Stop Telling Us to Try Harder: Raising Neurodivergent Kids and Hacking the System

Stop Telling Us to Try Harder: Raising Neurodivergent Kids and Hacking the System

In this episode of the NeuroConnect Podcast, host Steve Fuller sits down with Kate Faxen - HR leader, founder, author, and neurodiversity advocate, for an honest, unfiltered conversation about what it really means to be neurodivergent in a world that wasn't designed for you. Kate shares her candid story, from a free-spirited childhood in the Midlands to a winding career path at UCL, all before discovering that neurodiversity wasn't just something she championed professionally - it was personal. Kate talks about the exhausting battle with a system that consistently fails neurodivergent families - from school exclusions and medication admin nightmares, to the years-long NHS waiting lists for diagnosis.  She also shares why she sought her own ADHD diagnosis, the community networks that have kept her going, and the book she co-wrote - How to Hack the System: 66 Shortcuts to Becoming Your Neurodivergent Child's Fiercest Advocate - packed with practical tools for parents navigating the same fight. Check out Kate's website: www.neuroextraordinary.co.uk [http://www.neuroextraordinary.co.uk]  Her book is due for release late 2026 and will be called something like: how to hack the system: 66 shortcuts to becoming your neurodivergent child's fiercest ally - Keep an eye out! Part of The IN Group [https://wearetig.com/] Communities, NeuroConnect is community dedicated to supporting and empowering neurodiverse talent in the workplace.  Find out more about NeuroConnect! [https://www.linkedin.com/company/106243024/]

Masking at Work: The Exhaustion Nobody Sees - An HR Pro Tells the Truth

Masking at work can look like “being professional,” “fitting in,” or “coping”… but it often comes with a hidden cost: exhaustion, burnout, and feeling like you’re constantly performing. In this episode of NeuroConnect, Steve Fuller sits down with Mel Francis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/melaniefrancis1/], an HR professional specialising in neurodiversity in the workplace, to talk about what masking really is, why it hits so many people so hard, and what support should look like when someone is exploring autism/ADHD traits or needs adjustments at work. You’ll hear practical insights on removing barriers before they show up (universal design), having better conversations than “what accommodations do you want?”, and how organisations can create environments where people can thrive without constantly hiding who they are. Part of The IN Group [https://wearetig.com/] Communities, NeuroConnect is community dedicated to supporting and empowering neurodiverse talent in the workplace.  Find out more about NeuroConnect! [https://www.linkedin.com/company/106243024/]

Are Managers Ready for Neurodiversity?

In this episode of NeuroConnect, James Hollis, Talent Acquisition Partner at a top 10 global pharmaceutical company explores what it really takes to lead neurodivergent talent effectively. From challenging the idea that everyone should be a people manager, to unpacking why “one size fits nobody”, James shares honest insights on inclusive leadership, psychological safety, and the skills managers need to move from awareness to action. He also discusses fear, education, recruitment practices, and why neurodivergent strengths - like pattern recognition and innovative thinking — are critical to the future of work. The question isn’t whether neurodivergent talent is ready for the workplace. It’s whether leadership is ready for them. Part of The IN Group [https://wearetig.com/] Communities, NeuroConnect is community dedicated to supporting and empowering neurodiverse talent in the workplace.  Find out more about NeuroConnect! [https://www.linkedin.com/company/106243024/]

Neurodiversity at Work Isn’t Just Nice to Have – It’s a Competitive Advantage

In our debut episode, NeuroConnect founder Gemma Case is joined by Wendy Macartney, Kate La Trobe, and Kathryn Cettina for a powerful conversation about why embracing neurodiversity isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s smart business. From breaking misconceptions to building truly inclusive workplaces, they explore how neurodivergent talent fuels creativity, innovation, and growth - and why companies that get it right will lead the future of work. Part of The IN Group [https://wearetig.com/] Communities, NeuroConnect is community dedicated to supporting and empowering neurodiverse talent in the workplace.  Find out more about NeuroConnect! [https://www.linkedin.com/company/106243024/]