Zara Beth sat, smiling, holding a microphone next to a table with a book titled 'Enemy of the Brain'. This is a photo from her book launch event.

About Me

I'm Zara Beth (she/her), a content creator, author, musician and disability advocate based in the UK and the Netherlands. ​​​I share my life as a neurodivergent person, navigating neurological conditions, chronic illness & being a wheelchair user ✨

My content focuses on wheelchair accessibility, accessible travel, Tourette's syndrome, FND, Autism and chronic illness awareness.

You can read my full story, along with tips and advice on living as disabled person in my book, Enemy For A Brain.

My Story

I grew up fairly "healthy" until my health worsened as a teenager. On the outside, I was a healthy and high-achieving child, but on the inside, I spent years struggling with mental health and being bullied in school.

Around age 15, my childhood tics deteriorated and I was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome. This turned my life upside down, and severely debilitated me during my time at secondary school and college. I also developed a condition called Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) which causes lots of neurological symptoms like seizures, tremors, weakness, dystonia and more. This challenged every aspect of my life: getting ready in the morning, eating, walking, getting to school, and even spending time with friends or family. 🧠

When I turned 18, I sought out a private Autism diagnosis after spending years researching and sitting on NHS waiting lists. This diagnosis gave me so much clarity, and allowed me to start unmasking 18 years of undiagnosed struggles, along with introducing me to the neurodivergent community online. I finally felt like I was accepted and understood, and found a place where I belonged.

I first became a wheelchair user after my FND symptoms started at age 15, and this allowed me to go to school and get outside even when my legs were paralysed or symptoms were flaring up. After more health struggles and becoming chronically ill, I currently use my wheelchair most of the time outside of the house, and use other mobility aids inside or when navigating inaccessible places. ♿

Over the years, I've adapted and learned to live with my conditions despite the challenges they bring. Pacing has helped manage my energy and also helped me prioritise activities that bring me joy such as hobbies and being out in nature. Thanks to my mobility aids, I can now travel, see friends, attend events, and live a full life even with my health conditions! ☀️✈️

My hobbies include:

  • Learning languages (I am conversational level in Dutch!)
  • Reading and writing books (Such as Enemy For A Brain)
  • Gaming
  • Crafts like crochet, scrapbooking & any type of art
  • Recording and writing music
  • Content creation!

Currently, I spend my time travelling, doing speaking and advocacy work, delivering accessibility consultancy to companies, and documenting my life online while educating people through my videos 💛

FAQs

Where am I based?

I am based in the UK and the Netherlands, and I frequently travel to other countries for both work and fun!

What is Tourette's syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition which causes involuntary movements and sounds called tics. It involves multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic lasting over a year. There is currently no cure for TS.

Resources:
NHS Website
Tourettes Action UK

What is FND?

Functional neurological disorder is a condition where the brain struggles to send and receive signals properly, leading to neurological symptoms such as seizures, paralysis, weakness, tremors, sensory disturbances, and much more.

Resources:
NHS Website
FND Hope UK

How to work with me?

You can enquire about working with me through the email listed on my Work With Me page! This also lists the type of work I offer.