New Documentary Series Sheds Light on ADHD and Dyslexia
A new documentary series, Inside Our Minds, is set to air on BBC Two and iPlayer, aiming to increase understanding and awareness of neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD and dyslexia. The series, presented by Chris Packham, features individuals with ADHD and dyslexia, as well as experts in the field, discussing their experiences and the challenges they face.
According to Chris Packham, the series aims to provide a deeper understanding of these conditions, which are often misunderstood or stigmatised. Packham, who is autistic himself, has previously worked on a series about autism, which he says has had a positive impact on the autistic community. He believes that applying the same format to other neurodiverse conditions was a logical next step.
Understanding ADHD
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a condition that affects both children and adults, characterised by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Professor Amanda Kirby, chair of the ADHD Foundation, explains that ADHD is often misunderstood, with many people believing it to be a deficit of attention, when in fact it is a surfeit of attention. "It’s a condition where you may have difficulty in focusing and maintaining interest in things that don’t interest you, while hyper-focusing on things that do," she says.
Kirby also addresses the common misconception that ADHD is over-diagnosed, stating that in fact, it has been under-diagnosed, particularly in adults. "Until relatively recently, it was thought to be a childhood condition, blamed on bad parenting," she says. "But it’s not something that disappears in adulthood. We’re now catching up with undiagnosed adults, particularly women and other marginalised groups."
Personal Experiences with ADHD
Henry, a 23-year-old who was diagnosed with ADHD as a teenager, shares his experience of living with the condition. "Before being diagnosed, I was close to dropping out of my A-levels," he says. "I thought I was a bit stupid. The diagnosis gave me an understanding that I’m not broken." Henry’s experience is echoed by many others who have been diagnosed with ADHD later in life, and who have found that it has brought them a sense of relief and understanding.
The Impact of Dyslexia
Dyslexia is another neurodiverse condition that is featured in the series. Professor Joel Talcott, a neuroscientist, explains that dyslexia is a hereditary condition rooted in neurobiology, which can affect not only reading and writing, but also cognitive ability, language processing, and working memory. Suiki, a 35-year-old who was diagnosed with dyslexia in 2020, shares her experience of living with the condition. "I’ve always felt like I’ve had to hide my dyslexia," she says. "But making this programme has given me the confidence to be more open about it."
Breaking Down Stigmas
The series aims to break down stigmas surrounding neurodiverse conditions, and to promote greater understanding and acceptance. By sharing personal experiences and expert insights, the series hopes to educate viewers and challenge common misconceptions. As Packham says, "I hope people will feel less afraid and alone, because there are many of us out there. What Chris Packham has done in talking about ADHD, taking the stigma away, is just beautiful."
Inside Our Minds begins on Monday 12th May at 9pm on BBC Two and iPlayer. The series is a collaboration between the BBC and Radio Times, and is part of a wider effort to promote greater understanding and awareness of neurodiverse conditions. By sharing these stories and experiences, the series aims to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by ADHD and dyslexia.
The documentary series was reported by Radio Times.
