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Matt Ryan Coles. ADHD UK Ambassador

My name is Matt, and I am an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (AssocCIPD) with over 15 years of experience in human resources and organisational development. I currently work in a mid to senior position within Higher Education (HE), where I am dedicated to fostering equitable and inclusive workplaces that empower individuals from all walks of life to thrive. Since transitioning into the HE sector more than a year ago, I have been using my extensive experience to drive meaningful change, particularly in advocating for neurodivergent communities.

My journey to an ADHD diagnosis was long and fraught with challenges. I spent three years on the NHS waiting list, desperate for support and feeling utterly alone, if it wasn’t for my wonderful partner in crime, Martine, who was SO patient with me, I would never have followed through on getting diagnosis and treatment. Each day that passed without answers reinforced the struggles I had faced my entire life—pushing myself to keep up with those around me, punishing myself for not being good enough, and questioning why everything seemed so much harder for me than for others. The uncertainty and isolation during this period were overwhelming, but they also ignited a fire within me to ensure that no one else had to navigate this experience alone. This is what drives my advocacy today—I want to be the person for others that I so desperately needed during that time.

For years, I battled against myself, striving for success while constantly feeling like I was falling short. I had to fight against my own brain every day to achieve what came so easily to others. Even when I began to achieve professional success, I felt like a fraud. 

Imposter syndrome took hold of me, and I found myself in a cycle of self-criticism—punishing myself when I wasn’t doing well, and then punishing myself even more when I was. No matter how much I achieved, it never felt like enough. I was constantly looking at those around me, convinced that I was still somehow behind, still not worthy.

Before my diagnosis, my mental health suffered immensely. I spent years not knowing what was wrong with me, feeling broken, lost, and alone. I withdrew from the world, shutting myself off in a very dark place. Depression and anxiety consumed me, and I struggled to find meaning in anything. The weight of never understanding why I felt so different, so out of step with the world, was crushing. It wasn’t just about focus or productivity—it was about survival, about trying to make it through each day when everything felt overwhelming and hopeless.

Alongside ADHD, I have also struggled with several comorbidities, and am still discovering new things that are linked, each of which has shaped my life in profound ways. Body dysmorphia and binge eating disorder were constant battles, feeding into cycles of self-doubt and self-destruction. Executive function challenges made daily life an exhausting uphill struggle, turning even the simplest tasks into insurmountable obstacles. Depression and anxiety lurked in the background, magnifying every setback, and making hope feel like an illusion. Physically, I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder that brings joint instability, and Alexithymia which has made it difficult to identify and manage my emotions, leaving me feeling disconnected from myself and those around me. These struggles have been relentless, shaping every aspect of my life—but they have also made me resilient, and they have given me an unshakable determination to advocate for others who share these battles.

I unconsciously became so good at masking that when it came time to start removing the masks, I wasn’t sure who I was underneath them.

Beyond my professional and advocacy work, one of my greatest passions is working with animals, particularly dogs. I have a deep love for training and rehabilitating rescue dogs, especially those that are considered difficult to rehome. There is something incredibly rewarding about giving these animals a second chance, helping them to heal and find the loving homes they deserve. I recently adopted Max, a four-year-old German Shepherd who needs some help but has the most wonderful, cheeky personality. He, like so many others, just needed someone to believe in him and give him the space to thrive. My experience with rescue animals mirrors my approach to people—we all have unique challenges, but with patience, understanding, and the right support, we can flourish.

As an Ambassador for ADHD UK, I will use my lived experience and professional expertise to challenge misconceptions, raise awareness, and inspire change. I am passionate about reframing ADHD as a “different operating system” rather than a disadvantage. I liken it to the difference between Android and iOS—each system has its unique strengths, yet society remains predominantly designed for neurotypicals. My mission is to create a world where workplaces and institutions celebrate neurodiversity and enable everyone to thrive without having to conform to narrow societal norms.

In my current role within Higher Education, I am tirelessly working to make the sector a more inclusive and equitable environment. My goal is to ensure that neurodivergent individuals no longer need to expend extraordinary effort to adapt to environments that do not naturally accommodate their needs. Through collaboration, policy development, and advocacy, I aim to leave a lasting impact on the organisations I serve and the broader community.

Beyond my professional and advocacy work, I strive to inspire others by sharing my story, demonstrating resilience, and showing how embracing differences can lead to greater understanding and innovation. I believe that every small step toward inclusivity brings us closer to a brighter, more compassionate world.

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@mattryan258
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@matt-ryan-coles