In this candid and insightful conversation, Sarah Hampton, founder of Autism Consultancy Services, shares her journey of navigating a late ADHD diagnosis alongside dyslexia, and how these experiences shaped her work supporting neurodivergent children and families. She reflects on the challenges of starting a business in the NDIS space, the gaps in the current education and disability support systems, and her commitment to a neuroaffirming, individualised approach. Sarah also discusses the personal and professional impacts of ADHD, including Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, and how self-awareness, community support, and systemic change are essential for improving outcomes for neurodivergent individuals.

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Episode Description from Bravery Defined

Have you ever wondered about the links between ADHD and Dyslexia? How these seemingly different facets of neurodiversity can disguise themselves, leaving us to navigate a complex journey of self-discovery? Join us as we embark on a riveting journey with Sarah. From being labelled ‘stupid’ at just 7 years old to discovering her life calling at 16. Uncover the twist: what she thought was dyslexia reveals itself as ADHD and RSD. Join us as she turns adversity into advocacy, bringing hope to neurodivergent children in the education system. A tale of resilience, revelation, and the power within.

A few quotes from the episode

On Individuality and Neurodiversity:

“If you’ve met one autistic person, you have only met that one autistic person.”

On Starting ACS:

“Sometimes I still am completely boggled by the fact that I still need to do the basic job that I do… talk about that individual child and their individual needs… and I still find it crazy that in 2024 we’re having these conversations.”

On Gaps in the System:

“All these children are falling through… How on earth can we stop this from happening? I just stepped in and did what I was doing in New Zealand and in the UK. I got on with it and did it.”

On ADHD, RSD, and Diagnosis:

“This is an RSD moment, and I’m okay. And the minute you can go, ‘you’re okay, this is what it is,’ you feel better straight away.”

On ADHD Superpowers and Challenges:

“At home, my benches are filthy and I know that needs to get done, but I’m not going to be able to do it… I worry about using words like ‘superpower’ to describe what is essentially a really big disability.”

On the NDIS System:

“It’s terrifying… I have all the qualifications to do the therapy I do, but I don’t fit in the very narrow brackets. And suddenly overnight, I would have lost 70% of my business.”

On Changing the System:

“We really need to turn education on its head. The tiny little bit of good ACS does every day—it’s not enough. We need everyone thinking this way.”

On Therapy at ACS:

“We’re not asking anybody to be different. We’re just giving them a space where they can be themselves.”