Julie Legg chats with 19-year-old neurodiversity advocate Lily Doolan, recently elected CEO of the Young Neurodiversity Champions of New Zealand. Diagnosed with ADHD at 17, Lily shares her journey from being misunderstood at school to finding clarity, purpose, and passion as a youth leader and university student.

Lily opens up about the impact of diagnosis, burnout, education reform, and the importance of filling your cup. With refreshing honesty, she challenges the narrative around “naughty kids,” and champions inclusion, compassion, and spaces where neurodivergent voices are truly heard.

Key Points from the Episode

• What it felt like growing up undiagnosed with ADHD
• The emotional impact receiving a late teen diagnosis
• How medication and understanding changed Lily’s academic experience
• Life as a university student and managing executive dysfunction
• Stepping into leadership as CEO of the Young Neurodiversity Champions
• How to create more neuro-inclusive schools
• The power of routines and checklists for energy regulation
• Burnout warning signs and what helped Lily recover
• A message of hope for undiagnosed or struggling young people

Links

• LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-doolan-22ab11282/
• INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/whoknowslils/
• WEBSITE: https://www.neurodiversity.org.nz/neurodiversity-champions
• INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/youngneurodiversitychampions/

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• Julie Legg is the author of The Missing Piece: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD