THE MAG EXTRA - EDITION TWO

 

Introduction 

Welcome to THE MAG EXTRA which is packed with news, reviews, previews and feature articles. There’s everything from basketball to comics and artwork to panto (oh yes there is) so I hope you find this an enjoyable and informative read.

There''s big news now about future plans for THE MAG. The past few weeks have been so busy with lots of new support/social groups and charities being added to my listings. There’s over 60 at the last count and the number keeps on growing. Therefore, THE MAG can’t be seen as just a blog anymore.  

The edition that goes online at the end of August will be a directory of local services.. Not only will it have an LGBTQ+ section, there is also coverage of other areas in East and West Sussex. That actually begins in this MAG EXTRA. Welcome to our new readers from those areas.

Listings are so important and they need to be done right, so excuse me if there’s a little bit of a delay in getting them published.

Remember, with what I produce, it’s not just a case of writing a name, website and a few lines about what they do. That is important in spreading awareness, but I want to tell you more than that, and that’s just what I will do.

When the MAG SERVICES CENTRE is published, rather than publishing fresh editions, the document that goes online will be continually updated, so it’ll be a great idea to keep on visiting it to see what’s new.

That’s not all though because on its way is the MAG BUSINESS CENTRE. I have over 50 entries so far and that number can only grow in the future. Like the service directory,  it will be continually updated, so once new businesses or events are confirmed, they will be added to the list. If you have a business that you would like to have included in the directory, please email me at mageditoruk@gmail.com and remember there’s no charge at all for this.

On the way are two special editions on parenting and young people. They’ll be online in September and October. We already have some exceptional content for those, Again, email me if you would like to be included in those special editions. 

Thanks for reading these blogs, now on with the show. I’d make a cuppa if I were you, because there’s lots to read, actually it’s probably best to have a flask on hand.

The Brighton Squawk 

                         

If you want to keep in touch with the many events that are taking place in Brighton & Hove, subscribe to The Brighton Squawk. 

Their newsletter is packed with information with a Brighton Bulletin, Community Corner, Worth a Bite, Property Pick, a lengthy What's On Guide, and a Trivia Titbit all completely free. It's sent out every Tuesday and Friday.  THE MAG was given a lovely write-up in their Community Corner section earlier this week and I really appreciate that.   

Leo Baker

You will have noticed that we have a logo now. Don't for a second think that I designed it (and others for THE MAG and THE MAG EXTRA) as that's just not a task I can perform. Credit for the logos and our business card goes to Leo Baker who is "a beginner graphic designer studying sports management at university" and created the logos for me free of charge. 

He is open to doing "a variety of graphic design work for everyone throughout multiple different industries."  Email him at leobaker1409@gmail.com.

Contents

• Events Update
• In Review
• Business Spotlight
• ADHD:  Designing Your New Scaffold by Dr Claire Stubbs
• Group Profiles
• The Recovery College
• Let's All Talk Mental Health
• LGBTQ+ Section
• The Diagnosis Den
• The News Centre
• On the Bookshelf - supported by Waterstones Brighton
• Youth Section
• The Great ADHD Myth?
• It's Christmas......Well Nearly
• A Neurodiverent Sporting Life
  
• Comic Corner including Brighton & Hove Comic Con 2026 N
• An Autistic/ADHD Life Online

Events Update

Amazing Futures helps young people in Sussex who are aged between 14 and 25 who are neurodivergent, disabled or have any kind of additional needs. It is a project run by the charity Amaze Eligibility.  On August 27 it’s Youth Voice Day at Community Base in Queen’s Street, Brighton. More about this later in the MAG EXTRA.

The next BANG event will take place at Puzzle Bored in New Road on Friday September 4th between 6pm and 8pm with free admission. The venue also holds several other events, including Gay and Tonic on September 12th between 10.30am and 1.30pm. The same group are at the Redroaster in St James’s Street the following day from midday to 3pm.

The Lonely Club meets every Sunday between 12pm and 4pm at the JustLife Hub in London Road, Brighton. Congratulations to organiser Lara on the recent birth of her daughter. Those ‘sleepless nights’ you talk about must be totally worth it.

mASCot have a pub meet at the Temple Bar at 121 Western Road, Brighton BN1 2AD on Thursday September 10 from 7pm to 11pm.

The Brighton Neurodiversity Community (BNC) has a busy month ahead of them. There’s a BIPOC Social at the Modelo Lounge in Hove on August 26th between 6 and 9pm.  Two days later there’s a Not-So-Sober Social at Charles St Tap. It’ll be a sad occasion as the venue is soon to close its doors for the final time. The social takes place between 6 and 9pm.

September begins with a Sober Social at the Modelo Lounge. This is on the 2nd between 6 and 9pm. That’s also the running time for the Puzzle Bored Social on September 9. With Charles St Tap closed, September’s Not-So-Sober Social will take place at North Laine Brewhouse from 6-9pm on the 25th. Bookings are being taken for their Prom at the  Railway Inn in Portslade on October 10, starting at 8pm running to 11.30pm.

BAM had a well-deserved break in August. They return in September with BAM holding their monthly meeting at the Friends House on September 29 from 5 to 7pm. 

Amaze holds a number of parent support groups in our area where "you can meet other people who 'just get it.'  They are free, friendly spaces and all parent carers are "very welcome" to attend. For more information go to this events page. 

September 6 sees the Queer Birding Group holding a birdwatching social from 10.30am. In the morning they will be going to the Adur Estuary and then in the afternoon, Mill Hill. Those attending can stay as long or as little as they want with new members always welcome. 

Adhoc Autistics Activity Group continues to hold a weekly meet-up at the North Star every Wednesday from 11pm to 1am. On August 27th they announced a new meet-up at the Ledward Centre on Thursdays at 4pm.

The Carousel Chorus are at the Community Access Scheme Open Day in Wakehurst on Thursday August 27 between 11am and 3pm. They hold their next Rock House event on Monday September 14 from 7-9.30pm at The Green Door Store at 4 Trafalgar Arches, Brighton, BN1 4FQ. The excellent news is that Rock House has been nominated in the Outsanding Project Award category in the Youth Music Awards.

The Ledward Centre at 14a Jubilee Street is open again on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with an excellent cafe. They also hold community events and The Clare Project have weekly meetings of their Neurodivergent Group there every Monday between 2.30 and 4.30pm. On Sundays, the Village Metropolitan Church (MCC) holds a service there from 6pm.

Grace Ayre are holding their 2026 Artist Open House Exhibition on September 26 and 27. This is part of the Worthing Art Trial and takes place from 12pm to 4pm at Grace Eyre, 53 Rowlands Road, Worthing BN11 3JR.

The work on show will include mosaics, print, painting, textiles, collage and drawings. All of them have been made by artists that have learning disabilities as well as autistic adults with artwork and affordable items available to purchase.

At Community Base (South Wing) in Queen’s Road, Brighton BN1 3XG, there is a monthly Check-In and Check Out drop-in session for people with a learning disability who receive fewer than six hours’ support a week.  This takes place on the fourth Thursday of the month.between 1:30pm and 3:30pm. launching in September. 

This is the chance to meet friends, have a cuppa, play pool and ask any health and well-being questions you may have. You can come on your own or be accompanied by a friend or family member.

Inside Out  are holding their next ADHD Women’s Meet-Up at Horsham Park on Friday August 28 at 10.30am. Whether a diagnosis has been received or you believe that you have ADHD, you’re very welcome to attend. Their meetings are free and “offer a safe, supportive space to connect with other women who truly understand.” The meet-up will consist of going on a walk in the park and then have a chat over a cuppa.  More details on their Facebook page.

The latest editon of Neurodiversity News is now online. This is published by the East Sussex Autism Partnership Board and is a quarterly publication. It's a very good read, so give it a look, finish this one first though lol.

Helen Morris-Davies from Practical Wisdom has a new exciting project. Eight people are being sought by her to take part in a six week beta starting in October. Helen is well aware that there is “a splattering of neurodivergent traits across different areas.” That has led her to want to “explore the whole picture together.”  It will “use ND Navigator to explore ADHD, autistic and dyslexic traits, alongside things like anxiety and trauma, and then actually make sense of what comes back.” 

Helen adds; “This isn’t about collecting more labels. It’s about understanding YOU.” Her  coaching and use of practical strategies along with 38 years of nursing experience will be put to good use. This costs £197, for more information contact Helen on her Facebook page.  Helen is a busy lady as you will see below.

Mental Health & Wellbeing Network Launch

There’s a major event being held  on Friday September 4 with the Mental Health & Wellbeing Network being launched in Brighton.

This takes place at  Project Nile House, Nile St, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1HW from 11am to 1pm. It's being launche by Helen Morris-Davies and Dawn Evans.  Dawn is the CEO of Ajuda Training Services who "provide accredited training courses from our academy in Wales through to the rest of the UK and Europe."

The Mental Health & Wellbeing Network is “a growing movement of professionals, advocates and leaders who are keen to support mental health and wellbeing in workplaces and communities.”

Those who join the Network will want to be professionals who want to be “changing the way the UK thinks, talks, and acts around wellbeing.”  Tickets for the launch event cost £13.55 and you can also join their Facebook page.

You can sign-up to become a member at this link. Membership costs £375 plus VAT and for that you will get 6 In-Person events, 6 Online Networking events,  a private members community, helpful tools and resources, exclusive discounts and speaker opportunities

Struggling with Procrastination? By Sunita Shier

Participate in a focus group to hear about and shape the development of a new parallel working/ bodydoubling service, designed to help people like us, struggling with life admin/ tasks/ procrastination. Participation is free but please book a place in advance as numbers are limited.

This takes place on Tuesday 25 August from 7pm to 9pm at The Foyer in Pelham Street, Brighton BN1 4FA. To make your booking or for further details, please email  sunitashier0@gmail.com to book a place or for further details. 

Oska Bright

A visit to the Carousel site will see you finding out more about the Oska Bright Film Festival. The next one isn't taking place until 2028 but submissions are already being taken. The organisers of this Brighton event told me more about its history.

"Oska Bright is the world’s leading festival for films made by or featuring people with learning disabilities or autism. It was founded in 2004 by a group of learning disabled filmmakers frustrated at having nowhere to show their work. Starting as a one-day celebration, the festival has since grown hugely in size and impact.

 Our last edition in March 2026 featured over 100 films across six days at Brighton Dome, across the city and online. Alongside showcasing incredible films, the festival boasts a public programme of panel discussions, artist Q&As, workshops and networking events at our Industry Day.

With less than 5% of disabled people working in the UK film industry, we are driven to make change happen.

Our next festival will take place in 2028 and we will be touring Oska Bright 2026 films around the UK over the next year, sign up to our mailing list via our website to be kept in the loop about upcoming events.

It was founded in 2004 by a group of learning disabled filmmakers frustrated at having nowhere to show their work. Starting as a one-day celebration, the festival has since grown hugely in size and impact.

Our last edition in March 2026 featured over 100 films across 6 days at Brighton Dome, across the city and online. Alongside showcasing incredible films, the festival boasts a public programme of panel discussions, artist Q&As, workshops and networking events at our Industry Day.

The Ageing Well Festival

The Ageing Well Festival in Brighton and Hove is being organised by Impact Initiatives. A whole host of events is taking place from September 25 to October 9 with full information online and in brochures that can be seen in public libraries in the city.

Events include everything from a trip to the Toy and Model Museum, beer tasting, chair yoga, open bus tours around the city, a big band swing night, disco, line dancing, painting and Swedish Death Cleaning.  More about the festival in our sports and LGBTQ sections.

Simon Budden – Celebration of his Life - 6th September 2026 by Martin J Bunker

We’re very sad to share that Simon Budden passed away recently following his battle with cancer.

Simon was a long-standing volunteer with the ADHD peer support groups and had been part of our community for many years. He attended countless groups and events and was well known and much loved by many people in the community. He will be greatly missed by all of us who knew him.

In order to try to fulfil his wish, we’re organising a gathering on Hove Beach, to remember Simon, and come together as a community to celebrate his life.

📅 Sunday 6 September

🕐 1pm

📍 Hove Beach (in line with the Peace Statue)*

*Or, if weather is bad the Brunswick Pub

We will be also be trying to raise money for Martletts Hospice as they made Simon welcome very comfortable in his final days.

Everyone who knew Simon is very welcome to join us along with other members of our local community.

Please bring your own food and refreshments.

For more information and to leave tributes, messages and/or photos - you can join the WhatsApp group here.

In Review - Looking Back at a very busy month

The past month has been a hectic one for the local neurodivergent scene in Brighton & Hove. With Neurodiverse-city, then ADHD Experience 8 - Take 2 and last weekend, the autistic mental health conference all taking place, it’s great to see the scene so vibrant and busy. Time therefore to take a look back at these three events.

Let’s start with Neurodiverse-city that was held on August 7. During the day, the neurodivergent community and their allies took over part of New Road and the Unitarian Church. Stalls aplenty showing what support is available for our community and some excellent local companies such as Hand in Hand Holidays and Gloji.

The daytime was full of everything from dancing to a silent disco. It was important that those attending conserved their energy because there was a big night ahead. From 5pm, the action moved to the Unitarian Church and an excellent concert was staged.

Having two left feet, I was so proud of the young dancers with learning disabilities who entertained us. We’ll have more about Echo Performing Arts and Family Thing in future editions. There was one girl in the audience who didn’t need much encouragement (if any) to get up and dance like crazy. I bet she slept well that night.

This was such a varied show, illustrating just how talented our community can be.  Performers such as Polly Parton, Shelley Gates, J&G, Daniel Wakeford and headliners Strenuous kept us entertained throughout the show

Congratulations to Grace Eyre and Purple Productions for their tireless work on Neurodiverse-city. Writing about the event, Jenny Good commented

“WHAT A DAY! Thank you so much to everyone who came to and made our first Neurodiverse-city happen last Friday. We loved celebrating ALL our different minds! We danced, played, learnt and won prizes in the sunshine on New Road, Brighton and inside the Unitarian Church and Puzzle Bored, with the fun also going on into the evening. 

Thanks especially to our Purple Productions events team, as well as to all the partners, volunteers and everyone else who came along!  Roll on next year!”

Next up was ADHD Experience 8 - Take 2 at the Brunswick in Hove.  Memo to self,  check out exactly where the venue is. I walked here, there and everywhere to find that pub on a hot day. Don’t tell my cardiologist.  It was well worth finally working out where the venue is as this was one of the most entertaining nights I’ve had in ages.

A bit frustrating too as it showed me what I’ve been missing thanks to my late diagnosis. Organised and hosted by Suzi Payton (a close friend of Polly Parton who appeared later), this was an action-packed evening of talks and some hilarious comedy.

Particular highlights were Jess Nicks as she showed us just how to debitch our brain. Look out for Jess when she returns to the Brunswick with her one-woman show on October 4.

David Gray-Hammond (more of whom in a moment) was again in good form as he spoke to the packed audience about mental health and how it’s the world that needs to change, not the neurodivergent community.

Darren Goodwin brought the house down with his comedy routine, no wonder he is their resident comedian. Then it was the turn of headliners Pearl & Dean and poor Edward on the front row will probably never be the same again as he grabbed the attention of Peter Pearl and Marsha Dean didn’t exactly try to discourage him.  With some saucy showbiz stories and a guest appearance by Polly Parton, this was great fun.

This really was a great evening and thanks to Suzi for giving THE MAG a good plug too. That’s always appreciated.

That was held on August 13 and the following day saw the start of the three-day Autistic Mental Health Conference take place. Two days were online with one in-person event in Coldean and organised by NeuroHub Community Ltd.  I put my ADHD to good use over the three days. There I was working on laptop one, while watching the conference on my other laptop.

Being recently diagnosed (I may have mentioned that a few million times), this was another key part of the learning curve that I am on, my voyage of discovery.

The three days proved to be an informative and emotional experience for all who attended the conference. So much was learned over those three days and I’ll be getting in touch with some of the speakers (some I have already covered) to feature them in future editions.

One of the highlights was the talk on masking by Ava McAuley. I’ve been masking for years but had never known I was doing it, or even heard of the term until my diagnosis. Her talk told those watching so much about the subject.

That was the theme of the weekend really. Experts talking about a wide range of subjects about mental health. Ed Shearer (from Neurodivergent Joy) was again one of the most emotional speakers as he told us about the incredible life he has led in recent years. Author Erin Ekins was also a highlight as she spoke about her books which we will be reviewing next month.

David Gray-Hammond was as entertaining and informative as ever. Karen Parker’s talk on the problems autistic children have at school was excellent, as was Nikki Smith.  This really was a great conference, I can’t wait for next year.

Writing about the conference, NeuroHub Community commented:  “A three-day, international, hybrid conference. Dr Nick Walker remarked to themselves that something like this would have seemed out of reach 20 years ago. But we did it, it happened, and the impact seems to be something really special. Thank you to everyone who attended and made it so special. We hope that despite some of the technical hiccups and things we will learn from for the future, this was a really good experience for you.”

Business Spotlight

THE MAG BUSINESS CENTRE will arrive online in September. This is a particular pet project of mine and it’s so important. No business will ever be charged a penny to be included and I will always be totally willing to publish plenty of information about the businesses included.  After all, THE MAG is the home of detailed nformation. As a taster, here’s a look at three businesses who will be included.

Amica Collective Speed Friending

The first autstic related programme I watched after my diagnosis was 'Love on the Spectrum.' That did include several speed dating events that sometmes went well and sometimes didn't. What we're about to tell you about is a little bit different from that, but how?

Organiser  Emma told me more about her events. They were started “as a simple way to gather together people in a slightly different way.” Her view is that it is “a relaxed, fun version of speed dating.” How does it differ?  Well, Emma explained that it is “slower and all about making new friends instead of finding romance.”  Those attending can have “genuine conversations, share some laughs, and hopefully leave with a few new connections.”

Her vision is to see the Speed Friending Events “bring people together with a shared purpose of making new friends to try to help liberate people from loneliness and isolation.”

How does it all work?  Well, you have 8-10 minutes to chat to each person before rotation takes place. There are breaks in between for drinks and some casual conversation. Then there’s a “relaxed wrap-up” at the end “with time to mingle further.”

Their next event is in Worthing at The Thomas A Becket from 7:15pm to 10pm. Tickets cost from £11.55. Keep an eye out for her future Brighton events.

For more information go to their website or Facebook page.

 

Craftsbymaddy

Hello, I’m Maddy. I am a self taught crafter and artist. I have a  business called  Craftsbymaddy making the most adorable handmade items from crocheted toys , keyrings ,  scrunchies , hand stitched tote bags,  pencil bags, handmade pottery coasters, trinket dishes, Christmas themed hanging ornaments, calligraphy cards , mini oil canvas paintings with easels as well as painted pebbles and much more! 

I have autism, OCD and dyspraxia. I have found that starting this business has given me the opportunity to regain my self confidence which was broken after receiving bullying in school. It has also given me the opportunity to write an article in 2023  encouraging all people with autism that they shouldn’t be ashamed of their autism and learn to embrace it as I have done through doing this business.

 I hope that my business continues to inspire all people to do what makes them happy no matter what people say!! . My article can be found on my Facebook page Craftsbymaddy.

All my items are UKCA safety tested. They’re made to last and be loved. I also do custom orders as well. If you would like a custom order please don’t hesitate to contact me!  Check out my Etsy store for more of my items. 

Rebekah’s Art

Rebekah Rose is a contemporary autistic artist who is based in London.  Her work at Rebekah's Art offers a “unique and expressive view of the world through art.”  The website states that Rebekah is “inspired by the grace of cats, the soul of dogs, and the intelligence of rats.”

Some of her work includes some gorgeous looking compact mirrors and keyrings. Go to this link to see them. Also look out for her snap cards and jigsaws for cat, dog and rat lovers.

There’s free UK delivery and even better news is that 10% of sales are donated by Rebekah to the National Autistic Society. 

An open studio event is being held on September 27 at 145 Wentworth Road in London NW11 0RJ.. Rebekah would particularly like members of the autistic community to attend this event. This is a perfect opportunity to explore her collection of original artwork, ceramics, canvases, jewellery, prints and greeting cards, compact mirrors and bags.

This event  runs from 12pm to 8pm. The nearest tube station to the studio is Golders Green on the Northern Line. There will be music and refreshments in a “positively autistic space.”  

ADHD:  Designing Your New Scaffold by Dr Claire Stubbs

Dr Claire Stubbs is a Chartered Counselling Psychologist specialising in ADHD, trauma, attachment and neurodiversity. Her work integrates neuroscience, Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment theory and practical approaches to executive functioning, helping people better understand their brains and build lives that work with them rather than against them.

Based in Eastbourne, September sees Claire launching ‘ADHD: Designing Your New Scaffold’, an eight-week therapeutic programme for adults with ADHD. What’s this all about? Claire explains below.

What if the problem isn't you? What if it's the scaffold? By Dr Claire Stubbs, Chartered Counselling Psychologist

As a psychologist working with adults with ADHD, I've noticed something interesting. People rarely come to therapy because they don't know what they should be doing. They already know.

They know they need to pay the bill. Reply to the email. Book the appointment. Start the assignment. Fold the washing. Leave the house earlier. Go to bed earlier. The problem isn't usually knowledge. The problem is that life can ask an extraordinary amount of a brain that's already working incredibly hard.

For years, I've listened to adults describe themselves as lazy, disorganised, inconsistent or "just not very good at adulting." Yet when we begin to explore their lives together, a very different picture emerges.I don't see people who aren't trying. I see people who have been trying harder than most of us could imagine.

Behind every forgotten appointment is often a mind juggling a hundred competing demands. Behind the missed deadline is frequently someone who has spent hours desperately trying to begin. Behind the outward appearance of being "high functioning" is often a nervous system held together by relentless effort.  The invisible work of living with ADHD is immense.

Over the years, I've become less interested in asking, "How can we help people become more organised?" and much more interested in asking a different question. How do I build a life that asks less of a brain that's already working so hard? That question changed everything. 

The scaffold.

I started thinking about ADHD through the metaphor of a scaffold. Every building needs one while it's being constructed. A scaffold provides support, stability and access while the real structure is taking shape.

As therapists, we often talk about building lives that work for us. But what if many adults with ADHD have already built an incredibly sophisticated scaffold? The problem isn't that there isn't one. The problem is what it's been built from.

Many of the adults I meet have unintentionally built scaffolds using materials such as shame, fear, hypervigilance, adrenaline, perfectionism, over-functioning, self-criticism and constant proving.

These are remarkable building materials if your goal is survival.  And they can be very costly, often because they are built by the younger parts of ourselves who carry the wounds.  

The scaffold works. Until it doesn't.

It gets people through school, university, careers and parenthood. It helps them meet deadlines, remember responsibilities and keep everyone else happy. And it comes at a cost.

Many people describe feeling permanently exhausted, as though every ordinary day requires extraordinary effort. The question, then, isn't whether the scaffold works. It's whether it's sustainable.

Who has been building your scaffold? As my work developed, another question began to emerge. Who has been building your scaffold all this time?

Internal Family Systems (IFS) offers a beautiful way of understanding this. Rather than seeing ourselves as one fixed personality, it suggests that we all have different parts of ourselves, each trying to help in their own way.

Perhaps your perfectionist has been doing the building. Perhaps it's the part that never wants to let anyone down. Perhaps it's the part that discovered fear and adrenaline were the only reliable ways to get started. Perhaps it's the part that believes rest has to be earned.

When we begin to see these strategies as protective rather than problematic, something shifts.Instead of asking, "What's wrong with me?" we begin asking, "What has this part been trying so hard to protect?" That change in perspective is often deeply relieving. Because suddenly, years of exhaustion begin to make sense.

From builder to architect

One of the most important distinctions I've come to make is between the builder and the architect. Our protective parts are extraordinary builders. They build with whatever materials are available. Sometimes those materials are anxiety, perfectionism or self-criticism because, at some point in life, those were the materials that helped us survive.

I don't believe we begin healing by criticising the builder. We begin by thanking them. They got us here. But builders don't usually decide the blueprint.That's the architect's role.

For me, therapy is about helping people gradually move from lives designed by survival to lives designed with intention. Not by getting rid of protective parts. Not by expecting the ADHD brain to suddenly become neurotypical.

Yet by understanding the brain we have, recognising the strategies we've relied upon, and beginning to intentionally build a different kind of scaffold. One based on understanding rather than shame. On support rather than constant proving.On flexibility rather than perfection.On self-compassion rather than self-criticism.

A different question

Much of the advice given to people with ADHD focuses on becoming more productive, more organised or more efficient. Those things certainly have their place. And I wonder whether we sometimes begin in the wrong place. Perhaps before we ask how someone organises their life, we first need to understand the brain that's trying to organise it.

Perhaps before we introduce another strategy, we need to ask what burden their nervous system has been carrying for years. Perhaps before we encourage people to work harder, we need to help life ask less of them. Because I don't believe the goal is to become better at coping with ADHD. I think the goal is to create a life that requires less coping in the first place.

Designing a new scaffold

These ideas have gradually evolved into an eight-week therapeutic programme that I've called ADHD: Designing Your New Scaffold.Bringing together neuroscience, attachment theory, Internal Family Systems and practical approaches to executive functioning, the programme invites people to understand not only what has been difficult, but why. 

Together, we'll explore the protective strategies that have helped them survive, while beginning to build a personalised scaffold that works with the way their brain naturally functions. Because perhaps the most compassionate question we can ask isn't: "How do I try harder?" 

It's this:

"How do I build a life that asks less of a brain that's already working so hard?" And perhaps that's where something genuinely new can begin.

Group Profiles

An important part of the expansion of THE MAG is the way it has spread to areas outside of Brighton & Hove. We will be including details of groups and businesses from areas such as Eastbourne, Worthing, Crawley, Horsham and Hailsham to name but a few. Below we have news about some groups that haven’t previously been covered by us and as you will see, they are doing a lot to help our community.

Sussex Friendship Group

Are you looking to make friends? Sussex Friendship is the brainchild of Daniel Horton. Here he tells us a bit more about what it does.

"Basically I set this up 3 years ago to try and find some friends! it is basically a platform for young people who are high functioning autistic or similar or struggle to make and form friendships, to give them a safe place to meet others who are similar. It is not in any way a charity nor a dating site!! it is just a place to connect people. I do organise trips out every month but the hope is that people come out on a day out and then get on well with others and swap numbers to make some friendships."

Contact Daniel on sussexfriendshipgroup@gmail.com.

Hailsham & East Sussex ADHD Support CIC

Nic Gray founded this CIC and she isn’t just doing lots to help our community, she’s also a very brave woman. On  November 28, Nic is raising money for the group by jumping out of a plane. Just the thought of it makes me a bit queasy, mind you it’s over 50 years since I’ve been on a plane.

It’ll take just 40 seconds of freefall for Nic to descend 12,000 feet, no wonder she writes “I’m terrified.”

The group was founded because Nic was “sick of watching adults fall through the cracks,” now she’s going to fall to the ground in November. The work Nic does needs funding,so that is why this event is so important to her and the community.

As Nic writes “If my ADHD brain can talk itself into a skydive, your brain can tap "donate.”  Pay a visit now to this  Link to gofundme page. We have some more exciting news about them later in this blog.

Chalk on the South Downs

One of the joys of this job is finding new groups. The organisers of Chalk on the South Downs sent me this information about what they do.

“We set up the CiC last year with the idea of offering accessible wellness in nature. We strongly believe in the healing power of nature and quickly realised that we wanted to be working with Neurodivergence and burn out, particularly in perimenopausal women, although we will aim to extend this out to other groups too as time goes on. We recognise that there is a massive gap in getting a diagnosis, what happens after that diagnosis and ongoing support. All of these things are lacking. 

One of us is an integrative therapist working with neurodivergence and grief which lends a safety to our clients, being trauma informed and able to hold space. 

At the moment we offer monthly hikes (their most recent one was held on August 23), a catch up over tea and optional Sauna and hope to open up the space we have here to other groups who would like to experience nature but not necessarily alone.

In the future we are looking to get funding so that we can offer lower cost therapies and events including hikes, yoga, sound or sauna.”  Look out for more information in future editions.

The Neuro Affirming Network

The Neuro Affirming Network is neurodivergent (and diagnosed) owned and staffed. Their mission  “make sure that every family has the opportunity to have their individual needs met and become part of the community.”   Anna told me that she is “looking to bring some allies together to make events frequent, make support more accessible and keep our services sustainable for all.”

Their services include child-led 1:1 and small group tuition with qualified teachers and support for children unable to attend mainstream, including EOTAS/EBSA and EHE. Spaces are available for Mondays and Wednesdays. More information on their website.

While she is “growing alternative provisions for neurodivergent children out of mainstream education, “ it is parents that Anna spends the most time with.  Anna is late diagnosed and her child has a dual diagnosis. Recent years have seen her battle the SEND “system” to “achieve basic adaptations.”

On August 22 they held an open day at  Cafe Creation which is at St Nicholas Hall at Saltdean Vale, Saltdean BN2 8HA. There was lots to do with  free activities including  Ball Park, giant jenga, colossal connect four and a pottery painting session.

Writing about the event, Anna wrote: "THANK YOU to everyone that joined us today for our open day.It was so heartwarming to witness you all sharing space with one another. Excellent networking between independent businesses, incredible community connections made and beautiful moments with our children who just truly making us all proud."

Anna is determined to “drive affirming environments and market events” so is in touch with her local councillor and MP.  You can find out more about The Neuro-Affirming Network on their Facebook page. 

Neurodivergent Sussex

Time to find out about Neurodivergent Sussex from Caroline Langford who is an academic, educator and late-diagnosed. Caroline also writes some excellent blogs for the Neurodivergent Sussex site.

"Neurodivergent Sussex is a community group based in Eastbourne, bringing neurodivergent people together through walking, talking and connecting in some of the beautiful natural landscapes of East Sussex. The group creates a relaxed, welcoming space where people can meet others who understand their experiences, build friendships and enjoy the benefits of being outdoors, without the pressure to mask or fit into traditional social settings."

On Saturday September 26, they are going on a foraging Walk in Park Wood, Hellingly. This runs from 12pm to 3pm and is described on their website as a "relaxed wellbeing and inclusive walk. You will have the opportunity to learn about edible plants, berries, fungi and more.  They also have Instagram and Facebook pages.

Unmasking Together Sussex

Unmasking Together Sussex was created by Rachael Small following her “late ADHD/autism diagnosis journey.”  Rachael saw “the need for a safe, supportive space for neurodivergent adults.”

Unmasking Together Sussex is based in Horsham and  “supports adults across Sussex with exploring their neurodivergence and offers connection, shared experiences, resources and guidance. Our aim is to reduce isolation and remind people they are not alone.”

You can find out more about them on their Facebook page or send an email to unmaskingtogethersussex@outlook.com

September will see their first ADHD Clarity Sessions being held. This will be a safe space for adults who are newly diagnosed, exploring ADHD, waiting for answers and trying to understand themselves better. The sessions will give those participating the chance to explore their experiences, understand their ADHD traits and “find strategies that work for your brain.” The courses are : ADHD, Women & Hormones — 5 Session Journey, ADHD Clarity Session - One Off, Understanding RSD — One Off and  Understanding RSD — 5 Session Journey. Contact them for more details. 

Also available from Unmasking Together is a free guide "for women who've ever thought: “Why can't I just…?” Why can't I reply to that message?  Why am I SO sensitive? Why does everything seem harder than it should?  IS IT ADHD… OR AM I JUST EXHAUSTED?"

Rachael describes it as a "short, friendly guide about ADHD, masking, hormones & self-understanding. Basically… a cuppa and a chat, but in PDF form. It's available here or by emailing them.

Don’t Forget the Recovery College Open Day

The autumn term at the Recovery College in Brighton is on its way. An Open Day is being held at the Brighthelm Centre, North Road, BN1 1YD on Wednesday September 9 from 11am to 3pm. This is being run on a drop-in basis  so you can turn up at any time that suits you.

The Open Day gives potential students the chance to chat to trainers and students about the work of the Recovery College. It is also of course your opportunity to register your interest in signing up for their upcoming courses and workshops. If you need some extra support, there are Buddies who have experience of mental health challenges available to talk to.

Enrolment for their autumn courses is possible from the ninth. An online form will soon be available on their website.

The new term runs from Monday September 28 to Friday December 11. Courses at the Recovery College are free and they are provided in partnership with the Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.

There is a whole range of courses available at the Recovery College. They are “designed and delivered by people with lived experience of mental health challenges (Peer Trainers), together with clinical staff and other professionals.”

Of particular interest may be the Understanding Autism course. This offers students “a brief overview of common strengths associated with autism, alongside differences that can become challenging when navigating sensory and social environments.”

The course will “explore autistic friendly strategies and reasonable adjustments to help manage feelings of overwhelm and support wellbeing.” It will look at some of the common everyday challenges that are faced by those who are autistic. In addition, the course will show students how to recognise the personal signs of stress that are associated with social and sensory overwhelm.  Then it will use “a variety of autistic-friendy strategies on a daily basis to promote wellbeing.”

The Recovery College website says that the course is “appropriate to autistic people, individuals who think they may be autistic, family members, carers and professionals.”

Also at the Recovery College, there is their Autism and Employment course. The description of this course says that “autistic people have one of the lowest employment rates in the UK. However, if given the right level of support, autistic people can be “up to 30% more productive” than those who are neurotypical.

This Recovery College course will teach its students practical strategies that will help you to “enter employment and thrive at work.”  Subjects covered will include transferable skills and autistic strengths. Advice will also be given on how to make a job application and writing cover letters and CVs. The interview process will also be covered as well as community support, reasonable adjustments and self-care at work.

This will help students “identify and understand” their “unique workplace strengths and challenges.”  They will also understand  how to “identify and apply for suitable roles,” and “be aware of the support that is available in the workplace and “how to access it and advocate for yourself at work.”

The course is suitable for autistic people who are looking to start a new job or discover more information about support and strategies that will help them maintain their current  employment. Parents, carers and professionals who work with autistic people and would also like to discover more about autism in the workplace.

Let’s All Talk Mental Health

Bottling up your feelings is never a good idea, especially when it concerns your mental health. Let’s All Talk Mental Health has been created because of that fact.  Information from leading experts is available to help support parents and carers of teenagers who are having problems with their mental health.

Their service is designed to “be your ongoing support system giving you the tools you need for every step of that journey. They have a free webinar that will give great assistance to autistic teenagers.

Then you can begin subscribing with them for just £5 a month. You will have access to an on-demand library. There are 30+  live sessions held throughout the year with audience Q&A. Subjects covered include sessions on related topics such as navigating school refusal, building social confidence and managing anxiety. 

Weekly sessions take place with leading UK clinicians. You will be able to ask specific questions while remaining anonymous and receive personal insights.

In addition, there are downloadable factsheets. They “provide clear, practical strategies for the moments you need them most.” you can choose either monthly, six or 12 monthly subscriptions.  More information on their Facebook page.

LGBTQ+ SECTION

Introduction

It was 29 years ago when I launched THE MAG and in those days it was an LGBTQ+ publication. Yes, it was a cheap looking black and white magazine that went into venues in areas such as Portsmouth, Southampton, Bournemouth, Chichester and Brighton. You do need to have a good memory to remember it, but it meant the world to me just like this does now. Cheap but not nasty and the information about local support and social groups was so important. 

Now it’s 2026 and a very different version of THE MAG exists. We have already included LGBTQ+ coverage, but now it steps up a level or too.  It’s almost like having a MAG inside a MAG for me.

It’s been a roller-coaster of a month for the LGBTQ+ scene in Brighton. The highs of Brighton & Hove Pride came at the start of the month. The streets were jam-packed and you certainly couldn’t walk in a straight line.  Then came the news of the imminent closure of Charles St. Tap and R-Bar. That’s going to leave a massive hole in the scene and the seafront in particular. It’s a difficult time financially for all of us and we do need to support the remaining venues to ensure further closures don’t take place. Now let’s take a look at some local businesses and events to look forward to.

Alchymis

Alchymis is run by the wife-and-wife team of Caitlin Barlow-VanMeter and Cheshire Lane. Caitlin is a practising master herbalist and student of psychology, and Cheshire is a passionate healthcare advocate. Both of us are neurodivergent and queer, and we bring that experience into our practice. 

Alchymis is not just a shop, it's a wellness space. We encourage people to visit us, and ask questions about herbalism, healthcare, wellness, and how to incorporate these into their daily lives, with no pressure to buy. We want to build a community home dedicated to mental, physical, and spiritual health and wellness! 

Caitlin works one-on-one with people looking to improve their mental fortitude and physical wellness, while Cheshire runs workshops devoted to crystal healing and meditation, helping small groups relax their nervous systems in a safe and inclusive space. You can check out our herbal products online at www.alchymis.co.uk, but we would love to see you visit in-person: 3 Bank Chambers, Preston Circus, Brighton, BN1 4JQ.  

Ageing Well Festival

The Ageing Well Festival is full of great events to attend. On September 27, there’s a chance to find out about Schools Out and their LGBT projects. This is from 2 to 4pm at The Old Cat House. You can pay as you feel as long as it’s between £4 and £11. 

Also there’s a Trans, non-binary and intersex sauna session at Yoyo Yard Sauna on October 1 from 5pm to 6pm.  A trans only swimming session is being held at the Sport and Health Complex at University of Brighton from 1pm to 3pm on October 4. 

Then on the 7th, Lunch Positive are holding: "Wellbeing Together -A Celebration" at the Ledward Centre from 6pm to 9pm.

This is desribed as "An enjoyable supper for people living with HIV over 50, valuing our shared lived experience and support for each other. Everyone living with HIV is welcome."  It's a free drop-in.

Brighton LGBT History Documentary

Have you got a story to tell about the history of the LGBT community in Brighton & Hove?  If so, then Tobias Rose is interested in interviewing you on camera for a documentary he and a friend are making.  He is particularly interested in the SGLF’s first pickets/demonstrations that took place in the early 1970s. The interviews are scheduled to take place on September 12. For more information contact him on his Facebook page.  

MindOut: LGBTQ Mental Health Support

If you are looking to get help with your mental health, MindOut offer a range of services. They kindly sent THE MAG information abouut how they help the LGBT community.

"MindOut is a mental health service run by and for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and queer (LGBTQ) people. We work to improve the mental health and wellbeing of all LGBTQ communities and to make mental health a community concern.

We provide safe, inclusive, and confidential support for LGBTQ people through:

• Advocacy (Brighton & Hove only)
• Peer support groups
• Online live chat
• Telephone Befriending
• Peer mentoring
• Low cost counselling

You can call them on  0300 772 9855 or email  info@mindout.org.uk.

MindOut for Laughs

MindOut for Laughs takes place in the Komedia Basement on Thursday September 3 getting underway at 7:30pm (doors 6:30pm) The show is being hosted by drag star Ophelia Payne and also appearing will be Kaye-Luke, Tayris Mongardi, Cherry Bomb and Scott Nichol.

The event will raise money for MindOut. Loaded Fries tickets cost £24, Standard Ticket £18 and Concession Tickets £10. A £2 fee will also be charged.

BRIGHTON DYKE PRIDE 2026

On Saturday September 5, it’s  Brighton’s very first Dyke Pride. It’s being held between 1pm and 8pm in St Ann’s Wells Park. This is an event a little bit more like the Prides that used to be held back in the day and it won’t cost you a fortune to attend as admission is free, though donations are welcomed.

The organisers have set out to create an event that is “fully trans-inclusive, accessible, cross-generational, and community-owned.” It will be the chance for those attending to be “visible, safe and celebrate dykery in all its forms.

 There will be guest speakers, drag kings and other performers, iconic queer DJs, line dancing, chill-out spaces, food and a market with Brighton Dyke Mart plus crafts and workshops. 

An afterparty is being held at the Ironworks,, 30 Cheapside, Brighton, BN1 4GD in collaboration with Dykes on Decs and Crushed. DJs and performers are Luca Perry, Lebby, Puppy Playgrnd and BBYSHAZ.

This gets underway at 10pm running until 3am. Tickets cost from £4 or £9 if you want to give a tip to the performers. There’s also a £1 booking fee. This is for 18+ and tickets are available on this page. 

The venue has step-free access from the west entrance off Somerhill Road. There will be a small team of wellbeing angels on site. Also there will be a small welfare tent which will be staffed by a medic and a mental health practitioner. 

Human Heart Explosion by Melody Haze

‘Human Heart Explosion’ is a collection of poems that were written by Melody Haze between 2019 and this year. That was a difficult time for Melody with a divorce, losing her job, enduring the COVID-19 pandemic and coming out as trans.

Melody describes her poems as “documents from the tumultuous period of my life.” That’s a time Melody says was one when she “went from losing everything I had considered crucial parts of who I was, to rebuilding myself and my life from scratch.” They were written “through heartbreak, fear, anxiety, but also joy, love and euphoria “  Putting her poems into a book have given Melody “closure” and she is glad to still be here to share them with her readers.

Writing on her website, Melody said that the poetry collection has been released "partly to raise enough money to have bottom surgery."  To help Meloody, go to this gofundme page. Melody is currently just over 60% towards her £5k target.

Hard copies of the book are being sold by Melody at various fairs in Brighton. ‘Human Heart Explosion’ can also be published online either in epub or pdf version. 

Brighton Independent Press

Brighton Independent Press is a “queer-owned publisher” with a simple mission to “get more books in more hands.” That’s because they believe that “reading is a joy everyone should have, and that publishing works best when it’s accessible to all.”  The Brighton Independent Press team is composed of neurodiverse individuals, BIPOC, LGBT+ disabled and low income. They can be een at Art + Makers market in Jubilee Sqare on August 29th 11am to 5pm.

They are currently running a Trans Voices Anthology Competition and this is raising funds for Trans Pride Brighton. This is open to all genres of fiction including poetry and for all writers, regardless of their experience. The deadline for the competition has been extended until September 30.  The competition is open to all genres of fiction, including poetry and how experienced the writer is. 

Smashed Hits

September 1 sees Smashed Hits Cabaret present ‘Cruel Summer’ at the Folklore Rooms in Brighton. There are nine acts performing and it’s a great night if you love Bananarama.. You don’t need to come from Venus to attend, but it’ll ensure you don’t have a cruel summer. I heard a rumour that this could well be one of the best shows of the year and that’s really sayin’ something. I wonder if Robert de Niro’s still waiting to buy his ticket, after all he’s not a shy boy is he?

Tickets cost £7.50 in advance and on the night they are £10 and it’s cash only.  Performers scheduled to appear include Pearl & Dean, Darren Goodwin, Dave The Bear and Shelly Gates.

As the publicity material says: “Come for the music. Stay for the attitude. Leave wondering what the hell just happened!”

The Ledward Centre

The Ledward Centre at 14a Jubilee Road, Brighton has now re-opened and is the first "LGBTQIA+ Community and Cultural Centre" for the city.

Their current opening hours are 10am to 6pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. They plan to extend their opening hours in the future when possible. 

The Centre is named after the late James Ledward who was the publisher of Gscene. It  has the aim of “building community, celebrating diversity and creating change” and is now being co-run by Billie and Ellie. 

Their facilities include an excellent cafe and they also host groups such as the Clare Project (details above)  and services held by The Village MCC (more about them below). The venue has air-conditioning and is available for private hire. For more information visit their Instagram and Facebook pages or call 01273 646720.  

Lionslight

Lionslight is a holistic therapy service based in Brighton and online. The practice is run by Orla Muriel, offering counselling, reiki therapy and collective energy healing events. Bespoke offerings are available for both groups and individuals Orla has been diagnosed with AuDHD and told me that "working with ND clients is an area of specialism for me."  More about Lions Light when THE MAG BUSINESS CENTRE launches in September.

  The Big Gay Market

The Big Gay Market is held monthly at Daltons on  Lower Promenade, Madeira Drive, Brighton, BN2 1TB. This is a Brighton makers market that “seeks to promote local LGBTQ+ artists” and also raises money for good causes. This has included raising over £250 for both The Clare Project and Possability People. Others helped include Trans Pride, Transanta and Transactual. 

Each month, £250 of the table fees go to the dedicated fundraiser of the month. No profit is made from the table fees. The market seems to be held towards the end of the month with the latest being held on Saturday August 22. Keep an eye on their website and Facebook page and the next Big Gay Market is being held on Saturday September 26.

The Diagnosis Den

The subject of just when a person is diagnosed with autism is one that is continually mentioned in conversations I have with other members of the community. It is a subject we will continue to cover and below we have news of a great book and some quotes from famous people who are members of the neurodivergent community.  Have you got a story to tell about your diagnosis? If so, message me at mageditoruk@gmail.com

Lost & Now Found by Kate Laine-Toner and  Suzi Payton (Jessica Kingsley Publishers) 

This excellent book takes a look at the situation that arises when a late diagnosis is received. Just how do you react to the news (especially if like myself you had no idea whatsoever of the possibility of being autistic) and how do you move forward.

The title of the book is an absolutely perfect one. As the publicity material says: “If you are feeling lost, this is the book for you.”  It includes personal stories from both of the authors and others who didn’t get diagnosed until their thirties and beyond. We’ll have a full review of ‘Lost and Found’ in September.

Quote...Unquote

As part of our ongoing look at diagnosis, we have quotes below from two sports stars and an actress about how they feel about their diagnosis.

Jenson Brooksby is a tennis professional and currently playing in the Winston Salem Open in the USA and had a good first round win over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.  He is autistic and was non-verbal to the age of four.  He is open about his autism and spoke to Andrew Eichenholz for an interview on the ATP Tour website.  Here are some of the best quotes.

“Life is about a lot more than just tennis. I believe that being transparent about autism is making me a more well-rounded person not only now, but for the rest of my life.”

“In Houston, a parent whose two kids are on the spectrum approached me and said they were able to look up to me and use me as an example, to aspire to keep going in their sport. Autism was no longer an excuse for them, or a reason to give up in the face of some extra challenges.”

Lucy Bronze has enjoyed tremendous success with the England women’s football team. In an interview with the BBC, Lucy spoke about her autism and ADHD diagnosis.

"It was something I always knew about in a way. My mum had spoken about it from a very young age and noticed things in me."

Has her diagnosis changed her?  "It didn't change anything essentially, but it was a bit of an eye opener. I just learned more about myself, understood why in certain situations I saw things differently to other people or acted in a different way to other people.

Getting to sit down and actually speak through my traits and how it affects me, situations that make me feel good or bad, that was the thing that really clicked in my head and made me feel so much better."

Charley Webb is best known for her role in the soap ‘Emmerdale’ and also has both autism and ADHD. Her diagnosis has affected her life as a parent of three boys.

When appearing on Luke Hamnett’s podcast Live, Laugh, Luke, Charley says it is especially noticeable when it comes to looking after her three boys: "Sometimes when I get back and I've been away from them, I forget how loud they are. And it takes me so long to readjust. I'm really overstimulated cuz they're just so loud. "Noise is my biggest trigger. I can't bear it."

"I think my autism is definitely stronger than the ADHD side. I think it's definitely more autism. But then even that I think is mild and I think everyone has this idea of autism like it's just one thing and it's really not."

The News Centre

There’s been some unexpected news for Hailsham & East Sussex ADHD Support CIC. They are finalists in the Eastbourne Business Awards for 2026. Their nomination is in the Community Business Award section. 

Speaking about the news, they said “this was not on the bingo card for our first year.” They don’t know who nominated them but say: “Whoever you are, thank you. That has meant more than the nomination itself.”

It’s just under five months since the CIC was launched. No funding pot, a small team just “a stubborn belief that neurodivergent people in East Sussex deserve support that actually gets.” Now that sounds so much like THE MAG. Also in their category are Amaze who also do great work for our community. They accept the standard in their category is “genuinely brilliant,” but added “being named alongside them, five months in, is a major win.. 

ADHD Primary Care Connect has been shortlisted for the Mental Health Innovation of the Year in the HSJ Awards. This recognises their innovative approach in the provision of ADHD assessment and support closer to home through local GP practice teams. 

The pilot scheme is in operation in Brighton & Hove, Crawley and Hastings. It sees patients being assessed, treated and connected with community and wellbeing services. This is dependent on their individual needs. Speaking about ADHD Primary Care Connect, Lead Clinic Dr David Fox said its ambition is to provide “timely, local assessment, diagnosis and treatment,” while also supporting people more holistically.

The awards ceremony takes place in November.

Still on the subject of awards, a major event is taking place in September. The National Diversity Awards are being held in Liverpool Anglican Cathedral  on the 18th, The ceremony is being hosted by Konnie Huq. Have I ever told you about my Blue Peter hyperfixation? You can bet I will one day.

This is the 15th National Diversity Awards and they celebrate the “excellent achievements of grass-root communities that tackle the issues in today’s society. They provide them with recognition “for their dedication and hard work.”

Their website has full details of the awards that will be handed out and the shortlists for each category. 

On the Bookshelf - Supported by Waterstones in Brighton

Unmasking Mum by Lisa Lloyd

Next month we have the first of our two special editions that cover the subjects of parenting and young persons. One book that we will be reviewing is ‘Unmasking Mum’ by Lisa Lloyd. Lisa wasn’t diagnosed with autism until she was 41 and by that time she was already a mother. 

Her book does look at how that changed her life. From autistic burnout , the meltdowns experienced by herself as well as her children, to feeling she was the “odd mum” out, all is included in this book.

The good news is that Lisa is coming to Waterstones in North Street, Brighton to give what promises to be a fascinating talk about her book. This takes place on September 14th starting at 7:00pm. The Book & ticket option includes a copy of Unmasking Mum (rrp £18.99) available for collection at the event - £22 or £5 standard entry:

On September 16, there’s a Paint & Sip evening taking place at Waterstones at 71-74 North Street BN1 1ZA in Brighton. This will raise awareness and funds for AMAZE Sussex.

This is part of the Brighton Story Trail and sees Waterstone’s hosting a paint-your-own mini BookBench event.  They will provide all the sculptures and paints, so if you have any particular design ideas, then this is just for you.

You could recreate your favourite book cover (there’s thousands to choose from in Waterstone’s) or have already been inspired by one of the benches that are on the Story Trail. Whatever you do, it’s going to be a great night and helping raise funds for a very good cause. Tickets cost £15.  

Youth Section

Fidget & Spin

Fidget & Spin is a sensory stay-and-play group for children aged 2–7 with additional needs, though sessions are open to all families. The sessions run welcoming pop-up locations across Brighton & Hove, making them accessible for families across the city.  

The sessions feature three sensory zones — Wiggle & Bounce for active movement, Squish & Squeeze for hands-on sensory play, and Cuddle & Chill for quieter regulation. Children can move freely between areas, explore activities and play at their own pace. We'll have more about Fidget & Spin in future issues, including our business centre.  Find out more about them on their Facebook page.

Special Offer

To celebrate being featured in THE MAG readers can use the code THEMAG for a FREE first session.

Fidget & Spin have enjoyed success in Hailsham and in September will be back at the Mission FIT Gym & Activity Hub (Unit 43, Station Road, Industrial Estate, Hailsham, BN27  2ER) with their Sensory Stay & Play sessions. There is one being held on Monday September 7 from 12:45pm to 2pm. 

Bite Size Guides

There are plenty of helpful Bite Size Guides and visuals available from The Contented Child which is a child wellbeing consultancy.

They cover  important subjects such as autism, inattentive ADHD, masking, dyspraxia (more about that in September), misophonia and dyslexia.  More about these in future editons, in the meantime follow them on Facebook.

Amazing Futures

Amazing Futures helps young people in Sussex who are aged between 14 and 25 who are neurodivergent, disabled or have any kind of additional needs. It is a project run by the charity Amaze Eligibility.

An important event is taking place on August 27. That’s when Youth Voice Day takes place at Community Base in Brighton. If you are living in Eastbourne, Amazing Futures will be meeting people at the railway station and then travelling to Brighton.

This event is for young people with SEND who are aged between 14 and 25 in Brighton and East Sussex. It is a chance to “share your ideas and opinions on things that affect you and your community.” An added bonus is that there will be some free pizza to enjoy.

Subjects being covered will include “voting in elections, and how to get involved in local politics and make a difference.” This is free to attend, but there are limited spaces and you do need to be registered with Amazing Futures. Contact them by emailing the Brighton team at  AFBrighton@AmazeSussex.org.uk or if living in East Sussex, contact their team at AFEastSussex@AmazeSussex.org.uk

A Busy Month for Carouselartuk

Carousel is an award winning learning disability led arts organisation. They are located at Community Base  at 113 Queens Road, Brighton  BN1 3XG.  

Here's some exciting news from Carouselartuk. Their talented artists have been busy creating new tracks and they are now available on ‘Postcards From My Seaside Town.’  They can be heard at Spotify, Applemusic and YouTubemusic. There’s ‘It Came From The Coast’ and ‘Stoked by Beat Express’  plus ‘Circle of Tides’ by  @f.witch_music.   F.witch and Crash Course will also be appearing at the Equinox Festival in Lincoln on September 20.

‘Postcards From My Seaside Town’ took a look at just what it’s like to live by the coast. It was presented in exhibition form in March of this year and was a mixture of film, audio and performance. It brought together changing stories from seaside towns in Sussex and Kent through the unique perspectives of those who have learning disabilities. It explored themes such as memory, identity and community.

On Thursday August 27, the Carousel Chorus can be seen in concert at the Community Access Scheme Summer Party. in Wakehurst RH17 6TN. This is a workshop that is taking place under a wisteria gazebo. It is part of their ongoing work with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Wakehurst The event is for Community Access Scheme members.

Then it’s The Rock House which is taking place on Monday September 14 7pm to 9.30pm from at the Green Door Store at 4 Trafalgar Arches, Brighton, BN1 4FQ. The event will feature some excellent bands (some including members who are learning disabled). Online tickets cost £4.80 and on the door £5.

The Grove Sussex

Next month will see the first of our two specials looking at the subjects of parenting and young people. There’s already some great content lined up, literally from around the world. Our coverage will feature a review of a new book that is due to be launched on August 30. 

That edition will also have more about The Grove Sussex (who are based in Hailsham) when we add them to our brand new service directory, the home of information about local services.

 ‘My Busy Brain and Me’ is a children’s picture book written by  Lou.M. It aims to “help children understand their busy brains, big feelings and the wonderful things that make them unique.” It includes bonus activity pages, calming tools and conversation starters.

The book has been created for families, schools and therapists and has the aim of encouraging self-acceptance in addition to emotional wellbeing and “celebrates neurodiversity with kindness.” 

Our Family Feels Different

‘My Busy Brain and Me’ is Lou’s second book  It follows ‘Our Family Feels Different’ which was originally just written for her children but was eventually published for others to be read and helped by.

That really is the case as the book is a charming one that may be a short one, but it says so much and has excellent illustrations. It tells the story of two brothers, one who is neurodivergent the other who isn’t.  Just how does the neurotypical sibling cope with the behaviour of his brother and the way his parents treat him?

It’s not easy for him in many ways. They often have to leave places because his brother has sensory overload, and sometimes he doesn’t get his turn when it comes to playing games. Seeing his brother receive more attention from his parents is difficult too.

Mums regularly find the answer to problems and his is on top form when she reassures her son that he is loved the same as his brother.Just sometimes he needs a little extra help. Ensuring her other son feels calm and safe makes him that way too. He realises that sometimes we need our own space and that’’s not a problem.

This really is a charming book with a great message. It closes with a note for grown-ups, explaining how vital it is to ensure that children always feel safe enough to express how they feel, “without fear or getting it wrong.”

We’ll have lots more about in our special editions with a great piece that the author has sent us. There will also be information about the recently started The Grove Sussex  Writing to THE MAG about this project, Lou said that her vision “is to create a welcoming hub of resources for parents, carers, SENDCOs, therapists, schools and anyone passionate about supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and neurodiversity.” 

The Great ADHD Myth? Sparks Controversy

Last week, Channel 4 broadcasted their documentary ‘The Great ADHD Myth?’  It’s certainly provoked a response from the neurodivergent community. Below, Dr Claire Stubbs returns with her response to the programme.

“I watched The Great ADHD Myth? and found myself having a slightly unexpected response.

Because underneath the provocative title, there are questions being asked that I actually think really matter. Are we asking children to function in environments that don't fit their brains?

Are we too quick to locate the “problem” inside the child rather than becoming curious about the demands being placed upon them? 

What happens when we change sleep, movement, connection, sensory load, expectations, school environments and the amount of scaffolding around someone?  Yes. Please. Let's ask all of those questions.

Where I profoundly part company with the documentary is the leap from:“Environment significantly affects how ADHD presents” to:“Perhaps ADHD isn't really a neurodevelopmental condition.” Those are not the same thing.

In fact, this sits at the heart of how I understand ADHD. Brains do not exist separately from environments. A person's capacity to regulate attention, emotion, impulses, motivation and energy is affected by the demands being placed upon their nervous system and the scaffolding available around them.

When we change the environment and someone functions better, that doesn't prove ADHD wasn't there. It tells us something enormously important about what that brain needs.

Imagine removing someone's glasses and noticing that they struggle to read the board.

Then giving them their glasses back and concluding: “Interesting. Perhaps there was never anything different about their eyesight after all.”

The support changing the outcome doesn't invalidate the underlying difference. That's what support is supposed to do. And perhaps this is where I felt most uncomfortable with the documentary. We seem to keep getting offered two positions:

ADHD is biological, therefore medication is the answer.

OR

ADHD is environmental, therefore we need to change children's lives rather than diagnose them.

I don't recognise either of those positions in the ADHD people I work with. I see biology and the environment,  genetics and development, executive functioning and attachment, medication and movement. neurodevelopment and nervous-system regulation.

Individual vulnerability and systems that sometimes ask far too much of particular brains.

And I absolutely think we need to scrutinise ADHD assessment. We need to talk about assessment quality, commercialisation, prescribing, differential diagnosis and what happens when people receive a diagnosis without meaningful support afterwards. Diagnosis alone is not care.AND questioning the systems surrounding ADHD is very different from questioning the legitimacy of ADHD itself.

Perhaps the more useful question isn't:“Is ADHD real?” Perhaps it's “What is this person's brain being asked to do, and what does it need in order to do it?” Because when a child is leaving their seat, forgetting their homework, melting down after school, staring out of the window or unable to begin something everyone insists is “easy”, I don't want our first question to be: How do we stop this behaviour?

I want us to ask: What is the most generous interpretation of this behaviour? What might their nervous system be communicating?  What is costing them more than we can see?  And what could we put around them so they don't have to work quite so hard just to exist in a world that wasn't necessarily designed with their brain in mind? That's not evidence that ADHD is a myth.

That's the scaffold. 

It's Christmas.....Well Nearly

The Book of Panto by Craig Revel Horwood (Faber & Faber)

Is this the official start of my Christmas coverage? Well, I guess that started with my article about my hyperfixation with Christmas in July, which to be honest is a bit late for me. You can imagine my delight therefore when learning that the Strictly Come Dancing judge we all love to hate has written a book about pantomimes. You can order it now from Waterstones for £18.99 and it'll be signed by Craig.

Craig has appeared in many pantomimes since moving to England from Australia. Of course he plays a villain, you just couldn’t imagine him playing Buttons or Idle Jack could you?  I wonder what he’d be like if he tried?  This year, he is performing in ‘Sleeping Beauty’ at the Bristol Hippodrome from December 5 to January 3. He’ll be reunited with comedian Andy Ford, one of the funniest guys in panto, Check out his panto diaries on YouTube, one of which does include a chat with Craig. 

This book looks back at the long history of panto and includes interviews with stars such as David Suchet, Lesley Joseph. We'll review this book in a future edition as the Countdown to Christmas continues.

There are some excellent pantos being held in our area this year. You can see a list of them on the Panto Archive 2026-27 diary page. Those I’m definitely looking forward too, include Aladdin in Brighton at the Double Tree by Hilton Brighton Metropole from December 22-30. It's a family panto but there are also adult only performances on the 28th and 29th.

It's their 10th birthday and the star this year is Courtney Act. We all miss the late great Miss Jason and the theatre they perform the panto is in named after the drag act and brilliant panto dame.

The Hawth in Crawley also has Aladdin and stars Matthew Kelly, Linda Lusardi (read the spotlight feature on her at the Pantomime Archive)and Matt Rixon who is Matthew's son.  It's on rom December 5-31. A trip to the Capitol in Horsham also looks like a good idea with Louie Spence starring in Dick Whittington from November 29 - January 3.  More about these shows in future editions.  The Worthing Pavilion has Puss in Boots which is a brand new panto. It's on from December 3 to January 3. It stars James Jordan.

You can see Cinderella  at the Devonshire Park Theatre from December 11 to January 17. Over at the Royal Hippodrome, there's Dick Whittington from December 7 to January 3 with an adults only performance on the 17th.

We'll have more about these shows in future editions and give details of relaxed performances that are ideal for members of our community.

Go to the Pantomime Archive to see a diary for this year's shows. We'll be featuring that site in fuure issues and interviewing its owner. It really is the best panto site in the world. He told me a little about his site:  "The Panto Archive is a place to find hidden panto gems of the past. Panto Archive is the place to get all your panto knowledge from years gone by as well as some back stage gossip from current performances. We also include features like TV 2 PANTO, PANTO HOME SWEET HOME and our PANTO HALL OF FAME!" 

Party Time

On Saturday December 19, NeuroHub Community are holding an Autistic Friendly Christmas Party in the St Mary Magdalen Church Car Park in Coldean BN1 9GS. 

It’s being held from 4pm to 9pm and the organisers say it will help those attending to “celebrate the holidays in a way that is meant for you.”  Early-Bird tickets are available now until October, costing £7.50. After that the price will rise to £10. There is a capacity limit, so it’s best to get your tickets as soon as you can. 

If you are struggling financially, but still want to go to this Christmas party, email admin@neurohubcommunity.com. Parking is available but limited as part of the car park will be used for those attending Brighton’s game against Ipswich Town that day.

A Neurodivergent Sporting Life

Big Day on the Fairways for Autism Support Crawley

Saturday September 19 is going to be a massive day for Autism Support Crawley. That is when they hold their annual Golf Day. It’s being held at the Ifield Golf Club and is open to players who have a handicap of 28 or under. That’s me ruled out then.

They are looking for sponsors, contact them if you are interested. Packages start at just £75 and that is excellent value. A raffle will also be taking place, so if you have any prizes to donate, they’d love to hear from you. 

The event will raise money to help the charity support parents/carers who “dedicate their lives to support their Autistic/Neurodivergent family members, with or without a diagnosis, across Sussex & surrounding areas.”

As well as the excitement on the golf course, there’s an event in the evening which includes DJ Leona Graham.

Visit the Inclusion Room at Brighton and Hove Albion

Does your autism make it difficult to go to football matches where there’s lots of noise and thousands of people in attendance? I find myself in that position, but help is at hand from Premier League leaders Brighton and Hove Albion.

The Amex Stadium has an inclusion room (pictured above) and this is described as a “safe and reassuring space,” for members of our community.  The inclusion room includes coloured LED lighting, a weighted blanket, sensory toys and bean bags with a TV screen that will be showing the match. There’s also a disabled toilet with a hoist in the inclusion room. It’s also possible to sit on the outside seating deck.

To be able to use the inclusion room, you need to fill in this form. A video about the inclusion room can be seen on YouTube. I will be attending the upcoming Conference League game against Tromso on August 27.  I first went to a football match in 1969, but this will be the first time I've attended a game with the knowledge that I am autistic. A review will be published in a future edition.

There is also a hidden disability wristband that is availabe  This helps staff know how to manage certain situations and the required support. 

Email suppporter.services@brightonandhovealbion.com to make your request for a hidden disability wristband.

I remember going to see an exhibition at Brighton & Hove Museum about the club’s debut season in European football. Just opened is a new exhibition entitled ‘Brighton & Hove Albion: Stand or Fall.’  This marks the 125th anniversary of the club.and is “filled with objects, memories, sights and sounds from across the club’s past, present, and future.”  We’ll have a review of this in a future edition.

Run for Autism

After the success of last year’s ‘Run for Autism,’ this year’s event is already proving to be a big success. It’s run by the Autism Initiatives Group who work to “improve the lives of autistic people and their families across the UK. It was founded in 1972 by Pat Minshull, a dedicated mother of a child with autism.. 

When the organisers sent me information about Run for Autism, I was told that they had already received 1,554 sign-ups and raised £44,421. 2025 saw 700 runners raise £55,261 and run 10,961 km.

The target is to complete 40k in the month of October. This will help raise valuable funds for autistic people and their families. This has helped “encourage the pursuit of specialised interests, promote physical activity and help autistic adults and children to socialise in supportive communities.”

Liz Oakley is the fundraising manager at Run for Autism. Speaking about the event, she said that this campaign is one of their biggest events of the year and “is so special to our team, as we see how much of an impact it makes every year.” and “really does help to improve the quality of life of the people we support.”  Those participating can go for “short walks" each day, walk the dog with family or friends or take on a long-distance hike. Every step counts and makes a difference, “added the fundraising manager.

Run for Autism is a campaign led by charity Autism Initiatives Group, which works to improve the lives of autistic people and their families across the UK. The organisation was founded in the 1970s by Pat Minshull, a dedicated mother of a child with autism. Four years ago, the charity proudly celebrated its 50th Anniversary. 

For more information, or to sign up visit www.runforautism.co.uk

Worthing D&D - DD Hoopz for Adults

Basketball is becoming increasingly popular in the UK. Worthing D&D Basketball Club offers  free sessions for adults with special needs/learning disabilities who may find it difficult to attend mainstream basketball training sessions. 

The sessions are being held for five Fridays from August 28 to September 25. They run from 7.30pm to 8.30pm in the BN12 area of Goring by Sea. The exact location will be given to those signing up for the event once they have signed up. 

Here’s  Aiydan Wheatley with more information about this great sporting project.

The sessions are being run completely free of charge and are for adults with special needs/learning disabilities who may struggle to attend mainstream basketball training sessions. 

They are open to people of all abilities and experience levels, with one main goal of HAVING FUN. We will be using flexible coaching styles to adapt to each individual's needs, and we will be using silent foam basketballs to reduce sensory overload from noise. These are also a little easier for individuals with co-ordination difficulties to use as they are lighter than a standard basketball. 

We have previously run these sessions for children and it was a success, hence now trialling it for adults. 

I was lucky enough to receive a grant from Sport England allowing me to run these sessions free of charge as I wanted to make them as accessible as possible. 

The sessions are run by myself, and associated with Worthing D&D Basketball Club who I am also a coach with (and ex player).

The hope behind the sessions is to create a safe, fun, environment for individuals to have a go at something they may have never been offered before. 

I wanted to run these sessions because I truly believe that sport is for everyone and having additional needs should not be a barrier to this. I am a big believer that inclusivity is not difficult and should be encouraged as much as possible, something that is often lacking amongst community sporting groups, with our sessions being one of the only ones offered in West Sussex.

Not only does sport help improve and maintain good physical health, but it also helps with things such as fine & gross motor skills, balance, co-ordination, communication, teamwork, social skills etc, often things that individuals with additional needs may struggle with. 

I myself am Autistic and have ADHD and can understand some of the extra challenges individuals with special needs have to face in society. 

Ever since becoming a coach, I had always wanted to run programmes like this. I was heavily inspired by my dad who was also a basketball coach for over 16 years. He believed that everyone deserves the opportunity to play and he would do anything he could to help make that happen. Watching him coach over the years showed me just how easy it is to be inclusive, and the impact this can have is so important.

When I first mentioned the idea to my dad, he was really excited and helped me get it started. We spent about a year organising and planning, applying for grants, and advertising the first sessions together. I would not have been able to do it without him.

Unfortunately, in December of 2025 we found out he was sick and he passed away in March 2026, before we even managed to run the first sessions. It was heartbreaking having to run them without him, but I know he was there in spirit, and he would be incredibly proud. 

I was also very lucky to immediately receive the support of Worthing D&D basketball club, who have helped facilitate this from day one. I have been coaching with Worthing D&D for nearly 3 years now, and was a player with them for many years of my childhood. It is also the team my dad was a coach for.  Worthing D&D is one of the most inclusive basketball teams I have ever come across, welcoming everyone, and these sessions are just an extension of that. 

While the club welcomes people with additional needs to train and play on the mainstream teams, we also recognise that some people need a separate, adapted environment to be able to access the sport, and we hope these sessions will provide it. 

The sessions are being held on Fridays for 5 weeks - August 28th, and September 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th. They are 7.30pm - 8.30pm and are being held in the BN12 area of Goring by Sea. (we are not sharing the exact location publicly for safety but is shared once individuals have signed up. worthingDDhoopz@outlook.com for more information.

Comics Corner

Hyperfixation of the Month - I’m Just Comic Crazy by Steve Ashfield

In the first MAG EXTRA, I wrote about my hyperfixation with Christmas. Well, that's been ongoing in the past few weeks. One crazy afternoon saw me get hold of over 80 videos of the Kevin Cruise Panto Diary. He's a mega-star in Windsor, you know.  The desire to see the Benidorm Christmas special led to me downloading over 30 videos of vlogs from holidaymakers who spent their Christmas in Benidorm.

That's how it happens you see. I just can't seem to stop and the hyperfixation does tend to take me over. I still can't wait to see those Danny Kaye Christmas specials and listen to 'I'm Sorry I Haven't Got a Clue' for the umpteenth time.

Collecting Christmas programmes isn't my only hyperfixation though. When I was a child I used to love reading comics. I'd have quite a few each week and it was a continual battle with my parents to add to the list when a new comic was launched.

That was the early 1970s with my particular favourites being sport and superhero related comics. I'd go to a second-hand bookstore in Kettering, Northamptonshire and not just get British comics like Tiger, Dandy, Beano and Sparky but the classic American comics. Whether it was Batman, Superman, Justice League of America or the X-Men, I loved collecting them. I wish I'd kept hold of them because some would be worth quite a bit of money now.

Over the years I managed to lose my comic collection. A whole host of them were apparently eaten by mice in a basement. I still reckon they ended up being sold at a local boot sale. Then I discovered the internet and my comic collecting days didn't just return but went into total madness.

When it comes to British comics, I was always most keen on those such as ‘Tiger,’ ‘Scorcher,’ ‘Roy of the Rovers’ and ‘Score N’ Roar.’ I particularly adored the latter with stories such as ‘Jack of United,’ ‘Jimmy of City’ and ‘Nipper.’  I lost them all, but imagine my delight when finding out I could get the complete collection on disc from Ebay.

That was just the start of creating a massive comic collection and all as files that I now keep on memory sticks in a small box. Long gone are the days when my mum complained about the huge piles of comics that cluttered up the living roomI

I just kept on buying comic collections galore and then turned my attention to the US. Batman, Superman, Flash, X-Men, Spider-Man, Avengers, Justice League of America are just some of those I ended up buying, some going all the way back to the 1940’s. Like all the obscure TV sitcoms I watch (more about that in September), they were comics I thought I’d never get the chance to read.

Will I ever read them all though? Just like going to a charity shop, often the thrill of finding the bargain is the most enjoyable aspect of the purchase. I’ve got a massive collection of Summer Holiday Specials that I keep promising myself I’ll read but haven’t gotten round to doing just yet. Of course, there are also hundreds of Christmas related comics to wade through.

I often stare at the hard copy annuals that I have. Just like all the Christmas programmes (my unseen 2026 list is already in the thousands) and TV shows I know there’s so much entertainment on the way in the future, hopefully. That’s when I’ve stopped watching my current hyperfixation which is old episodes of ‘Neighbours’ from 1993! 

Brighton & Hove Comic Con

You can imagine my interest in the very first Brighton & Hove Comic Con. This takes place at the Brighton Dome on 5-6 September.

You may have seen the recent promotional event on Brighton Palace Pier with Chewbacca, Princess Leia and other cosplayers. There’ll be lots more in attendance at the Comic Con. Special guests at the event include Jonathan Cass, Criss Burn, Sam C Wilson and James Tayor. 

Those attending will have the opportunity to get some autographs and find out from the guests about their work. There will be traders and exhibitors from Brighton (including Forbidden Planet and Dice Saloon) and around the UK. On sale will be comics, collectibles, action figures, anime and Japanese merchandise. That’s not all though, also on show will be model kits, jewellery and “other pop culture favourites.   I might have to recalculate my September budget. 

Over the two days of the Comic Con,  there will also be the opportunity to enjoy tabletop gaming and watch demonstrations. Authors, artists and independent creators will also be in attendance as their original fantasy and adventure world enjoy a weekend in Brighton. Just imagine what new products you are going to discover.

This really is an event for all the family and those aged under the age of six will be admitted free with a paying adult. Another bonus is that children’s face painting will also be free. Look out for all the cosplay characters and other family activities. 

The countdown to the Brighton & Hove Comic Con on September 5 and 6 continues. After the publicity event on the Palace Pier, it was time for bus passengers to receive a pleasant shock. The passengers on the Sightseeing Bus probably didn’t expect to see superheroes and stormtroopers but that’s just what they saw. It really isn't every day you see Deadpool on the back seat of a bus. Was there a bus driver brave enough to tell him to take his feat off the seat.  

As part of the support from Brighton & Hove Buses, anyone travelling to Brighton & Hove Comic Con by bus can receive 20% off admission on the day by showing a valid Brighton & Hove Buses ticket.

Event organiser Angelika Phillips says of the event: "We wanted to create a Comic Con that really feels like Brighton - welcoming, colourful, creative and something that families can enjoy as well as dedicated fans. This is our first Comic Con, so watching something that started as an idea actually beginning to come to life is incredibly exciting.

Hail To The Zine Baby

Mack Sproates (Hail To The Zine Baby) creates zines, art, badges and other weird, unhinged and niche merch on his various interests and passions (including Sonic the Hedgehog, horror films and Pedro Pascal)

They are inspired by DIY punk scenes, trans identities, pop-culture, music and comic books. Mack also works as a facilitator and community zine artist to help champion the voices of people who are Queer and trans, Learning disabled and neurodivergent, young people, academics and more. His work is hand drawn and home printed.  

A-Island Project

Would you like to take part in a A-Island Group for those who live in England and Wales and are autistic and aged between 11 and 16?  You must also not have received three or more autism post-diagnostic support sessions in the past year.

The A-Island groups consist of eight one-hour sessions that will be attended by other autistic young people. You must be available to take part in the groups on weekdays at 4:30pm. It's part of the A-Island Project which runs the groups to help them achieve their aim of improving autistic young people's well-being.

Their target is to increase “autism knowledge and improve well-being through an educational role-playing game.” Up to £100 in vouchers can be received to compensate for the time spent taking part.

For more information go to the autisticwellbeing site or email their research assistant Tara Ward on tara.ward21@ucl.ac.uk. If you’re concerned about filling in questionnaires, they are happy to help you with the first one.

Just What Does Spider-Man Have to Do with Demand Avoidance? by Stephen Ashfield and Dr Claire Stubbs

The new Spider-Man movie sees our hero battling villains aplenty (though not the ones I want to see). but could he get the better of demand avoidance?  I certainly struggle to do so, but just what is demand avoidance? Over to Dr Claire Stubbs for a brief explanation:

“Demand avoidance describes a strong internal resistance to demands, expectations or perceived pressure — even when the person may genuinely want to do the thing being asked of them. Rather than simply being oppositional, it can be understood as a nervous-system response to feeling controlled, overwhelmed or losing autonomy, with avoidance becoming a way of reducing that internal pressure.”

I recognise a lot of myself in that description. How does demand avoidance make my life difficult? The strange fact is that if someone tells me to do something for my paid jobs, then I’ll do it. There might be a few moments when I consider asking for articles to be reassigned, but then the anxiety eases and I get on with the job. 

It’s the same with THE MAG, if a task must be carried out, then it will be though it might take a bit longer than it should do.  My ADHD doesn’t help of course as I just cannot 100 percent concentrate on the task in hand. Just getting to the end of this paragraph without checking other websites is a difficult task.

Paragraph over and I’m back from checking those other sites and watching WWE. I guess there’s the fear of what will happen if I don’t get my work done. Even when in hospital with urosepsis I tried to get some articles written. The doctor wasn’t amused and sternly reminded me that I was in hospital. I thought of saying ‘so that’s why people are dressed as doctors and nurses’  but decided not to.

When it comes to completing a task that I have set myself, then it is a totally different story. I am a master at finding excuses not to get my room cleaned up (though I’d never dare leave a mess in the shared kitchen and bathroom), sorting my book case out or going to a show, concert or a Spider-Man movie.

Applying for jobs has always been a bit of a nightmare. I’d see a vacancy for a journalist and get really excited about it and tell myself I ought to apply. Completing that task was never easy because the excuses not to would suddenly start appearing. Yes, I can do that job, but many others will apply and there’s bound to be a few who are better than I am. I either didn’t apply or went to the interview with a severe inferiority complex to the other candidates. 

 I often wonder why I have a reasonably healthy bank balance. One contributing reason is how I talk myself out of going to events and therefore don’t spend huge amounts of  money, well apart from when I break things which is quite often.  I’m not a spring chicken anymore and need to start going to concerts etc.

Each month I spend money on my Cineworld ticket, but I haven’t seen a movie all year. I set myself an easy task, just go to two films a month and that makes having the monthly ticket worthwhile. I just can’t do it though. My mind comes up with so many excuses not to go to the movies.

 I might get tired, the film might end too late, what if the buses are delayed and what if my prostate isn’t in a good mood. Then there’s the concerns of being around too many people and it all being far too noisy.  I might just have a solution to that final problem though, I’ll tell you why soon.

I was recently challenged to finally get myself to a cinema and not just see the new Spider-Man movie but write a review of it for my blog.  The review follows shortly, but I have to admit that I cheated as I always seem to do.

I so wanted to see the movie after all the endless hype. To be around so many people though again entered my head, just as it had done for ‘Supergirl.’  With that movie, I ended up finding a version online, sat down to watch it and then realised it was in Hindi.  I eventually found an English speaking version, but still haven’t had the time to watch it.

Being so nervous about the new Spidey movie, I again found an online version complete with betting adverts and someone getting up during the film to go to the restroom.  I cheated and let myself down again. It just so cheeses me off that I do this. It was the same with the Women’s FA Cup final at Wembley, (no way will I get to the upcoming AEW show there) and now I’m delaying booking up to see David Esssex at the Brighton Centre. How do I get out of this situation?  I really don’t know.

Now for that news about a possible solution to actually seeing the Spider-Man movie in the cinema. Far better than watching it at home while still working on my other laptop which is what I did.

Each month, Cineworld has an autistic friendly screening and on Sunday August 30 at 11am, they are showing Spider-Man: A Brand New Day. Will I go?  Well, it sounds like a good MAG article so I guess I will. Just like going to the inclusion room at the Amex, experiencing an autistic friendly screening at Cineworld sounds interesting. I guess that’s cheating again though isn’t it? It’s back to doing something because it’s work and telling others what such screenings are like.

Of course one problem is that I wasn’t that impressed with the movie when I watched it online. Spider-Man has the best rogues gallery around. I watched the movie yearning for a Green Goblin, Kingpin, Doctor Octopus or Sandman to be the main villain. Give me that Spidey v Sinister Six movie I dream of.  Instead, we had Scorpion (a division two villain), the Hulk and some ninjas playing bit parts. Jean Grey as the main villain?  No way. 

I didn’t really like all the mushy stuff with Sarah-Jane and Ned Leeds (so different from the comics I love) and everyone adoring Spidey. I yearned for J Jonah Jameson to turn up and do a rant about how Spider-Man was really a villain and not to be trusted.  I’ve never been a fan of the Punisher either.  Will I enjoy it more the second time? Or will I find a reason not to go on the 30th?  More in the next edition of THE MAG EXTRA.

An Autistic/ADHD Life Online

Neurodiverent Rebel

Lyric Rivera is a late-identifying Autistic and ADHD adult and runs Neurodivergent Counselling. 

One of the most entertaining groups on  Facebook is Lyric Rivera’s Neurodivergent Rebel page but there’s a lot more that Lyric does as they explain below:

"Lyric Rivera (they/them), from Neurodivergent Consulting, is a late-identified Autistic and ADHD adult. Lyric is best known for their blog, NeuroDivergent Rebel, and for the best-selling business ethics book, Workplace Neurodiversity Rising (which was praised in Forbes as “an excellent ‘how to manual’ based on lived Experience and professional competence”).

Other titles Lyric has worked on include collaborating with Rebecca Duffus on the U.S. version of the popular children's workbook Autism, Identity, and Me (adult version coming worldwide fall 2026), and Neurodivergent Rebel's The Weight of Normal (released this past fall).

Lyric is also the creator of #AskingAutistics, a hashtag used to connect Autistic people and allies around the globe.

The philosophy of Neurodivergent Consulting is to support the creation of accessible workplaces and other spaces (via universal design) that enable Neurodivergent (and all) people to fully realize their unique talents and fresh perspectives through care and support of the whole person. This allows us to bring our full selves to the spaces we enter."

More about Lyric in future editions, including a review of the book

Honestly ADHD

The Honestly ADHD Facebook page is run by Claire McNulty who is a wellbeing coach. It is described as a “mutual support network” and its members are invited to “post anything you think may help you or other members of the community.”

Types of content that can be posted on Honestly ADHD include personal reflections about ADHD, questions or polls in an attempt to find out the opinions of other members and podcast or reading recommendations.

You can also sign up for their newsletter and resource packs, just send a DM to Claire McNulty. Current resource packs include mastering parenting with ADHD,  staying focused and fit with ADHD and your adventure in organising with ADHD.

YouTube Links

I just about live on YouTube and as you will soon learn, creating playlists is a particular obsession of mine. Once I was diagnosed with autism, it was inevitable that I would start work on a playlist dedicated to autism. One for ADHD can't be far away.

There's 21 videos on there now, but that number will grow. Recent additions have included the talk David Gray-Hammond gave at the recent ADHD Experience event in Brighton.  There's a look at the inclusion room at The Amex and Lucy Bronze talking about her autism and AHD diagnoses. Also added has been a video on odd things autistic people do that others don't and the Netflix documentary 'Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution."

There's also a documentary entitled 'Autism: Understanding the 'spectrum' and one that looks at how adult autism goes undetected. The list also includes an interview with Emmerdale actor Charley Webb who has ADHD and the Cathy Kelley podcast appearance.

To access the playlist click on this link

Coming Soon

• THE MAG SERVICES CENTRE (MSC)
• THE MAG BUSINESS CENTRE (MBC)
• THE MAG DAILY UPDATES
• Parenting and Young Persons Specials
• When Do We Need the Most Help?
• Hyperfixation of the month - obscure sitcoms
• Reviewing the Situation
• More book reviews
• Patience
• and lots more