#31 Neurodivergent Album Breakdown

The Neurodivergent Musician

In this episode, Jon dives into a project that became a defining milestone in his journey with ADHD and Autism. Although Jon had known about his Dyslexia since 2004, it wasn’t until a mental health crisis in 2021 that he discovered a much deeper layer to his neurodivergence.

In December 2021, after a psychiatric assessment, he was diagnosed with AuDHD—a blend of Autism and ADHD. The revelation hit hard, triggering a deep identity crisis and leaving a massive question mark over his sense of self.

While the diagnosis brought him much-needed clarity, it also led to a period of intense introspection. Jon felt overwhelmed by a flood of new information and awareness, each piece compounding inside his already busy brain. It was a time of trying to understand who he truly was and where he fit in, all while managing the aftershocks of the crisis.

During his recovery, Jon turned to the one thing that had always been a constant: his guitar. He’d had this instrument since he was 8, and it had been a steady companion through many ups and downs. Even when the internal lights seemed dimmed, his fingers instinctively found their way around the strings and just started to play. It was as if the music inside him began to speak when words failed. That’s how this album was born—it became his creative outlet, while the podcast turned into a form of therapy, a way for him to process and share his story with others.

But this album is so much more than just music. It’s a mission—a mission to spread awareness, offer support, and empower others navigating similar paths. It represents hope, comfort, courage, and the strength to overcome even the darkest of mental health challenges.

This release is meant to be a guiding light for anyone struggling to find their way. Where words fall short, music steps in, expressing what’s often difficult to articulate. Jon created this album not just for himself, but for everyone out there who feels alone, misunderstood, or trapped in a cycle of confusion. Though he may not be physically by their side, his music, message, and mission are here to stand with them and for them.

And yes, while purchasing the album supports Jon’s journey and keeps the lights on for him to continue creating, it’s about much more than that. It’s about ensuring that he can keep producing art that touches deeper themes and emotions, helping others see that they are not alone and that their experiences matter.

We all need both light and dark in life, but too much darkness can make a home—or a mind—feel empty and isolating. Jon has been there himself.

So, with this album, he’s extending his hand to others. Let it be a spark to reignite their own internal light, so they can recharge, heal, and share that light with those around them. This ripple of light, hope, and connection can continue long after the music ends.

Jon closes with a lyric from Rivers of Gold, one of the songs on the album: “If we find our internal light, it will give us eternal life.” Eternal doesn’t just refer to the length of our lives; it’s about the impact we leave—the ripples of light and love that continue through those we touch. This is the heart of the album—a beacon for anyone seeking the courage to embrace their true, authentic selves and pass that light on.

Jon thanks his listeners for being here and hopes that this episode and the album resonate deeply, offering some of the strength and encouragement he’s found along his own journey.

Let’s continue creating ripples together.

1. ​Grab the new album at jonhartmusic.com/neurodivergent
2. ​Are you a Neurodivergent Musician? If so join our new free community at theneurodivergent musician.co.uk