Niamh Doherty: Unmasking Autism and ADHD

Ever felt like the world wasn't quite designed for you? As Niamh Doherty explained in a recent episode of #LincsLivesNatters, that feeling became a catalyst for change. This passionate advocate for autism and ADHD is carving out a space where differences are not just accepted but celebrated. As she puts it, she's "raising awareness and trying to just help people that may be a bit lost like me understand everything a little bit more."

An Early Autism Discovery

Niamh's journey with autism began in a way that's becoming increasingly uncommon. While many individuals navigate years of confusion and self-discovery before receiving a diagnosis, Niamh's was identified in childhood. "I was actually diagnosed autistic as a child, which I feel like it's really rare now," she explains. "I always hear late diagnosed stories, but it was my primary school teacher who spotted it".  

However, the complexities of Niamh's experience highlight that even an early diagnosis doesn't always translate to immediate understanding. "I was diagnosed very, very young, but I wasn't made aware until a lot older, so I had no clue". For a long time, the support she received at school was a bit of a mystery. "I remember thinking that my special help in school was just because people liked me and not because it was for my autism". A Christmas card from a teacher was met with genuine surprise and warmth, seen as a personal gesture rather than an acknowledgement of her specific needs. "They sent me a Christmas card and I was like, oh, wow, this is really special".  

This illustrates a common thread for many: the difficulty in reconciling personal experiences with the broader concept of autism. Growing up, Niamh, like many others, had limited reference points. "At the time, I didn't really know what that meant," she says. Pop culture portrayals often dominate the narrative, shaping perceptions in often narrow ways. "I kind of just thought like, am I like Sheldon Cooper of Big Bang Theory kind of thing?" Niamh muses.

Unravelling the Puzzle

University proved to be a turning point. Initially in and out of mental health treatment, it was here that the pieces of the puzzle started to fit together. With the support of an occupational therapist and a social prescriber, Niamh gained a deeper understanding of her autism and the realisation that she also had ADHD. As Niamh says, "everything is connecting now, it's not actually mental health, it's sensory overload."

For anyone who's ever felt "different," Niamh's story resonates deeply. She openly shares how she navigated social interactions, admitting, "I kind of just thought that everyone studied social interaction and went home and practiced it." It was a lightbulb moment when she realised, "oh, I am different. Actually, this is why. It's not because everyone's just trying to do it."

University wasn't without its challenges. Niamh is refreshingly honest about her struggles with attendance and the overwhelming nature of lectures and social expectations. However, it was also where she found invaluable support. She credits her mentor, Lottie, and her lecturers for their understanding and accommodations, which ultimately made her university experience manageable. "They were my best friends," she says, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment.

A Passion for Advocacy

Niamh's university experience sparked a passion for advocacy, leading her to AIME Advonet in Leeds. Interestingly, her journey with the organisation began as a client. "I actually went to this company as a client for work support, ironically," Niamh reveals.

The support she received clearly had a profound impact, shaping her career aspirations. "They helped me out and then said to me, why don't you apply for a job here? We think you'd be great," she recounts. This encouragement was a turning point. "And then being offered this job, that's when I thought this is actually where my passion is," Niamh explains.

Now a peer support worker, Niamh helps others as her manager helped her, creating resources and delivering training. It's a role that allows her to draw on her own experiences and make a real difference. "It was very funny going back, seeing people as a worker, no longer a client," she reflects.

Niamh also uses social media, particularly TikTok, to raise awareness and foster understanding of neurodiversity. Her online presence is a powerful tool for education and connection, allowing her to engage with a wide audience and gather insights that inform her work. "My TikTok helps me because I get so many comments for people wanting to know about certain things or giving me feedback on how they experience the world as autistic," she explains.

Busting Myths

A key focus of Niamh's advocacy is tackling misconceptions about neurodiversity. She's particularly passionate about dispelling the idea that either autism or ADHD is somehow "easy" or "trendy".

When it comes to ADHD, Niamh confronts the myth that it's a "fun diagnosis". "The first one that I hear a lot, especially when I tell people I've got ADHD and autism, is that ADHD is the fun diagnosis," she says. She emphasises, "it's not, it is debilitating". While some associate ADHD with being "so social, impulsive, and lively," she highlights the often-overlooked challenges like sensory overload, rejection sensitivity, and paralysis when making decisions. "I will cry if someone asks me what meal deal do you want because I can't make decisions," Niamh shares.  

Niamh is equally vocal about misconceptions surrounding autism, addressing the idea that "everyone's autistic and ADHD now" and that it's a "trendy" label. She acknowledges increased diagnoses but attributes this to greater awareness and research, not a desire to be "trendy". "Yes, more people are getting diagnosed because new research has come out and more people are speaking," Niamh explains. She also points out how the understanding of autism has evolved.  

Ultimately, Niamh's message is clear: "It's not a fun thing to have"

The Validity of Self-Diagnosis

Niamh is a strong advocate for self-diagnosis, recognising the barriers many face in getting a formal assessment. Long waiting lists and a lack of understanding can make diagnosis difficult, especially in areas like Lincolnshire. "I am a big advocate for self-diagnosis," Niamh states, emphasising it's valid for those who've researched extensively and deeply relate to neurodiversity. "I think if you've done your research, you heavily relate to everything, and you've got a community, it's valid," she explains. Self-awareness and community support are vital, as people often spend years trying to understand why they feel different. "There's a lot of things that I didn't know were actually autistic traits," Niamh shares. Niamh also points out that many self-diagnosed individuals later receive a formal diagnosis, highlighting that it's a valid step in understanding oneself.

Towards a More Inclusive World

Beyond individual diagnoses, Niamh is a passionate advocate for creating a more inclusive society for everyone. Her vision goes beyond simply ticking boxes; she aims to train workplaces and organisations to cultivate truly accessible environments. This means implementing adjustments that go far beyond the bare minimum, weaving inclusivity into the very fabric of how they operate – from hiring practices to event planning. Niamh's goal is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their neurodiversity, can participate fully and thrive.

To illustrate the urgency of this mission, she highlights a shocking statistic: "52% of autistic people reported live events like sport, comedy, theatre to be inaccessible, even from the booking situation." This stark figure underscores the systemic barriers that continue to exclude neurodiverse individuals from everyday experiences.

Ultimately, Niamh's vision is one of profound understanding and genuine acceptance. She dreams of a world where adjustments are seen not as "people being difficult" or making unreasonable demands, but as essential tools for creating a more equitable society for all. She calls for a shift away from dismissive phrases like "oh, everyone's a bit autistic," which trivialise the very real experiences of neurodiverse individuals. Instead, she champions the power of genuine empathy and a willingness to listen deeply to the diverse perspectives within our community.

Listen to the full episode here