Be Yourself Be Heard

Dr Faisal Shaikh
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Mental Health

Be Yourself, Be Heard is a podcast presented by consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh of Private Psychiatry and Neurodivergence Clinic, Mentis Clinic.  This podcast explores neurodiversity through the eyes of the people who work closest to it. Each episode features a different professional, such as GPs, psychologists, educators, leaders, and frontline practitioners - unpacking what neurodiversity means in their world. From real clinical cases and workplace scenarios to personal stories, misconceptions, and evolving societal attitudes, the podcast digs into how neurodivergent individuals experience life, what support really looks like, and how professionals can respond with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based insight. This is a space for honesty, lived experience, and practical wisdom. Whether you’re neurodivergent, supporting someone who is, or working in a sector where neurodiversity shows up every day, Be Yourself, Be Heard helps you understand people better and helps people feel understood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

  1. Rethinking Autism and ADHD Diagnosis: Dr Faisal Shaikh, Autism and ADHD Show London 2026

    Jul 2

    Rethinking Autism and ADHD Diagnosis: Dr Faisal Shaikh, Autism and ADHD Show London 2026

    Dr Faisal Shaikh, Consultant Psychiatrist and founder of Mentis Clinic, delivered this keynote at the Autism and ADHD Show in London in June 2026. Speaking to a room of individuals, families and professionals, he opens with a confession. For much of his early career, across more than two decades in psychiatry, he was not convinced that ADHD existed in adults. He describes questioning Professor Philip Asherson, a leading figure in adult ADHD research, at a conference in 2008, and how his view changed over the years that followed. What changed it was not only the science, but his own family. His eldest daughter, Nawaal, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two, and neurodivergence became part of daily life at home. From that starting point, the talk sets out three messages. Diagnosis is a beginning, not an end. Addressing the current debate about overdiagnosis, Dr Shaikh argues that we are not creating autism or ADHD, but finally recognising people who were overlooked for years, particularly women and adults. His conclusion is supported by the independent ADHD Taskforce commissioned by NHS England, which found that population prevalence has not risen while recognition has. Different does not mean defective. Using the example of left-handedness, he explains how the world is often built around one way of being, and how what looks like difficult behaviour is frequently overwhelming distress rather than defiance. Thriving happens through understanding, not masking. He describes the exhaustion of masking and why belonging and psychological safety allow neurodivergent people to thrive as themselves. He closes with a tribute to his parents and a thought he leaves with the audience: you are not a failed version of someone else; you are the first version of yourself. A diagnosis does not define who you are; it helps explain who you have always been. #Neurodiversity #ADHD #Autism #MentalHealth #BeYourselfBeHeard #AdultADHD #AutismInAdults 'Be Yourself, Be Heard' is a neurodiversity-focused podcast from consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh of the Mentis Clinic. Each episode explores real stories, professional viewpoints, and practical strategies that help neurodivergent individuals feel seen, supported and understood. Subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories, advice and guidance around neurodiversity. For support with Neurodiversity or to engage with Dr Faisal Shaikh directly, please visit the Mentis Clinic website: https://mentisclinic.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    11 min
  2. Authenticity, Female Hormonal Health and Neurodiversity | Tracy Dennison | Be Yourself Be Heard

    Jun 1

    Authenticity, Female Hormonal Health and Neurodiversity | Tracy Dennison | Be Yourself Be Heard

    In this episode of Be Yourself Be Heard, Dr Faisal Shaikh is joined by Tracy Dennison, Consultant Nurse Practitioner and founder of East Riding Aesthetics and Wellness. Tracy brings a rare combination of clinical depth and personal honesty, speaking candidly about a school environment that never suited her, a career that took an unconventional path through British Aerospace and nursing in America, and a pivotal decision to leave the NHS after over three decades to go all in on her own practice. The conversation covers what neurodiversity looks like through the lens of female hormonal health, the courage required to embrace authenticity over conformity, and why the education of those around neurodivergent individuals may matter more than anything else. 'Be Yourself, Be Heard' is a neurodiversity-focused podcast from consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh of the Mentis Clinic. Each episode explores real stories, professional viewpoints, and practical strategies that help neurodivergent individuals feel seen, supported and understood. Subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories, advice and guidance around neurodiversity. For support with Neurodiversity or to engage with Dr Faisal Shaikh directly, please visit the Mentis Clinic website: https://mentisclinic.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min
  3. Neurodiversity, Policy and Public Service: With Councillor Mike Ross

    Feb 1

    Neurodiversity, Policy and Public Service: With Councillor Mike Ross

    In this episode of Be Yourself Be Heard, consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh is joined by Leader of Hull City Council, Councillor Mike Ross, to explore neurodiversity through the lens of leadership, policy and public service. Mike reflects on his experiences in local government, how neurodiversity shows up in families, communities and workplaces, and why one-size-fits-all approaches often fail. The conversation looks at individuality, strengths, authenticity, and how public policy can better recognise and support neurodivergent people while balancing real-world constraints. This episode offers an honest and thoughtful discussion on leadership, identity and inclusion from the perspective of a senior policymaker. #BeYourselfBeHeard #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #MentalHealth #PublicPolicy #Leadership #Inclusion #MentalHealthPodcast #NeurodiversityPodcast 'Be Yourself, Be Heard' is a neurodiversity-focused podcast from consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh of the Mentis Clinic. Each episode explores real stories, professional viewpoints, and practical strategies that help neurodivergent individuals feel seen, supported and understood. Subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories, advice and guidance around neurodiversity. For support with Neurodiversity or to engage with Dr Faisal Shaikh directly, please visit the Mentis Clinic website: https://mentisclinic.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    21 min
  4. Navigating ADHD and BiPolar Through Creativity.

    12/19/2025

    Navigating ADHD and BiPolar Through Creativity.

    In this episode of Be Yourself, Be Heard, consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh is joined by Jodie Smith, founder of Happy Doodles, to explore neurodiversity through lived experience, creativity and motherhood. Jodie shares her journey of being diagnosed with inattentive ADHD in adulthood, living with bipolar disorder, and how creativity became her anchor through mental illness, recovery and parenting. Together, they discuss sensory sensitivities, resilience, authenticity, and the vital role that creative expression plays in children’s emotional well-being. This conversation offers an honest and compassionate insight into neurodivergence, mental health, and finding your purpose. Follow Jodie Smith on Instagram to connect or learn more about her journey. @happydoodlesuk @jodiesmithillustrator 'Be Yourself, Be Heard' is a neurodiversity-focused podcast from consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh of the Mentis Clinic. Each episode explores real stories, professional viewpoints, and practical strategies that help neurodivergent individuals feel seen, supported and understood. Subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories, advice and guidance around neurodiversity. For support with Neurodiversity or to engage with Dr Faisal Shaikh directly, please visit the Mentis Clinic website: https://mentisclinic.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min
  5. What does neurodiversity really look like through the eyes of a GP?

    11/27/2025

    What does neurodiversity really look like through the eyes of a GP?

    In this opening episode of ‘Be Yourself, Be Heard’, consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh sits down with senior GP and occupational health expert Dr Guy Clayton to explore neurodiversity from both professional and deeply personal angles. This conversation goes far beyond clinical definitions. Dr Clayton shares stories from medicine, family life, forensic mental health and occupational health, revealing how conditions like ADHD show up in real people, real workplaces, and real challenges. If you’re looking for an honest, practical and stigma-free look at neurodiversity, this is the perfect place to start. 'Be Yourself, Be Heard' is a neurodiversity-focused podcast from consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh of the Mentis Clinic. Each episode explores real stories, professional viewpoints, and practical strategies that help neurodivergent individuals feel seen, supported and understood. Subscribe to the podcast to hear more stories, advice and guidance around neurodiversity. For support with Neurodiversity or to engage with Dr Faisal Shaikh directly, please visit the Mentis Clinic website: https://mentisclinic.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min
  • 5 Episodes

About

Be Yourself, Be Heard is a podcast presented by consultant psychiatrist Dr Faisal Shaikh of Private Psychiatry and Neurodivergence Clinic, Mentis Clinic.  This podcast explores neurodiversity through the eyes of the people who work closest to it. Each episode features a different professional, such as GPs, psychologists, educators, leaders, and frontline practitioners - unpacking what neurodiversity means in their world. From real clinical cases and workplace scenarios to personal stories, misconceptions, and evolving societal attitudes, the podcast digs into how neurodivergent individuals experience life, what support really looks like, and how professionals can respond with compassion, understanding, and evidence-based insight. This is a space for honesty, lived experience, and practical wisdom. Whether you’re neurodivergent, supporting someone who is, or working in a sector where neurodiversity shows up every day, Be Yourself, Be Heard helps you understand people better and helps people feel understood. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Faisal Shaikh
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    5
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © wayne willis
  • Show Website
    Be Yourself Be Heard