Dean Quinton - My ADHD Story

How can a late ADHD diagnosis reshape your understanding of your childhood, identity, and future - especially when you’re also navigating queerness, creativity, and being “the hyper kid” who never quite fit the school system?

In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire talks to Dean Quinton - UK broadcaster, radio presenter, Big Brother 2024 housemate, and LGBTQ+ advocate. Newly diagnosed with ADHD at 37, Dean shares how “everything finally clicked into place,” from school struggles and sleepless nights to creative careers, queer identity, and a deep drive to help young people feel seen. Together they discuss:

🧭How Dean first recognised his ADHD: working in a school with SEND students and being affectionately called “obviously ADHD” by both pupils and friends.

🎭His school experience as an undiagnosed child: not sitting still, constant talking, being told “he’s intelligent, but he doesn’t listen”, yet thriving in art, drama and music.

🏷️Internalised labels and adult self‑doubt: how years of being seen as disruptive or lazy turned into feeling “I’m not intelligent enough”, which held him back from jobs and opportunities.

😴Sleep, sensory needs and the ADHD brain at night: lifelong insomnia, racing thoughts, and why background noise like a bedroom fan or ADHD sleep playlists can make all the difference.

🎙️Creativity as a superpower from radio to barbering and beyond: hyperfocus, seeking perfection, being entertaining on air, and refusing to live “in a box” - “I can’t do numbers all day, but I can entertain the masses”.

🏳️‍🌈Queer, neurodivergent and finding your chosen family: Pride, representation, and how being open and authentically you, creates visibility that helps others come out and seek support.

❤️Parenting, education and what kids really need: why love, acceptance and flexible schooling matter more than grades - “You don’t realise how much just loving and accepting that child will change their entire life”.

If you were ever “too much” as a kid, if your child is both neurodivergent and queer, or if you’ve wondered whether a late ADHD diagnosis will help explain your whole life story, Dean’s honest, colourful, and hopeful reflections will leave you feeling seen, and remind you there is nothing wrong with your brain.

Further resources & links

• Follow Dean on Instagram @deanquinton 

• Youth Charity: It Gets Better UK - positive stories and support for LGBTQ+ young people: https://www.itgetsbetter.org.uk/ 

• GlitterBeam Radio - Proud to be Different: https://www.glitterbeam.co.uk/

• ADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.com

• Follow Claire on Instagram and TikTok: @allaboardADHD

The views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.