Dr. Tom Nicholson

Dr. Tom Nicholson is a highly regarded ADHD expert, keynote speaker, and Assistant Professor of Mental Health Nursing at Northumbria University. With a personal connection to ADHD, having been diagnosed at a young age, Tom’s work centres around improving neuroinclusion and providing support for neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD. His research is deeply focused on the ADHD diagnostic journey, especially the challenges parents face when their children undergo this process. His personal experiences make him an empathetic and relatable figure in the ADHD community, and he uses his platform to share insights on neurodiversity, mental health, and ADHD. He was invited to address 19,000 audience members live when invited to speak at the ADHD UK Global Conference.

Throughout 2024,Dr. Nicholson has been invited to speak at several high-profile events, demonstrating his standing as a thought leader in the field. These include the ADHD UK Global Conference, where his expertise in mental health and ADHD was showcased to a global audience, and his participation in the Navigating Neurodiversity at Northumbria panel. He has presented at the ADHD Foundation conference 4 times – confirming his prominence as a keynote speaker on neurodiversity. He is also a guest on influential podcasts such as the All Aboard ADHD podcast and The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast, sharing his knowledge on ADHD and mental health. His expertise is sought after by organisations such as Seed Talks, highlighting his role in educating and raising awareness about neurodiversity.

Dr. Nicholson’s academic career is equally distinguished. Since 2017, he has been an Assistant Professor at Northumbria University, where he serves as a Neurodiversity Champion for Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in nursing, midwifery, and health. His work is aimed at improving the experiences of neurodivergent students and professionals. In 2023, he delivered a presentation at the British Sociological Association’s Medical Sociology Conference, further emphasising his contribution to the academic discourse on mental health and neurodiversity. His achievements were recognised in 2024 when he was awarded a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, a testament to his impact in higher education. He is also the recipient of the Heath Award for Nursing Excellence.

In addition to his academic and clinical work, Dr. Tom Nicholson is a passionate advocate for breaking down stereotypes and outdated narratives surrounding ADHD. His personal story of overcoming the struggles associated with ADHD, combined with his professional achievements, inspires many. Whether through his ADHD-centred blog, his public speaking engagements, or his research, Dr. Nicholson is dedicated to creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for neurodivergent individuals in both educational and workplace settings. His engaging and informative talks make him an ideal keynote speaker on neurodiversity, ADHD, and mental health.