The Brain Charity

Diagnosed with autism at 26 and currently awaiting an ADHD assessment, Emily (Em) from Liverpool, has spent much of her life feeling different — but not knowing why. 

She said: 

“I’ve always been aware I was different, but for a long time I didn’t understand why. I found it very hard to make friends and socialise, and I struggled with communication, confidence and setting boundaries. 

“Because of that, I often made the wrong kind of friends. I also found it really hard to apply for jobs and stay in one role for long periods of time.” 

Finding a diagnosis and understanding herself 

Looking back, Em realises she felt the effects of her conditions long before her official diagnosis. 

At first, she wasn’t even sure she “fit” an autism diagnosis.  

She said: 

“I didn’t understand autism properly, so I didn’t think it applied to me.

“It wasn’t until I met other autistic people at high school who didn’t match the stereotype I had in my head, and reflected on the way I processed my dad’s death, that I started to wonder if I might be autistic too.” 

Her dad had passed away from a brain haemorrhage when she was younger, an experience that also first connected her with The Brain Charity. She helped raise money in his memory — but didn’t consider using the charity’s services herself until her mum encouraged her when she was 23. It took another three years before she felt ready to take that step. 

“I felt like I woke up when I came here” 

In September 2024, Em came through the doors of The Brain Charity for the first time. 

She met with Mandy and Karen from the employability team — and it proved a turning point. 

She said: 

“From the very first meeting, they made me feel like this is where I belonged. Before, I felt stuck and without purpose. Coming here was like waking up. Suddenly, I knew what I wanted to do.” 

Her first step was completing The Brain Charity’s Value of You confidence coaching programme, which had a huge impact. 

“Value of You reminded me of what I should be doing with my life. It helped me realise I was putting up with things I shouldn’t have been, and that I didn’t need to give everything just for someone to be my friend. 

“It also taught me to set boundaries, which was something I’d always struggled with. Meeting other people going through the same things as me was really nice too. I still pop in for chats with Mandy and Karen — they’ve been amazing.” 

Getting involved and giving back 

Not long after, Em began helping with The Brain Charity’s coffee mornings. 

She said: 

“I love supporting clients and staff, meeting new people and helping to make introductions. I know how hard it can feel to walk into a new place, so being able to welcome people in has been really rewarding.” 

She’s also run workshops for neurodivergent people, and hopes to do more in future. 

Outside the centre, she is working on an exciting photography and interview project with autistic and ADHD people, combining her creative passion with raising awareness of neurodiversity. 

A festival like no other 

One highlight of the past year was volunteering at Deer Shed Festival with The Brain Charity team. 

She said: 

“Deer Shed was amazing. I volunteered at the main stage and the comedy tent, and I also helped out at the accessibility stage.

“I got to meet so many members of The Brain Charity team, and it was an incredible experience. 

“I loved how inclusive it was for neurodiverse people — it was really inspiring to see.” 

Looking to the future 

Now, Em is focused on continuing to build her skills, confidence and connections. She says she finally feels like she’s found her place. 

She said: 

“Before, I felt like I was drifting with no purpose. The Brain Charity has made me feel like I belong. 

“I’ve grown so much in confidence since coming here, and I want to keep using that to help others who are going through the same things as me.”