Hyperfocused on health with Dr Helen Lawal

In this episode, Catherine Asta is joined by Dr Helen Lawal to explore the realities of work, identity and wellbeing as a neurodivergent woman navigating a demanding career.

Together they reflect on Helen’s journey through medicine, from her early inspiration to become a doctor to the barriers she faced before understanding her ADHD and autism, and how that self-knowledge transformed the way she works and lives.

Late-discovered ADHD and autistic, she shares how years of masking, pushing through and internalising struggle led to burnout, low self-esteem and physical and mental health challenges, and how diagnosis helped her reframe those experiences with compassion rather than shame.

The conversation explores the practical realities of working life, including sensory overwhelm, information processing, travel, long shifts, memory demands and the importance of reasonable adjustments. Catherine and Helen also discuss the power of understanding strengths, recognising what support is needed and letting go of career expectations that no longer fit.

At the heart of this episode is a hopeful and honest discussion about what helps when life feels overwhelming. Helen shares the practices that support her most, from movement and breath to time in nature, rest and nourishing food, and reflects on how parents and carers can begin to think ahead about supporting young neurodivergent people into adulthood, education and work.

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