{"id":49157,"title":"Themed Entertainment Association - SATE 2025 @ Blackpool","description":"I recently gave a brief talk and roundtable discussion on the topic of Creativity out of Neurodiversity up in sunny Blackpool in the Northwest of England. This my first public presentation speaking to a large audience and not only was it a huge amount of fun, but I also ticked a few boxes and also got a massive dopamine hit from doing so.\n\nHere are some notes.","content":"

Introductions:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>

I have been a creative technologist since 1991 and as currently Principal Solutions Engineer at 7thSense. I have been incredibly fortunate to work on some truly incredible experiences for several large systems integrators over the years, including most of the world\u2019s premium planetariums plus lots of media based attractions.<\/span><\/p>

Recently I have been on a mini-voyage of self-discovery with regards to my own personality, after my twin daughters were diagnosed with ADHD, which with the wonderful gift of hindsight and lots of reading, reflection and online tests, now explains my entire life.<\/span><\/p>

My lunchtime round-table will offer an insight into my recent Neurodiversity awareness, traits and how to harness your superpowers, particularly in creative teams.<\/span><\/p>

We will explore how diversity in perspectives drives progress, and offers new possibilities particularly in our wonderful creative industry and also discuss how brain chemical imbalances can affect behavior in both abundance and deficiency.<\/span><\/p>

Background:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>

Evelyn and Scarlet had always struggled at school academically being born 9 weeks premature and gave both been diagnosed with different \"flavours\" of ADHD; this was a private assessment needed to get them into a decent school after a recent relocation. They were battling with lack of focus and inattentiveness which was compounded by loud environments and were also subject to some level of bullying.<\/span><\/p>

The diagnosis has led to some simple measures being put in place at school, such as allowing them a little extra time to read the questions during tests, and their teachers merely being aware has already led to some significant improvement in cognitive abilities and their overall engagement and happiness.<\/span><\/p>

Personal enlightenment:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>

5 years ago I knew so little about ADHD, I would probably admit to not even acknowledging it a \"thing\". Obviously with all that has occurred my partner Alison and I have read a significant amount of studies on the matter, and low-and-behold, it's like a light bulb has literally been switched on in my head.<\/span><\/p>

Symptoms:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>

Waking up tired, task paralysis, overthinking, moody & mentally drained, restless leg syndrome, oversharing, rejection sensitive dysphoria RSD... at it's worse, total overwhelm can lead to physical paralysis, I cannot explain how awful this feels, it's a physical pain.<\/span><\/p>

Explanations:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>

Laser focus and total obsession in tasks or things that \"flick my switch\" - contrasted with total lack of motivation or interest in things that do not.<\/span><\/p>

Over stimulation; I am constantly bombarded with stimuli and consequently never feel like I switch off. I struggle with the \"squelch control\"... filtering out the noise to allow me to focus on what is needed. Sometimes been called lazy. It's not - it's a brain chemical imbalance.<\/span><\/p>

The Chemistry of Neurodiversity:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>

To understand ADHD better, we need to explore its effects on behavior, influenced by four key chemical hormones:<\/span><\/p>

  • \u00a0Dopamine: The reward system, driving motivation and pleasure,<\/span><\/p>

    • \u00a0Deficiency: hard to focus, seek instant rewards, low motivation<\/span><\/p><\/li>

    • \u00a0Abundance: less impulsivity, addiction \u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li>

    • \u00a0Oxytocin: Social bonding and attachment<\/span><\/p>

      • \u00a0Deficiency: social detachment,\u00a0<\/span><\/p><\/li>

      • misread cues, low empathy<\/span><\/p><\/li>

      • \u00a0Abundance: trust and connection, improved relationships, better emotional bond<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li>

      • \u00a0Serotonin: Mood regulation and appetite<\/span><\/p>

        • \u00a0Deficiency: mood swings, anxiety, poor sleep<\/span><\/p><\/li>

        • \u00a0Abundance: emotional balance, better sleep, calm and focused energy<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li>

        • \u00a0Endorphins: Natural painkillers and mood elevators<\/span><\/p>

          • \u00a0\u00a0Deficiency: low energy, stress, joyless<\/span><\/p><\/li>

          • \u00a0\u00a0Abundance: mood boost, resilience, energized & happy<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

            Dopamine regulation:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>

            Low baseline dopamine levels mean all additive activities (such as alcohol, sugar, scrolling social media, vaping etc) produce a bigger \"high\" than for an average person. Being able to focus on something of \"value\" gives a bigger reward than for an average person.<\/span><\/p>

            Thriving in Chaos:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>

            As someone who thrives in hectic environments, I've learned to harness my strengths while developing strategies to manage my challenges. It's essential to acknowledge that even neurotypical individuals can benefit from adapting to chaos by being more organized, relaxed, or exercising.<\/span><\/p>

            By embracing empathy and understanding, we can empower those who are struggling to unlock their full potential. I believe that without neurodiversity, innovation and creativity would suffer \u2013 diversity is what drives progress; by pure definition, if we were all neurotypical, there would be no innovation.<\/span><\/p>

            By understanding each individual\u2019s unique traits, the industry can create inclusive spaces. Emphasize collaboration and resources for everyone involved, fostering a culture where creativity and ADHD coexist and allow the team to thrive.<\/span><\/p>

            Tasks that some people may challenging may actually play to the strengths of someone with ADHD and vice versa.<\/span><\/p>

            The Beauty of Neurodiversity:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>

            In conclusion, let's celebrate our differences and recognize the value each neurodiverse individual brings to the table. As we strive for inclusivity and acceptance, remember that empathy is not a weakness; it's a strength. By acknowledging the power of ADHD and embracing compassion, we can unleash a new wave of creativity, innovation, and growth.<\/span><\/p>","urlTitle":"themed-entertainment-association-sate-2025-blackpool","url":"\/blog\/themed-entertainment-association-sate-2025-blackpool\/","editListUrl":"\/my-blogs","editUrl":"\/my-blogs\/edit\/themed-entertainment-association-sate-2025-blackpool\/","fullUrl":"https:\/\/anotherdistraction.teemill.com\/blog\/themed-entertainment-association-sate-2025-blackpool\/","featured":false,"published":true,"showOnSitemap":true,"hidden":false,"visibility":null,"createdAt":1747069097,"updatedAt":1747069451,"publishedAt":1747069451,"lastReadAt":null,"division":{"id":390893,"name":"anotherdistraction"},"tags":[],"metaImage":{"original":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/oshb4cwcsbpdkrtvilgpfb2l5hvk4mzpycsmq4alqegfhbpm.jpeg","thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/oshb4cwcsbpdkrtvilgpfb2l5hvk4mzpycsmq4alqegfhbpm.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/oshb4cwcsbpdkrtvilgpfb2l5hvk4mzpycsmq4alqegfhbpm.jpeg.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"metaTitle":"","metaDescription":"","keyPhraseCampaignId":null,"series":[],"similarReads":[{"id":49158,"title":"Socials","url":"\/blog\/socials\/","urlTitle":"socials","division":390893,"description":"Here's a link to a small self-hosted service with all my socials","published":true,"metaImage":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/eo4arelll0qzmetmrez3dwlwakqifa9utkp25mimz2u85rzc.jpeg.jpg?w=1140&h=855","banner":"https:\/\/images.podos.io\/eo4arelll0qzmetmrez3dwlwakqifa9utkp25mimz2u85rzc.jpeg.jpg?w=1920&h=1440"},"hidden":0}],"labels":[]}