In this article, I share my experiences of late recognition of my neurodivergence and the emotional journey that followed. I explore the grief, pressure, and profound relief that can come with understanding yourself after years of masking. I also introduce "Exploring Neurodivergence" - a 10-week guided course, designed as a journey to support the exploration of neurodivergent identity. Whether you’re newly recognised, questioning, or simply seeking a space to reconnect with yourself, this article and the course discussed are an invitation to move at your own pace, with self-discovery, compassion, and community support.

In this article, we explore how neurodivergent people are often passed between services in a cycle of blame and avoidance, what we’re calling the “hot potato” of responsibility. When no one takes ownership, support is delayed or denied, leaving people exhausted and underserved. We’ll unpack the real impact of this system and what needs to change to build services that truly support neurodivergent lives.