Travelling as a Neurodivergent Adult: Airports, Advocacy & Accommodations

Summary

The Neurodivergent Experience

Episode: Travelling as a Neurodivergent Adult: Airports, Advocacy & Accommodations
Hosts: Jordan James & Simon Scott
Date: February 26, 2026

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Episode Overview

In this candid episode, Jordan and Simon share lived experiences, practical advice, and insightful reflections on traveling as neurodivergent adults—covering airports, self-advocacy, changing accommodations, and the sensory and emotional navigation involved in long travel. They focus on recent travel stories, especially Jordan’s trip to New Zealand, how airport accessibility is evolving, and the challenges (and joys) of balancing structure and flexibility during trips abroad.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Travel Anxiety and The Reality of Airports

• Jordan details how international travel, particularly layovers in the U.S., can be nerve-wracking due to the added steps at customs and heightened anxieties around unfamiliar procedures.
• Positive sensory experiences, such as comfort food (e.g., Panda Express at LAX), serve as grounding rituals in otherwise overwhelming environments.
  • [02:38] “No one has lived until they've had Panda Express, my friend.” — Jordan

2. Accommodations for Invisible Disabilities

• Jordan recounts a sharply contrasting experience with British Airways: his previous negative encounter, where staff poorly handled requests for accommodations, directly led to advocacy and systemic change. This time, he highlights visible signage for invisible disabilities (e.g., Sunflower lanyards) and seamless access to pre-boarding.
  • [09:36] “They've got the disability sign, … but next to it they've got a sunflower with a green background. It’s for invisible disabilities… I just felt so comfortable.” — Jordan
  • [11:06] “Literally... the whole experience was absolutely fantastic as far as my invisible disabilities were concerned. I actually didn’t really feel like my neurodivergent disabilities were disabling me.” — Jordan
• Encouragement for self-advocacy—asking for accommodations confidently changes the travel experience.
  • [13:22] “You just have to advocate for yourselves. … If you can always ask because most people are absolutely lovely if you just approach them.” — Jordan

3. The Emotional Impact of Being Accommodated

• Simon is genuinely surprised and heartened by Jordan’s positive experiences, discussing how rare it is to move through travel spaces without confrontation or feeling out of place.
  • [16:07] “I am really relieved about it, but I'm also kind of, like, in a little bit of shock because … when it actually happens, I'm sometimes taken a little bit aback. … I'm so used to fighting that … Change!” — Simon

4. Managing Energy, Routine, and Jet Lag

• Jordan describes the effect of major time zone changes (UK to New Zealand/LAX layover), the resulting jet lag, and the need for flexibility in plans.
  • [21:10] “It was like having double ADHD and then forgetting all your methylphenidate.” — Jordan
• Both hosts discuss the need for “recovery days” amidst jam-packed itineraries; Jordan shares a key moment of self-regulation when he decided to forgo a trip to Mount Doom for the sake of rest.
  • [25:59] “I literally got halfway up the road and I said, Sylvia, this is a really, really stupid idea. … I was pushing myself too hard. But I recognized that.” — Jordan

5. Balancing Special Interests With Enjoyment

• Jordan discusses the interplay between his love of photography, his impulse to capture everything, and learning not to let special interest hyperfocus detract from the present moment—or burden companions.
  • [39:10] “It’s nice to not let your special interest, your hyper fixation, ruin things for others around you. … I was able to enjoy moments and enjoy things without the need to involve a camera.” — Jordan
• Reflection on societal changes—how the omnipresence of phones and “content” can pull even neurotypical people out of present, sensory moments.

6. Travel as Restoration vs. Exhaustion

• The hosts reflect on the post-travel “down” and how, after decompressing, travel experiences bring lasting joy—especially through photography and memories.
  • [36:39] “Initially, I feel quite down because I'm like, oh, yeah, I really, really, really like having zero responsibilities. … But once that initial … back to the usual routine kicks in, I do feel good.” — Jordan

7. Future Travel Plans & Integrating Hobbies

• Jordan shares his anticipation for a family trip to Japan in 2028, and an increased interest in exploring the UK domestically, using new car adventures for photography.
• Simon details an upcoming stag trip to Italy and his excitement for “hobby-led” breakaways, like group golf trips.
• Both reflect on the importance of aligning travel with their passions to make it less daunting and more fulfilling.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On overcoming negative airport experiences:
  “The last time I shouted at British Airways was because I had a terrible experience... they actually ended up contacting me because I'm just that famous.”
  — Jordan [08:36]

• On using accommodations without shame:
  “Now she's literally pushing me. And she's like, go and tell the lady. We need to go on first.”
  — Jordan, describing his wife’s advocacy evolution [15:00]

• On FOMO and self-care while traveling:
  “If I've traveled somewhere really far with the intention of doing something... I would really struggle with the battle ... but then I've also got to live with the internal anguish of missing out.”
  — Simon [27:58]

• On shifting priorities in travel:
  “This time it was completely different. It was, oh, I can take pictures when I take pictures… enjoy things without the need to involve a camera.”
  — Jordan [38:28 – 40:18]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Topic/Segment | |-----------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 05:43 | Framing the Neurodivergent Travel Experience (flying, airports, reframing challenges) | | 08:36 | Shout out to British Airways: Past Bad Experience Versus Current Positive Change | | 09:36 | The Sunflower Lanyard & Modern Accommodations for Invisible Disabilities at Airports | | 11:06 | Advocacy Tips: How to Request and Use Accommodations | | 15:00 | Evolution of Sylvia’s (Jordan’s wife) Attitude to Self-Advocacy and Using the Law | | 16:07 | Simon’s Reaction to Genuine, Proactive Accommodations (from “shock” to hope) | | 21:10 | The Sensory and Mental Impact of Jet Lag | | 25:44 | Building In “Recovery Days” and Making Decisions to Skip Activities for Wellbeing | | 27:58 | FOMO, Flexibility, and Letting Go of Rigid Plans | | 32:28 | Sensory Impressions: Auckland at Night, Sports Events, Feeling “Not Disabled” on the Road | | 36:39 | Holidays: Restorative or Exhausting? | | 39:10 | Special Interests and Not Letting Them Consume the Whole Experience | | 42:12 | Planning Domestic/UK Travel; Simon’s Upcoming Italy Trip | | 44:33 | Hobbies as Hyperfocus Tools for Travel Comfort |

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Takeaway Insights

• Self-advocacy is key – Know your rights, ask for accommodations, and expect to be treated with dignity. Systems are improving, but individuals still need to “claim the space.”
• Structure and flexibility can coexist – It’s possible to plan full itineraries while leaving room for rest, adjusting plans without guilt if energy runs out.
• Travel is not just about distance but about sensory and emotional navigation – Neurodivergent travelers must balance excitement, FOMO, and the unique needs of their brains.
• Progress exists – From airlines to airports, awareness and flexibility are improving, making travel less daunting for those with invisible disabilities.
• Bring your joys along – Integrating hobbies and special interests can provide comfort and a “hyperfocus” anchor amidst the uncertainty of travel.

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Closing

Jordan and Simon close the episode by encouraging listeners to share their own travel tips, advocate for themselves, and make travel work for their neurodivergent needs—Panda Express optional but highly recommended.

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For more relatable neurodivergent conversations, tune in weekly to The Neurodivergent Experience.

Transcript

[A]

Foreign. Welcome to the neurodivergent Experience podcast. A podcast where we share the lived experiences of neurodivergent people to help create a better understanding for our community.

[B]

Join us every week as we bring you honest, raw and inspiring conversations with specialists, advocates and individuals who know exactly what it's like to live the neurodivergent experience.

[A]

I'm Jordan James, a neurodivergent specialist, father of neurodivergent children, husband to a neurodivergent wife, and author of the Autistic Experience. And I'm joined by my best friend.

[B]

I'm Simon Scott. I'm an autistic ADHD broadcaster, actor and advocate. Join us as we journey into unraveling the neurodivergent experience.

[A]

Hello. Hello. I'm back. Sort of barely available in my brain, still suffering jet lag. It's me, Jordan James, with Scotty.

[B]

Hello. He. I've always been here, but hello.

[A]

Yeah, I've not been in it. You don't get to go off and jet setting photography holidays, do you?

[B]

I get to jet set occasionally.

[A]

You do, that's true. Yeah. You went to America?

[B]

Yeah. I'm not doing that. I was literally thinking about that this morning. I was like, what am I going on my next long haul trip? I was like, it's not going over there, dude.

[A]

Before we get into the episode, I had to, obviously I went to New Zealand. Long haul flights on the way there. We went via Singapore on the way back and went via lax. I've never been so nervous.

[B]

Did you?

[A]

Yeah, because in, in, in America, in the us you have to get your bags and then you have to put your bags back through a different security thing. But before you're even able to do that, you actually have to go through migration.

[B]

Do you know I didn't know that you'd gone through la.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. And I was in LA and I was, you know, it was really simple but obviously it was nerve wracking because of everything that's going on. But oddly enough with the whole ICE thing going on, it was nearly all Hispanic people that were in the airport as police. And I was like, I felt very comfortable knowing that there were Hispanic people everywhere rather than American. So yeah, I actually felt more comfortable around Hispanic people than I did around white people. So that says a lot about the MAGA lot, doesn't it?

[B]

Yes, it does.

[A]

What time I went through and there was just Lakers stuff everywhere in the airport and we went and had, oh, what do we have? Panda Express. God, I wish they'd bring Panda Express.

[B]

Yeah, Real American tradition with lax with a Panda Express, mate.

[A]

Panda Express is the bomb. Two things before we get started. One, I really hope they bring Panda Express into the uk. Two, I really hope they don't bring Panda Express into the UK because I don't know if I'll be able to handle putting on that much weight.

[B]

I don't think I've ever had the pleasure of a Panda Express, but I know that they're like sugar laws and everything are a lot different. So I bet it's like, dude, it's

[A]

like Chinese food if it was. If it was in a subway. So you queue up and. And you basically. It's like a subway, you know, you. I'll have a bit of that and I'll have a bit of that and I'll have a bit of that. And you put. They'll put it in a big bowl. So you have your noodles or your rice and then you can have the choice of one, two or three different types of toppings, you know, so Kung Pao chicken, beef with broccoli, that sort of stuff. And literally I had this. But I'd all. I had the biggest one, obviously, because, you know, I got me fill in and. Yeah, that was insane.

[B]

I love how you went all the way to New Zealand and the first thing that you have to tell me about and. And the listeners about the entire trip was the highlight was Panda Express in la.

[A]

Weirdly enough, you should say that. I took a picture of it, put it on my family group chat and that's exactly what my nephew said. He went.

[B]

It.

[A]

Was that the highlight of the trip.

[B]

It's like you've tried. You've done an entire circumnavigation of the world. All these. These ancient travelers that have navigated the seas and mapped the world, but they've not lived until they had a pandering.

[A]

No one has lived until they've had Panda Express, my friend.

[B]

Am I even alive?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Is this. Is this even reality?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Oh, so. Well, it's been. It's very nice to see you, my friend. It's been a quite a while, isn't it, since we've both sat in front of microphones with headphones on and. And talked. Talked the tizzle.

[A]

Yeah. Because we recorded a whole bunch before we left. And then I've been. That's about three weeks. I've been gone for about two and a half weeks.

[B]

A lifetime for me. I've done. I've had quite a lot going on since then, but that's. We're not actually exclusively talking about Panda Express. If they want to sponsor us, we'll. Let's do a deal, guys. Good nom nom. But one of the things that I'm interested to sort of talk about, dude, and I think about this quite often, is that so much of, like, my pre self awareness of neurodivergence life, I kind of just got on with stuff and flying was one of those things. I'm not a terrible flyer, but I do get a little bit fed up of being on a plane for a certain amount of time.

[A]

Oh, my arms get tired.

[B]

Yeah. And now like, all that flying. Oh, God. Not miss this, but just sort of like thinking about life in general as a neurodivergent person. Now when these situations happen, you do sort of have to take a pause and have a bit of a reframe. So I just want to talk about traveling a long haul, flying and dealing with airports and all of that, because you've done quite a fair bit of it the past few weeks.

[A]

Yeah. And it was all worth it just to go and get my one ring from Hobbiton movie set. I went all the way there to get a genuine movie replica of the one ring from Lord of the Rings. And it's. It's beautiful. No one can see this, but I'm showing Scotty. It's got all the writing.

[B]

That's very nice.

[A]

Oh, it's now my wedding ring. Because, fun fact, it was originally a wedding ring and Peter Jackson was looking for the one ring and what it was going to look like for the movies. And he got, you know, shown a whole bunch of rings and he's like, none of these are. None of these are speaking to me that, you know, they're. Yeah. Quite literally. They just. It's like, I can't find the one I'm looking for. And then a crew member, he saw a ring on a crew member's wedding ring and he was like, can I see that? And the crew member showed him. It was. This is it. This is the one. This is literally the one ring to rule them all. And so it's actually. It was a crew member's wedding ring. And I thought, well, because I know and love that story of how they found the one ring. My purpose was to go there and have it as a wedding ring. So that's. That's literally what I've got. I've got a gold band Lord of the Rings wedding ring.

[B]

Funky writing.

[A]

Yeah. They actually showed me the actual size, like, of the original. This. That guy was massive.

[B]

Which makes me think, I'm like, Frodo was teeny tiny with his little hands. How did he manage to get a.

[A]

Cuz the ring about that. The ring actually changes sizes.

[B]

Oh, of course it does, yeah.

[A]

It changes sizes depending on who's wearing.

[B]

I didn't. Why didn't I think about.

[A]

So. Yeah, yeah. But anyway, if you're not a.

[B]

If you're.

[A]

If you're not a Lord of the Rings fan, that was very, very boring. But if you are, then I love you and you're cool and if you aren't, then you're not cool. So that was it.

[B]

Yeah, great. Cool. So, traveling. Where should we begin?

[A]

Right, well, first of all, I actually want to give a shout out to British Airways. And the last time I shouted at British. Shouted out to British Airways was because I had a terrible experience when we went to the US a couple of years ago where basically we were harassed by a. Arsehole is the nicest term simply because we wanted to use the disability lane, even though I had my lanyard on me and he was chasing Sylvia and I asking us what our disability is. And we got to the front desk, you know, and the lady actually was apologizing and the man jumped over the desk to see what our names were and he had no right to do that. So I complained to British Airways at the time. I actually made a video and that went viral and they actually ended up contacting me because I'm just that famous, literally. I'm not even joking. The head of British Airways Disability.

[B]

Oh, yeah, it's all bad.

[A]

PR literally contacted me while I was in the US and was like, I'm really, really sorry. How can we do better? So I literally listed down to him, I talked to him and I said, this is how you can do better. I don't know if it was all me. I'm assuming that he went away and thought about what he'd done and how they were going to make things better. But now I've gone to. Through British Airways again to go to New Zealand and dude, it was. It was so much better. It wasn't. It wasn't just better. They. They knocked it out of the park. So I've. I've gone in with. With my lanyard. Sylvia and I, we went up to. Towards the disability desk just as before, but it's a completely different setup and they've actually got. And I wish more places would go with this. They've. They've got the disability sign, you know, the usual one with the person in the wheelchair, but next to it they've got a sunflower with a green background.

[B]

Really?

[A]

Which. And it says on it, invisible. I don't know. I can't actually remember if it says invisible disabilities, but in my mind it did, but it's. That's for invisible disability. So it's almost becoming like. And also around other airports all around the world, apart from in the us, apparently, it's being more known as, like, a symbol for invisible disabilities, but mostly associated with autism, which I am. So that's all right. But, yeah, and it was all roped off and I went up to the person. There was a couple of people standing there in their nice suits, and as I approached, they got big smiles. Didn't have to. Didn't say anything. Saw my lanyard and they just opened up the ropes and let me through. No big smile. Happy, how are you? And I just felt so comfortable. I didn't feel nervous. I didn't have the anxiety that I had last time. I definitely didn't feel harassed. I was like, holy shit. This is like the opposite experience. I was like, british Airways, as far as I'm concerned, they. They absolutely did a great, great job. So I wanted to give them a shout out and then I went to the desk and it was all perfect. And we got priority boarding, which we. We normally do anyway, which was lovely. And we actually got our two seats because in. In the plane that we had, there's three seats all the way back on the left side, and then it goes two seats for the last three or four rows.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Where the two seats by themselves. We were allowed to have those two seats which normally they charge for, but they just gave them to us, you know, And. Yeah. And literally. And it was the same when we went with. Through Air New Zealand and then on the way back. And then on the way back with British Airways, we went British Airways to Singapore, Singapore, Air New Zealand to New Zealand, Air New Zealand to lax, lax, Panda Express, British Airways, and then back home again. And I have to say, overall, the whole experience was absolutely fantastic as far as my invisible disabilities were concerned. I actually didn't really feel like my neurodivergent disabilities were disabling me. I really, really didn't. I think it was the best experience I've had with. With traveling. And I think the world is changing. And I think that what. What. More to my advice to a lot of people, because I did see some autistic people on one of the flights that came on after us. So we got priority boarding and they they didn't have the priority boarding and they had the, the lanyards. But you've got to ask, you've got to go to that desk and you've got to say, look, I am autistic. Or you just say, look, I have an invisible disability. I will say I'm autistic. I'm not, you know, I'm literally the autistic photographer. I'm never, never going to not say I'm autistic. I said, look, my wife and I are autistic. We require boarding, pre boarding, which is what they do for all disabled people. There's literally like little chairs for the disabled section. It's all set out. You just have to advocate for yourselves. And so I, I do see autistic people with the lanyards and they're not asking. And you know, obviously not everyone can ask, but if you can, if you can always ask because they're, you know, honestly, most people are absolutely lovely if you just approach them and you just like, you know, I'm autistic, is it okay if I get on first? They go, yeah, of course. Well, not a problem.

[B]

And that's awesome.

[A]

Yeah. And the thing is, could you want. Even though when we went up and we went, you know, before everyone else, I mean, I don't, I don't really look at people anyway, but I never noticed anybody giving us dirty looks or anything like that, you know?

[B]

Yeah, I was, I was thinking that

[A]

I don't get anything. I did. I didn't hear anyone say anything and trust me, with my hearing, I hear everything. I didn't hear anyone say, oh, welcome, they're doing that, or what. What. Why are they getting on first? Because none of that, honestly, it was. I do weird. I feel like the world is changing a little bit for the better. I'm optimistic.

[B]

My God.

[A]

I know.

[B]

Because. No, because that's the thing is that I, you know, I'm not, I'm not

[A]

going anywhere for another year, by the way.

[B]

Yeah. You know, it could get worse. But, you know, a lot of what you've mentioned, there are all anxieties that I sort of have with traveling. And that actually sounds like a dream, like just to be able to just go up to the thing and be like, hello, yeah, I get on first, please. And it's the, the walking through the queue as well and having the dirty looks like I hate being perceived and I'm hyper aware of it as well. So the fact that you sort of just went through and nobody was like looking up and down like that feels quite rare for me in life.

[A]

Yeah. I mean, I'm sure that there was maybe people whispering. I don't. I mean, like, I don't know, and I don't care. It's out of the circle of my control, my friend. The fact is, is that I didn't have to hear it. I didn't deal with it. And I'm. I'm. I'm just in my circle of control, and I'm in my bubble, and I'm hyperfocused on. On my situation. But as far as I was concerned, everyone was very polite. Everyone was very friendly.

[B]

How did Sylvia found it?

[A]

Yeah, Sylvia found it really, really great as well. In fact, it's quite funny because I remember when. When we first started doing it, she used to get really nervous. She's like, no, no, no, don't. Don't. Don't cause a fuss. Don't cause a fuss. And I used to be like, well, actually, this is the law. I'm. I'm disabled and I'm supposed to get these accommodations. It's literally the law, and it's the Equality Act. And she'd be like, no, no, don't. Don't make her fuss now. Now she's literally pushing me. And she's like, go and tell the lady. We need to go on first. Quickly. Go, go, go, go. And then she was like, did. Did you tell the lady? Did you tell the lady? And I'm like, you've come so far, babe. You've come so far.

[B]

That's great.

[A]

Yeah. This is the lady that right at the start was like, no, I'm. I don't think I'm autistic. And now she's like, no, I'm autistic. I need help. And it's. It's.

[B]

That's a. That's a great thing to excuse, isn't it?

[A]

It's huge.

[B]

Yeah, that's. That's awesome. Dude, I'm. I'm almost a little bit in shock, to be honest, because, like, the last time that we did a travel episode was after you just come back. It was Oregon, wasn't it?

[A]

That was the Oregon one. The Canada one was. Was. Was better, but the Oregon one was. The Oregon one was bad.

[B]

So I'm. I am really relieved about it, but I'm also kind of, like, in a little bit of shock because it's strange. I am such an advocate for accommodation that when it actually happens, I'm sometimes taken a little bit of back. I'm like, oh, my God. Change. I'm actually not having to come at this and battle for it. I've just gone, you know, you've gone, can I have an accommodation, please? And they've got. Absolutely. Here's some signage. Follow the signage. Like, that's a huge sort of jump. It feels like it's gone from being in a bad way from where it was in Oregon to suddenly super, super accommodating, which is more than you can hope for. I can't, I can't quite believe it. That's how great that is. It almost doesn't feel. I'm so used to fighting that. I'm not sure. Sort of like, oh, we'll just, we'll just go to a break, we'll talk.

[A]

Yeah, I was going to say we'll have a break and then, and then we can talk about what it was like in New Zealand.

[B]

Yes, let's do that. This is a neurodivergent Experience Podcast announcement. If you're looking for a private ADHD or autism assessment in the uk, RTN Mental Health offers a clear and supportive option without long waits. Private assessments with RTN are gold standard, NHS approved and adhere to NICE guidelines. From the beginning of the process, you'll have access to a patient support coordinator who will guide you through every step of your journey, ensuring that you feel heard and supported. Care at RTN doesn't end at diagnosis with follow up recommendations, medication and therapy options available where appropriate. Jordan chose RTN for his own family because their care and attention to detail was second to none. They didn't just look at ADHD or autism in isolation, they took the time to understand the full picture. The team is neuro affirming, highly experienced and includes neurodivergent professionals who truly get it. To help make private assessment more accessible, RTN is pleased to offer the option to pay in three zero interest instalments with Klarna, allowing you to spread the cost in a way that works for you. Terms and conditions apply. Beginning the process is simple. Visit rtnmentalhealth.co.uk to book your assessment. Now to take the first steps towards understanding and Getting started. In 24 hours, redeem 10% off your booking using Jordan's code JJ007 at checkout. RTN Mental Health offering clarity, care and answers without the wait. Welcome back to the Neurodivergent Experience and welcome back to Mr. Jordan. Jane's off a plane. How Panda Express in hand. Lapx dude, I suppose I know you

[A]

get food on the on the long haul flights, but I was so tempted to buy another Panda Express and take it on the plane. Made the whole plane smell of Panda Express. No, I'm gonna also disagree with you on this one. Plain food was absolutely brilliant. Honestly. Actually, the pain food was some. It was better than a lot of food that I've just made myself. Like, it was genuinely tasty. I don't like eating on the plane because it's very cramped and you have the table down and, you know, it's the trays in there and it is elbows in. Yeah, elbows. And it's quite cramped, you know. But the actual food was. Was tasty. It really was.

[B]

I have sat here, literally, with my experience of traveling, and I'm just here like, I don't believe you. I had one of the good accommodations. The food was good. And you, you are very particular about your pastries as well, aren't you?

[A]

Yeah. I had a Sylvia and I loved the muffin. It was like raspberry chocolate or something. Muffin. And we were. We were absolutely flabbergasted that there was people who didn't eat their muffins. And I was looking over like, oh, give us your muffin. But they're not allowed to if they're not allowed to give us someone else's muffin. Even though it's in the packet. They were. This is actually what annoys me so much. The muffins were wrapped in plastic. They were throwing them away and I'm like, but they're still in the plastic.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I'm like, I was getting my bag out. Chuck them in here. Yeah.

[B]

He was like, it's just like, what?

[A]

Go.

[B]

I'll give it there. You. I'll make sure they go in the bin.

[A]

I'm not Belly because I'm the muffin man. I live on truffle.

[B]

Right. Okay, come on, let's. Let's. Let's move on with the episode. I don't know if you can tell, but I think Jordan might still be a bit jet lagged. And that's something that I am sort of intrigued to talk about. You've gone to the southern hemisphere time zones. Super crazy. Like, what was it like with your brain sort of being the way it is, suddenly being like 12 hours ahead?

[A]

It was. It was like having double ADHD and then forgetting all your methylphenidate.

[B]

Oh, groovy.

[A]

Except I had. I was on. I was taking my methylphenidate. I was taking 36 milligrams and it was. It was so weird. It. It was like you were awake and asleep, you know? Yeah. Like you're Yawning now that, when, when that moment just after you wake up where you're just like, ah. Especially if you've been woken up by an alarm and not naturally and just

[B]

like, oh, or a dog.

[A]

And then your eyes are like, you know, crusty eyes. Oh, it just like during the day, just randomly it was just hitting me, you know, I'm sure a lot of people listening have experienced jet lag, but yeah, it, it, it lasted about four days and then suddenly I was like, oh, I'm fine. But then it's happened on, obviously now I've got back and then I had, I've had to go and work as well. So I've re, I've been really, really struggling and last night I was like, I made it till 11 o' clock and went to sleep. I was like, okay, I've done well. I made it to 11 o', clock, 3 o' clock in the morning. I was wide awake. I had four, I'm on four hours sleep.

[B]

Brutal.

[A]

Yeah, it, I am. Oh.

[B]

So how did your body feel when it was like. Because I struggle with transition of change and I can't imagine how my brain would have felt going from winter to summer by just stepping off a plane.

[A]

We do that nearly every year. We, we always. Okay, so obviously last year it was Mauritius. The year before for that it was Gran Canaria. We're slowly going up in the world

[B]

next year.

[A]

No, no, well, well, we're doing Japan in 2028 for Sylvia's 50th birthday. I can't believe my wife is going to be 50. She only looks 30. But yeah, so for Sylvia's 50th, the whole family, minus the dogs, we're all going to go to Japan in the spring because Sylvia's birthday's in May. So we've decided to not go on holiday next year and then put that money towards going on a longer holiday to Japan. So it's possible we're going to go out there for like nearly, you know, two, maybe even two and a half weeks in Japan. So we're just going to put the money aside for that. So next year is going to be tough because the reason we normally do it is one, because it's our anniversary normally and two, just to get away from the winter blues. So it was nice, but I tell you what, the, the weather wasn't that great. It was, it was warm, which was nice, but a lot of times it was quite cloudy with like sun poking through. So yeah, I mean we also did the south island because we Went to the north island to stay with my friend, my, my best friend from when I was a kid. He moved out there about 15 years ago and so we were staying with him and he's in the north island in hamilton, which is 45 minutes from Hobbiton. So that was awesome. And then in the last five days we went down to the South Islands. We got an aeroplane down to the south island, hour and a half, that was it. On the airplane, hired a car down there and then got an Airbnb and it was just Sylvia and I when the south island, which is where the Wanaka tree is, we actually stayed in Wanaka.

[B]

Oh, very cool.

[A]

So Wanaka tree is the most famous for photographers. It's the most famous single tree because it's in water. So it's very similar to the Lambaras Lake tree in Wales that I liked to lots of pictures of. But Wanaka trees, it's just that much more special. I managed to get some great pictures, so please check them out on my Facebook page. And that was about it. We literally had like two days of good weather and the other three were just dark.

[B]

And did you have like any recovery days sort of planned in just like, sort of like navigate your spoons? Because when I've done like long haul traveling, I always have to have at least a day in the trip where like if we've gone to like a museum or we've gone to something specific, I just need like a couple of hours in the hotel. Like even if it's just to go in a pool or just to sit and read a book or something, there's always at some point during a trip I need like a little, few, just a little recharge hours. Did you have a lot of that?

[A]

We did that the day before. So it was the last day in the North Island. We, we actually planned on going to visit the mountain which is used in Lord of the Rings as Mount Doom.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And it was a three hour drive and then it would have been a four to five hour walk and then a three hour drive back. So. And we literally, we got up super early, we got in the car, we started driving and I was like, I literally got halfway up the road and I said, sylvia, this is a really, really stupid idea. I said, I'm absolutely shagged. I'm so tired. Why are we doing this? And we're like, because, because I wanted the picture of Mount Doom. And I'm like, I'm gonna do all of that to go and get a picture of Mount Doom. Now, yeah, it would have been cool, but is it really worth all of that just for one picture? And I. I was like, no, no, it's not. Because we had to get up super early the next morning. And I mean, like 4 o' clock in the morning, the next morning, to then go to Auckland, to then get another flight, to then go down to the South Island.

[B]

You've got to pick your battles.

[A]

And then we would have to pick up the car, then we would have had to. And then. Then we were going to spend the day in the south island because that was the reason we got up early, was so we could have the whole day. And I. And I just made that decision. And it was a really hard decision to make because they've got Golems Pond as well, or. Or Golem's pool, which is there as well, which is like the forbidden pool where he, like, hitting the fish. He's like. And I was like, I wanted to go there. And it was a really difficult decision to make, but I knew it was the right decision. We literally turned around and we drove back to my friends. And he was like, did you forget something? And I went, yeah, my sanity. I was like, I don't know why I've done this. I don't know why I was. Was even going there. It was. It was just. It was too much. I was pushing myself too hard. But I recognized that it's that balance,

[B]

isn't it, between, like, sort of regulating yourself and destabilizing yourself? Yeah, because I am guilty of doing that. And one of the reasons as to why I'm so guilty of doing that when I'm traveling is FOMO kills me. So if I've traveled somewhere really, really far with the intention of doing something. Christ, I've never even traveled past the equator, so let alone, you know, going to New Zealand and all that, I would really struggle with the battle of what you had there, which is, if I do this trip, which I want to do, and go and see some really cool stuff, I'm gonna kill myself. But then I've also got to live with the internal anguish of missing out on. On doing the thing. And it's like picking the lesser of two evils in a way. Like, do you struggle with that when you're traveling? Because obviously you go in, like, whenever you explain your trips, you're like, oh, we did this, this, this, this, this, this. And I'm like, oh, that's a lot in a holiday. You went, oh, that was a day like, ah. Oh, nice.

[A]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Like, you're like. You always seem to have such a full itinerary. I actually feel like I would be exhausted by half, just half of the stuff you sort of expressed on trips. So how do you. How do you sort of navigate when you don't do stuff that you really wanted to? Does it affect you much or do you just sort of, like, move on?

[A]

It used to massively change of plans and all that, and. But now I. I kind of. I'm so much more chill about it. And. And this isn't just because of, you know, being able to deal with my anger issues last year or whatever. I've actually been quite chill for a while now of saying, look, if I. I have a plan, but let's have alternative plans. So if. Because you never know what the weather's going to be like as well, no matter where you go or, you know, you could be. It could be chasing to the world of adventures. You don't know what the weather's going to be like. So you go, okay, so maybe I can't go that day, or maybe I've got to change or we go and do something else. So nowadays when I go on trips, I have an idea of the things I want to do, but they're pretty flexible. So, like, I knew I wanted to go to Mount Doom, and the plan was it was going to be a weekend and we were going to drive down there, then spend the night with an Airbnb and then drive back. But my friend said, and the weekend that we were going to do it, he said, look, there's a basketball match in Auckland and it's. It's literally one basketball team in the whole of New Zealand. They're called.

[B]

Oh, really?

[A]

Yeah, they're called the Breakers. I got a jersey. They're called the breakers, and they're in the Australian League, which is a really big league, like a lot of NBA players. In fact, there was NBA players in this game playing for the Australian team that came over. I think it was Sydney, I think. I. I can't remember.

[B]

Sport over there is growing in. In. It's. Oh, it's not as sort of prominent like they have the house sports.

[A]

Basketball is really big out there. It really is. And so I was like, well, we've never been to a basketball game.

[B]

You've never been to a live basketball game.

[A]

No, I know, I know, I know. That was so cool. So there I am with my friend. With my friend, who's basically. I was the one when we were kids who got him into basketball.

[B]

Oh, that's a real story coming, coming to the.

[A]

And then I go over there and he organized us being able to go and watch my first basketball match. So I got him into that.

[B]

Dude.

[A]

Well, we were out there, we were every day we're watching basketball and his girlfriend was like, you know, there's other things we can watch. And we both looked at him, went, no, there's not. Even Sylvia was like, no, there's not. There's only basketball, only basket. I mean, this morning I've already watched two games.

[B]

Oh, gosh. Just never ending, isn't it? There's always a game. There's always a game.

[A]

But yes, we went up to Auckland and we spent the night there instead. So we went there and had a. We, we went for a lovely walk. On the way there, we stopped off at this waterfall, went, had a lovely walk and we just did something else. And that wasn't part of my plan in my head when I was over there, but it changed and it was, it was awesome. I absolutely loved it. I got a Breakers jersey and I had one of the best burgers I've ever had in my life at about 10pm Like a bar in Auckland.

[B]

They eat late, right? Apparently, that's the thing.

[A]

Auckland is so beautiful at night. It's all lit up. It looks like, it looks like Christmas lights everywhere.

[B]

I've heard that before. I've had a friend that's been to

[A]

Auckland before I And it. And from a sensory issue on, on a Saturday night in Auckland after a Breakers game. It was, it was so chill. Like I didn't, I didn't feel disabled. I really, really didn't.

[B]

That's one of the things that I found about traveling. Just like the US and Europe and things like that. Don't realize how compact the UK is.

[A]

Oh, we've got so much in such a small place.

[B]

Everything's on top of everything. It's like you go to a sports game and it'll take you like at least a five mile radius to not feel like there's been something happening. Like you're in London and you just, you just feel like there's something happening every single second of every day. And like, you'll go to like big cities. Like when I went to the US and we went to the Masters, you sort of leave Augusta and you're just like, oh, stop in a place and go and get a burger. And it's like nothing. You don't see like anything that's related to what you've just been to. It feels like you just step out of it. And then in the UK it's like you can never get away from it, just always on top of you.

[A]

Well, so let's have one more break and then when we come back we can talk about something else. Other things.

[B]

Bye. Alright, back in a minute. Boost Mobile is now sending experts nationwide to deliver and set up customers new phones. Wait, we're going on tour? We're delivering and setting up customers phones. It's not a tour, not with that attitude. Introducing store to door switch and get a new device with expert setup and delivery. Delivery available for select devices [e-mail] have you ever felt stuck in patterns that don't serve you, struggled with stress or wanted to connect more deeply with yourself? Then I have to introduce you to a friend of the podcast. Ashley Bentley of Integrated coaching, breathwork and Hypnotherapy. Ashley is a highly experienced clinical hypnotherapist and coach specializing in working with neurodivergent minds. Through a unique blend of integrative coaching, breath work and hypnotherapy, Ashley helps people rewire subconscious patterns, regulate their nervous systems, step into more empowered versions of themselves. Whether you're dealing with addiction, anxiety, burnout or struggles with self acceptance, Ashley offers practical and science backed tools tailored just for you. Her unique methods combine neuroscience, storytelling, subconscious transformation to create real lasting change. Jordan and I can personally attest to the profound and transformative effects of her sessions which have been life changing. She does all of these sessions online, meaning she can work with you no matter where you are in the world. If you're ready to break free from old patterns and start living with more clarity, confidence and connection, go to Bit ly Ashleynde to book a free consultation or learn more. Welcome back to the Neurodivergent Experience. No Panda Express sponsors just yet, but we'll keep. We'll try it. We'll get them. We'll get you guys.

[A]

We are looking for sponsors. If anyone wants to sponsor us, contact us.

[B]

I will. I will take a freebie. Even if I don't like it, I'll tell you, I will. It'll be, you know, I have principles and if you don't like those, I have others.

[A]

If you are a neurodivergent friendly company, seriously, contact us. We're growing and we're looking for sponsorship. 140,000 downloads now.

[B]

Isn't it crazy? We only did the hundred thousand one a little while ago. It's weird how it works like that.

[A]

We're very popular. We'll make you money anyway.

[B]

Anyway, please, I won't beg, but I will grovel. No. So one of the things that I just wanted to ask you before we sort of discuss what our next travel plans are, because I've got something coming up is holidays. Do you find them restorative or do you feel more tired when you get back?

[A]

Initially, I, I feel quite down because I'm like, oh, yeah, I really, really, really like having zero responsibilities.

[B]

Isn't it great not having a job when you're on holiday? You're just like. And I am a child with adult money in a foreign land.

[A]

It's not just that. It's like, I don't have to worry about the dogs. I don't have to worry about, you know, responsibility. Yeah. Just anything, really. Just. Just do what? And the, the autonomy of it as well, of just being like, you know, I get to decide what I want to do. I don't, I don't have to do anything. I don't have to be here, I don't have to be there. I can just do whatever I want. But once that initial sort of, you know, back, back to the, the usual routine kicks in, I, I do feel good. I feel like, yeah, no, that was amazing experience. And of course, the best thing about my photography is that I get to relive all those experiences through my photographs and I can slowly edit them. So the. But I would say that the biggest difference between. Because New Zealand, the last time I went, which was six years ago, just before COVID hit, we came back and a month later, lockdown happened. Oh, wow. Yeah, that was the last time we went to New Zealand.

[B]

What a, What a change of circumstances that is.

[A]

Yeah. So that, that was a very, very head fuck, that was. But the, the huge difference with my photography was last time I went, it was my first ever abroad trip for photography. And obviously this is, this is Middle Earth to me. You know, this is Lord of the Rings. And I was very excited and I just.

[B]

That's a special place to you.

[A]

Yeah. And I had, I had like, I hit 8,000 followers, which now I've got 107,000. So that's, you know, I was a lot more sort of focused and driven to be like, oh, I need to take pictures, I need to take pictures. I need to do social media. I need to do social media. But this time it was completely different. It was, oh, I can take pictures when I take pictures. And I was. There was specific places, no pressure that I would go to, to take. In fact, my friend was putting me under more pressure but because he has a Highland, a pet Highland cow. And he kept saying, oh, can you take pictures of my Highland cow? You take pictures of my island cows, like, yeah. And I just took the best pictures he's ever seen in this island cows, like, there you go, mate. No, that was easy.

[B]

Do you want to WhatsApp him?

[A]

Yeah, that was freaking easy. Yeah, no problem. But yeah, it was. It's nice to not let your special interest, your hyper fixation ruin things for others around you. And I was able to enjoy moments and enjoy things without the need to involve a camera. And the reason I say this is because what I notice constantly, everywhere I go now, everyone just won't put their phone down. Yeah, everyone is just walking up and down the high street. This is, this is New Zealand. This is everywhere. Everywhere in the airport, everywhere I went, everywhere I go in the uk, everyone is just head down on their phone. And it's. No one seems to be living in the moment. Everyone's got a camera in their hands, but no one's seeing anything in real life, it seems, because everything is content. Everything is. Oh, yeah, is. Is entertainment. It's like we, we can't switch off.

[B]

I had this when I went to Amsterdam. There was two girls in front of me at the queue at Starbucks at 7am making like reels of being like, oh, we're on our trip with our starbies. And I was like, girls, just get your coffee. It's just coffee. It's, it's, it's not that deep. And I'm a bit. And I understand that people are having a holiday and it's a big moment and it's great. I was like, but you're just getting coffee in an airport. Guys, just, Just get your coffee at

[A]

7:00am yeah, you want to see a sick reel? Is. When I got to Hobbiton, obviously, we're in it. We're. We're in tour group. And I made a point to get to the front of the tour and I, and I went in front of the actual tour guide and I said, is it okay if I record us walking into Hobbiton? And she was like, yeah, yeah, of course. So if, if you come on my page, there's, there's a, there's a video of the actual journey you do as you walk through the. The walkway into Hobbiton, which is the route in which Gandalf takes Frodo on his little car into Hobbiton. And. Yeah, it was such a cool moment.

[B]

That's really cool. It must be really strange that I've experienced it before like when I went to Augusta for the Masters and you just sort of are in a place and then you stand in one position and you get the cinematographer's angle and you're like holy shit, there it is. You just take a step to the left. You're like. And it's gone. And then you take a step back and you're like oh my God, there it is. You just go. And then it's gone. It's a really cool sort of perspective. But what sort of trips have you got coming up? Are you going anywhere else or is that it? Until you go to. Well, Japan.

[A]

This, this, this is why I bought the, the new car. So I got an suv. So it's, it's nice and big and comfortable. It's not, it's not a big suv, it's like a mid sized one. But it's because obviously we can.

[B]

Your golf that you have.

[A]

Oh yeah, yeah, exactly. It was. So we can do a lot of domestic traveling because obviously Wales and, and Scotland and Lake District and Cornwall and, and obviously coming and seeing you. And, and I'm so basically I think for, for quite some time now I think we're going to go to Pol. It's my in laws wedding anniversary, I think 50th or something. So we'll. That's the only time I think I'm going to leave the country until we go to Japan in May 2028. So I'm just gonna drive around the UK and which is brilliant because I absolutely love, I love the UK and I, I love going and seeing all the, the parts of especially like I said Wales and Scotland and doing some cool photography there. So that's, that's what I've got planned. How about you?

[B]

So I'm actually going away in a couple of weeks.

[A]

Oh yeah.

[B]

I'm going to Italy for three nights, four nights. I'm going on a stag do. So I've not had any of my like my actual proper circle of friends get married and one of them is, and he's like huge into rugby and he wants to go. We've already got tickets. It's going to be a great experience. We're watching England versus Italy in Rome.

[A]

Nice.

[B]

So we're flying into Milan and then getting the train that goes through Tuscany and everything to Rome. So that we're going to get to see like a lot of Italy and then we're spending a day and a half in Rome and we're going to go and see the Colosseum and the Theater de Pompey, where, I think that's what it's called, where Julius Caesar was murdered and all this sort of stuff. And then going to the room again. Yes. And all that. And all that fun stuff. And then we're getting the train back to Milan and spending a couple of days in Milan, which I'm absolutely stoked for, because I've never been to Italy properly. I've passed through it on a ski trip, but, yeah, so that's what I've got planned. And then other than that, my friend, I just want to see a bit more of the uk. I'm now starting to play golf with a group of guys more regularly, and one of them was suggesting that we go and do a. A golf trip in the uk, maybe in, like, the northeast coast and go and play a couple of courses up there. And you know what? I'm actually really excited to do that. Yeah, that's going to be really fun.

[A]

I think that that's great when. When you can involve your hobby into the travel, it just gives you that hyper focus as well to deal with anything that. That comes up that might, you know, deter you from traveling.

[B]

Yeah, absolutely. Because I wouldn't be able to go on. It's. It's weird. It's like Karis really wants to do, like, a beach holiday. And so much of, like, the last few years, I've been like, if I'm going somewhere, I have to do it for a reason. And you're right, it's always been tied to special interests. So maybe I will have a beach holiday this year. But I know for a fact, dude, I'll struggle to switch off. I'll just literally sat on a sunbed

[A]

and I'll be like, go to Spain and find somewhere that's near a really nice golf course. And then you can go golfing while Karis chills on the beach.

[B]

Do you know what, mate? She'll love that. That'll go down really well.

[A]

I mean, that's what Sylvia does. She. She chills in the beach while I go and take pictures of, like, exotic birds and Mauritius. A bat and a turtle. I was going to go. I was just going. I literally went around the hotel taking pictures of wildlife.

[B]

Yeah, See that. That. I know. I've seen a lot of reels and stuff and memes recently where it's like, boyfriend books, the hotel, the girlfriend's. Oh, my God, this is amazing. This is so great. Opens the curtains, the golf course just outside, just as far as the eye can see.

[A]

Women do also golf, so I don't see why that's a boyfriend thing.

[B]

Oh, it's just. It was just the meme, my friend. But no, I totally agree, but I'm old.

[A]

I don't understand these things.

[B]

Yes, of course. But yeah, that's been our little travel episode today. It's great to have you back, my friend. I've missed you. Gonna have to sort of get back into the rhythm of doing these. Don't do them for two weeks and I've forgotten my name.

[A]

Steve.

[B]

Oh, no. I've changed my passport and everything. But I'm intrigued to know listeners, now that Jordan's back. What are your sort of your little travel experiences, knickknacks, things that you do to sort of help yourself, advocate? Are you a big fan of Panda Express? Hit me in the comments. Let me know.

[A]

I guess nom nom.

[B]

We'll be back tomorrow with our Hot Topic in your feed. Ashley will be with you on Mindful Mondays. And a big thank you to Ashley for sitting in with Jordan as well. That was super, super helpful. Go and listen to her show. It's great night. Goodbye.

[A]

Bye.

[B]

Bye, everyone. Bye. Thanks for tuning in to the neurodivergent Experience. We hope today's episode sparks something for you. Whether it's a new idea, a bit of validation, or just a moment of connection. Remember, new episodes are every week, so be sure to join us for the next one for more conversations and insights into the neurodivergent Experience. If you've enjoyed this podcast, help us grow. You can do that by rating and reviewing this show. Your support makes a huge difference in helping us reach more people who could benefit from these conversations. You can connect with us on social media, find us on Instagram, Facebook, Tick tock. Just search for the neurodivergent Experience. Thank you again for listening and until next time, take care of yourself. You're not alone in this journey.