Episode
ADHD & Autism at Work: Masking, Burnout and What Employers Still Get Wrong
- Podcast
- The Hidden 20%
- Published
- Mar 11, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4896
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://shows.acast.com/hidden-20/episodes/adhd-autism-at-work
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Summary
In this episode, Ben is joined by Kelly and Hester Grainger, the married co-founders of Perfectly Autistic . Together they work with major organisations to build workplaces that actually work for neurodivergent people but as Kelly (AuDHD) and Hester (ADHD) explain, inclusion isn’t about a single training session or a handful of adjustments. They reflect on careers shaped by masking, burnout and trying to fit systems that weren’t designed with neurodivergent people in mind. Together they unpack why so many workplaces unintentionally exclude ND employees, what genuinely neuroinclusive organisations do differently, and why awareness has to go beyond a one-off training session. They also share the more personal side: exploring their own careers, why Hester once had over 30 jobs, and what it’s like running a business together as a neurodivergent couple. If you’ve ever felt exhausted by work environments that don’t quite fit your brain, this episode will help you see why - and what could change. 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 1:26 Neurodiversity at Work | Hester & Kelly Grainger on ADHD, Autism & Corporate Consulting 2:19 The #1 Thing Employers Need to Understand About Neurodiversity in the Workplace 3:50 Supporting Neurodivergent Employees at Scale: What Actually Works 7:26 Which Companies Are Asking for Neurodiversity Support at Work? 8:31 ADHD & Autism at Work: Common Challenges and Simple Workplace Adjustments 19:15 Who Is Responsible for Neurodiversity in the Workplace? 23:37 Why Neurodiversity Training Can’t Be a One-Off Session & The Power…