In an era where innovation thrives on diverse perspectives, the potential of neurodiverse individuals remains one of the world’s most underutilized resources. Misunderstood and often marginalized, neurodivergent minds are wired for creativity, problem-solving, and resilience. For Jenna Evelyn du Toit Founder of NeuroDiverse Jeneration, her personal journey from the performing arts to becoming a vocal advocate for neurodiversity is a testament to the power of embracing cognitive differences and transforming societal norms.
A Silent Struggle: The Hidden Costs of Misunderstanding
Jenna’s story begins in the performing arts, where from the age of five, she immersed herself in modeling, music, and theater. Despite her passion, her adolescence was marked by profound challenges: depressive episodes, academic struggles, bullying, and a growing sense of isolation. “My life was in total dissonance,” Jenna reflects. These experiences culminated in several suicide attempts, the last of which, at age 18, led to her dismissal from a prestigious performing arts university.
The diagnosis she received at the time—Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)—did little to help. Misdiagnosed and mis-medicated, Jenna felt trapped in a system that prioritized labels over understanding. Her story reflects a broader issue: the stigma and lack of nuanced approaches to mental health that leave countless individuals misunderstood and unsupported. She faced judgment, shame, and profound alienation. This situation highlighted the stark differences in societal perceptions of various diagnoses, despite their overlapping symptoms, ultimately leading to their own misdiagnosis.
The Turning Point: Discovering ADHD
Everything changed during a Social Psychology lecture at the University of Johannesburg, where Jenna had enrolled as a Sociology and Psychology major. The lecture’s discussion on Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnostic criteria struck a chord. Curious, she pursued further evaluation, leading to a groundbreaking revelation: she was not battling BPD but living with ADHD.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder marked by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It involves brain regions responsible for executive functions, such as the prefrontal cortex. ADHD has genetic and environmental factors, with symptoms appearing in childhood and persisting into adulthood. It affects daily functioning and is treated with behavioral therapy and medications like stimulants to regulate brain activity.
“I reached out to a colleague in the industry who specialized in EEG testing. Nothing could have prepared me for the feedback session that came a week later,” Jenna shares. For the first time, her experiences made sense. She describes the diagnosis as liberating—providing her with a framework to understand her behaviors and challenges. This newfound clarity became a catalyst for action.
“Now, I use my story to educate others on the implications and benefits conditions like mine have to offer the world. In truth, we are more than capable of handling the complicated stuff. It’s the simple things we need help and understanding with. I’ve always believed that what is meant to be, will be. Life has an interesting way of balancing the scales and putting us right where we’re supposed to be when we need to be there,” she asserts.
From Insight to Advocacy: Building NeuroDiverse Jeneration
Jenna’s personal transformation sparked a mission to advocate for others like her. She founded NeuroDiverse Jeneration, a platform dedicated to educating, supporting, and empowering neurodivergent individuals. Through dialogue, storytelling, and actionable resources, the initiative challenges misconceptions about neurodiversity and fosters a culture of understanding.
“I wasn’t prompted to start my brand, NeuroDiverse Jeneration, until long after being correctly diagnosed and medicated. The shame I felt associated with a personality disorder that could be perceived as unhinged, out of control, or crazy, compared to the relief I felt at having a “socially acceptable” diagnosis like ADHD that was usually misinterpreted as a cute personality quirk, was incredibly interesting to me. It has become somewhat of a calling for me to change that dynamic,” she recalls.
The NeuroDiverse Jeneration Podcast, one of the platform’s flagship projects, amplifies the voices of neurodiverse individuals across South Africa and beyond. These candid conversations blend vulnerability, humor, and insight, providing listeners with both education and inspiration. Complementing the podcast is the Spectrum Support Column, where Jenna addresses community questions about neurodivergent challenges, offering practical advice with empathy and expertise.
“I am a creative at heart, and so much of creativity lies in the ability to tell stories. To foster understanding around neurodiversity, we must create a dialogue. Our popular podcast features interviews with twelve of South Africa’s leading neurodiverse voices, offering real, vulnerable conversations. Season 1 is available on most streaming platforms globally. In the coming year, we plan to expand outreach with school and parent programs to help educators better support neurodiverse individuals,” Jenna said.
Dispelling Myths: The Truth About Neurodiversity
Jenna’s advocacy centers on dismantling pervasive myths that perpetuate misunderstanding.
Myth: Embracing neurodiversity means lowering my standards and expectations. Fact: “Neurodiversity enhances creativity and problem-solving. It’s about removing barriers, not expectations.”
Myth: “Neurodiverse” is just another way of saying “crazy”.
Fact: “In the colloquial sense, yup. We live in an insane world where sanity doesn’t get you very far anymore. We are loud, abrupt, confusing and inconsistent in nature. That’s the same reason we’re such good employees, entrepreneurs, teachers and creatives. Take what you will from it.”
Myth: Neurodivergence is a modern phenomenon. Fact: “Neurodiversity has always been around, it’s just the name that’s new. In the past, we literally burned the neurodiverse at the stake. We threw them in asylums where they were forgotten, abused and even performed lobotomies, “hydrotherapy” and other torturous “treatments” on them to try to “fix” them.”
Jenna likens neurodivergent minds to “high-capacity hard drives”—capable of extraordinary feats but requiring environments that support rather than constrain their potential.
The Science of Inclusion: A Case for Rethinking Systems
Recent research underscores the importance of accurate diagnoses, particularly the role of emotional dysregulation in ADHD. Yet, structural barriers persist. Educational institutions and workplaces often impose rigid frameworks that stifle neurodivergent creativity. This often leads to untapped potential, as these environments lack the patience and flexibility needed for neurodivergents to thrive.
Company culture is not imposed from the top—it is shaped by employees enabled to work to their strengths. To drive change, teachers must unlock neurodiverse potential early, and employers must nurture it in the workplace, fostering environments that empower rather than limit.
“The biggest mistake made in these situations is the assumption that a company culture is cultivated within the company. It isn’t,” Jenna asserts. “It is cultivated by the employees who are enabled to work with their strengths, and determined by the way your people feel coming home from work.”
To address these challenges, Jenna is developing programs for schools and parents, equipping educators and caregivers to recognize and nurture neurodiverse talent. By fostering inclusive environments, these initiatives aim to unlock the latent potential of millions of neurodivergent individuals worldwide.
Recent research highlights emotional dysregulation as a key factor in ADHD, though still absent from DSM-5 criteria. Early, accurate diagnosis can unlock the potential of neurodivergence. In a world divided by sensationalism and intolerance, true progress lies in teaching youth to embrace differences. Greater sensitivity and understanding is essential to addressing today’s socio-political challenges and shaping a more inclusive future.
“I hope that this means more neurodivergents will be correctly diagnosed earlier, equipping them with a far better chance at using their unique skills to excel in life. We live in a world full of sensationalism, cancel-culture and insensitivity. I always say where you find the worst of these things, you will also find the best. They tend to live in parallels. While our youth are taught about interpersonal differences, they are not taught what it means to truly embrace them,” Jenna notes.
A Personal Reflection: Turning Challenges into Strengths
For Jenna, the journey is deeply personal. “Post-diagnosis, I had no idea that a little tablet could change the world so vividly for me. I didn’t know life could be like this (and just to think, the majority of us get to live like that for free!). I’m not “cured” of my ADHD, but I never wanted to be. I have far better control over it now. Thanks to that, I can utilize my hyperfocus as and when I need to in order to manage most of my other symptoms,” she admits. Proper treatment and self-awareness have enabled her to channel her hyperfocus and embrace her cognitive uniqueness.
A personal journey through mental health challenges, supported by her resilient mother, underscores her need for understanding and change.
“My mother bore the scars of my suicide attempts, not me. When I felt absolute numbness associated with those days, that guilt prevailed above all else. Back then, she did her best to carry me on her back when I couldn’t metaphorically walk myself. She was my strength then.”
However, she remains candid about the ongoing challenges—dishes still pile up, and daily tasks can feel overwhelming. Yet, these moments underscore her humanity and serve as a reminder that neurodiversity is not about perfection; it’s about possibility.
A Vision for the Future: Embracing Evolution
Jenna’s work is far from over. With NeuroDiverse Jeneration and her upcoming book series, she envisions a global movement that redefines societal norms. Her message is clear: neurodivergence is not a flaw but an evolution—a gift that, if nurtured, can transform industries, communities, and lives.
“If the neurodiverse cannot do something because of you,” Jenna warns, “they will do it in spite of you. Don’t be on the wrong side of history. Mold your environment to fit you! It’s the easiest way to get to know your own brand of neurospicyness and how it works optimally.”
Plans for neurodivergent-focused merchandise are underway. Jenna advocates reshaping environments to suit neurodivergent strengths, warning that failure to integrate these individuals into traditional systems risks being left behind by their innovation.
Her call to action is simple yet profound: adapt systems to accommodate diverse minds. By doing so, society can harness the full spectrum of human potential, paving the way for a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.