EPISODE · Jan 12, 2026 · 48 MIN
Mild brain injury and neurodivergence
from Wired for Hope
In this episode, Dr. Jess speaks with Aaron, a PhD researcher and mountain biker who sustained a concussion that left him with persistent symptoms affecting every aspect of his life. Aaron shares his raw experience of struggling with noise sensitivity, motion sickness, debilitating headaches, and concentration difficulties that made completing his PhD feel impossible. He discusses the isolation of having an "invisible" injury, the challenge of explaining his symptoms to friends and family, and how his identity as someone who finds meaning through active sport was completely upended. This conversation explores the intersection of ADHD, mental health, identity, neurodivergence, and mild traumatic brain injury.Aaron also introduces Heady, the app he co-founded with his concussion specialist to democratise access to evidence-based rehabilitation. Find out more about the Heady App: www.headyrehab.comSubscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me.Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica BartonProduced by Anthony ZahraMusic Credit: SigmaMusicArtDISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line.UK Resources Include:• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999• Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123• NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111• Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services.• Headway – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.Limitation of LiabilityWhile every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What this episode covers
In this episode, Dr. Jess speaks with Aaron, a PhD researcher and mountain biker who sustained a concussion that left him with persistent symptoms affecting every aspect of his life. Aaron shares his raw experience of struggling with noise sensitivity, motion sickness, debilitating headaches, and concentration difficulties that made completing his PhD feel impossible. He discusses the isolation of having an "invisible" injury, the challenge of explaining his symptoms to friends and family, and how his identity as someone who finds meaning through active sport was completely upended. This conversation explores the intersection of ADHD, mental health, identity, neurodivergence, and mild traumatic brain injury.Aaron also introduces Heady, the app he co-founded with his concussion specialist to democratise access to evidence-based rehabilitation. Find out more about the Heady App: www.headyrehab.comSubscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me.Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica BartonProduced by Anthony ZahraMusic Credit: SigmaMusicArtDISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line.UK Resources Include:• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999• Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123• NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111• Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services.• Headway – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.Limitation of LiabilityWhile every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Mild brain injury and neurodivergence
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