How have your political views changed over time?
As I’ve grown older and gained more life experience, my political views have shifted significantly to the left. This hasn’t been a sudden change, but rather a gradual process as I’ve become more attuned to the injustices in society, particularly through the lens of my own neurodiversity and disability.
Living with Hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)
Living with hypermobility Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) has profoundly shaped how I see the world and the role politics plays in our everyday lives. hEDS is a connective tissue disorder that impacts my joints and mobility, creating challenges that many people don’t see or understand. Combined with my neurodiverse traits, I’ve often found myself battling a system that isn’t built for people like me.
My experiences navigating healthcare, accessing support, and managing the daily realities of a chronic condition have made me acutely aware of the gaps in our systems. When policies fail to address the needs of disabled people, it’s not just frustrating—it’s deeply harmful. I see this in everything from cuts to social care to the inadequate support for disabled parents.
A Sense of Morality Rooted in Neurodiversity
Being neurodiverse, I’ve always had a strong sense of morality—a deep-seated need for fairness and justice. It’s not something I can turn off or ignore. I often hyperfocus on certain topics, and one of my enduring interests has been British politics, particularly how decisions impact vulnerable communities. This hyperfocus allows me to delve deeply into issues, connecting dots and seeing patterns that others might overlook.
But it’s not just about interest; it’s personal. I’ve lived through the consequences of political decisions—whether it’s the strain on the NHS that made accessing care for my hEDS more difficult, or the barriers faced by neurodiverse individuals in education and employment. These experiences have only reinforced my left-leaning views and my belief that everyone deserves a fair shot at life.
A Political Awakening Through Personal Experience
Parenthood was a significant turning point for me. Having a premature baby and navigating the medical and emotional challenges that followed opened my eyes even further to the inequalities built into our systems. From the lack of adequate support for NICU parents to the hurdles neurodiverse families face, I’ve seen firsthand how much more needs to be done to create a society where everyone has an equal chance to thrive.
Living with hEDS while caring for a child with additional needs is a constant reminder of how important it is to have systems that support families like mine. The smallest policy changes can have a huge impact on our quality of life—whether it’s access to mobility aids, flexible working arrangements, or educational support for our children.
The pandemic was another wake-up call. It exposed just how fragile our systems are and how much society relies on the sacrifices of individuals—especially those in undervalued roles like carers, NHS workers, and teachers. Watching political decisions that ignored or exploited these groups only deepened my frustration and reinforced my belief that things must change.
Carol Vorderman: A Voice of Reason and Integrity
One person who has inspired me greatly in how she discusses politics is Carol Vorderman. Her ability to call out injustice and hypocrisy in a way that is both intelligent and compassionate resonates deeply with me. She doesn’t just talk about politics—she connects the dots and shows the human impact of decisions made at the top.
This Christmas, my husband gave me her book Now What?, and it couldn’t have been a more fitting gift. Carol’s insights and perspectives feel like a validation of my own thoughts and concerns. She represents the kind of moral clarity and passion that I strive to embody in my own advocacy work.
Why Politics Matters to Me
For many, politics might seem distant or abstract, but for me, it’s deeply personal. Policies affect every aspect of our lives, from the quality of education our children receive to the support available for families with additional needs, to the healthcare systems that people like me rely on daily.
As someone who is neurodiverse and living with a disability, I don’t have the luxury of ignoring politics. I’ve seen how cuts to services, lack of understanding, and systemic inequities create unnecessary struggles. These experiences have driven me to speak up and to stand firmly for a more equitable and compassionate society.
Looking Forward
I’m not a politician or a policy expert, but I do know the power of using my voice. Whether it’s through my writing, my podcast, or my advocacy work, I want to contribute to a world where fairness and justice are the norm, not the exception.
Like Carol Vorderman, I believe in calling out injustice and holding those in power accountable. It’s not always easy, and it often feels overwhelming, but I remind myself that change begins with conversations, raising awareness, and refusing to accept the status quo.
Living with hypermobility EDS and navigating life as a neurodiverse person has given me a unique perspective—a combination of resilience, empathy, and determination. Politics isn’t just a topic of interest for me—it’s a vital part of who I am and what I stand for.
References:
1. Vorderman, C. (2023). Now What?.
2. Personal reflections on neurodiversity and disability advocacy.
3. Observations on British politics and social justice.
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