A young singer from New Zealand with familial links to Jersey has teamed up with two local organisations in a bid to “celebrate and elevate neurodivergent voices” in the island.
Sophie-Maude is a 21-year-old recording artist who has been diagnosed with ADHD, autism, tourettes, and OCD.
Her songs and features have accrued more than 186,000 streams, with her four music videos have gained a total of 84,000 views on YouTube.
The vocalist’s mum Sarah is originally from Guernsey, but trained as a nurse in Jersey where she met Sophie-Maude’s dad Wayne.
The couple both served with the Jersey Field Squadron for many years, and were heavily involved with St Peter’s Ladies Football Team.
Sophie-Maude is a R&B and pop singer who strives to abolish the stigma around neurodiversity through her music.
“Having my diagnosis makes it easier”
She recently visited Jersey to work with non-profit organisations Autism Jersey and ADHD Jersey.
Whilst in the island, Sophie-Maude sat down with Express to chat about how gaining a diagnosis allowed access to help, closure, and an explanation.
“The music industry isn’t always the most inviting,” she said.
“There is a lot of ego within any creative industry so it’s hard. But having my diagnosis makes it easier.”
Sophie-Maude began making music at 10 years old, and released her first track when she was just 16.
Since then, she has been using any opportunity to put herself out there in a challenging industry.
“For me, I love being critiqued,” she said.
“I love to grow and get better at things, but I do struggle with how picky the crowds can be.”
“It’s always good to have people on your side”
The singer explained that she uses her “neurodiversity as a superpower, not a weakness”.
She urged other people interested in the music industry to get involved as much as possible with small local concerts.
“Make friends with other artists, and people in the community,” said Sophie-Maude.
“It’s always good to have people on your side to motivate you.
“Get yourself out there, because someone might come along with a better opportunity.”
“ADHD and autism can be a source of unique strengths”
ADHD Jersey CEO Rachel Boss described Sophie-Maude as a “shining example of the incredible creativity and talent within the community”.
“With her powerful voice and authentic presence, Sophie-Maude brings not only music but a message of empowerment and self-expression,” she said.
“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.”
Autism Jersey’s head of charitable services Lesley Harrison added: “We are delighted to be able to introduce Sophie-Maude to islanders, as a tenacious and inspirational individual who whilst still on her journey, is a wonderful example of incredible achievements that will motivate and encourage others.”