Sam Thompson says he is learning to be “a lot more gentle” with himself after receiving diagnoses of ADHD and autism, as he reflects on how both conditions have reshaped his life and career.
The former Made in Chelsea star, now 33, has moved well beyond his early reality TV days. He now works across radio presenting, digital content creation, and podcast production with longtime friend Pete Wicks through their Staying Relevant brand. Thompson describes this phase of his career as his most meaningful yet.
He has also written a children’s book about ADHD, drawing on his own experience of discovering the condition in 2023. An autism diagnosis followed later, which he says helped him make sense of many long-standing challenges.
Thompson said he wanted to create the kind of book he wished he had read as a child. He also hopes it gives parents a clearer understanding of neurodiversity and how to support children who experience it.
The television personality admitted that entering the neurodiverse conversation initially felt intimidating. He worried at times about appearing as though he was exaggerating or misrepresenting his experiences. He also acknowledged that ADHD brings real difficulties alongside any strengths it may offer.
Since publicly sharing his diagnosis, Thompson has spoken more openly about his experiences. He won I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2023, and he says that period helped him recognise how he manages stress and overstimulation.
Therapy has played a significant role in helping him build that understanding. He described his therapist as straightforward and honest, and he credited those conversations with pushing him to communicate more clearly rather than internalising his struggles.
He now communicates more openly with people close to him, including his sister, his girlfriend, and Pete Wicks. Thompson said that expressing when he feels overwhelmed has strengthened his relationships and reduced confusion in difficult moments. He also tries to name his feelings early instead of withdrawing.
He pushed back against claims that ADHD is being overdiagnosed. Thompson argued that growing awareness simply reflects improved understanding of neurodiversity. He added that people should feel free to explore their identity without facing judgment.
He also said he treats himself with more patience than he used to. Thompson believes ADHD can become a strength when people learn how to manage it, even though it still presents challenges.
Looking ahead, he shared ambitions for expanding his creative work. He wants to stage a live Staying Relevant show at major venues like The O2 or Wembley Stadium. He also hopes to take the podcast international and develop new projects, including collaborations with former I’m A Celebrity co-star Tony Bellew.
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