A new BBC Radio 4 series about neurodivergence: my preview

I discovered this morning that the BBC is due to broadcast a new series about neurodivergence. The first in this three-part series will be broadcast on Monday 24th August at 11am; it will also be available on BBC Sounds.

All Kinds of Minds is presented by author and mental health academic Dr Nathan Filer. Two episodes are listed at the time of writing: ‘The Language of Neurodiversity’ and ‘Growing up Neurodivergent’. I can’t yet see the title of the series-closer.

As an avid Radio 4 listener, I’ll be tuning in.

The wonderful Chris Packham made a terrific series earlier this decade for the BBC about individuals’ lived experiences of neurodivergence. My only regret: that there was no coverage of dyspraxia, dyscalculia or Tourette’s. As so often, the spotlight was on the ‘big three’: autism, ADHD and dyslexia.

As someone who writes from the perspective of lived experience of dyspraxia, I’m keen to hear whether DCD – and the other less-discussed forms of neurodivergence – get a look-in this time. I’m also keen to discover whether the series focuses primarily on symptoms, diagnosis and clinical practice, or whether it helps listeners understand the practical, social and psychological consequences of being neurodivergent while living in a world designed for the neurotypical by the neurotypical.

The BBC’s preview is promising, referring to an exploration of neurodivergence: “What it means, how children live with it, and how adults navigate its impact in work, relationships and everyday life.”

I’ll listen to all three episodes and write a post-series follow-up, sharing my reflections.