by Nethagshan Thayaparan
Police Constable | Metropolitan Police Service

The Metropolitan Police Service is built on strength – not just the physical strength to face danger or the resilience to serve in high-pressure environments, but a deeper kind of strength. The strength that comes from facing invisible battles, overcoming personal challenges, and refusing to let obstacles define who we are. For those of us who are neurodivergent or living with disabilities, this strength is often forged through pain, persistence, and a relentless determination to thrive in a world that isn’t always built for us.
For years, I believed that I had to hide who I was. Autism, ADHD – words that I barely understood about myself, let alone felt I could share with others. Society often frames difference as weakness, and for the longest time, I believed it. I masked my struggles, over-compensated, and tried to fit into a mould that felt suffocatingly small. I carried the weight of shame, and it wore me down. But here’s the truth I’ve come to realise: the very things I thought made me “less” are the same things that make me strong.
Shame is a powerful force. It isolates, silences, and convinces us that we’re broken, that we don’t belong, that seeking help is a failure. Shame thrives in secrecy, and for years I let it fester in the dark. But shame only holds power when we let it. The moment we speak out, the moment we shine a light on it, its grip begins to weaken.
When I finally began to share my experiences, I found something I never expected: connection. I found people who understood, who resonated, who had stories of their own. Sharing my truth not only freed me from the weight of silence but also gave me strength. And in turn, I saw that my story could provide strength to others.
Autism gives me a unique lens through which I see the world, allowing me to find clarity and focus where others might not. ADHD fuels my drive, creativity, and determination to think dynamically. These are not flaws – they are my greatest tools. They are what make me who I am.
No one should feel like they have to fight these battles alone. The journey to acceptance – whether of ourselves or by others – is one we take together. Community is what gives us strength, and in the Met, we pride ourselves on teamwork and resilience. But to truly embody those values, we need to ensure that our workplace is as inclusive and supportive as the communities we serve.
Mental health, neurodiversity, and disability must be at the forefront of our conversations. They cannot be sidelined or addressed only when issues arise. Supporting our colleagues’ wellbeing is not an extra – it’s essential to building a strong, unified force. When people feel seen, valued, and supported, they thrive. And when they thrive, we all do.
It’s not just about providing adjustments or accommodations – it’s about creating an environment where those adjustments are second nature. A place where colleagues feel empowered to perform at their best without compromising their mental or physical health.
We often think of strength as being unyielding, as never faltering. But true strength is far more profound. It’s in the courage to say, “I’m struggling” and the resilience to rise again after every fall. It’s in the honesty of admitting when we need help and the vulnerability of sharing our stories.
Strength lies in defying the expectations of what the world thinks we should be. It’s in the moments when we feel like giving up but choose to keep going anyway. Vulnerability, far from being a weakness, is one of the purest forms of courage. It builds bridges, fosters understanding, and connects us in ways that superficial strength never could.
This isn’t just about my story – it’s about all of us. It’s about every officer and staff member who has ever felt the weight of difference, who has ever doubted their place, who has ever felt their voice wasn’t heard. It’s about creating a culture that doesn’t just make space for diversity but embraces it wholeheartedly.
I want to challenge the status quo – not through confrontation but through compassion and understanding. Together, we can build something greater. We can create an organisation that leads the way in fostering inclusivity, understanding, and support. We can set the example for what a truly united workplace looks like.
Let this be the start of a conversation that’s long overdue. Let this be the beginning of a movement that sees neurodiversity and disability not as barriers, but as strengths. Let’s show the world – and ourselves – that difference is not something to be feared or hidden. It’s something to be celebrated.
Because, at the end of the day, we are not defined by our struggles. We are defined by how we rise from them. And when we rise together, there’s no limit to what we can achieve. ∎
This blog was originally published on the Metropolitan Police Service Intranet – it is reproduced here with kind permission of the author