Rosie Elvin: Embracing Neurodiversity and Inclusive Design

Our Guest today is Rosie Elvin, an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator who champions neurodiversity and inclusive design. Rosie, diagnosed with ADHD later in life, as she teaches architecture. Our discussion centers on the importance of Inclusive design, and naturally working with, rather than against neurodivergent brains. A little more about Rosie:

Rosie Elvin is an ADHD coach, trainer, and educator passionate about helping individuals and workplaces embrace neurodiversity. Following her own late ADHD diagnosis at 43, Rosie founded ADHD Focus, where she provides coaching for adults with ADHD and delivers engaging training sessions on neurodiversity in the workplace.
Her work blends lived experience with professional insight, supporting clients to understand their unique strengths, navigate challenges like executive functioning and emotional regulation, and build strategies that work with their brains, not against them.
Rosie also teaches architecture part-time at Nottingham Trent University, where her interest in social justice and inclusive design shapes both her teaching and advocacy. Through her writing, speaking, and coaching, she challenges outdated narratives around ADHD and champions a strengths-based, human-centered approach.
Whether she's coaching, writing articles, or leading workshops, Rosie's mission is clear: to create environments where neurodivergent people are understood, empowered, and celebrated.
Enjoy!

[You are now safely here, feel free to breathe]

• Intro and Welcome Rosie Elvin! 

• 01:10 - So, what is inclusive design?

• 02:57 - Coaching Strategies for Neurodivergent individuals

• 03:20 - We don't often consider design's role in neurodiversity or ADHD, similar to how the world is designed for right-handed people; it seems designed for "normal brains."

• 04:12 - When coaching, how do you incorporate design, and what key strategies work for both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals?

• 04:30 - If someone comes to you feeling lost or stuck, how do you help them shift their perspective?

• 05:47 - Understanding Neurodiversity and Its Impact

• 08:06 - Much of the problem stems from being told we're "broken" or "not good enough" for so long.

• 08:39 - On the journey of Self-Acceptance and Advocacy

• 11:20 - It's difficult to un-ingrain lifelong beliefs.

• 11:43 - When you were growing up, neurodiversity "didn't exist"; it meant being disruptive.

• 12:33 - Many first-world countries still don't discuss it.

• 13:13 - You're so talented and good at what you do.

• 14:48 - This seems like a classic ADHD response: identifying a problem and immediately fixing it without overthinking.

• 15:00 - Rosie, where can everyone find you?

• 16:55 - Thanks so much for listening to Faster Than Normal. Please join us again very soon!

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Rosie Elvin:

• LinkedIn: ADHD Focus, Rosie Elvin

• Website: www.adhdfocus.co.uk

• Instagram: @rosie.adhdfocus
  (Less active, as mentioned in the interview, but her LinkedIn and website are preferred contact methods)

Peter Shankman:

• Email: [email protected]

• Podcast: Faster Than Normal

  Do you know anyone who is doing wonderful things with #ADHD or their neurodivergent brain?

  We would love to have them on to learn how they are using their #neurodiversity to their advantage. Shoot me an email and we will get them booked! My link tree is here if you're looking for something specific. https://linktr.ee/petershankman