New podcast tackles ADHD, autism and mental health
MILLIONS of neurodivergent people and their families across the UK are being put at the heart of a new podcast aiming to challenge misconceptions around ADHD, autism and mental health through real-life experiences and clinical science.
Launching on World Mental Health Day on October 10, Unmasked with Dr Basra will bring together people with lived experience, parents, public figures and experts to explore what neurodivergence can mean for families, relationships, education, work and everyday life.
The series has been created by Glasgow-headquartered psychiatry practice Diverse Diagnostics and will combine candid personal stories with accessible explanations of the science behind ADHD, autism and wider mental health and wellbeing.
Hosted by consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr Jagdish Basra, its first guest will be Scottish influencer SEN Mum Lucy Gallacher, known online as @senmumlucy_, who will speak about life as a neurodivergent parent raising neurodivergent children.
One of Scottish football’s leading figures will also join Dr Basra during the opening weeks for a candid conversation about men’s mental health and the pressures of life in professional sport.
Dr Basra, founder and Medical Director of Diverse Diagnostics, said: “There is so much discussion about ADHD and autism, but people can still be left with conflicting information, stereotypes and assumptions about what neurodiversity actually looks like in everyday life.
“I wanted to create a space where people can tell their stories honestly while we explain the science behind those experiences in an accessible way. Bringing the two together can help people better understand themselves, their children and the people around them.”
Research estimates that around 15-20% of adults in the UK are neurodivergent, encompassing neurological differences including ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia and Tourette syndrome.
Dr Basra founded Diverse Diagnostics after working as an NHS consultant psychiatrist and repeatedly seeing children and families reach crisis point while waiting for assessment and support.
The consultant-led clinic initially focused on children before expanding into adult services and now provides ADHD, autism and wider mental health assessments and support across the UK, with much of its work delivered online.
Dr Basra said Unmasked is intended to reach well beyond people already engaged with specialist services and make conversations around neurodiversity and mental health part of everyday life.
She added: “You should not need a medical degree to understand what ADHD or autism can mean for a person or family.
“We want to talk about the difficult parts, but also relationships, parenting, work, education and people’s strengths. Hearing somebody describe an experience that feels familiar can be powerful, particularly for people who would not normally listen to something about psychiatry or mental health.”
Lucy’s launch episode will explore neurodiversity within families, parenting, identity and the realities of advocating for children with additional support needs.
It will set the tone for a series bringing together recognisable voices and people whose personal experiences can challenge assumptions around neurodiversity and mental health.
Dr Basra has previously worked with professional footballers and coaches through UEFA coaching education courses, exploring mental health and performance psychiatry.
Unmasked with Dr Basra launches on October 10, 2026, with the first episode featuring SEN Mum Lucy Gallacher.
Listening details will be announced ahead of launch.
More information about Diverse Diagnostics and its work supporting children, adults and families across the UK is available at https://www.diversediagnostics.co.uk/
