Throughout the week, we’re featuring colleagues who have lived experiences with neurodivergence. Matthew Beardwell, NHS 111 Team Manager, shares his experience of finally being diagnosed with ADHD and Dyslexia in 2024.

He says, “After years of being unsure about my symptoms and what I was dealing with, I finally got a diagnosis last year. I now feel like I understand why I would do things the way that I did.

“Over the last 12 months, I have been medicated and working with an ADHD coach. This has been a great help as I’ve realised that it’s not about changing the way I do things but making myself aware of the things I do and adapting to make work and life easier. 

“Being a team manager for the last four years has involved managing staff with Dyslexia. It’s so important to me that I meet with the team members and find out if there is anything I can do to help them. Usually, this might be using coloured cards or changing the colour of the computer screens.

“I have also supported and managed staff who have been diagnosed with ADHD (or undiagnosed ADHD), and having ADHD myself, I feel that I can connect with colleagues better, as I totally understand what they are going through.

“For me, I wouldn’t change my condition because it gives me knowledge and experience so that I can help others dealing with ADHD and Autism.