MY STORY
"It wasn't until I had my second child, that all my coping strategies (that I didn't even realise I had) began to come undone."
HELLO LOVELY!
I'm Maisie,
(aka The Nd Mama)
Mum to two gorgeous (but rambunctious!) boys, and wife to a very patient and understanding husband. Our family is colourful to say the least, with a mix of autism and ADHD, and a dollop of chronic OCD for good measure. I always feel so fortunate for having the knowledge and understanding that I now do on what it means to be neurodivergent. I studied Autism and Intellectual Disabilities at the Tizard Centre (University of Kent), hold a CMI Level 7 in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion, and have worked alongside companies such as ASDA, IBM, Rolls Royce, and JPMorgan Chase, to improve outcomes for neurodivergent employees - but the journey hasn't always been smooth...
Growing up, I never quite fit in. School was overwhelming, and I avoided it whenever I could. My inner peace came from training with the athletics team and spending time at the stables with my horses. In fact, looking back it was always the activities that involved movement, freedom, and no social pressures that I was drawn to.
Both of my parents were self-employed, so it only seemed natural to follow that path, and I loved setting up businesses and working for myself but financially I could never make it sustainable. So, I took a chance on a role in a primary school, working within the realms of SEND, and loved it!
From that point I went all-in, learning everything I could about autism, ADHD and neurodiversity, gaining as many qualifications as possible and continually adding to my rapidly increasing knowledge and experience base. But I still had major confidence and self-esteem issues, and still didn't feel like I fitted in.
Fast forward 10 years and I am here, finally knowing exactly who I am and how I can be of service, doing everything possible to ensure other ADHD mamas have the knowledge and the confidence to be their beautiful, individual, authentic self, making the most of their ADHD brain, and supporting the areas that ADHD can be a tad unruly in.
I am also on a mission to change the way children with ADHD (particularly girls) experience the education system; through training and consulting with as many schools as possible, who have the confidence to listen and adapt.
So, let's do this!
I simply love an organiser or diary!
Pre-ADHD realisation, I would collect them
but then only use them for a couple of weeks
before the novelty wore off.
My ADHD epiphany...
After describing my latest meltdown to my older sister, she listened quietly and then said "Maisie, have you ever read the traits of ADHD in women?".
So, after getting off the phone and googling just that, I sat at my kitchen table, wiping the tears as they rolled down my cheeks, completely stunned that a list of bullet points could describe me so perfectly. It was as if the author had been observing me for the last 5 years, watching my life slowly unravel.
The dis-organisation, imposter syndrome, lack of financial management, all or nothing mentality, negative relationship with food, and worst of all, that constant feeling of letting my children down - life had become so overwhelming, I felt like I was drowning.
But in that moment, I decided to put my all-or-nothing mentality to good use and went all-in on finding out everything I could do on ADHD in women.
As I went down this rabbit hole, I couldn't believe what I was discovering, it was like I was finally understanding who I was as a person - like I was meeting the 'real' me, it was blooming amazing!
And now, I want to help other mum's out there, who are right at the beginning of this journey of ADHD self-discovery, do the same.
To find out more information on how I can help you, click below.
Come find me on social media and say hi!
My friend asked me what the most difficult part of being a parent is...
"without a shadow of a doubt, it's the kids" I replied.
Unknown
[but probably ADHD]
Some fun facts about me...
At the age of 21,
I got my HGV licence. I then waited until the age of 30 to go to university, where I studied Autism and Intellectual Disabilities
I love mastering new skills and, as such, have worked in a multitude of roles.
Here are just a few:
Grand Prix Showjumper Groom - Personal Trainer
Countryside Cafe Manager - Adult Social Services
Education - CPD Course Creator- EDI Consultant
Wedding Cake Designer - Website Designer - PA
I have a really strong sense of fairness and justice. If I am treated unfairly or I see others being treated unfairly or unjustly, I can find this effects me a lot.
(thank goodness for karma...)
I love music, it is my therapy.
I'm one of those who will find a new song to love and listen to it on repeat until I can't stand it.
I'm one of those really annoying morning people, who are ready to talk about EVERYTHING, the minute I wake up.
I am a believer in mindset & manifestation and that what ever energy you put out into the world you will get back. Therefore, to really be the person you want to be, first you have to 'be' the person you want to be...
BE A PART OF THE ND MAMA CLUB...
Imposter syndrome got you feeling lost and alone?
Come and join a village of other neurodivergent mamas, who are simply trying to figure out how to make it through another school term of PTA meetings, parents evenings and homework - whilst figuring out who they are and how to be the best version of themselves!
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