The Psychologist Who Diagnosed Me Is Back - With an ADHD Diagnosis and Big News
The Hidden 20%
Difference Not Pathology: Assessment Philosophy
Renata emphasises neurodiversity as difference, the need for humility, and making diagnoses meaningful to patients.
Dr Renata Fialho is back in the green chair.
In this conversation, Renata and Ben pick up where they left off - this time with Renata sharing her own ADHD diagnosis, what it was like to receive it later in life, and how it has quietly reshaped both her inner world and her clinical work.
Together, they unpack the realities of autism and ADHD assessments across the NHS and private sector, why certain myths continue to circulate, and where Renata sees genuine potential for more thoughtful, humane practice.
Renata also shares why she’s joining The Hidden 20% as a clinical psychologist, her hopes for the direction of neurodiversity care, and reflections on her work at the intersection of neurodivergence and sport - including why swimming can be such a powerful regulator for ADHD nervous systems.
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
00:47 Dr Renata Fialho Reveals Her ADHD Diagnosis
03:57 Why Dr Renata’s ADHD Was Missed for So Long
08:39 How ADHD Shows Up in Dr Renata’s Daily Life
10:25 Neurodiversity Care: NHS vs Private Explained
11:45 The Autism Assessment Myth That Frustrates Clinicians
13:00 Why Many Clinicians Work Across NHS and Private Practice
15:46 What Gives Dr Renata Hope About the Private Sector
17:14 Dr Renata Joins The Hidden 20% Team
21:15 The Autism Assessment Case That Changed Dr Renata’s Practice
24:05 Identity, Community & Diagnosis: Beyond the Medical Model
29:22 Dr Renata’s Vision for The Hidden 20%
31:57 ADHD, Sport & Mental Health: Why Swimming Helps ADHD Brains
38:38 What a Good ADHD Assessment Actually Looks Like
42:44 Can One Clinician Assess All Neurotypes?
45:14 What Keeps Dr Renata Up at Night and Her Hopes for the Future
49:06 Dr Renata’s Green Dot Badge
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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Follow & subscribe…
Website: www.hidden20.org
Instagram / TikTok / Youtube / X: @Hidden20charity
Ben Branson @seedlip_ben
@DrRenataFialho (LinkedIn)
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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