In this Hot Topic episode of The Neurodivergent Experience, Jordan James and Simon Scott respond to an Independent article exploring whether undiagnosed ADHD increases the likelihood of young people going missing — and why headlines like this often oversimplify a much deeper issue.

Jordan shares raw, personal stories of repeatedly running away as a child and how abuse, zero support, and misinterpretation shaped his behaviour — not ADHD itself. Simon unpacks why articles tend to blame neurodivergence rather than the environmental failures, lack of safeguarding, and lack of understanding that actually create crisis responses.

Together, they discuss:

• Why “ADHD made me run away” is an oversimplification
• How unsupported neurodivergent kids end up in crisis
• Sensationalist headlines vs. lived reality
• The role of schools, police, and mental health services
• How mislabelling kids as “naughty” shapes lifelong self-worth
• Why early identification and whole-profile neurodivergent understanding matters
• The urgent need for empathy-driven support systems

This is a validating and eye-opening conversation for anyone who grew up misunderstood — and for anyone working with vulnerable neurodivergent young people today.

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