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DIscover stories about media representation and inclusion, and support & resources through the power of lived experience. Personal stories, community wisdom. Media View More 'Adolescence' star Owen Cooper just made Emmy history The Netflix show wins big at the awards for tackling toxic masculinity and telling uncomfortable truths 15 September 2025 5-min read View More Disability-led stories win big at the Emmys Love, disability, and representation took center stage at 2025's Creative Arts Emmys 9 September 2025 3-min read View More Spider-Man star Tom Holland talks ADHD and dyslexia Inside a superhero’s brain: chaos, creativity, and care 9 September 2025 3-min read View More BTS’ Jungkook opens up about his ADHD on livestream The confession has raised bigger questions about how we treat neurodivergent people 2 September 2025 4-min read View More What Is Vitiligo? Creators who show the world it’s nothing to hide From actor Vijay Varma to model Winnie Harlow, meet the artists using their skin as a canvas, not a flaw 25 June 2025 5-min read View More How fame led Aimee Lou Wood to a life-changing diagnosis The actor shares how ADHD and autistic traits helped explain years of masking 9 April 2025 4-min read View More Holiday movies & shows with disability portrayal you must watch Here's your list of heartwarming tales of inclusion for the holidays 26 December 2024 3-min read View More Disney pulls transgender storyline from Pixar’s ‘Win or Lose’ Trans youth representation: what this means for the industry 19 December 2024 3-min read View More Mattel teams up with Harris Reed to debut first-ever gender-fluid doll The Witch Weaver redefines identity and inclusivity in the toy world 10 December 2024 2-min read View More Mark Ruffalo reveals terrifying dream that turned out to be true The actor reflects on overcoming health challenges just before becoming a father 30 September 2024 2-min read View More Bridgerton: Disability representation reviewed by Aditi Gangrade If you’re a sucker for good representation and haven't watched Bridgerton yet, where have you been 26 August 2024 1-min read View More 7 ways to get things done as an autistic-ADHD adult Here are some executive function strategies that will help you with task initiation and inertia 9 August 2024 2-min read < Back Load more

Navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood. Find support, expert advice, and real-life experiences. Personal stories, community wisdom. Parenting View More “In 27 Years, I’ve Never Seen My Mother Cry”: Ira Khan Ira reflects on parenting, mental health, and emotional silences in Indian homes 5 August 2025 4-min read View More Aamir Khan opens up about son Junaid Khan’s dyslexia Actor shares how Taare Zameen Par hit hard because he had lived it 4 June 2025 2-min read View More Autistic brothers raped, burnt with cigarettes at boarding school Incident at "special needs" Dehradun school exposes gaps in protection of neurodivergent children 3 June 2025 4-min read View More India isn’t built for the Disabled — DY Chandrachud Former Chief Justice opens up about how most Indian homes remain unfit for disabled people 19 April 2025 3-min read View More The truth behind Adolescence, Netflix's new crime drama A show about murder, misogyny, and the men our boys are becoming 7 April 2025 3-min read View More How this community is ending isolation for Neurodivergent youth This mother is paving the way for neurodiversity inclusion 14 January 2025 4-min read View More Boy with learning disabilities turns entrepreneur making $5K an hour Neurodivergence & innovation: How strengths-based support transforms lives 21 November 2024 2-min read View More These moms have built a friendship app for disabled people & their caregivers Seeing their children struggle with loneliness, Gopika Kapoor & Moneisha Gandhi launched Buddy Up 15 October 2024 12-min read View More Trans mom raises adopted daughter to be gold-winning kickboxer From begging to coaching: Shabana’s role in shaping her daughter’s kickboxing dream 6 October 2024 2-min read View More Understanding Autistic shutdown and how to help someone experiencing it A guide for parents and allies to support autistic children and adults 13 August 2024 2-min read View More Understanding co-regulation: 5 ways to support Neurodivergent individuals Sometimes it’s less about sharing the same physical space and more about meeting the person where they are 11 August 2024 2-min read View More बच्चे को ऑटिज़म के बारे में बताएँ या नहीं? - Disclosing my child’s autism क्या बच्चों को उनके ऑटिज़म के बारे बताना ठीक है? (विडियो की यूट्यूब लिंक के साथ) 22 July 2024 3-min read < Back Load more

The Netflix show wins big at the awards for tackling toxic masculinity and telling uncomfortable truths < Back Gender, Media, News 'Adolescence' star Owen Cooper just made Emmy history The Netflix show wins big at the awards for tackling toxic masculinity and telling uncomfortable truths MMS Staff 15 Sept 2025 5-min read At just 15 years old, Owen Cooper stood on the Emmy stage this week with tears in his eyes and disbelief in his voice. “Honestly, when I started these drama classes, I didn’t expect to be even in the United States, never mind here.” With that, Cooper made history as the youngest-ever winner for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series, recognised for his breakthrough role as Jamie in Netflix’s harrowing miniseries Adolescence. But what he and the show represent goes far beyond a single award. Adolescence - a bold, slow-burning, emotionally raw exploration of youth, violence, and masculinity - swept the 2025 Emmy Awards with an urgency that few television projects in recent memory have matched. In total, the series took home eight major awards, including: 🏆 Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series 🏆 Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series (Stephen Graham) 🏆 Outstanding Supporting Actor (Owen Cooper) 🏆 Outstanding Supporting Actress (Erin Doherty) 🏆 Outstanding Writing (Stephen Graham & Jack Thorne) 🏆 Outstanding Directing (Philip Barantini) 🏆 Outstanding Casting 🏆 Outstanding Cinematography Yet for all its cinematic finesse, Adolescence succeeds most by refusing to look away. One boy, one crime, one uncomfortable truth Adolescence opens with a news story that feels all too familiar: a 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller, has been arrested for the murder of a female classmate. But this is not a whodunit. It’s not a mystery to be solved. It is an excavation - of shame, rejection, digital radicalization, and the dangerous stories boys are told about who they’re supposed to be. Filmed in just four episodes - each shot in one continuous take - Adolescence places viewers in a world where time stretches and implodes. There are no edits, no jump cuts, no breathers. The camera lingers as Jamie moves from classroom to interrogation room to youth detention facility. As he unravels, so does everything we assume about violence and vulnerability. What makes Cooper’s performance especially haunting is how ordinary he allows Jamie to be. There is no dramatisation, no villainous smirk. Just a boy - soft-featured, uncertain - failing to find his place in a world that offers few scripts outside dominance and denial. The quiet collapse of boyhood The series has been widely hailed as a masterclass in how storytelling can challenge societal myths, especially around toxic masculinity, online incel culture, and the emotional illiteracy that surrounds boys and men. But Adolescence does something rare: it focuses not just on the aftermath of violence, but the slow, daily drip that leads there. From Jamie’s desperation for acceptance to his inability to name feelings beyond anger or defensiveness, to the silent grooming of digital spaces that reward entitlement over empathy - the show becomes an indictment of how patriarchy raises boys, not just how it breaks them. “We didn’t want to excuse him. But we also didn’t want to throw him away,” said co-creator Stephen Graham in a post-Emmys interview. “What we’re showing is that these systems - family, school, internet - are shaping boys into something brittle and dangerous. And often, no one notices until it’s too late.” Holding boys responsible without dehumanizing them Crucially, Adolescence resists the temptation to turn trauma into spectacle. The girl who is killed is not voiceless. The women around Jamie - the forensic psychologist (played with quiet force by Erin Doherty), the female classmates, even the investigating officers - are not caricatures or moral anchors. They’re full people, navigating misogyny in their own right. The show never lets viewers forget that male violence is not an abstraction, but a wound that lands on bodies. And yet, it also doesn’t dehumanise Jamie. This is where the show’s radical empathy lies. It holds grief and accountability in the same breath. That, perhaps, is its most feminist gesture. Why this matters - especially now In 2025, Adolescence feels like a necessary rupture. Around the world, we are witnessing a surge in online extremism targeting boys and men. From the normalization of “red pill” influencers to real-world violence rooted in digital ideologies, the stakes are not hypothetical. They are fatal. In India, the UK, the US, and beyond, conversations around mental health, masculinity, neurodivergence, and social exclusion are gaining traction - and facing fierce backlash. For many young people, there is a painful familiarity in Jamie’s isolation. Many have felt the sting of being “too much” or “not enough,” of having emotions pathologised or dismissed. What Adolescence offers is not a solution, but a starting point: an honest, uncomfortable portrait of how boys are taught to harden. And what happens when they shatter. The power of firsts That all of this comes from a 15-year-old making his first on-screen appearance only adds to the gravity. Owen Cooper’s win is a reminder that talent does not need decades of polish to reveal truth - and that sometimes, young people are the best ones to tell stories about youth. His stillness, his silences, his barely-contained panic - they linger. They speak to a generation of boys caught between who they are and who they’re told to be. “This might have my name on it,” Cooper said, holding the gold statue in his hands, “but it really belongs to everyone who helped me see that stories matter.” What do we do with this story? Adolescence is not easy to watch. But that’s the point. It demands more than passive viewing. It asks us: How are we failing our boys? What happens when shame is louder than love? When the internet becomes a mirror, not a mentor? When emotional repression is rewarded more than repair? And: What kind of world might we build if we raise boys not to fear their softness, but to trust it? For educators, caregivers, advocates, and youth leaders, this is the kind of story that should be screened, studied, and discussed. Not just for its craft, but for its call. Because if we want fewer Jamies in the world, we need more Owens - and more storytelling that refuses to flinch. If this story moved you, share it with your community. Watch Adolescence. Talk to a young person in your life. Start the conversation. And keep it going. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Explore personal stories & community wisdom, insightful content, and lived experience-based resources for a happier, more inclusive world. Embark on your well-being journey with Much Much Spectrum. Personal stories, community wisdom STORIES Read more Gender, Media, News 'Adolescence' star Owen Cooper just made Emmy history The Netflix show wins big at the awards for tackling toxic masculinity and telling uncomfortable truths 15 Sept 2025 5-min read Read more Disability, News Selena Gomez just showed the beauty of accessibility. Are brands listening? Rare Beauty’s new fragrance bottle was designed to look good - and be used by more people 13 Sept 2025 3-min read Read more Neurodiversity, Health Michael Phelps’ journey with ADHD and suicide prevention Even the greatest Olympian isn’t immune to mental health struggles 10 Sept 2025 3-min read Read more Disability, Media, News Disability-led stories win big at the Emmys Love, disability, and representation took center stage at 2025's Creative Arts Emmys 9 Sept 2025 3-min read Read more Neurodiversity, Media, News Spider-Man star Tom Holland talks ADHD and dyslexia Inside a superhero’s brain: chaos, creativity, and care 9 Sept 2025 3-min read Read more Disability, Health, News GST is simpler now, but living with a disability in India remains costly GST 2.0 still taxes assistive devices, accessibility, and disabled live 5 Sept 2025 3-min read Read more Neurodiversity, News YouTuber Hank Green’s wholesome productivity app hits #1 Focus Friend helps reclaim attention in an AI-driven world 4 Sept 2025 3-min read Read more Neurodiversity, News, Media BTS’ Jungkook opens up about his ADHD on livestream The confession has raised bigger questions about how we treat neurodivergent people 2 Sept 2025 4-min read See more > EXPLORE BY Gender Health Disability LGBTQIA+ Climate Neurodiversity Media Education Work Parenting Community News SPECTRUM ORIGINALS Our Originals reflect our motto: “Personal stories, community wisdom.” Each piece is meticulously researched and thoughtfully crafted with the objective of enriching our knowledge about each other as well as ourselves. Here, perspectives and insights are wrapped in engaging narratives. Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video Play Video See more > Who are we? Much Much Spectrum, part of Much Much Media, is a content studio and consultancy bringing together unique voices to light up shared truths. Operating at the intersection of a publication, a diverse, global community, and a social impact marketing agency, we tell stories about personal journeys that help inform and educate the larger discourse around health & wellbeing, neurodiversity, disability, education, youth, gender, family & caregiving, and climate sustainability. Our narratives inspire action, driving change across broader communities, spaces, institutions and cultures. See more > REELS SPOTLIGHT Subscribe to Our Newsletter Sign up to our newsletter for a quick, non-spammy update on our latest projects, social media highlights, and a curated list of important upcoming occasions and days where your organization and us could come together to do some much much ! SUBSCRIBE Thanks! Your mailbox now looks way cooler. BRAND CAMPAIGNS From bite-sized content, easy-to-read infographics and short documentaries & podcasts to campaigns, webinars & seminars, guides & toolkits, and blogs & websites, we ensure all of our work is crafted to engage, educate and resonate with a broad spectrum of people. Leading with research and data-driven insights is crucial to our approach. It ensures that our work is grounded in reality and meets the expectations of the brand partners who collaborate with us, aligning with their vision and the goals of their campaigns. Check out some of our work below. See more > “Much Much Media delivered on all our requirements with meticulous attention to detail. ” Sahej Mantri, United Way Mumbai Want to partner up? Let's do some Much Much! Fill out the form below and we'll be in touch Company Name Full Name Email Phone Your Approx Budget Choose an option SUBMIT Thanks! We'll be in touch shortly.

Rare Beauty’s new fragrance bottle was designed to look good - and be used by more people < Back Disability, News Selena Gomez just showed the beauty of accessibility. Are brands listening? Rare Beauty’s new fragrance bottle was designed to look good - and be used by more people MMS Staff 13 Sept 2025 3-min read When Selena Gomez released her new Rare Beauty fragrance, it wasn’t just the scent that made headlines, it was the bottle. Designed with input from a hand therapist, the bottle is shaped for easy grip, with a spray mechanism that requires minimal pressure. It was created specifically to support people with limited hand mobility, including those with arthritis, chronic pain, or autoimmune conditions like lupus. For many fans, especially those living with disabilities or chronic illnesses, this wasn’t just a thoughtful design. It was a powerful message: you matter. Selena’s lived experience shaped the design Selena Gomez has been open about her own struggles with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects joints and mobility, and her bipolar disorder diagnosis, which she publicly shared in 2020. Her willingness to speak candidly about mental health and chronic illness has made her one of the few global celebrities to consistently platform invisible disabilities. This fragrance launch feels like an extension of that advocacy — not through words, but through design. It’s what happens when lived experience leads product development. And in a world where so many disabled consumers are forced to adapt to inaccessible products, Selena flipped the script. Rare Beauty adapted for them. Inclusive design is smart business, not charity Accessibility is often misunderstood as a niche concern or a compliance checkbox. But the numbers tell a different story. Over 1.3 billion people globally live with a disability. When you factor in their families, caregivers, and allies, that represents a community with an estimated $13 trillion in annual spending power, according to the World Economic Forum. This is not a small market. It’s a massive, often ignored one. What Selena and Rare Beauty understand - much like Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty before them - is that inclusion sells. Fenty’s 2017 launch with 40 foundation shades wasn’t just a cultural moment, it was a commercial gamechanger, pulling in over $100 million in 40 days. Why? Because it reflected a truth most brands had ignored: when you design for more people, more people buy your product. Gen Z and millennials expect values-driven brands Today’s younger consumers aren’t just shopping based on aesthetics or trend cycles. According to a McKinsey report, 73% of Gen Z and 66% of Millennials actively support brands that align with their values. They expect brands to take stands on mental health, social justice, environmental impact, and yes - accessibility. When Rare Beauty launches a fragrance bottle that works for people with mobility impairments, it’s not just serving a customer - it’s building trust. That’s what creates long-term loyalty in a saturated market. Accessibility can’t stop at the product But there’s still one major place where brands drop the ball: the digital experience. According to AudioEye’s 2025 Digital Accessibility Index, which analysed over 15,000 websites, there are an average of 297 accessibility errors per page - from unlabelled buttons and missing alt-text to checkout pages that break under screen readers. And the fallout is real. A Purple Pound study in the UK found that 83% of disabled consumers limit their shopping to websites they know are accessible. 71% abandon a website entirely if they encounter access barriers. That means brands can pour money into accessible products, only to lose customers at the homepage. Selena’s fragrance Is a blueprint for the future Selena Gomez didn’t frame accessibility as a bonus feature. She framed it as good design. The Rare Beauty fragrance is chic and inclusive - without sacrificing aesthetics or elegance. This is the future of inclusive branding: where accessibility is not performative or pity-driven, but integrated into every touchpoint - from packaging to websites to marketing. And it’s a reminder that when people with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or neurodivergent experiences lead the conversation, the end result isn’t “niche". It’s better for everyone. We believe that accessibility isn’t a trend. It’s a requirement, a reflection of who we are, and who’s being left out. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Even the greatest Olympian isn’t immune to mental health struggles < Back Neurodiversity, Health Michael Phelps’ journey with ADHD and suicide prevention Even the greatest Olympian isn’t immune to mental health struggles MMS Staff 10 Sept 2025 3-min read Trigger warning: Mention of suicidal ideation With 28 medals - 23 of them gold - Michael Phelps is the most decorated Olympian in history. For years, the world saw him as unstoppable: a superhuman in the pool who shattered world records with ease. But behind that image of dominance was a very different reality. After every Olympics, Phelps says he fell into depression. In 2014, at the height of his fame, he admitted: “I didn’t want to be alive anymore. I remember looking suicide in the eye. That was my all-time low.” It’s a reminder that mental health struggles don’t discriminate. Even against people at the very top of their field. ADHD, pressure, and the silence around mental health Phelps was diagnosed with ADHD at age 9. Swimming quickly became his escape: a place to pour restless energy and find focus. But success in the pool didn’t erase the challenges of being neurodivergent. As Phelps explained later, he became skilled at compartmentalising — pushing away his emotions and refusing to deal with them. That strategy worked for winning medals, but it took a toll. The pressure, isolation, and constant expectation to perform left him battling depression and anxiety for years. His story highlights a crucial point: neurodivergent people - those with ADHD, autism, and other conditions - face higher risks of mental health struggles, including suicidal thoughts. And yet, mainstream suicide prevention conversations rarely address their experiences. Why suicide prevention must include neurodivergent people Research shows autistic people are up to nine times more likely to attempt suicide than non-autistic people. For ADHD, studies consistently point to higher rates of depression, self-harm, and suicidality. But these risks aren’t “caused” by neurodivergence itself. They’re linked to stigma, bullying, social isolation, and a lack of inclusive mental health care. When neurodivergent children are told they're “too much”, when adults are denied workplace accommodations, when therapy isn’t tailored to their needs - those systemic barriers deepen vulnerability. That’s why Phelps’ openness matters. His story puts a global spotlight on something millions of neurodivergent people know intimately: that silence can be deadly, and that asking for help is often the hardest but most life-saving step. Finding strength in vulnerability What saved Phelps wasn’t more medals. It was therapy. It was admitting he couldn’t do it alone. “At first, I was terrified,” he recalled of his first day in treatment. “But once I started talking about my feelings, life became easier. I kept asking myself why I didn’t do this 10 years ago.” Today, through the Michael Phelps Foundation, he advocates for mental health, water safety, and suicide prevention. He partners with organisations to expand access to therapy and speaks openly about his own journey. “I am extremely thankful I did not take my life,” he said. “I want others to know - it’s okay to not be okay.” A call to build better systems Michael Phelps’ story is powerful. But it also raises a question: why should it take an Olympian’s voice for society to take suicide prevention seriously? If even the most celebrated athlete in the world struggled to find support, imagine the barriers faced by young disabled and neurodivergent people who are not heard, not represented, and not resourced. On World Suicide Prevention Day, it’s time to move beyond awareness and towards action. Suicide prevention must include neurodivergent voices. It must address access to affordable therapy, culturally relevant care, and systems that don’t leave people to “self-medicate” or suffer in silence. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out. You are not alone. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Love, disability, and representation took center stage at 2025's Creative Arts Emmys < Back Disability, Media, News Disability-led stories win big at the Emmys Love, disability, and representation took center stage at 2025's Creative Arts Emmys MMS Staff 9 Sept 2025 3-min read In a world where disability is often erased, sidelined, or reduced to a side plot, two groundbreaking shows that center disabled lives and love stories just won top honours at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards 2025. Netflix’s Love on the Spectrum and Patrice: The Movie, a powerful Hulu documentary, both walked away with major Emmy wins this weekend. Besides being great TV, these shows are cultural milestones. They’re redefining who gets to be seen, celebrated, and loved on screen. Love on the Spectrum: Dignity, not drama Love on the Spectrum won two Emmys: for Outstanding Unstructured Reality Program and Casting, marking a continued recognition for a show that has already collected five Emmys in past seasons. Created by Cian O’Clery, the series follows autistic adults in the US as they navigate dating and relationships, portraying the full range of human emotion: nervous laughter, awkward silences, budding chemistry - all with radical empathy and zero pity. “From the beginning, our aim has been to create a series that treats our participants with dignity and respect while offering genuine insight into their experiences,” said O’Clery. “These awards celebrate not only our production team’s efforts but also the courage of our participants who have touched millions with their personal journeys and helped reshape the public’s understanding of autism.” The show, a spinoff of the original Australian version, has been renewed for a fourth season. It's a clear sign that audiences want more stories where neurodivergent people are shown as complex, lovable, and worthy of screen time. Patrice: The Movie: Love isn't always a legal right In the same awards ceremony, Patrice: The Movie won the Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking. The Hulu film follows Patrice Jetter, a disabled woman who dreams of marrying her long-time partner. There’s just one catch: if she gets married, she could lose her Medicaid and Social Security benefits, essential lifelines for disabled people in the United States. It’s a chilling reflection of how the system penalises disabled people for daring to pursue intimacy, independence, and joy. The film doesn’t just spotlight this injustice, it humanises it with tenderness and rage in equal measure. A shift in the room where it happens This year’s Emmy ceremony was as much about who won as it was about who was present. Marlee Matlin and Nyle DiMarco, two Deaf icons in entertainment, were among the presenters. DiMarco, also a producer of the AppleTV+ doc Deaf President Now!, has long been an advocate for more authentic disabled representation across media. Their presence signals a broader cultural shift: disability is not a theme to be explored once a year. It’s a community, a culture, a lens through which millions experience the world. And now, finally, Emmy voters seem to be paying attention. Beyond the awards: why the wins matter Representation is not the same as liberation. But it’s a start. For too long, disabled people have only seen themselves on screen as either tragic heroes or magical savants. These Emmy wins mark a move away from outdated tropes, and toward something more honest: the messy, beautiful, deeply human experience of disability. That includes dating. That includes joy. That includes wanting to be seen, and being worthy of love. Not in spite of disability, but alongside it. What we hope comes next Stories like these are not just entertainment. They’re political. They challenge ableist systems. They make visible what society would rather hide. And they remind us that love, agency, and self-expression are basic rights, not luxuries reserved for the non-disabled. As disabled creators, advocates, and storytellers continue to claim space, our hope is that this moment sparks loud applause and even louder action. Because disabled people don’t just deserve to be on stage when it’s time for awards. We deserve to be in the writers’ room, behind the camera, and holding the mic. And when we are, the stories hit different. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Inside a superhero’s brain: chaos, creativity, and care < Back Neurodiversity, Media, News Spider-Man star Tom Holland talks ADHD and dyslexia Inside a superhero’s brain: chaos, creativity, and care MMS Staff 9 Sept 2025 3-min read Tom Holland is best known for swinging between skyscrapers as Marvel’s Spider-Man. But in his latest role, the 27-year-old actor isn’t battling villains. He’s building LEGO sets and breaking stigmas. In a refreshingly honest interview with IGN, Holland revealed that he lives with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder) and dyslexia, two common neurodevelopmental conditions that are often misunderstood and underrepresented in mainstream media. Speaking about his new LEGO short film Never Stop Playing, Holland reflected on how his neurodivergent brain interacts with creativity, and how play became a survival tool. “I have ADHD and I’m dyslexic,” Holland shared. “And I find sometimes when someone gives me a blank canvas, it can be slightly intimidating. And sometimes you are met with those challenges when developing a character.” The blank canvas isn’t always inviting For many neurodivergent people, a “blank canvas” is a source of anxiety. Creative expression often comes not from a lack of structure, but from working with structure and against expectations. In his role as LEGO’s Playmaker, Holland embodies a whirlwind of characters: from a grumpy CEO to a wide-eyed toddler, highlighting the transformative power of play, even in adulthood. The short film is both cute and quietly radical. Especially when framed by Holland’s lived experience. “Any way that you can, as a young person or as an adult, interact with something that forces you to be creative and forces you to think outside the box… just promotes healthy creativity,” he added. From dyslexia diagnosis to LEGO death stars Tom was diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of seven and moved to a private school for better academic support. Even as one of Hollywood’s most bankable stars, he still faces online criticism for typos and grammar mistakes, a reminder of how relentless ableism can be, especially for public figures. And yet, he chooses vulnerability. He chooses to talk. To name his experience. To laugh about building LEGO dinosaur scenes to avoid doing dishes as a kid. To reminisce about piecing together a 3,800-brick LEGO Death Star with Spider-Man: Homecoming co-star Jacob Batalon, an offscreen moment of friendship that mirrored the onscreen one. That’s what makes Holland’s voice matter. Not because he’s flawless, but because he isn’t. Family, play, and the joy of building differently The LEGO film also features cameos by Tom’s real-life brothers Harry and Sam, who play faux reporters in a cheeky nod to sibling rivalry and shared nostalgia. For Holland, the project wasn’t just about promoting creativity. It was about reconnecting with family and honouring the imaginative chaos of their childhoods. “We grew up playing [LEGO] together,” he said. “It gets people off screens. It gets people talking to one another.” That message hits differently for neurodivergent people, many of whom find regulation, connection, and identity through tactile play, especially in a world that often pathologises difference and demands conformity. Why representation like this matters In a culture that still treats ADHD as laziness and dyslexia as intellectual failure, public figures talking openly about these conditions is crucial. Especially when those figures aren’t framed as “inspirational,” but as human. When neurodivergent people see themselves reflected not just in diagnoses but in the joy of building, failing, laughing, and trying again, it chips away at shame. It pushes back against stereotypes. It expands what it means to succeed. Tom Holland didn’t have to talk about his learning disabilities. But he did. And in doing so, he’s helping reframe neurodivergence not as a deficit, but as a different kind of brilliance. At Much Much Spectrum, we believe stories like these are foundational to a comprehensive understanding of neurodiversity. Because every time a celebrity names their diagnosis, every time a kid realises they’re not alone, every time play is treated as essential and not extra, the world gets a little more liveable for neurodivergent people. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

GST 2.0 still taxes assistive devices, accessibility, and disabled live < Back Disability, Health, News GST is simpler now, but living with a disability in India remains costly GST 2.0 still taxes assistive devices, accessibility, and disabled live MMS Staff 5 Sept 2025 3-min read On September 3, 2025, India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stood before the press and announced what she called a “next-generation” overhaul of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime. The reform was billed as a landmark moment: four tax slabs collapsed into two, compliance simplified, daily-use items made more affordable. Headlines across media platforms hailed it as a win for the “common man.” But for millions of disabled people in India, the celebration felt oddly distant. Because once again, disability didn’t feature in the fine print. What the GST council got right There’s no denying some of the changes are meaningful. GST on individual life and health insurance premiums - previously taxed at 18% - has now been removed entirely. 33 life-saving drugs are now fully GST exempt. Medical kits, diagnostic reagents, and corrective spectacles have seen tax cuts that make them more accessible for families navigating rising healthcare costs. Still taxing independence: the silence on assistive devices One of the most glaring omissions in the new GST structure is assistive technology, the very tools that enable disabled people to live, move, work, and communicate with dignity. Wheelchairs, prosthetics, hearing aids, Braille printers, screen readers - all of these remain taxed between 5% and 18%. No new exemptions. No tax rationalisation. Not even a mention. This isn’t just about money. It’s about what our systems choose to prioritise. When entertainment electronics get tax cuts but essential mobility devices don’t, it reveals how disability is still seen as a side issue, not a mainstream concern. As disability rights advocates have long argued: access isn’t a luxury. It’s a right. When insurance isn’t inclusion Another headline win from the GST 2.0 reform was the removal of tax on health and life insurance policies. It’s a major shift in making financial protection more affordable, but only for those who can actually access it. For many disabled people, insurance remains inaccessible or discriminatory. Pre-existing conditions are often flagged. Chronic illnesses lead to exclusions. Neurodivergent and mentally disabled individuals routinely face rejection or unreasonably high premiums. So while GST-free insurance might sound like relief, for many disabled households, it’s relief they can’t even access. Disability is expensive. Policy rarely acknowledges that Mainstream conversations about the cost of living rarely account for the added costs of disability, from hospitalisation and rehab to caregiving, therapy, and the everyday cost of inclusion. And because most of these are either under-covered or excluded from public and private insurance, families are often left to pay out-of-pocket. These hidden costs - financial, emotional, social - add up. As a result, disability is often seen as a “burden” not because of the person, but because of how unsupported the system makes their existence. Reform is not just about slabs. It's about who we include The Finance Ministry has called this the most “people-centric” GST reform yet. But if your definition of “people” doesn’t include disabled communities, chronically ill individuals, caregivers, or those who rely on assistive devices, then your reform is only half done. You can’t talk about “ease of living” and still make independence more expensive. You can’t celebrate inclusion while taxing accessibility. What real disability-inclusive tax reform could look like If India is serious about “inclusive growth”, here’s what a truly progressive GST reform would do: Exempt assistive devices from GST, just like life-saving drugs. Recognize accessibility tech as essential, not optional. Reimagine insurance access for disabled and chronically ill individuals. Center disability in all economic and fiscal policies, not just social welfare. Until we’re named, we’re not protected At Much Much Spectrum, we believe that policy must be accountable not just to markets and margins, but to lived realities. GST 2.0 may have simplified slabs, but it did not simplify life for millions navigating disability. And that should concern all of us. Because until disability is explicitly centered in policy conversations - not as an afterthought, but as a starting point - reforms will remain cosmetic. And the cost of being disabled in India will remain far higher than any GST slab can calculate. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS

Focus Friend helps reclaim attention in an AI-driven world < Back Neurodiversity, News YouTuber Hank Green’s wholesome productivity app hits #1 Focus Friend helps reclaim attention in an AI-driven world MMS Staff 4 Sept 2025 3-min read Last week, something unexpected happened on the App Store. ChatGPT, Google, Threads - all toppled from the top spot. What replaced them? A cozy productivity app where a tiny bean knits you socks if you manage to focus. It’s called Focus Friend, and it’s the brainchild of internet educator, author, and longtime YouTuber Hank Green, developed in collaboration with Boba Story creator Bria Sullivan. Billed as an “ADHD-friendly focus timer,” Focus Friend gamifies attention in a way that feels less like punishment and more like play. And this idea is resonating across the internet, especially with young, neurodivergent, and overwhelmed users craving relief from the pressures of always-on life. How it works: no guilt, just knitting The premise is simple. Set a timer. Don’t touch your phone. Your bean will keep knitting - socks, scarves, you name it. If you cave and check your notifications, the bean drops its needles and loses focus. Just like you. The app rewards consistent focus by letting users trade finished knit items for room decorations, furniture, or new outfits for their bean. Think Tamagotchi meets Pomodoro, with a sprinkle of serotonin. But beyond the game-like appeal, Focus Friend is doing something quietly radical: it’s offering a form of productivity that isn’t shame-based. There are no red Xs. No condescending nudges. No toxic metrics. Just a soft space for people who’ve been made to feel “lazy” or “distracted” all their lives. Designed for ADHD brains Hank Green hasn’t publicly claimed an ADHD diagnosis, but he’s spoken candidly about attention struggles in the past. “People often ask if I have ADHD and, look, I don’t know what I have but, honestly, whatever it is…I think it’s great,” he tweeted in 2021. In that spirit, Focus Friend isn’t limited to people with formal diagnoses. It’s for anyone who finds it hard to concentrate in a world that demands constant attention... and then sells that attention to the highest bidder. As Green explained in a TikTok: “The app is about giving people their time back. It’s about letting people be in control of their attention, not selling their attention to someone else.” No ads. No data collection. No pressure to perform. Instead, users get a quiet, charming space to practice focus, especially in the age of algorithmic doomscrolling and AI-generated everything. A wholesome revolution in a time of tech overload That Focus Friend shot to the top of the App Store, beating giants like ChatGPT, isn’t just a fluke. It’s a signal. We’re burnt out. We’re overstimulated. And we’re desperate for tech that feels human again. Amid the noise of hyper-productivity apps and AI-powered everything, Focus Friend offers a different kind of digital experience, one that’s rooted in care, slowness, and softness. Built on friendship, not extraction Much like Hank and John Green’s other ventures, from Crash Course to Vlogbrothers to VidCon, this app is powered by community not corporate funding. The app is free to use, with optional in-app purchases that allow users to support ongoing development. No paywalls. No subscriptions. Just choice. And for many users, that ethos feels like a breath of fresh air. In a follow-up TikTok, Green explained that while some suggested ads as a way to make money, he pushed back: “I didn’t really want to do that... This app is about helping people focus, not distracting them again.” Why this matters for Neurodivergent and Disabled communities For many neurodivergent folks, especially those with ADHD or executive functioning challenges, traditional productivity tools can feel hostile or defeating. Timers that scold. Task lists that judge. Gamified streaks that break with one bad day. Focus Friend offers a different narrative: you are not broken. Your brain is not the enemy. Focus can be gentle, goofy, and even joyful. That matters. Especially for young people navigating disability, neurodivergence, or just plain burnout in a post-pandemic, AI-saturated world. Attention is a precious thing. And Focus Friend reminds us that we deserve to protect it, not just from the noise of tech, but from the voices that tell us we’re not doing enough. Much much relate? Share it now! WhatsApp Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Copy link < Back SHORTS