A bold new event series centred around neurodiversity will launch in Aberdeen this autumn, promising to reshape the conversation around negative stereotypes and create a safe space for the neurodivergent community to feel seen and heard.
Attention Seekers, designed and curated by Aberdeen Performing Arts, will take place at the Lemon Tree, with each event featuring a discussion with a neurodivergent leader or changemaker, sharing refreshingly honest experiences from their respective field. The first event in the series will be a conversation followed by a Q&A with autistic and ADHD author and creator Ellie Middleton, on Tuesday, September 1.
They will be hosted by Aberdeen Performing Arts Creative Changemaker for Inclusion and Relevance, Katie Forbes.
Katie is autistic and multiply neurodivergent, and brings an authentic lived experience to hosting duties. She is the founder of Autistic Flair, has given a TEDxAberdeen talk on autism and facilitated support groups for autistic adults, as well as written articles on autism for various publications.
Katie said: “Attention Seekers is aimed at creating a warm, welcoming space for honest and helpful conversations around neurodiversity, with each event designed specifically to make them as accessible as possible.
“We’re paying close attention to the whole customer journey, from point of booking, arrival at venue and the event itself.
“There will be a relaxed, community feel where we are committed to learning how best to welcome and support every audience member. Whether you are self- identifying, formally diagnosed, or an ally and supporter, these events are for everyone and everyone is welcome.
“I’m thrilled to be leading these discussions and I’m sure we will be treated to some fascinating insights as well as useful tips and advice.”
On September 1, Unmasking Autism & ADHD will be a conversation with autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) author and creator Ellie Middleton, in an evening of wonderfully sharp insights into life as a late diagnosed AuDHD-er.
In this candid, live conversation, Ellie will talk openly about what it is really like to navigate a world that wasn’t built for your busy brain. A Q&A will offer the chance for the audience to ask about topics including unmasking and surviving burnout in a night of validation, laughs, and genuine community connection.
On Wednesday, October 21 ADHD tangents with author, podcast host, and entrepreneur Alex Partridge will look at what it’s really like to discover you’re ADHD in adulthood. Alex is the founder of UNILAD and LADBIBLE, and he brings a refreshing mix of insight and relatability, breaking down how the ADHD brain works in a way that helps make sense of experiences many people have lived with for years but struggled to put into words.
Through sharing his own story, Alex creates space to move away from shame and self-judgement. He helps reframe those feelings as part of being wired differently, not ‘getting it wrong. The event will conclude with an audience Q&A.
Tickets are on sale on Monday, July 6, 2026, available from www.aberdeenperformingarts.com, phone (01224) 641122 or visit the box office at His Majesty’s Theatre or the Music Hall.