Neurodiverse singer Sophie-Maude uses music to share her experiences

A 21-year-old recording artist from New Zealand is working with Autism Jersey and ADHD Jersey to give a voice to people who are neurodiverse.

Sophie-Maude was born and raised in the sunny Bay of Plenty, to mum Sarah from Guernsey and dad Wayne from Jersey.

She is currently visiting family in the Channel Islands.

Whilst here, she has put on an event with Autism Jersey and ADHD Jersey, where she performed some of her songs.

The charities are introducing her to islanders to share her message of self-expression and show how Autism and ADHD can be a source of unique talent and strengths in the hope it will encourage and inspire and encourage others.

Music is a large part of Sophie-Maude's story, as she found her love and passion for music after leaving mainstream education at age 10 feeling misunderstood, following her diagnosis of ADHD, ASD, Tourette's and severe OCD.

Her released songs and features have accrued more than 186,000 streams, and she has amassed over 12,000 followers on Instagram.

"Take Me Away" reached number one in the NZ Hot 40 singles chart in 2022.

Sophie uses her voice to raise awareness and share her experiences - creating a space of understanding for others in the neurodiverse community.

"You have the opportunity to tell stories through music. 

"My next release, that's coming out in November, is about growing up with severe OCD, so it's quite a deep story that I'm telling. I'm excited to release the first song that I feel like I've really been honest and raw through.

"Every time I meet someone, I try at some point to mention that I'm on the spectrum because it gives a new perspective of what being on the spectrum can look like. 

"It can be a lot more diverse, and masked, for example, in women especially."

She and her siblings became part of a self-formed group where parents of neurodiverse children supported each other through the sharing of lived experience. This has since become a well-respected charitable trust (mockingbird.org.nz).

Sophie has continued to be an advocate for the neurodiverse community and has just finished filming for a series called ‘Wired Differently’ for Attitude TV.

Lesley Harrison, Autism Jersey's Head of Charitable Services says they were keen to introduce Sophie-Maude to islanders, describing her as a 'tenacious and inspirational individual'.

Rachel Boss, CEO ADHD Jersey said she is 'a shining example of the incredible creativity and talent within the community'.

"Her journey highlights how ADHD and Autism can be a source of unique strengths, especially in the arts, where imagination, emotional depth, and bold thinking thrive.

"We’re proud to showcase her as part of our ongoing mission to celebrate and elevate neurodivergent voices across Jersey”