My name is Ollie Watson and I am an ADHD Riddled dopamine seeking nutcase that has always struggled to manage my ADHD and Neurodiversity. For my latest dopamine kick, I have decided that with my dad by my side we will take on a 15,000ft Skydive on the 15th of October in support for a local Great Yarmouth based Charity called Paradigm Neurodiversity.

Who are Paradigm Neurodiversity?

Paradigm Neurodiversity is a new local charity that was created because too many neurodivergent people and their families are left to navigate systems that weren't designed with them in mind. Drawing on both lived and professional experience across education, health, social care and mental health. They believe it is the environment - not the individual - that should adapt.

Through their neuro-affirming, strengths-based approach, they help neurodivergent children, young people, adults, parents, carers and professionals find acceptance, belonging, connection and the opportunity to flourish.

Paradigm have said this,

"We believe that every neurodivergent person has the right to be their authentic self, free from judgement and be accepted for who they are. We provide Inclusivity by creating a safe, welcoming space where people feel seen, heard, respected and supported. We Celebrate Diversity, championing authenticity and recognising neurodiversity as a natural and valuable part of human diversity, empowering people to be themselves without apology."

Ollie's Neurodivergent Experience:

As someone with ADHD I have gone about my life struggling day to day with different tasks trying to manage and cope with the quirks that come with being neurodivergent. My impulsivity and forgetfulness cause me to feel like I am having to live a completely different life to others. This for a long time made my mental health drop into states of depression and incredibly high anxiety states. Through the help and support of my family I have manages to slowly work my way through this, there were very few services that would offer me support that actually understood first-hand what I am going through. Paradigm social workers and volunteers are all neurodivergent which means that have first-hand experience within the areas that I was struggling with. Having access to this growing up would have been heaps of help for my mental health.

Paradigm also support carers and schools with how to help and work with Neurodivergent people. For me, going through school was horror, I hated every day of it. This was because no one had a clue how to support me and my struggles. This caused me to struggle and fall behind in areas that potentially could have been supported a lot better. With the support of Paradigm, schools could have a much better understanding of Neurodiversity and be able to support and help students navigate the struggles of school that little bit easier.

Richards experience as a Father:

I’m taking on the challenge of a 1,500ft parachute jump with my son Ollie to raise money for Paradigm – Neurodiversity. All three of my sons are neurodiverse and have experienced challenges with their mental health, and I know first-hand how difficult it can be to find support that truly understands and meets their neurodiverse needs. Paradigm is such a vital, accessible charity within our community, and I want to help them continue providing the understanding, support and empowerment that neurodivergent children, adults and their families so desperately need.

Having the opportunity to support a new growing charity that has the potential to change so many lives brings us joy and great hope for the future of neurodiversity. Thank you for reading and supporting our cause.