Head space

Springwatch’s Chris Packham is on a mission to help people with, and raise awareness of, neurodiverse conditions

- 

Looking back at his younger self, Chris Packham is determined to stop others feeling the despair he has experienced.

He was once full of anger, frustration and sadness, unable to understand why.

It wasn’t until his forties that he was diagnosed with autism, and realised that being neurodiverse meant his brain works differently to people whose brains are neurotypical.

"I was in a really bad place,” says Chris, 64. “I always felt different. I didn't understand why I couldn't deal with the anger and frustration.

"Neurodiverse people with ADHD, dyslexia or autism — before they understand that condition, and get the support they need — can feel isolated.”