ADHD & Autism at Work: Masking, Burnout and What Employers Still Get Wrong

In this episode, Ben is joined by Kelly and Hester Grainger, the married co-founders of Perfectly Autistic.

Together they work with major organisations to build workplaces that actually work for neurodivergent people but as Kelly (AuDHD) and Hester (ADHD) explain, inclusion isn’t about a single training session or a handful of adjustments.

They reflect on careers shaped by masking, burnout and trying to fit systems that weren’t designed with neurodivergent people in mind. Together they unpack why so many workplaces unintentionally exclude ND employees, what genuinely neuroinclusive organisations do differently, and why awareness has to go beyond a one-off training session.

They also share the more personal side: exploring their own careers, why Hester once had over 30 jobs, and what it’s like running a business together as a neurodivergent couple.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted by work environments that don’t quite fit your brain, this episode will help you see why - and what could change.

Join us at hidden20.org/donate.

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Host: Ben Branson

Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné

Video Editor: James Scriven

Social Media Manager: Charlie Young

Music: Jackson Greenberg

Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller

00:00 Introduction

1:26 Neurodiversity at Work | Hester & Kelly Grainger on ADHD, Autism & Corporate Consulting

2:19 The #1 Thing Employers Need to Understand About Neurodiversity in the Workplace

3:50 Supporting Neurodivergent Employees at Scale: What Actually Works

7:26 Which Companies Are Asking for Neurodiversity Support at Work?

8:31 ADHD & Autism at Work: Common Challenges and Simple Workplace Adjustments

19:15 Who Is Responsible for Neurodiversity in the Workplace?

23:37 Why Neurodiversity Training Can’t Be a One-Off Session & The Power Of Listening & Curiosity at Work

26:38 Neurodiversity Labels at Work: Why Language Around Autism & ADHD Matters

33:16 Undiagnosed ADHD or Autism at Work: Your Rights as an Employee

37:40 What Does The Dream Neuroinclusive Employer Look Like?

42:30 Neurodiversity & Recruitment

49:34 Running a Business Together as a Neurodivergent Couple

50:40 Kelly’s AuDHD Diagnosis: Telling Employers About ADHD & Autism

53:48 Creating Safe Conversations About Neurodivergence & Advocating For Yourself

57:43 Neurodivergent Workers Are Everywhere: Why Companies Need to Adapt

59:30 What Do “Best in Class” Neuroinclusive Companies Do Differently?

1:06:06 What Neurodivergent Candidates Should Look for in an Employer

1:08:22 Practical Ways Employers Can Create Neuroinclusive Workplaces

1:09:50 If Hester & Kelly Had a Magic Wand: The One Thing They’d Change About Workplaces

1:19:26 Kelly & Hester’s Green Dot Badge

The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.

Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.

No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.

1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.

To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.

With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.

Join us at hidden20.org/donate.

Become a monthly donor.

Be part of our community where great minds think differently.

Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348

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Follow & subscribe…

Website: www.hidden20.org

Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity

Ben Branson @seedlip_ben

Hester Grainger @hestersvibe linkedin.com/in/hestergrainger

Kelly Grainger linkedin.com/in/kelly-grainger-9601b43

www.perfectlyautistic.co.uk

If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.

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