BIO

Drawing from 15 years of studying and working with neurodivergent individuals, before being diagnosed, and with personal experience living with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Addiction and Anxiety disorders, Matt, a former professional entertainer, presents a unique blend of expertise and relatability. Combining education with entertainment, he dispels myths, emphasizes strengths, and advocates for inclusion, leaving audiences informed and engaged.

What sets Matt apart is his genuine approach. Rather than focusing on the “them vs us” and “neurotypical vs neurodivergent” myths, or blaming others for the struggles being neurodivergent brings, he explains the impact that being neurodivergent can have on people. Rather than focusing on labels, Matt focuses on people.

He emphasizes the untapped potential, inherent talents, passion, and abilities that neurodivergent individuals possess, highlighting the transformative impact of appropriate support.

Audiences are captivated by his personal experiences, passion, and insights, leading them towards a deeper understanding and desire to champion neurodivergent individuals in both professional and personal settings.

​With an expansive and esteemed reputation in the field of neurodiversity, Matt has collaborated with prominent organisations including the UK Government, ASOS, Sony Pictures, The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Chubb, and the Tate Group. His expertise is further enriched by his role as a professional mentor to individuals with ADHD and Autism.

In his 18-year career spanning various industries, Matt navigated the professional realm undiagnosed, excelling and struggling equally in diverse roles. Furthermore, with 15 years as a seasoned entertainer, he brings a unique perspective to his consultations, drawing from a rich tapestry of experiences.

Matt hosts the TALKADHD podcast which has gained a reputation for being the only evidence-led podcast on ADHD and other conditions in the UK and is now recommended by the World Federation of ADHD to clinical and non-clinical members alike.

A sought-after guest on podcasts, Matt introduces a refreshing angle on awareness, emphasizing abilities and potential over challenges. His articulate communication style and innate ability to simplify intricate concepts have made him an invaluable voice in the Neurodiversity domain.

​Speech topics:

 What is Neurodiversity anyway? The answer is not what you think.

​It’s a term you’ve probably heard but may not quite understand, that’s okay. Neurodivergent speaker and consultant Matt Gupwell is going to clear everything up.  

This isn’t a talk about how the world is stacked against Neurodivergent people. How Neurotypical people don’t understand what it’s like. It’s a talk based in research, science, experience, and humility. Delivered with humour, intelligence, compassion, and a desire to help everyone work, live, communicate and thrive together better.

This isn’t the “Them and Us of Neurodiversity” so often heard by other speakers. This is simply the information you need to have better conversations with people and not labels.

Masking and Unmasking. Why these are unhelpful terms?

Speak to anyone who is neurodivergent, but especially someone who is late diagnosed and they’ll at some point tell you how they have “been masking” all their lives, they may even tell you how they’re now “unmasking”. But what does that tell you? How does it help you support or understand them better? The truth is – nothing.  

This is a topic discussed by many and understood by very few. Even those using the terms daily. In this keynote, Matt draws upon 15 years of supporting neurodivergent people of all ages, in all types of jobs as well as on his own experience explain things more helpfully. He’ll share with you why when a colleague, friend or family member tells you they are masking/unmasking it is okay to feel confused and to still not know how to help them. By the end of the talk, you’ll know what questions to ask, how this topic fits into the reasonable adjustments conversation and how you can understand and help people.  

Pale. Male. Stale. (and middle-aged). How dare you say life is tough.

In this illuminating keynote, Matt will share why growing up Mr Average as far as everyone else could tell meant that when he crashed in 2019 after a life of knowing he didn't fit in he knew his problems were far from over. Matt came through suicidal ideation and was able to get the help he needed but for many men, that simply doesn’t happen. He'll share why conversations about mental health, getting men talking and stereotypes of men in middle age not speaking out are made even worse when those same men are neurodivergent. You’ll learn what it feels like to be unable to say you are struggling because of what you look or sound like and why we need something to change to prevent more men from feeling that they have no place in the world.  

ADHD, Autism and Addiction - Why are they so often linked?

A personal journey of addiction, recovery, and hope for others. It took 49 years, lots of pain and a whole lot of work for Matt to realise that not only had he always had ADHD, but he’d also always had an addictive personality. When Matt hit “Rock Bottom” what was clear was that everything was linked. The figures are alarming, but simply put, being neurodivergent puts people at greater risk of developing addictions. Not just to substances, but to anything that can be used as self-medication, a way to quieten the anxiety caused by knowing you are different. In this talk Matt shares the science, the research and the real personal evidence gained helping others recover from addiction and why addiction and neurodivergence are such a common co-occurrence.

Embracing AI as a reasonable adjustment

AI is everywhere. Some have embraced it; others are still unsure. But what if AI could improve the ability of neurodivergent employees to do the things they do well even better? Matt has firsthand evidence to show why this is the case as well as the experiences of those he’s mentored whose life has been improved by using AI. This talk dives into the topic of executive function, overwhelm and reasonable adjustments to show you how utilising AI can make huge differences for people. Are you ready to talk about AI in a way you likely never considered?

Testimonials

“Matt, you are incredible. Your enthusiasm, honesty and passion left a lasting effect on all the team. Thank you again.”
​Stuart Cain, Chief Executive Warwickshire County Cricket Club and Edgbaston

“The session with Matt was outstanding. We had our highest event attendance to date, and everyone was extremely positive about the session.”
HR Manager, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority

“The brilliant Matt Gupwell came to ASOS.com HQ to chat all things neurodiversity. His passion for what he does is so inspiring, and the ex-researcher in me loves that what he communicates is a mix of clinical evidence, alongside real human experience. I'm excited for ASOS to be working with him more in the future!”
Leah Wolstenholme, Tech recruiter, ASOS

Further information, please get in touch with Deborah:

hello@papillonspeakers.com

07814 934740