Whose mind is it anyway? Empowering young neurodivergent people to better understand themselves and their needs by Amy McGuiness and Kirsten Jack (Uncommon)

Many neurodivergent young people have grown up feeling like they don’t belong. They have often experienced peer victimisation, and are used to their perceived deficits being critiqued by significant adults including family members and teachers. This experience of ‘otherness’ contributes to young Autistic and ADHDers both being at increased risk of social isolation and mental ill-health such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders and suicidal ideation and attempts.

The majority of mental health support currently offered to young neurodivergent people is designed by and for neurotypical people and doesn’t take into account the significant physical and mental barriers ND people experience in daily life.

Uncommon was founded by a ND team of designers, researchers and creatives on a mission to support young ND people to thrive by understanding their unique strengths and challenges and building connection through community.

Kirsten and Amy will share how Uncommon worked with young people and their families to identify the biggest areas of need and adapted the service along the way. Working in learning loops to understand the unique needs of young ND people experiencing overwhelm and burnout and their families to create low demand participatory spaces. Designing activities where young people can interact and connect In a way that suits them from observing through to communicating through anonymous polls.