The Brain Charity

Snoof’s journey with neurodivergence has been shaped by both challenges and self-discovery.  

Diagnosed as autistic at a young age, Snoof grew up during a time when awareness of neurodiversity – especially for those perceived as female – was limited.  

Today, they work as a neurodiversity trainer for The Brain Charity, helping others better understand and embrace neurodivergence. 

Navigating neurodivergence 

Snoof said: “My experience of being neurodivergent is tied closely to the environment I grew up in.”

“I was diagnosed quite young, which was unusual for a girl in the 90s.” 

“But I was ‘not allowed to be autistic.’ I had to mask everything—hiding who I was and being punished if I got it wrong.” 

“When I was two I taught myself to read and write. At the time, it was framed as something I achieved ‘despite’ being autistic.” 

“In reality, I had to overcome a great deal of challenges both at home and as a person with autism to accomplish that, and my ability to hyperfocus likely contributed.” 

Snoof describes the pressure to conform, recalling how behaviours like stimming or avoiding eye contact were discouraged.  

Now, they are involved in an ongoing process of unmasking.  

They added: “I wasn’t allowed to have meltdowns, had to make eye contact, couldn’t shut down or stim. These things were unacceptable.”  

“Unmasking as an adult was transformative. It’s about accepting who I am without feeling the need to apologise.” 

Joining The Brain Charity

Snoof was approached to become a neurodiversity trainer for The Brain Charity after a staff member heard them speak at another event. 

They said working with The Brain Charity to deliver neurodiversity awareness training and share their lived experience has allowed them to better challenge stereotypes and stigma. 

Snoof said: “Many people my age are still hiding parts of themselves, which makes it all the more important to create spaces where others feel accepted.” 

“But through The Brain Charity, I get to help change that. I get to make a difference because I’m neurodivergent.” 

“The feedback I receive — people telling me I’d helped make their lives better, or accept neurodivergence for themselves or someone they know — makes me feel like I am helping the community, which is one of my biggest life goals.” 

Personal growth and evolving perspectives

Snoof’s relationship with their neurodivergence has evolved over the years. They said early experiences taught me to recognise masking behaviours which they are still working to unlearn. 

Now, they are mindful of the strengths their autistic, ADHD and dyscalculic traits bring to their life.  

Snoof said: “I used to view myself critically because of societal expectations. Now, I’m more mindful of when I’m holding back or apologising unnecessarily.” 

“Being neurodivergent informs both my professional and personal life in ways I’ve come to value.”

“I’m thoughtful about my actions and how they might affect others. Being neurodivergent helps me empathise, stay calm, and resolve conflicts effectively.” 

“And my ability to focus deeply has always been a strength.” 

Making a difference through neurodiversity training

While awareness of neurodivergent strengths grows, The Brain Charity’s neurodiversity training bridges the gap between intention and action. 

It provides practical tools everyone can use to foster inclusion and help neurodivergent individuals thrive in the workplace.” 

Snoof said: “People want to do the right thing, but they often don’t know how.” 

“After my sessions, participants tell me they feel seen, included, or empowered to disclose their neurodivergence at work.”  

“Those changes ripple outward—one person tells another, and understanding spreads.”

“Little drops in the pond add up to a completely different pond.”

“Knowing I’ve made a positive difference uplifts me, too—it’s an exchange, and I leave feeling inspired by people’s eagerness to learn.”

“What makes The Brain Charity special is its commitment to creating an environment where people feel accepted.”  

“That acceptance is a powerful thing, and it’s something I strive to carry forward in my work.” 

“After my sessions, participants tell me they feel seen, included, or empowered to disclose their ND at work. Those changes ripple outward—one person tells another, and understanding spreads.

“Little drops in the pond add up to a completely different pond. Knowing I’ve made a positive difference uplifts me, too—it’s an exchange, and I leave feeling inspired by people’s eagerness to learn.” 

Sharing in our mission 

One standout experience for Snoof this year was contributing to The Brain Charity’s Neurodiversity Arts Festival in 2024. They spoke about ‘The art of being wrong’.

Snoof added: “It was empowering to celebrate our creativity and perspectives. Events like these highlight the depth and diversity within the neurodivergent community.  

“What makes The Brain Charity special is its commitment to creating an environment where people feel accepted. That acceptance is a powerful thing, and it’s something I strive to carry forward in my work.”