Why Neurodivergent Inclusion Is the Supercharger the World Needs

As an AuDHD writer working across books and screenplays, I’ve often found myself reflecting on how the creative arts thrive on unique perspectives. Storytelling—whether through novels, films, or visual mediums—has always been about connection, honesty, and truth. And when we talk about truth, we have to include the full range of human experience, including the contributions of neurodivergent minds.

Sure I have made my success in my professional career too (non writing) but my ability to be my natural self is far more restricted and hindered. I have learned those processes, I have embraced that conformity and while I challenge it with my own natural flare, it remains consistent that my brand of thinking most certainly has to be earned and then only honestly accepted when it's seen as a benefit to the wider organisation, or when I've accepted enough embroidery on my shoulders.

Neurodivergent individuals, whether autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or otherwise, bring something extraordinary to the creative process: different ways of seeing, thinking, and storytelling.

But while the value of neurodivergence is becoming more widely discussed, the creative arts world still has much to gain from fully embracing it.

The Neurodivergent Creative Perspective

I believe neurodivergent individuals often approach creativity with a lens that is both unique and essential. Our lived experiences shape how we view the world—giving rise to characters, narratives, and ideas that may otherwise remain unexplored.

For someone like me, living with AuDHD means my brain is always on and when I say on I mean....ON! Ideas bubble up constantly, stories form in the background, and connections between seemingly unrelated things spark something new. While this creative chaos can sometimes be overwhelming (hello, squirrel brain 🐿️), it’s also a gift. A neurodivergent mind thrives on thinking differently, and that difference is where brilliance often lies. Trust me when I say even though I write scenarios at work for training, the stuff that doesn't go down on the page is the three hours of back story and rationale that makes it all make sense to me.

Why the Creative Arts Need Neurodivergent Voices

The arts world—be it literature, film, theatre, or design—has always been at its best when it embraces diversity. Creativity doesn’t come from a singular, homogenous way of thinking; it comes from contrast, collaboration, and curiosity.

If I get told to "stick to the formula, don't deviate", "write to market, not passion" or "that's taking a risk" one more time, I may scream. Yes, the proof is in the pudding - those who do those things have made more of a name for themselves in the creative world, especially screenwriting and authoring, but sadly I've spent 40+ years stifling myself to succeed, now I want to share who I am in my way with the world.

When the arts welcome neurodivergent inclusion, we unlock:

✅ Innovative Ideas

Neurodivergent individuals often excel at thinking outside the box. We connect dots others might miss, turning “impossible” ideas into reality. In storytelling, this might mean creating original narratives, challenging traditional tropes, or reimagining entire genres.

✅ Authentic Representation

Authenticity matters. When neurodivergent voices are involved in the creative process, stories about neurodivergence become richer, more accurate, and more meaningful. Neurodivergent characters—when told through neurodivergent eyes—move beyond stereotypes and surface-level representation to become deeply relatable and real. Come on, I can't be the only one who questioned their neurodivergence because it didn't fit the perpetuated media stereotypes!?!

✅ Empathy and Connection

The arts exist to help us understand one another. Neurodivergent stories shine a light on perspectives that are often misunderstood, fostering empathy, inclusion, and connection among audiences. It’s through these narratives that we challenge assumptions and create meaningful change.

The Cost of Overlooking Neurodivergence

When neurodivergent creatives are overlooked, we lose out on stories that need to be told. We risk missing innovative ways of storytelling, fresh takes on tired concepts, and connections that can only come from thinking differently.

It’s not enough to include neurodivergent individuals as token voices or side characters. The arts world needs to actively make space—for writers, directors, artists, designers, performers—who bring lived experiences and neurodivergent perspectives to the table.

Because let’s face it: the arts are about breaking boundaries, not building them.

What Inclusion Looks Like

Embracing neurodivergent creatives means:

• Providing spaces where we can create without masking or conforming to neurotypical expectations.

• Encouraging collaboration that respects different working styles and thought processes.

• Allowing neurodivergent writers, screenwriters, and artists to tell their stories authentically—without dilution or compromise.

For me, being an AuDHD writer means balancing creativity with chaos. It’s about owning my process, sharing stories that matter, and challenging norms where they need to be challenged.

If you’re in the creative arts world—whether as a writer, filmmaker, producer, or advocate—ask yourself:

What stories are you missing out on by not embracing neurodivergent voices?

The Challenge and the Call to Action

Neurodivergent inclusion isn’t about “fixing” or “accommodating.” It’s about recognising value—real, tangible, creative value—that neurodivergent individuals bring to the arts.

It’s about saying no to conformity and yes to innovation.It’s about celebrating authenticity.It’s about creating the stories and art that only we can create.

So, here’s my challenge to the arts world:

• Stop overlooking neurodivergent creatives.

• Start championing the minds that think differently.

Because in a world that craves connection, authenticity, and truth—neurodivergence is a creative supercharger we can’t afford to ignore.

I don't care if it's me you get behind or another diverse thinker, I really don't. What I want to see is something that represents me, that shares my experience not written by someone who has done their research, but someone who has lived it, knows it and accepts it in themselves. Even where my stories are absolute fiction, there's something about the passion of the story the creativeness in my mind that brings layers to the characters that, yes represent me! The same can be said for all creators, but where the mainstream would like the sanitised approach, the conformist approach and the same perspective time and again, it's time that was challenged.

Final Thought

To my fellow neurodivergent creatives: your stories matter, your voice matters, and the world needs what only you can bring.

Let’s keep breaking boundaries, challenging assumptions, and unmasking the truth—one story at a time.