced throughout by lived experience participants. Our findings and resources will be made publicly available and free for individuals, organisations and services to access and use, helping to ensure that the knowledge gained can benefit everyone.
"It was an eye-opening moment when I got my diagnosis, because I had to go back through my past and re-evaluate how things had been. I already knew I was different, I knew I had to try harder than others, and I’d come to terms with the fact that there were certain things I wouldn’t be able to do. But even after that, there was still this realisation that my life would have been a lot better had I been treated differently. That was the biggest thing for me."
Project Participant
WHY WE'RE DOING THIS
Too often, decisions about neurodivergent people are made without neurodivergent people being involved. We want to change that.
Being neurodivergent in a neurotypical world can mean having to overcome many barriers and inequalities, but it also comes with developing unique skills, insights, empathy and creative ways of thinking. We want to show the full picture: the strengths as well as the struggles, what has helped or supported you, and what you have found difficult or challenging. Most importantly, we want to understand what you believe needs to change. Your experiences are not just stories, they are expertise that deserves to be heard.
What you share will be used to help:
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Design practical resources to help employers better support neurodivergent staff
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Further improve understanding in colleges and universities
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Promote more neurodivergent-informed care within health and social services
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Increase understanding in the wider community
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Advocate for more inclusive, respectful approaches towards neurodivergent people
This project is designed to be flexible, responsive and adaptable, and will evolve as we learn more and as more people take part.
Ways to get involved
There are several ways to take part. You might choose to share your story once, stay involved longer-term to help shape decisions and co-produce resources, or dip in and out in whatever way feels right for you.
What to share your story? Here's how you can do it.
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Fill in our anonymous online questionnaire (Coming Soon)
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Email us to arrange a friendly and informal chat in person, online on Teams or Zoom, or over the phone
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Message us using the contact form on this page
You are free to pause or stop at any time, and there will never be any pressure to continue. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with, and you will always be in control of what you share and how you take part. There is no wrong way to get involved. Anything you choose to tell us is valuable, and every perspective helps us build a more inclusive, understanding, and compassionate community.
WANT TO Take part?
You can use this form to share your story or to let us know if you’re interested in learning more about the project.
We may include carefully anonymised quotes from what you choose to share with us in future reports or resources related to The Neurodivergent Truth, helping to highlight and evidence the need for change. All contributions will be handled ethically with care and respect, and nothing that could personally identify you will ever be included. Your privacy and safety are important to us, so you can take part with confidence.