Our story

As two good friends, a chance encounter in late 2021 led us to share a common observation we had been seeing in our respective careers.

Chatting over coffee, we noticed an increasing number of children and working adults with invisible learning differences—such as autism, ADHD and dyslexia.

Perhaps this could be due to a greater awareness of developmental conditions: with allied educators in schools, therapy interventions, and more inclusive hiring practices.

However, we felt that deep-seated biases, misconceptions and stereotypes still remain. Our society's narrow notion of success means that such individuals struggle to fit in.

As a result, many hide their learning differences for fear of stigma. Parents of kids with special needs deal with pressure not just from their child’s condition, but also from society’s perceptions.

We strongly believe that all of us can and must do better as a community. At the end of our coffee sesh, Uncommon Minds was born.

We aim to inspire hope, break barriers and celebrate strengths, one story at a time.

Everyday individuals with invisible learning differences, across all occupations and all walks of life, have generously agreed to share their lived experiences with us.

Read their stories, understand their differences, and appreciate that their neurodiversity can be an asset!

Our mission

We aim to shift the conversations for people with learning differences from deficits to possibilities in three ways:

1. Inspire hope

Increase awareness that individuals with learning differences can lead meaningful and fulfilling lives, and contribute to our community.

2. Break barriers

Break societal barriers, such as stigma, stereotypes, discrimination and low expectations, to level the playing field for individuals with learning differences.

3. Celebrate strengths

Build a network of individuals with learning differences from all walks of life who can be role models and expand our definitions of strengths and success.

Our vision