Constant firework display in the mind

0
1382

Constant firework display in the mind. In today’s Christmas Day Short Talk Judith Germain speaks to Reverend Ian Notts about the challenges around dyslexia and ADHD.ย In this conversation we touch on Ian’s faith and how that impacts on how he sees how we can work with the neurodiverse.

Ian stressed working with individuals to find personalised solutions. Preparing to engage differently and make faith accessible is key. Judith advises leaders to look for signs and ease life through transparency.

Key Takeaways

  • Ian struggled in school with undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD, feeling like an “odd” child.
  • Structured routines, breaking tasks into short focused chunks, and morning work times help Ian stay productive with ADHD.
  • Art and visual methods worked best when engaging youth offenders with neurodiversity in restorative justice practices.
  • Leaders should engage directly with neurodiverse individuals to learn how to make services more accessible.

Topics:

Ian’s Background

  • Biggest passion is climbing, pictured is Mont Blanc range where he climbed. Enjoys outdoor sports and adventure.
  • Went through schooling with undiagnosed dyslexia/ADHD, felt school was a waste of time. These conditions were not understood.
  • Dyslexia/ADHD have been a challenge to understand himself and develop helpful strategies over time.

Managing Dyslexia and ADHD

  • Ian uses structured color-coded schedules, routines, and timed work chunks to stay focused with ADHD. Can’t take too long on one task.
  • Works best focusing in the mornings. Afternoon concentration wanders. Prioritizes things needing concentration.
  • Medication can help slow down the constant “fireworks” in an ADHD brain. But Ian finds routines more helpful.

Working with Youth Offenders

  • ~80% of Ian’s youth offender clients had neurodiversity/language issues. Most couldn’t read well.
  • Offending often resulted from lack of support for their differences. Ian saw the good in these young people.
  • Art, imagery, and visual methods worked best with these clients. Talking feelings was very difficult.

Ministry and Neurodiversity

  • Ministry shares social work values of equality, purpose, love, and caring for others. The gospel is the difference.
  • Church services can be odd or weird for those unfamiliar. The words may not connect or make sense.
  • Ministers must break down barriers to help people relate to God and meaningful relationships.

Reverend Ian Notts is a curate within the Church of England. He was previously a social worker.


Maverick leadership is all about thinking outside the box and challenging the status quo. It’s about having the courage to take risks and the confidence to lead in a way that is authentic and genuine.

But amplifying your influence as a leader isn’t just about having a strong vision or a big personality. It’s also about having the right leadership capability and being able to execute on your ideas and plans.

The consequences of not having the right level of influence as a leader can be significant. Without the ability to inspire and motivate others, you may struggle to achieve your goals and make a real impact.

How Influential Are you? Take the scorecard at amplifyyourinfluence.scoreapp.com and see. 

You can listen to Episode 380 on any of the popular podcast platforms or apps (including Spotify, and Audible). If you prefer to listen to your browser you can do that below. Enjoy!

Previous articleSetting the entrepreneur free
Next articleExploring the Ramifications of Unexplained Shelved Projects
Editor
Maverick Paradox Media is for the pathologically curious who seek to learn from lateral thinkers, including how to execute maverick thinking. We provide a Maverick perspective on the world arounds us. ๐Ÿ’ข I am the leading authority on ๐— ๐—ฎ๐˜ƒ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐—ถ๐—ฐ๐—ธ ๐—Ÿ๐—ฒ๐—ฎ๐—ฑ๐—ฒ๐—ฟ๐˜€๐—ต๐—ถ๐—ฝ and Founder of Maverick Paradox Media. It is because I am passionate about demonstrating that Maverick Leadership exists everywhere and understand that we can all learn from diverse and differing voices that I founded Maverick Paradox Media. Maverick Paradox reaches thousands of leaders and business owners, empowering and inspiring them to think differently, challenge often and increase their leadership capability. ๐Ÿ’ข Maverick Paradox Media consists of: โœ… The Maverick Paradox Podcast (on all popular podcast platforms/apps โ€“ available episodes here: https://www.maverickparadox.co.uk/maverick-paradox-podcast-available-episodes/) โœ… The Maverick Paradox Magazine I also write for The Maverick Paradox Magazine and you can find those articles under my name Judith Germain.