‘The Assembly’ Director Reveals On-Set Autism Revelation & New Neurodiversity TV Show ‘Playtime’

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In this episode, writer and director Céin McGillicuddy joins Ben Branson to talk about his late autism diagnosis and ‘Play Time’ - ITV’s joyful new series celebrating ADHD, Autism & neurodiversity in children and adults.

Céin reflects on growing up with parents so supportive that his autism went unnoticed for decades, the shock of discovering a 17-year NHS autism waitlist, and how finally understanding his brain reshaped his life and creativity.

From ‘Horrible Histories’ and ‘The Assembly’ to ‘Play Time’, he shares an honest look at hyperfocus, autistic burnout, and what it really means to tell neurodivergent stories - both through the camera and behind it.

Plus, Ben and Céin react to an exclusive clip from ‘Play Time’, and discuss why TV shows like these are changing how we see neurodivergence on screen.

Watch 'Play Time' on ITVX: https://www.itv.com/watch/fresh-cuts/...

00:00 Introduction
1:22 Behind The Scenes: ITV’s Neurodivergent Series ‘The Assembly’ & What Impact It Had On Céin
6:20 “Am I Autistic?” The Journey Toward Céin’s Diagnosis
12:20: The NHS Waitlist Shock: 17 Years for an Autism Assessment
14:25 “I Am Autistic” vs. “I Have Autism”: Language & Identity
19:13 Routine, Structure & the Autistic Brain at Work VS Home
25:00 Autism, Hyper-focusing and The Importance of Awareness
28:53 Being Kinder To Yourself Post-Diagnosis & Childhood Flashbacks
37:29 How Childhood Storytelling Turned Into A New ITV Neurodivergent Series: ‘Play Time’
45:26 Play Time Clip
51:08 The John Lewis AD Ranking Routine
52:08 The Importance of Male Relationships
55:30 The Future of Neurodivergence In The Media & Play Time
59:05 Céin’s Green Dot Badge

#autism #theassembly

The Hidden 20% is a charity founded by ADHD & autistic entrepreneur Ben Branson. Our mission is simple: To change how the world sees neurodivergence. No more stigma. No more shame. No more silence.

1 in 5 people are neurodivergent. That’s 1.6 billion of us - yet too many are still excluded, misunderstood, or left without support.

To break the cycle, we amplify voices, challenge myths, and keep showing up. Spotlighting stories, stats and hard truths. Smashing stereotypes through honest voices, creative campaigns and research that can’t be ignored.

Every month, over 50,000 people turn to The Hidden 20% to feel safe, seen and to learn about brilliant brains.

With your support, we can reach further, grow louder, and keep fighting for the 1 in 5 who deserve more.

Join us at hidden20.org/donate. Become a monthly donor. Be part of our community where great minds think differently.

Buy books by our guests, and support The Hidden 20% at the same time: https://uk.bookshop.org/lists/hidden-...

Host: Ben Branson
Production Manager: Phoebe De Leiburné
Video Editor: James Scriven
Social Media Manager: Charlie Young
Music: Jackson Greenberg

Brought to you by charity THE HIDDEN 20% 1203348

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