Navigating Challenges and Mentoring Neurodivergent Young People with Mark Fleishman

In this episode of Neurodiverse Voices Podcast, I sat down with Mark Fleishman, Digital Media and Music Production Mentor at Oxford Creators. Although not neurodivergent himself, Mark suspects he may be ADHD and shares his perspective on mentoring neurodivergent young people, along with the insights he’s gained through that experience.

Mark reflects on his personal journey, including leaving school at 15, losing his father to cancer at age nine, and struggling with depression and challenges at school. He discusses sensory sensitivities, the fight/freeze response to bereavement, and the importance of individualised learning approaches, noting that a one-size-fits-all model doesn’t work for everyone—especially for neurodivergent young people.

Through his mentoring, Mark highlights how misconceptions about neurodivergence can overshadow the strengths neurodivergent individuals bring. He also shares his thoughts on perfectionism, steady progress, and how his mother’s advocacy for equality in education shaped his passion for working with young people.

Mark’s love for learning, travel, and music fuels his work, and he shares the superpowers he’d choose: the cure for cancer and, interestingly, being the president of the U.S.

Oxford Creators:

https://www.oxfordcreators.co.uk/

McFly Productions Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/32ToyO6OfrP8UPclkmvPvm?si=eyQ50fOuQn64y8jgffj4Ag

McFly Productions YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/@mcflyproductions101