Living in a Neurodiverse Household: Why Accurate Representation in Storylines Makes a Difference - Andrea Hart

Welcome to the fifth series in the annual podcast programme from Academic Archers, bringing you papers from our 2024 conference.

Please note: the sound quality on this recording is not as clear as usual. We apologise for this and thank you for your understanding.

This episode explores what it means to live in a neurodiverse household, and why accurate representation of neurodiversity in The Archers storylines matters.

Living in a Neurodiverse Household: Why Accurate Representation in Storylines Makes a Difference - Andrea Hart

Drawing on her own family’s experiences, Andrea considers how neurodiversity can be part of The Archers without ever being the only story. Scenarios range from how Lower Loxley might handle a job applicant with dyspraxia, to what happens if Pip is asked to seek a dyslexia assessment for Rosie, or how Emma and Will might navigate an autism diagnosis for Kiera.

She also reflects on the quirks of everyday neurodiverse life – such as owning 13 scientific calculators or tracking life events on an Excel spreadsheet – and how these realities could enrich the drama. The paper suggests that the long-form writing of The Archers, where stories unfold over years, is uniquely suited to portraying neurodiversity with authenticity and depth.

About the speaker

Andrea Hart lives in a neurodiverse household and uses this lived experience to highlight why authentic representation matters. She is committed to showing how neurodiversity can be woven naturally into everyday narratives.

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