'When you're neurodiverse you tend to think about things in a very unique way, which has absolutely impacted my creative process positively.'
These were the enlightening words of composer Gavin Higgins (pictured above, right), who recently spoke to M about his experience as a ND music creator. Our piece, which marked the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025, also featured illuminating contributions from fellow ND creators SK Shlomo, Mollie Coddled, NikNak and Sinead Campbell (pictured above, left), as well as a host of tips for the ND creative community.
Continuing on that theme, we've put together more advice for ND music creators when it comes to practicing self-care, creating a safe environment when performing and thriving creatively.
Find a method of organising that works for you
- You could utilise your ND visual traits by colour-coding your calendar, or making best use of such organisational apps as Tiimo (which started as a research project that was co-created with the ADHD community).
- Work with other people when planning. Body doubling — referring to the practice often employed by individuals with ADHD to help them complete tasks by having another person beside them — removes the risk of boredom and can help with distractions.
Look out for yourself
- When hyper-focusing on creative tasks, be sure to set alarms to remind yourself to eat, rest and take welfare breaks.
- When you do eat, eat well: avoid the big hits and dips of fast food, sugar and caffeine where possible.
- In your breaks, find time for silence, listen to frequencies or meditate to reset your energy levels.
- Stick to your schedules: giving yourself extra time for travel can help when it comes to transitioning from one task to the next.
- When on the move, in a public place or touring, be sure to carry around a pair of sunglasses and a set of Loop Earplugs. If you’re touring, take any fidget toys or self-soothers along with you — cherish the senses that reset you.
Support one another
- Talking to fellow ND performers and artists either online or in-person can provide a huge confidence boost and help you build an understanding, supportive and like-minded creative community.
Investigate access riders
- Don’t be afraid to discuss your access rider with live venues and their managers. The Creative Differences handbook explains how you can explore creating such a rider.
- Speaking to M, NikNak said about access riders: 'I’d encourage everyone to have one because it means that everyone working to create the event or project has the means to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible to create your best work. Having that conversation in the early stages can streamline a lot of potential issues going forward.’
Resources for ND music creators
- The government’s Access to Work scheme can supply therapeutic and practical support.
- Mainspring Arts work across various artforms to support ND artists and celebrate ND creativity.
- Neurodiversity is a key focus for We Are The Unheard, the organisation that is ‘dedicated to taking action and focus on developing women, women of colour and gender minorities in production and songwriting’.
You can read M's special piece for Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2025 here.
