Tania Gerard is invited to speak to Nicole Bateman on the podcast ‘Conversations with a SEND Mum’.

I recently had the privilege of being interviewed by Nicole Bateman, host of the inspiring podcast Conversations with a SEND Mum. In Season 3, Episode 7, we dived into a topic close to my heart: neurodiversity. We explored the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and the importance of understanding and inclusion, especially for SEND children and their families.

This conversation gave me the opportunity to reflect on my own journey as an autistic and ADHD advocate, trainer, and speaker, as well as the work I do to create inclusive environments for all. Here are some of the key themes we discussed:

Unmasking the Workplace

One of the most personal and powerful parts of our conversation was discussing my experiences with masking. Like many neurodivergent individuals, I felt pressure to suppress my authentic self in professional settings to meet societal expectations.

During my years in the marketing industry, masking became second nature—but it came at a significant cost to my mental health. I shared with Nicole how the culture of "fitting in" can harm neurodivergent employees and why it’s critical for workplaces to move beyond token inclusion to truly celebrate diverse minds.

The Journey to Self-Acceptance

Another deeply personal topic was my path toward embracing my neurodivergence. For years, I struggled to understand and accept my own needs, often prioritising others' expectations over my well-being.

In the episode, I talked about the pivotal moments that led me to stop masking and start living authentically. It wasn’t easy, but it was transformative—and it’s the reason I now dedicate my work to helping others on similar journeys.

Creating Inclusive Workplaces

As a neurodiversity trainer, I bring my lived experience to the work I do with organisations. Nicole and I explored the training I provide to help businesses understand the value of neurodivergent employees and the importance of reasonable adjustments.

I explained how I collaborate with companies to create practical strategies for inclusion—moving beyond surface-level initiatives to create workplaces where everyone can feel safe and be themselves.

For Parents and SEND Families

We also touched on how these workplace challenges intersect with the experiences of SEND children and their parents. Families navigating SEND often face a lack of understanding and support, both in educational settings and in their daily lives. By raising awareness and advocating for change, we can build a better, more inclusive world for the next generation.

Recording this episode was an incredible experience, and I’m so grateful to Nicole for creating a space to have these important conversations. If you’d like to listen, you can find Season 3, Episode 7 of Conversations with a SEND Mum here. I hope you find it as empowering as I did.

If you’re interested in learning more about my work or bringing neurodiversity training to your organization, feel free to explore the rest of my website or get in touch here. Together, we can create spaces where neurodivergent individuals don’t just survive but excel and be their true selves.

— Tania Gerard

Book a consultation with me to discuss your next Neurodiversity venture and make a real difference in your business.