Hi, I am Mala Thapar. I became an ADHD UK Ambassador because I care deeply about inclusion, equality and the need to recognise hidden disabilities, especially in communities where ADHD is still misunderstood or overlooked.
As a late-diagnosed South Asian woman with ADHD, and as someone who also lives with rheumatoid arthritis, my lived experience has shaped my understanding of masking, cultural stigma, unconscious bias and the barriers that many women and Global Majority communities face when trying to access recognition and support.
I am also a mum of two neurodivergent sons, and over many years I have had to navigate education, health and support systems to make sure their needs were recognised. Those experiences have strengthened my commitment to challenging inequality and improving understanding for families who often have to fight to be heard.
Alongside my lived experience, I have contributed to a range of health, social care, research and community advisory groups. My work focuses on accessibility, equity, cultural inclusion and ensuring that lived experience is valued in the design of services, research and public understanding.
My particular interests are ADHD in South Asian women, late diagnosis, masking, cultural barriers, hidden disability and intersectionality.
I am proud to be part of ADHD UK and look forward to supporting greater awareness, understanding and inclusion across all communities.
@malathapar @mala-thapar @mala_thapar