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My guest on Brave New Girls podcast Dr. Camilla Pang is an award-winning author and autism advocate, who provides a unique perspective on humanity through the lenses of neurodiversity and science. With a triad of ASD, ADHD, and a PhD, she turns what many would see as challenges into powerful tools for understanding and navigating social norms. Her ground-breaking work, "Explaining Humans," which garnered the Royal Society Insight Investment Science Book Prize in 2020, serves as a testament to her innovative approach, making her the youngest and the first person of colour to receive this honour.

In her interview, Dr. Pang expresses the essence of being human from her vantage point of neurodiversity. Rather than seeing ASD and ADHD as detriments, Dr. Pang views these conditions as valuable perspectives that enrich human understanding. Her approach is rooted in the concept that difference, not uniformity, drives connection between people and the planet. She emphasises the importance of accepting personal experiences without conforming to standardised norms, particularly when considering the greater goal of environmental conservation and sustainability.

Dr. Pang's method of making sense of the world is anchored in systems thinking. But it wasn’t always so. When she was little she asked her mum if there was a manual fro how to be human. Her mum told her there wasn’t. So she struggled to fit in, to be like the other kids. So when she grew up she decided to write the manual herself. She believes that understanding and expressing oneself, whether through writing or other forms of expression, is about recognising the diversity and complexity of life, both inside your brain and out in the world you have to navigate. This realisation is a thread running through her work, suggesting that there isn't one universal solution for all problems. 

Dr. Pang's tree-based thinking is significant concept she discusses. It's an approach that challenges the fragility of siloed thinking, encouraging a more interconnected and resilient mindset. For the non-scientists amongst us we might say that when we start to understand how our brain chatters and leaps about like a monkey, we can use difference tactics to silence it, or at least organise it, so that we can work with our brain rather than have it work against us.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Pang touches on the importance of individuality and having the courage to trust one's process. She believes that by honouring our methods of working with our minds, we not only become happier but also have the opportunity to look outwards and start contributing more effectively to the planet's well-being.

10 Actionable Steps for Happier Humans

Embrace Neurodiversity: Recognise and value different ways of thinking as a strength, not a weakness.

Accept Yourself: Understand that your experiences are valid, and you don't need to conform to societal expectations.

Use Systems Thinking: Approach problems by considering the interconnectedness of different elements, rather than in isolation.

Find Your Language: Use your preferred form of expression to make sense of the world, whether it's through writing, art, or another medium.

Embrace Science: Use the objectivity of science to gain a universal perspective that transcends individual differences.

Practice Tree-Based Thinking: Think in terms of interconnectedness and resilience rather than rigid categories and silos.

Trust Your Process: Have confidence in your unique approach and know that it can lead to personal happiness and meaningful contributions.

Recognise the Power of Individuality: Understand that your unique skills and perspectives can have a significant impact on the world.

Learn to Manage your Mind: Implement ways to calm your monkey mind, so that you can think more clearly, become more aware of your intuition, and organise your day in a way that suits your brain.

Be Open to Learning: Stay curious and willing to adopt new knowledge and skills that can enhance your life and the lives of others.

Foster Courage: Have the courage to listen, learn, and take action, even in the face of fear or uncertainty.

Dr. Pang's insights offer a profound understanding of the human experience, one that champions diversity, systems thinking, and the transformative power of science. Her approach is not only beneficial for those with ADHD, ASD, or a PhD but is universally applicable, offering pathways to greater happiness and fulfilment.

PS. Listen HERE to Dr Camilla’s journey on BRAVE NEW GIRLS podcast to hear how she helps us help the planet.