The Hidden 20%

In this episode, Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr Josephine Neale - Clinical Director for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services at the Priory and founder of Neale Health, the UK’s first fully online child and adolescent psychiatry service - joins Ben to unpack ARFID (Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder), a condition many people have never heard of but is increasingly recogni...

Christmas is often described as joyful, but for many neurodivergent people it can be overwhelming, exhausting and full of hidden pressure. In this special episode, Dr Alison Lennox returns to unpack why the festive season can feel so challenging - and how preparation, boundaries and regulation strategies can make a huge difference. Ben and Alison discuss sensory overload, disrupted routines, famil...

Seventeen months on, Sam Branson - Ben’s Wife - returns for her most honest conversation yet. Their daughter River is now diagnosed autistic, and Sam and Ben reflect on how that has reshaped their marriage, family life and understanding of each other. This episode is their most vulnerable yet. Sam reflects on what it has really been like since Ben’s autism diagnosis and the pain of autistic shutdo...

In part two of Ben’s conversation with Dr Luke Beardon, they move from language and identity into the systems shaping autistic lives - classrooms, healthcare, and even the criminal justice system.  With over 30 years’ experience in autism education, Luke breaks down why inclusivity isn’t a “nice extra” but the foundation of genuine support, and why a one-size-fits-all approach consistently fa...

In this first of a two part episode, Dr Luke Beardon - senior lecturer in autism, long-time educator, and author of Autism in Adults and Avoiding Anxiety in Autistic Adults - sits down with Ben to unpack why the language we use around autism matters more than we think. Luke explains why he rejects terms like “the autism spectrum,” and even “autistic behaviour,” and introduces his concept of autist...

In this episode, writer and director Céin McGillicuddy joins Ben to talk about his late autism diagnosis and ‘ Play Time’ - ITV’s joyful new series celebrating neurodiversity in children and adults. Céin reflects on growing up with parents so supportive that his autism went unnoticed for decades, the shock of discovering a 17-year NHS waitlist, and how finally understanding his brain reshaped his...

In this Episode, Plant-based chef and author Sophie Waplington (@sophsplantkitchen) opens up for the first time about her self-diagnosed ADHD, family estrangement, and the burnout that comes with juggling business, creativity, and self-employment. We talk about the emotional toll of family relationships when loved ones don’t believe in neurodivergence, the pressure to “perform” online, and why res...

In Part Two with Dr Alison Lennox, we dive deep into the world of misdiagnosis in autism. Alison unpacks why conditions like Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Complex PTSD are often diagnosed instead of autism, the dangers of getting it wrong, and the real-life consequences for neurodivergent adults. Drawing on her own lived experience as a late-diagnosed autistic psychiatrist, she explain...

In this first of a two part episode, psychiatrist Dr Alison Lennox shares the inside story of autism diagnosis in the UK, why she left the NHS after being told to stay quiet about waitlists, and what every adult should know before seeking an assessment. Alison, a late-diagnosed autistic psychiatrist, has led NHS autism services and now works privately helping adults navigate the diagnostic process...

 In this episode, Ben sits down with consultant osteopath, author of The Meaning of Pain , and pioneer in understanding how body, brain, and pain are deeply connected. With over 25 years in clinical practice, Nick has worked with everyone from elite athletes to hedge fund traders, helping them manage pain, stress, and performance under pressure.  Together they unpack the link between Hyp...

In this episode, Ben sits down with Rory the Vet - veterinary surgeon, TV presenter, author, and ambassador for the British Dyslexia Association. Diagnosed with dyslexia late during his veterinary studies, Rory is now a passionate advocate for early identification, school support, and embracing ND brains. They explore the realities of dyslexia in high-pressure work environments, the mental health...

In this second part of the conversation, Ben is joined again by Cathy Wassell - CEO of Autistic Girls Network, founder of The Haven online school, and author. The focus shifts to solutions: changing education, understanding the hidden side of emotions, and tackling the mental health risks autistic girls face. Cathy brings clarity and compassion to topics like Alexithymia, Interoception, and the re...

In this first of a two-part episode, Ben is joined by Cathy Wassell - CEO of Autistic Girls Network, founder of The Haven online school, and successful author. Neurodivergent herself and mum to two autistic children, Cathy is at the front line supporting autistic girls, women, and families, while campaigning for earlier diagnosis and a more up-to-date education system. With both lived experience a...

Our Refocus series rewinds the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required. In this episode, Ellie Middleton shares her journey through late diagnosis, ADHD medication, and the burnout cycle - and why language, community, and finding your people matter more than ever. _________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with neurodivergent [ADHD, Autism, Dysca...

In part two, Ben and sleep expert Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan dive into the practical side of sleep. They discuss how parents of neurodivergent children can better support rest, the most common questions on sleep, and why it’s the “golden thread” that unites everything. Nerina unpacks the science of dreams, the role of our senses, and shares practical tips - from sleeping in new places to strategies for...

In this first of a two-part episode, Ben sits down with Dr. Nerina Ramlakhan - a Neurophysiologist, Author and Sleep Expert with over 25 years experience in the field, whose work is shaped by both science and lived experience. She shares her personal journey, from early struggles with insomnia and being sectioned at 31, to later returning as a practitioner in the very same psychiatric unit. Nerina...

Our Refocus series rewinds the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required. In this episode, Kit Harington opens up about the reality of multitasking with a neurodivergent brain - from overwhelm and social anxiety, to addiction, labels, and the unexpected power of a shower. CW: references to addiction _________ On "The Hidden 20%," host Ben Branson chats with n...

In this episode, Ben is joined by Dr. Samantha Friedman, a researcher exploring the intersection of autism, human–nature relationships, and wellbeing. Together they discuss how natural environments can offer calming, non-judgmental spaces that support regulation, curiosity, and connection. Dr. Samantha shares how autistic people connect with nature in ways that reflect their individual needs - fro...

Introducing our Re‑Focus series, where we rewind the moments too good to miss. Short takes. Big takeaways. No attention span required. In this episode, Ben sits down with BAFTA Award winning broadcaster, vocal coach & author, Carrie Grant. They dive into her late autism diagnosis, shifting perspectives, the importance of overcoming internalised phobias and her four neurodivergent children. ___...

CW: Reference to online abuse, mental health & sexual allegations MasterChef UK semi‑finalist Vanessa D’Souza (aka  The Autistic Chef)  was diagnosed with autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorder in her 30s, after years of masking. Cooking became her sanctuary, a safe outlet and creative expression that calmed her mind. As an ambassador for the National Autistic Society, she now...

In this episode, Ben sits down with Professor Francesca Happé - one of the most distinguished and respected voices in autism research. With over 30 years at the forefront of the field, Francesca has reshaped how we understand autism, from exploring social cognition to uncovering the hidden experiences of autistic women, the elderly, and under-researched groups. In this chat with Ben, they unpack h...

In this episode, Ben sits down with Professor Francesca Happé - one of the most distinguished and respected voices in autism research. With over 30 years at the forefront of the field, Francesca has reshaped how we understand autism, from exploring social cognition to uncovering the hidden experiences of autistic women, the elderly, and under-researched groups. Together, they get to the heart of w...

CW: Addiction & Bullying Bestselling author and broadcaster Matt Cain opens up about discovering autism and ADHD at 50 after decades of feeling "othered" as a gay man. In this chat with Ben, Matt unpacks how his autism and ADHD were long blurred with queer expression, explains how ADHD fuels his creative work but also complicates his relationship with alcohol, and emphasises why "coming out" a...

At just 12 years old, Nelson Taylor is turning heads in UK junior racing - fast, instinctive, and fearless on the track. But his path to the podium has been anything but straightforward. Diagnosed as Autistic, Nelson once found it difficult to leave the house, held back by anxiety, sensory overload, and social struggles. Today, he’s thriving in the high-pressure world of motorsport and chasing a f...

CW:  Mental Health & Suicide Disclaimer:  This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any medical concerns or treatment decisions . For many, menopause is the moment ADHD becomes impossible to ignore - and too often, it’s still misunderstood. Today’s guest is the remarkable Dr Louise...