Hot Topic: Neurodivergent Conservation - How Special Interests Can Help Save The Planet
🔥 In this purpose-driven Hot Topic, Jordan and Simon explore the powerful link between neurodivergence, hyperfocus, and conservation—and how autistic and ADHD minds could help save our planet’s most vulnerable species.
They’re joined by Sophie James—marine biology graduate, turtle conservationist, and unapologetically neurodivergent trailblazer—whose lifelong mission to protect sea turtles shows how special interests can become world-changing careers. From her first turtle obsession to her upcoming Red Sea internship, Sophie’s story is proof that passion fuels impact.
It’s a story of nature, neurodiversity, and relentless drive—and it asks: what could we achieve if we embraced every kind of brain in the fight for our planet?
🎙️ Key Talking Points:
- 🌊 From Brighton Aquarium to the Red Sea – How Sophie’s childhood turtle obsession became a marine biology degree and a global conservation mission.
- 🧠 Hyperfocus in Action – Why autistic attention to detail and need for completion can be a secret weapon in conservation work.
- ⚖️ Justice Sensitivity & Protecting Life – How moral drive fuels neurodivergent conservationists to defend species under threat.
- 🏫 The Education System Problem – Why forcing rigid dissertation topics wastes talent, and how giving ND students choice unleashes brilliance.
- 🐢 Special Interests Save Species – Real-world examples of how personal passions (from turtles to seagulls) lead to groundbreaking research.
- 🤝 Collaboration Over Conformity – Why neurodivergent and neurotypical minds working together could solve our biggest environmental challenges.
- 💪 From Imposter Syndrome to Impact – The importance of self-belief, persistence, and finding allies who nurture your vision.
Read the article here 🔗 Guardian Article
Facebook: Sophie James on Facebook
Email: sophiejamesmentoring@outlook.co.uk
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