My name is Kathryn, and I’ve got ADHD. From childhood I was told I was too loud, too naughty, and too unfocused. What I really needed was understanding, but instead I grew up with the sense that I was a problem.

 

Those early messages stay with you, which is why schools need better ways to support neurodivergent kids.

 

As an adult, my challenges show up in public spaces. Supermarkets can feel overwhelming, not just because of choice, but because the sensory overload drains a week’s worth of energy in a single shop.

 

Trains are another struggle, as reading signs under pressure often leads me onto the wrong platform or wrong train, leaving me embarrassed and exhausted.

 

Even small things like swimming pool floors can create barriers, if disposable footwear was available that would make a huge difference.

 

As a mum, pregnancy and postpartum were especially tough. Anxiety, panic, and lack of tailored support left me vulnerable when I most needed care.

 

These things might sound small on their own, but together they shape whether people like me feel included or excluded in society. With thoughtful changes, simpler systems, small adjustments, and more awareness, public spaces could become places where neurodivergent people do not just survive but truly belong.