Show Notes
Dr Renata Fialho is back in the green chair.
In this conversation, Renata and Ben pick up where they left off - this time with Renata sharing her own ADHD diagnosis, what it was like to receive it later in life, and how it has quietly reshaped both her inner world and her clinical work.
Together, they unpack the realities of autism and ADHD assessments across the NHS and private sector, why certain myths continue to circulate, and where Renata sees genuine potential for more thoughtful, humane practice.
Renata also shares why she’s joining The Hidden 20% as a clinical psychologist, her hopes for the direction of neurodiversity care, and reflections on her work at the intersection of neurodivergence and sport - including why swimming can be such a powerful regulator for ADHD nervous systems.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate. ________
Host: Ben Branson Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné Video Editor: James Scriven Social Media Manager: Charlie Young Music: Jackson Greenberg Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller
00:00 Introduction 00:47 Dr Renata Fialho Reveals Her ADHD Diagnosis 03:57 Why Dr Renata’s ADHD Was Missed for So Long 08:39 How ADHD Shows Up in Dr Renata’s Daily Life 10:25 Neurodiversity Care: NHS vs Private Explained 11:45 The Autism Assessment Myth That Frustrates Clinicians 13:00 Why Many Clinicians Work Across NHS and Private Practice 15:46 What Gives Dr Renata Hope About the Private Sector 17:14 Dr Renata Joins The Hidden 20% Team 21:15 The Autism Assessment Case That Changed Dr Renata’s Practice 24:05 Identity, Community & Diagnosis: Beyond the Medical Model 29:22 Dr Renata’s Vision for The Hidden 20% 31:57 ADHD, Sport & Mental Health: Why Swimming Helps ADHD Brains 38:38 What a Good ADHD Assessment Actually Looks Like 42:44 Can One Clinician Assess All Neurotypes? 45:14 What Keeps Dr Renata Up at Night and Her Hopes for the Future 49:06 Dr Renata’s Green Dot Badge
The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.
Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.
1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.
To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.
With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently.
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348 ______________
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Website: www.hidden20.org Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity Ben Branson @seedlip_ben @DrRenataFialho (LinkedIn)
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from The Hidden 20%
For two years, Ben Branson has sat in the green interviewer chair - asking the hard questions, holding the space, and speaking on behalf of The Hidden 20% community.
Psychiatrist, researcher and brain-body medicine specialist Dr. Jessica Eccles joins Ben for a fascinating conversation about the overlooked physical side of neurodivergence - and why ADHD and autism are often talked about as “brain-only” experiences when the body is deeply involved too.
Writer, podcast host and mental health advocate Gemma Styles joins Ben for a deeply honest conversation about ADHD, anxiety, depression and the emotional weight of going through life feeling constantly overwhelmed without understanding why.
Dyslexic entrepreneur and Talamo co-founder Jamie Wace joins Ben for a conversation about why so many children with dyslexia are still being missed - and how technology could radically change access to support.