In this episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton & John Reynolds talk with James Hansen.

James offers a vision of hope to those he works with. He has over 13 years of experience in the addictions counselling field and studied Addictions Counselling for six years at the University of Bath.He is in recovery himself, with over 20 years free from substances and alcohol. His journey with ADHD began through his son, who was diagnosed at a young age.

Observing his experiences, James recognised many similarities in himself and, at 37, was diagnosed with ADHD. This led him to embark on a journey of coaching others with ADHD, combining personal experience with extensive education.

Do you dream of flying?

Of becoming an aviator?

If you’re diagnosed with ADHD, that dream could be effectively over. The door is probably firmly closed.

And if you’re a young person with that ambition and later receive a diagnosis, it’s closed before you even get a chance to try. It’s far too difficult to overcome the stigma.

ADHD is classed as a disability in this context, and the system still appears to treat it as an automatic disqualifier.

Which raises a bigger question. How many incredible aviators are already flying with ADHD, undiagnosed or unsupported, because seeking a diagnosis would end their careers?

How many feel they can’t be honest about their own neurodiversity?

That feels archaic given what we now understand about ADHD, focus, performance, and capability.

On the next episode of ADHD: Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton PhD and John Reynolds are joined by Beth Long and Squadron Leader Mark “Suggs” Sugden from the Mark Long Trust.

After BBMF fighter pilot Squadron Leader Mark Long tragically lost his life in the crash of Spitfire Mk356 on 25th May 2024, his widow Beth and family established the Mark Long Trust.

His legacy now lives on through flying scholarships and access to aviation delivered in partnership with organisations like Flying Scholarship for Disabled People, opening doors that were previously closed.

This episode isn’t just about aviation. It’s about fairness. About outdated systems and dated thinking. And about whether we are brave enough to rethink what “capable” really means.

Some doors shouldn’t be closed by a label.

In this powerful and insightful episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, hosts Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds sit down with the remarkable Dr Carly Jones MBE FRSA—an internationally respected autistic advocate, policy leader, author, and advisor who has spent nearly two decades driving meaningful change for autistic people across education, healthcare, government, justice, aviation, business, and beyond.

Across this conversation, we explore:

• The intersection of ADHD and Autism and why understanding both matters

• Gendered experiences in Autism and why diagnosis is often missed in women and girls

• Safety, safeguarding, and the realities autistic people face in education, healthcare, and society

• Carly’s landmark advocacy work—from addressing the United Nations to influencing UK and international policy

• Hope, resilience, and what real inclusion should look like

With honesty, warmth, expertise, and passion, Carly offers an unmissable blend of professional insight and lived experience, inviting us to look far beyond labels and towards genuine understanding and change.