A Neurodivergent New Year: Shahroo Izadi, Dr Alison Lennox, Tony Lloyd & More Share Their Hopes For 2026
The Hidden 20%
Céin McGillicuddy: Presence over Hyperfocus
Céin describes managing autistic hyperfocus, planning decompression and rules to stay present with family.
As another year closes, we’re taking a gentler approach to New Year’s thinking. In this special episode, Ben is joined by familiar voices from across the year and a hint of who’s to come in 2026 - as he sits down with clinicians, creators, advocates and friends of The Hidden 20% to talk about goals, not resolutions.
From Dr Renata Fialho to Shahroo Izadi, Céin McGillicuddy, Dr Alison Lennox, Dr Josephine Neale and Tony Lloyd, each guest reflects on what they’re carrying forward into 2026 and what they’re intentionally leaving behind.
Together, we unpack why “resolutions” can feel loaded, deficit-focused and unrealistic for neurodivergent brains, and why goals rooted in compassion, flexibility and self-trust tend to work better.
This is a calm, grounding end-of-year listen - focused less on fixing yourself, and more on meeting yourself where you are.
From all of us at The Hidden 20%, thank you for your support this year - we’ll see you in 2026. 🟢
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
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Host: Ben Branson
Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg
Head of Marketing: Kristen Fuller
00:00 Introduction
1:15 A Neurodivergent Rethink of New Year’s Resolutions with Dr Renata Fialho
4:25 Sam Branson on Realistic ND Goals & Letting Go of Pressure
5:50 Shahroo Izadi: Neurodivergence, Money & Rewriting Financial Goals
7:40 Céin McGillicuddy on ND Creativity, Balance & 2026 Intentions
10:13 Dr Alison Lennox’s New Year Goals as an Autistic Psychiatrist
12:19 Dr Alison Lennox: Hopes for Neurodivergence in 2026
22:10 The Hidden 20% Team: Community Goals for 2026
26:10 Dr Josephine Neale: Why “Goals” Work Better Than Resolutions for ND Brains
41:42 Tony Lloyd: How I Set ND-Friendly Goals Across Life, Work & Purpose
47:07 Tony Lloyd’s Three Wishes for Neurodivergence in 2026
48:25 Ben’s Personal New Year Goals for 2026
The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by AuDHD entrepreneur, Ben Branson.
Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence.
No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.
1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.
To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.
With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.
Join us at hidden20.org/donate.
Become a monthly donor.
Be part of our community where great minds think differently.
Brought to you by charity The Hidden 20% #1203348
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Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
Dr Renata Fialho
Shahroo Izadi
Sam Branson
Dr Tony Lloyd
Dr Alison Lennox
Dr Josephine Neale
Céin McGillicuddy
If you'd like to support The Hidden 20%, you can buy a "green dot" badge at https://www.hidden20.org/thegreendot/p/badge. All proceeds go to the charity.
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