The ndWILD co-founders record in-person from WILD HQ for February’s global neurodiversity update, covering a powerful research insight on resilience, a community story about late diagnosis wait-times in the UK, and three practical neuroinclusion tips for any big event (including Mardi Gras). This episode shares lived experience, general education, and coaching-style suggestions. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional support.
This month’s update is equal parts warmth, goblin-energy, and genuinely useful tools. The team unpacks a global research out of Hong Kong suggesting resilience isn’t a fixed personality trait, it’s something you can build, and highlights one standout protective factor for kids: having an adult who genuinely likes them. We make no apologies for getting a little emotional with this one! You can find the study here: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-025-02947-8
Then we share a community story from ‘Shelly’ (pseudonym), a 53-year-old in the UK who finally sought an autism/ADHD assessment, only to be told the wait could be 7.5 years. The conversation turns to what you can do while waiting: why self-identification can be valid, how to start learning your needs without waiting for permission, and how choosing your own labels can change the way you feel about yourself and interact with the world around you.
Finally, the team gears up for Mardi Gras, shouting out accessibility ‘vibe shepherd’ Pat O’Toole, and runs through WILD’s Top 3 Neuroinclusion Event Tips, because events are meant to be joyful, not something you have to push through.
How to get involved with WILD
- Explore WILD’s free inclusion guides (including a Mardi Gras-specific version and pocket guide designed for screenshots) – www.ndwild.org/inclusion
- Subscribe to the WILD Voice newsletter – www.ndwild.org
- Submit your story / questions / research via the Share your WILD option on the website
Top 3 WILD Neuroinclusion Event Tips
- Make a plan for your body and senses (water, snacks, sunnies, sound/light/crowds)
- Plan your movement (arrival, meeting points, exits, toilets, transport/parking)
- Plan to protect your nervous system (ask for help, take breaks, leave early if needed)
“Resilience isn’t a personality trait, it’s a muscle you can exercise.” Troy
“Until you choose your own labels, you wear the ones other people give you.” Callie
“Events are meant to be joyful, not something you have to push through.” Jayne
Timestamps
- 00:00 Welcome to WILD Voice
- 02:42 Research nerd-out – global review: resilience isn’t a personality trait, it’s a muscle
- 08:45 The power of one adult who likes you, why it matters for kids and how to ‘polish the apple’
- 13:28 Community story: Shelly’s late-diagnosis journey
- 20:11 Navigating ADHD diagnosis barriers and the ridiculous UK adult wait times for services
- 23:14 Self-discovery & advocacy. Self-diagnosis validity, knowing your needs and choosing your own labels)
- 26:24 Preparing for big events: neuroinclusion & accessibility tips, tools and strategies
- 38:54 Bonus audio insert: Peek-a-Boo WILDly SSS NQE
Connect
Find us on YouTube and Instagram
Send your stories and questions to [email protected]