Neurodiversity and the creative industries

Next week is Neurodiversity Celebration Week, and I have two unexpected but absolutely brilliant ways to celebrate!

This week I’m focusing on celebrating neurodivergent talent in the creative industry - because if there's one place where many neurodivergent minds thrive, it's in the world of storytelling, comedy, and film. And yet, so many barriers still exist that stop neurodivergent creatives from fully sharing their brilliance.

To celebrate, I’m sharing one of my favourite comedians and a brilliant new film, along with tips on how we can all do better in making the creative industry more inclusive.

This week’s newsletter includes:

• Info: A couple of examples of the brilliance of neurodivergence in the creative industries

• Tips: 5 ways to enable neurodivergent creatives

• Recommendations: Joe Wells, The Stimming Pool and Suzi Payton!

1. The genius of neurodivergent creatives

If you need proof that neurodivergent minds bring magic to the creative industries, look no further than comedian Joe Wells. If you haven’t seen his stuff yet, you are seriously missing out - watch this clip - and I dare you not to laugh!

Joe is autistic, and his comedy flips the script on neurodiversity in the funniest way. Instead of making autism the punchline, he turns the tables - challenging the real oddities of neurotypical behaviour. And honestly? It’s hilarious.

He also shows utterly brilliantly why we need to listen to neurodivergent people more. If we did, our supermarket experiences would be a lot better! (If that doesn’t make sense, here’s another nudge to watch this clip and be in on the joke!)

His success highlights why neurodivergent people thrive in the creative world:

✅ New perspectives – Seeing the world differently creates fresh, original storytelling.
✅ Pattern recognition – A strength in many neurodivergent people, making for sharp and clever humor.
✅ Unfiltered honesty – Many neurodivergent creatives (especially comedians) excel at saying the things no one else will - and audiences love it.

Joe’s work is a perfect example of why neurodivergent people don’t just belong in creative industries - they make them better.

But if comedy isn’t your thing, what about a film created by neurodivergent people about the neurodivergent experience?

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to attend a private screening of The Stimming Pool, a groundbreaking new film created by neurodivergent people - cast and production.

It is more than a film, it’s an experience. It captures the sensory world in a way that mainstream films never do, and it’s a reminder of the power of neurodivergent storytelling.

AND it held my attention for the entire showing - a total rarity for me!

There were some parts of the film that didn’t quite work for me but having said that, I think it’s really worth seeing for yourself. It really is quite different to anything you will have seen before on screen.

But here’s the thing: films like this shouldn’t be so rare. Neurodivergent people should be at the heart of creative industries, yet they often face unnecessary barriers:

🚫 Rigid hiring processes – Creativity can’t be judged by a CV and a formal interview, yet that’s still the norm.
🚫 Networking pressures – So many creative roles rely on who you know, which can be inaccessible for neurodivergent creatives.
🚫 Industry biases – Neurodivergent creatives often hear “too intense,” “too literal,” or “too different” - when those things should be valued.

The creative industry thrives on new ideas and fresh perspectives. Neurodivergent minds bring exactly that - but they need the right support.

2. 5 ways to enable neurodivergent creatives

💡 1. Hire differently – Instead of traditional CVs, let creatives submit portfolios, pitch ideas in writing, or send recorded auditions.

🎭 2. Make networking inclusive – Online networking and structured introductions can make a huge difference.

📝 3. Respect different communication styles – Not everyone expresses themselves best verbally. Let people pitch in their own way.

📍 4. Offer flexibility – Creativity doesn’t work on a strict 9–5 schedule. Let people work when and how they thrive.

🎬 5. Champion neurodivergent-led projects – The industry needs fresh stories. Investing in neurodivergent creatives means investing in originality.

3. Recommendations

If this resonates with you, here are some incredible resources to dive deeper:

• Go see Joe Wells! If he’s performing near you, book a ticket (trust me). Otherwise, follow him on Instagram for some of the funniest ND humor out there.

• Watch The Stimming Pool – If you want to see an authentic neurodivergent experience on screen, check out The Stimming Pool.

• My ADHD coach - Suzi Payton - is also a comedian. Check her and her comedy improv sessions out for a fun time!

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is about more than awareness - it’s about action. This year, let’s not just talk about neurodivergent talent - let’s actually celebrate it.

So, how are you going to mark the week? Book a ticket, watch a film, and support neurodivergent creatives. 🎭

Until next time,
Jess 😊

PS Whenever you’re ready, here are some ways I can help:

• I’m fully booked for neurodiversity celebration week but head here to book in another slot.

• Book a FREE Discovery call to chat through how I can support your workplace, your school or your family.

• Join the waitlist for our next NeuroNavigator programme and become a certified Neurodiversity Champion.