New Series of Inside Our Minds explores ADHD and Dyslexia

Posted on 12 May 2025 • TV and radio, University news

A new series of the OU/BBC series ‘Inside Our Minds’ airs on Mon 12 May on BBC Two and iPlayer at 21:00 and from Weds 14 May on BBC Two Wales at 21:00

Following the success of the multi-award-winning first series ‘Inside Our Autistic Minds’, series two examines other forms of neurodivergence – ADHD and Dyslexia.

Dr Jon Rainford, Lecturer in Childhood and Youth Studies at The Open University, was the academic consultant on the series. He said:

“It has been an honour being the academic consultant on this project. Having lived experience of both ADHD and dyslexia and working with a primarily neurodivergent production team, this has enabled the development of a rich and sensitively portrayed series which really captures the nuance of what it means to be dyslexic or have ADHD.

Neurodivergent conditions, in particular ADHD, are often portrayed in simplistic terms. What Inside Our Minds does is give us a glimpse into the lives of four individuals to help show both the strengths and challenges that come with thinking differently. 

By better understanding neurodivergent people’s lived experiences we can help remove barriers to their success. This aligns closely with my research in understanding how we can better support students with neurodivergent conditions including ADHD and dyslexia in higher education. 

In episode one, presenter Chris Packham helps a tour guide with ADHD reveal to his parents what’s really going on inside his head and a council worker comes to terms with the mixed emotions of a late diagnosis.

In episode two Chris helps a school councillor explain to her brothers how being dyslexic impacts her life and makes a builder from South Wales the star of his very own musical.

Supporting Online content:

Visit our Broadcast & Partnerships site OU Connect where you can find out more about ADHD and dyslexia and watch an exclusive interview with one of the episode’s contributors.

This series was commissioned by Broadcast & Partnerships and is supported by the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies, with particular relevance to Q07 BSc (Hons) Psychology, F70 Masters degree in Education (Inclusive Practice) and R26 Health and Social Care

• Commissioned by Dr Caroline Ogilvie, Director, Broadcast & Partnerships

• Academic Consultants: Dr Jon Rainford

• Media Fellow: Professor Erica Borgstrom

• Broadcast Project Manager: Clair Robinson

• Supporting Online Content: Xinmiao Zhang