So many neurodivergent kids grow up thinking they’re the problem, when in reality they’re carrying ADHD, anxiety, or bipolar symptoms no one ever recognized. This conversation digs into what that actually feels like through Arthur Williams’ story—growing up undiagnosed, masking to survive, and constantly being praised for traits instead of effort, which only widened the gap between who he was and who he thought he should be.
Arthur opens up about the pivotal moments that helped him finally understand his own mind, the difference between parental standards and rigid expectations, and why grace matters so much for neurodivergent kids trying to navigate a world not built for them. He also shares how he went from barely getting through college to becoming a peer mentor with The NAN Project, helping teens understand mental health, suicide prevention, and the power of lived experience.
At its core, this episode is a reminder that even when ADHD is loud, anxiety is relentless, or bipolar depression insists you don’t matter, there is a reason to keep going—and more people value your presence than you’ll ever know.
BIO:
Arthur is a recent but proud Peer Mentor with The NAN Project. He started this work to continue
his goal of spreading awareness about mental health challenges with a neurodivergent voice.
He believes that a mental health diagnosis or comorbidity does not have to be a source of
shame, fear, or a life without determinism. Those of us who are “too much” are more than
enough in the right setting with the right support. That all genius exists in those people who are
willing to find the holes in their world, and their thinking, and fill them with something they
created if it does not exist. As a person of color, he aims to provide meaningful representation
and amplify the voices of neurodivergent individuals within his communities.
RESOURCES/ REFERENCES:
https://www.thenanproject.org/
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.
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