Laura Mears-Reynolds
Nominee Profile
Location: London
As founder of the charity ADHDAF+, Laura Mears-Reynolds is transforming the lives of women with ADHD across the UK, championing those navigating the intersection of gender and neurodivergence; many of whom are misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and left without support. With one in four women with ADHD having made an attempt on their life, and over half a million adults on waiting lists for assessment in the UK, her work addresses a critical and urgent gap in both mental health and disability support.
After her life-changing ADHD diagnosis at 38, Laura began sharing her experiences on the podcast ADHD As Females (ADHD AF) four years ago. It has now reached 2 million downloads globally, growing a thriving, accessible online peer support community for ADHD adults who had long felt isolated and unheard.
Building on this impact, Laura created live events to bring that community together in real-world spaces. Witnessing this connection and collective empowerment led her to found ADHDAF+, addressing the systemic lack of timely medical support for women and people of marginalised genders with ADHD.
Since launching its first peer support group in March 2025, ADHDAF+ has delivered over 80 free, in-person groups across Scotland, England, and Wales; establishing a scalable, community-led model of support. Uniquely, these groups are facilitated by late-diagnosed ADHD women, many of whom have experienced profound personal transformation through Laura’s work. Some had faced severe mental health challenges, long-term unemployment, or addiction; today they are confident leaders supporting others and building local ADHD communities.
Laura continues to challenge stigma through her podcast and column in ADHD Magazine, actively eradicating shame, and through her innovative ADHD “bingo” seminars that transform awareness into engaging, accessible learning experiences.
Her work has received national recognition, including coverage by the BBC and The Independent, and a recent invitation to the House of Commons; reflecting her growing influence as a leading voice for women with ADHD. Through inclusive leadership and a “by the community, for the community” ethos, Laura is driving sustainable, grassroots impact; ensuring those historically overlooked are not only seen and supported but empowered.
Rather than conforming to neurotypical standards, Laura has worked with her unique brain, making her an exceptional Positive Role Model, driving community-led change that transforms the lives of women with ADHD and unites those in need of support across the ADHD community.
After her life-changing ADHD diagnosis at 38, Laura began sharing her experiences on the podcast ADHD As Females (ADHD AF) four years ago. It has now reached 2 million downloads globally, growing a thriving, accessible online peer support community for ADHD adults who had long felt isolated and unheard.
Building on this impact, Laura created live events to bring that community together in real-world spaces. Witnessing this connection and collective empowerment led her to found ADHDAF+, addressing the systemic lack of timely medical support for women and people of marginalised genders with ADHD.
Since launching its first peer support group in March 2025, ADHDAF+ has delivered over 80 free, in-person groups across Scotland, England, and Wales; establishing a scalable, community-led model of support. Uniquely, these groups are facilitated by late-diagnosed ADHD women, many of whom have experienced profound personal transformation through Laura’s work. Some had faced severe mental health challenges, long-term unemployment, or addiction; today they are confident leaders supporting others and building local ADHD communities.
Laura continues to challenge stigma through her podcast and column in ADHD Magazine, actively eradicating shame, and through her innovative ADHD “bingo” seminars that transform awareness into engaging, accessible learning experiences.
Her work has received national recognition, including coverage by the BBC and The Independent, and a recent invitation to the House of Commons; reflecting her growing influence as a leading voice for women with ADHD. Through inclusive leadership and a “by the community, for the community” ethos, Laura is driving sustainable, grassroots impact; ensuring those historically overlooked are not only seen and supported but empowered.
Rather than conforming to neurotypical standards, Laura has worked with her unique brain, making her an exceptional Positive Role Model, driving community-led change that transforms the lives of women with ADHD and unites those in need of support across the ADHD community.