Creativity thrives on different brains, not just different briefs. Still, many neurodivergent professionals find traditional workplaces tricky to navigate. This part of Asking For A Friend looks at where neurodiversity and creative careers meet, through honest, practical conversations that answer the real questions people are asking.

We unpack the post‑diagnosis journey, from rebuilding confidence after an ADHD diagnosis to deciding if, when, and how to disclose at work. You’ll find tools for shifting that inner voice from self‑criticism to self‑compassion. Psychotherapist Katie Feder and Executive Creative Director Wesley Hawes share ways to reframe ADHD as a creative strength rather than a ceiling.

We also get into the day‑to‑day realities. How do you tell if your workplace is psychologically safe for disclosure? What accommodations actually help, like flexible hours, noise management, or written follow‑ups after meetings? Industry leaders such as TBWA’s Kimberlee Wells offer real examples of supportive practices, including their “surf’s up protocol” for mental health days and audio recordings for teammates with dyslexia.

For managers and colleagues, there’s guidance on leading with curiosity, not judgment. You’ll learn how to move past assumptions, co‑create understanding, and tailor support to the person in front of you, not a checklist. Think team versus the challenge, not person versus team.

We also make space for the emotional side. That might mean processing years of “inconsistent” feedback, gathering evidence of your wins, and finding your people in the creative community. Experts outline the legal protections available under disability discrimination laws, and we acknowledge a simple truth: roughly one in five agency professionals report some form of neurodivergence. You are far from alone, even if it has felt that way.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed and overwhelmed, a seasoned pro refining your systems, or a leader building a more inclusive team, you’ll find practical strategies, legal context, and the kind of validation that helps you breathe out. Consider this your reminder that great work and wellbeing can sit side by side, like a cat on a laptop, perfectly content once you make a little room.

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