ADHD Aha!

Nikki Daye, a school psychologist and ADHD advocate, grew up in the foster care system. She was diagnosed with ADHD as a child, but her medical records were eventually lost. As she got older, her ADHD diagnosis wasn't considered. Instead, her symptoms were misdiagnosed as anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. While her ADHD diagnosis was “lost in translation,” Nikki spent a lot of time feeling misunderstood and unsupported. It wasn't until adulthood that she finally got the clarity she needed. Now, she's using her experience to advocate for kids with ADHD, including her own daughter.Related resources6 ways ADHD and PTSD can look alikeADHD and traumaTimestamps(01:18) Nikki's first ADHD diagnosis as a teenager(03:30) Nikki's experience with echolalia (05:27) ADHD treatment, speculating other diagnoses, and medical records being lost while in foster care(09:11) “Aging out” of her ADHD diagnosis, and coming back to it(15:08) Nikki's intersectional “aha” moments (20:33) Nikki's work helping kids like her, and her daughterFor a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at adhdaha@understood.org or record a message for us here.  Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Shane Thrapp always felt different. As an adult, he found out he has both ADHD and autism — two parts of his brain that sometimes work against each other. In this episode, Shane shares the weight of masking his symptoms, and how society's ideas about “real men” can make it even harder to speak up. Today, Shane is helping other men with ADHD as the Operations Director of the Men's ADHD Support Group. He's on a mission to show that being yourself shows more strength than pretending to be someone you're not.Related resourcesWhat is AuDHD?The Men's ADHD Support GroupTimestamps(01:19) Shane's ADHD and autism diagnoses story(05:48) The three-way battle between ADHD and autism(09:12) How is Shane as a boss? (10:21) Learning social cues, trying on identities, and societal expectations(15:04) The Men's ADHD Support Group, and building a community that supports each other in healthy ways(18:34) The biggest misconceptions about men with ADHD(21:38) Building a world that's better for his childrenFor a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! Show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at adhdaha@understood.org or record a message for us here.  Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Danielle Elliot was considering breaking up with her partner...and then he broke up with her first. Danielle had a “big, out of character” reaction: By 4am that night she was packed and ready to leave. The whole experience left her feeling unsettled. Why had she reacted that way? That sparked a deep dive into rejection sensitivity and ADHD.Danielle is a health and science journalist who's now asking a bigger question: Why are so many women being diagnosed with ADHD — and why now?She explores this in Understood.org's new limited-series podcast, Climbing the Walls. Listen to Danielle's personal story here — then check out Climbing the Walls on your podcast platform of choice. Related resourcesListen to the Climbing the Walls podcastADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)ADHD breakups: Impulsive texts and overthinking regrets, from Sorry, I Missed ThisTimestamps(01:26) Danielle's pandemic diagnosis after a strong reaction to a break up(08:26) Danielle's need to travel(12:15) Danielle's relationship with relationships, and rejection(16:02) Hosting Understood.org's Climbing the Walls podcastFor a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at adhdaha@understood.org, or record a message for us here.  Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

In this bonus episode, we're sharing the first episode of a new Understood.org podcast, Climbing the Walls. Climbing the Walls is an investigative limited-series podcast that explores why women were historically underdiagnosed with ADHD — and how the recent surge in diagnoses is reshaping our understanding of ADHD.In this episode, host Danielle Elliot finds herself among the many women diagnosed with ADHD during the pandemic, and she gets curious. Why women? And why now? This question takes her to northern Michigan, to meet a friend's mom.For more on this topic:Listen to Climbing the WallsADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)Older women with ADHD: How the lost generation got foundFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Climbing the Walls show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at adhdaha@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.Emilia McGuckin was surprised when a teacher suggested her son might have ADHD. As a teacher herself, she thought she would have spotted the signs. But after diving into the research, an even bigger surprise hit her: Could she have ADHD too?Emilia, a high school and college teacher, was hesitant to pursue an ADHD evaluation. She'd felt dismissed by medical providers in the past, an experience all too common for many women. But when she finally got diagnosed, everything started to make sense. What she once saw as “character flaws” or “personal failings” turned out to be overlooked symptoms of ADHD.Related resourcesIs ADHD hereditary? ADHD icebergTimestamps(01:10) Emilia's son's ADHD diagnosis(04:42) Hyperfocusing on ADHD to help her son, and realizing she has symptoms too(06:49) Apprehension about seeking an ADHD evaluation, after not being believed by doctors in the past(09:20) Feelings and coping after diagnosis(11:56) An “avalanche of ADHD” in the family(17:02) How Emilia and her son's diagnoses changed how she teaches(20:29) Busting ADHD mythsFor a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at adhdaha@understood.org. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

We're running a survey to see how podcasts help women with ADHD learn about mental health and health-related topics. Make your voice heard today.On this 100th episode of ADHD Aha!, host Laura Key looks back on the powerful conversations she's had with guests from all walks of life about their unique ADHD experiences. She also opens up about a deeply personal new chapter: her 9-year-old daughter's recent ADHD diagnosis. Laura reflects on what this milestone means for her both as a mom and a person with ADHD.   Joining Laura is her friend, co-worker, and Hyperfocus podcast host, Rae Jacobson. Together, they explore how Laura's understanding of ADHD has evolved over the course of the show — and how she's navigating the emotions of raising a child who shares her diagnosis.Related resourcesADHD, anxiety, and perfectionism (Laura's story)ADHD in girlsMy child with ADHD can't fall asleep. But I'm so tired. What can I do?Timestamps(00:50) What has it been like making 100 episodes of ADHD Aha!?(03:03) Laura's daughter's diagnoses, and being a mom with ADHD(08:21) Laura's daughter's ADHD and anxiety evaluation(10:51) Sleep and ADHD parenting challenges(12:19) Feeling the pressure to be a “perfect ADHD mom”(14:14) How hard it can be to be a kid with ADHD(16:40) Keeping ADHD mom perfectionism in check(20:58) Has Laura's outlook on ADHD changed throughout making this show? For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! page on Understood.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

We're running a survey to see how podcasts help women with ADHD learn about mental health and health-related topics. Make your voice heard today.Steve Wesley makes videos about ADHD to create a legacy for his family. As a single dad with ADHD, he worries he's not doing enough to support his two sons, who also have ADHD. He hopes the videos will serve as proof one day that he really was trying.Steve's late wife was “the calendar” of the family. She kept everything on track. When she passed away, it was up to Steve to manage everything and teach his sons the executive function skills that he struggles with so much himself.Join this emotional conversation between Steve and host Laura Key about parenting and coping with death with ADHD.Related resourcesCheck out Steve's YouTube channel, Steve with ADHDADHD and coping with grief: 8 ways to help your childADHD and emotionsTimestamps(01:00) Steve's “aha” moment, and accepting his diagnosis(05:03) ADHD, emotions, and grieving the loss of his wife(10:57) Adjusting to being a single parent as a widower(13:48) Why did Steve start his YouTube channel for his family?(18:38) ADHD: Superpower or curse?(23:27) What would Steve's wife be proud of him for today?For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! page on Understood.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Romance author Sela Carsen saw herself in her daughter's ADHD evaluation 20 years ago. But she didn't request an evaluation for herself until just 4 years ago. She was afraid that having ADHD would have a negative effect on her husband's military career — that she'd be the “crazy wife.” Once Sela was finally diagnosed with ADHD, she had a big sense of relief. She felt capable in her job as an author, and that she “didn't have to hate herself so much” anymore. Hear this conversation with Sela and host Laura Key as they chat about ADHD shame, Gen X's outlook on mental health, and neurodivergent book characters. Related resourcesADHD and: ProcrastinationADHD and caffeineUnderstood.org Neurodiversity at Work Survey: Focus on Generation ZTimestamps(01:46) When did Sela start to notice signs of ADHD in herself?  (03:48) Why Sela didn't pursue an ADHD evaluation while her husband was in active duty(05:46) How ADHD symptoms affected her life while she was undiagnosed  (08:55) Finally seeking an ADHD evaluation(14:11) Neurodivergent story characters(17:45) How being Gen X changes how you approach ADHD(20:24) What's next for Sela?For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! page on Understood.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Margaux Joffe's “aha” moment came during a shopping trip to IKEA with her mom. She had an intense sensory overload experience, which her mom later suggested could be ADHD-related. Margaux, who'd been diagnosed with anxiety and depression as a teenager, had never considered ADHD.She was diagnosed with ADHD at age 29. In the years since, she's become a global advocate for neurodiversity and accessibility. Check out her conversation with host Laura Key about justice sensitivity, workplace accommodations, and self-harm in undiagnosed women. Related resourcesADHD and sensory overloadADHD and depressionUnderstood.org's 2024 Neurodiversity at Work Survey Fact SheetMargaux's website, margauxjoffe.comTimestamps(01:55) Margaux's IKEA story, and “aha” moment(07:34) Sensory sensitivity and ADHD(09:03) Undiagnosed ADHD leading to anxiety and depression(12:38) Breaking down during transitional periods(14:16) Being told she was just “too much” as a child(18:44) What has she learned in the 10 years since being diagnosed?(21:12) What has she learned through working with other women with ADHD?(23:29) Self-advocacy and disclosure at work(26:35) What's Margaux up to now?For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! page on Understood.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Dan McCoy better understood his mood swings, fear of rejection, and hyperfocus when he was diagnosed with ADHD last year. He got an ADHD evaluation after reading an article his brother wrote about being on the autism spectrum.  Dan is a comedy writer who's won two Emmy awards for his work on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He also co-hosts the movie podcast, The Flop House. Dan explains how comedy writing can be exposure therapy for rejection, and how he's coping with managing emotions.  Related resourcesADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)ADHD and mood swingsDan's podcast, The Flop HouseTimestamps(00:00) Intro(01:24) Dan's recent ADHD diagnosis(03:55) Recognizing emotions and burnout from masking(06:40) The “Boom Bust” ADHD energy cycle(08:05) Would it have been helpful to have an ADHD diagnosis as a child?(11:26) Rejection sensitivity and comedy writing(15:32) Does ADHD make you funny?(19:34) Are people considerate of ADHD characteristics?(22:34) What is Dan working on?For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! page on UnderstoodWant to share your aha moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

ADHD affects our whole life — even our sex life. Our friend Cate Osborn, who has a background in sex education, is back to chat with host Laura Key about executive function challenges that may pop up in the bedroom. Cate and Laura dive into topics like ADHD and consent, working memory, and rejection sensitivity. Cate hosts another Understood.org podcast, Sorry, I Missed This, a show about ADHD, intimacy, and communication. Check it out for some deeper dives into this episode's topics!Note: This episode contains conversation about sexual assault. Related resourcesRainn.orgHear Cate's personal story: ADHD and hormones (Cate Osborn's story) Cate's podcast, Sorry, I Missed This!Timestamps(02:34) Why it's called “Sorry, I Missed This”(6:50) Executive function impact on relationships(10:04) “Sex is a task”(12:20)Task initiation impact on relationships(14:07) Communication, working memory, and consent(16:31) Time perception, impulsiveness, and dating(20:46) “It's not your fault”(23:19) How to approach consent as a person with ADHD(27:33) Cate's own journey with ADHD and sexuality(30:09) How rejection sensitivity complicates consent(33:32) Cate's emailFor a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! page on Understood.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

At 14, Zoe Plotnick told her mom, “My brain's broken.” Zoe wanted an ADHD evaluation, but her mom discouraged it, pointing to Zoe's good grades. Zoe was eventually diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. She also learned that her mom was hiding her own ADHD all along.  Now Zoe, who's a teacher, is unpacking the ADHD stigma that her family has carried for generations. And she's advocating for her daughter who, in a twist of fate, was diagnosed with ADHD at age 14 — the same age Zoe was when she tried to get evaluated the first time.   Related resourcesIs ADHD hereditary?Masking my ADHD at work was exhausting, so I stoppedHow do I emotionally prepare for ADHD diagnosis?  Timestamps((01:10) Zoe's pandemic “aha” moment(03:23) Pushing for an ADHD diagnosis as an adult(05:22) Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD(09:17) Asking for help when Zoe was 14 (12:32) Generational ADHD shame and maskingFor a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! page on Understood.orgWant to share your “aha”  moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.For years, Julianna Broadwater's therapist suggested looking into ADHD. But Julianna resisted. She had a past diagnosis of OCD, so she attributed her challenges to that. Plus she was the primary breadwinner in the family, so how could she have ADHD? Then Julianna tried ADHD medication, and her thinking completely changed. The impulsive, intrusive thoughts that would pop into her head started to lessen. It was easy to swat them away like flies, instead of dropping everything to focus on them. Julianna was diagnosed with ADHD during the pandemic. Hear about her OCD misdiagnosis, and how the symptoms she thought were her OCD actually stemmed from ADHD. Related resourcesI have ADHD and OCD. Here's what a weekend getaway looks like for meWhat is perseveration?ADHD and anxietyTimestamps(01:17) Julianna's ADHD diagnosis story(06:49) Julianna's experience growing up(11:42) Julianna's OCD misdiagnosis(13:59) Getting stuck on thoughts(15:26) Never going back to how things were before the pandemic For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! page on Understood.orgWant to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.Growing up, Jared Robson got so sick of failing that he decided, “trying isn't for me.” Jared got into trouble all the time and bounced around different high schools. He eventually graduated high school but admits that that might not have happened if his family weren't so well-off.  Now, Jared's a stay-at-home dad and thriving as a college student taking courses online (He has a 4.0 GPA!). Jared and Laura talk about the “hyperactive little boy” stereotype. Listen as he describes his quest to find stillness and how he thinks of the ADHD failure cycle today.   Related resourcesUnderstanding hyperactivityWhat is the school-to-prison pipeline? From Opportunity GapADHD in boysTimestamps(01:01) Jared's school life growing up(07:08) “Trying isn't for me”(10:54) Changing around high schools(12:53) Trying out different colleges(13:56) Managing expectations(17:31) Jared's “aha” moments(20:14) Jared's pandemic lifestyle change(23:36) Jared's mindset shift in the present dayFor a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! page on Understood.org.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.After Samantha Hiew had her second child at age 40, hormonal changes shed light on her ADHD symptoms. She was diagnosed with ADHD and, later, autism. Sam talks about her experience with AuDHD, including regulating emotions and sensory meltdowns. Sam also talks about her multicultural experience and the importance of community when you have ADHD. Sam is a social entrepreneur, scientist, and advocate. She's also the founder and director of ADHD Girls, an award-winning social impact organization that helps neurodivergent girls succeed.Related resourcesWhat is AuDHD?A guide to hormones and ADHDadhdgirls.co.ukSam's personal website, samanthahiew.comTimestamps(01:21) What is ADHD Girls?(02:59) Why was Sam questioning if she had ADHD?(06:42) Sam's multicultural experience with ADHD(10:12) Sam's ADHD symptoms(12:04) Having both ADHD and autism(14:32) Sensory meltdowns(18:12) Sam's childhood(19:58) ADHD and hormones(26:00) Where you can find SamFor a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! page on Understood.orgWant to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.In school, a teacher made Rakia Reynolds push her desk all the way to the principal's office for getting in trouble. Rakia had undiagnosed ADHD. She was energetic, creative, and the class clown. Rakia is now a businesswoman and creative leader with diagnosed ADHD — a diagnosis that she never shared publicly… until now. Hear from Rakia, the founder and executive director of Skai Blue Media, on why she shied away from talking about her ADHD until now. Did a level of success make it feel safer to talk about? And if so, what can we learn from that?  Related resourcesRakia's company, skaibluemedia.comWhy some kids clown around in class  32 examples of workplace accommodationsTimestamps(01:41) Speaking publicly about having ADHD(07:47) Rakia's childhood and school life(12:43) Hitting a wall in graduate school(14:36) Rakia's “aha“ moments(16:51) ADHD strengths and weaknesses(18:53) Coping at work(21:36) How employers can create an inclusive and supportive workplaceTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Em Schulz thought they were just lazy growing up. Years later, after discovering that not everyone's TikTok was full of ADHD tips that “weirdly work,” they realized they might have ADHD.Em is a paranormal investigator (aka ghost hunter) and co-host of the And That's Why We Drink podcast. Em and Laura chat about ghosts and ghosting, as in ghosting relationships — a not uncommon ADHD behavior. And Em shares their take on whether people believe less in ghosts or ADHD.Related resourcesEm's podcast website, andthatswhywedrink.com“Is ADHD real?” What experts say when people doubt ADHDADHD fact sheetTimestamps(01:32) What it's like being a paranormal investigator(06:13) What do people believe in less: ADHD or ghosts?(07:02) Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD(10:42) Em's pandemic diagnosis(14:02) TikTok ADHD tips that resonated with Em(15:39) How did Em's ADHD diagnosis change their life?(16:55) What's scary about ADHD?(18:34) Why Em became a paranormal investigator(19:33) ADHD creativity at night(20:28) Scary movies(23:43) Where you can find Em To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Introducing “MissUnderstood,” the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Growing up as a Black girl with undiagnosed ADHD, Kayla Sanders learned very early that getting into trouble was not an option. Kayla was imaginative, playful, and extremely bright. She was also hyperactive, which was occasionally mistaken for disobedience. One incident in particular in the first grade left a lasting mark on Kayla. From then on out, Kayla did everything she could to avoid causing trouble for her hard-working, loving mom. She pushed down her hyperactivity and masked her symptoms for years. Then, during the pandemic, Kayla was finally diagnosed with ADHD.  Join Kayla and host Laura Key's chat on ADHD and masking, and the added pressure that comes from racial bias.Related resourcesTo be Black in America with a learning disabilityBias in school discipline: When the teacher says your child is “acting out”, from Opportunity GapADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)Timestamps(01:10) Kayla's pandemic ADHD diagnosis story(06:53) Kayla's childhood behavior(09:45) The pressure to mask ADHD as a Black woman(13:56) Covering up “mistakes” in the classroom(15:35) Kayla's relationship with her mom(20:11) Cultural masking, and the intersection of ADHD and race To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Introducing “MissUnderstood,” the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Patricia Sung was diagnosed with ADHD in her first year of college. It wasn't until she became a mother, and other people relied on her, that she realized just how much ADHD affected her.Patricia now hosts the Motherhood in ADHD podcast. Join Patricia and host Laura Key as they talk about managing emotions with ADHD. Patricia explains the concept of “raging” — that moment when you go from 99 to 100 and emotions boil over. She also shares strategies that can help. Related resourcesBuilding self-compassion skillsADHD and angerPatricia's podcast, Motherhood in ADHDTimestamps((01:10) Patricia's diagnosis story(06:16) How “ADHD” changed for Patricia when she became a mom(09:09) ADHD mom challenges(21:47) Acknowledging realistic “wins” for women with ADHD(26:41) How you can join PatriciaTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Introducing “MissUnderstood,” the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Matthew Raghunauth always felt like he was a little lazy and sluggish — that's just how he was. Then the time came to return to office after the pandemic, and he really started struggling at work. He questioned why he would put things off so much. He was scared to mess up, and afraid that his colleagues would think he's a bad employee. Matthew is an artist and UX designer who was diagnosed with ADHD about a year and a half ago. Join Laura and Matthew as they talk about this ADHD fear of being “found out,” and a grown-up view of growing up.Related resourcesADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)Imposter syndrome at work: How I stopped feeling like a fakeNot lazy, but exhausted from analysis paralysis (Emily's story)Timestamps(01:25) Why did Matthew seek out an ADHD evaluation?(05:59) ADHD and prioritization overload(07:23) Anxiety and fixations while growing up(10:10) Putting off things out of fear of failing and being rejected(12:34) ADHD and catastrophizing(15:32) Are we really “too sensitive”?(16:38) When “growing up” means taking care of yourself(21:20) The added pressure of being first generation American To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Introducing “MissUnderstood,” the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Farah Jamil had to stand up for herself when two health care providers told her she couldn't have ADHD. The reasons cited? One thought she was too smart, charming, and cared for to have ADHD. The other seemed to question whether ADHD was even real. Fortunately, Farah has strong self-advocacy skills that allowed her to debunk these myths in real time. Farah is an executive coach, ADHD life coach, and the founder of the community groups Muslim ADHDers and Interfaith ADHDers. Listen as host Laura Key and Farah bust common ADHD myths. They also talk about how ADHD can make keeping friends hard.Related resourcesFrom Sorry, I Missed This: The impact of ADHD on workplace relationships8 common myths about ADHDMuslim ADHDersInterfaith ADHDersTimestamps(01:14) Farah's first attempt to get an ADHD diagnosis(05:11) Unpacking the 4 myths her doctor told her about ADHD(09:22) Farah's second attempt to get an ADHD diagnosis(10:55) What was Farah struggling with?(13:41) Why is Farah surprised she “still has friends”?(18:53) The ADHD communities Farah has founded(27:24) Farah's advice(29:53) Where you can find FarahTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Introducing “MissUnderstood,” the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

HHow to ADHD creator Jessica McCabe has been the source of many ADHD “aha” moments — so what were her ADHD “aha” moments? Jessica was diagnosed when she was 12 years old but didn't start to look into what ADHD meant for her until she was 32. Taking ADHD medication felt like putting on glasses — experiencing the world as everyone else did. But she didn't have the skills and strategies to cope with ADHD.So, she started making YouTube videos...and the rest is history. Listen in as Jessica answers Laura's many questions, including: What's it like for her to be a new mom with ADHD? Does she ever get a vulnerability hangover? And why doesn't she think she's cool? Related resourcesJessica's YouTube channel, How to ADHDAll about ADHD medicationUnderstanding trouble with social skillsTimestamps(03:08) How Jessica feels about being involved in so many people's “aha” moment(04:55) Jessica's diagnosis story at age 12 (06:16) Jessica's ADHD medication “aha” moment(07:33) The creation of Jessica's YouTube channel How to ADHD(11:29) Jessica on social anxiety(14:07) Busting ADHD medication stigma(16:52) ADHD and new motherhood(22:49) Going back to work after maternity leave(26:01) Laura's rapid-fire questions(31:49) Jessica's parting wordsTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.Want to share your ADHD “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Introducing “MissUnderstood,” the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Dr. Monica Johnson joins Laura to talk about a topic that comes up a lot on ADHD Aha!: ADHD and trauma. She explains how trauma and ADHD can look alike and whether ADHD can lead to trauma. Dr. J, as she's known, also talks about misdiagnosis, treatment, and how to support someone who's struggling. This episode contains discussion about trauma, PTSD, and examples of traumatic events. It's intended for educational purposes, but may not be for everyone. You can visit mentalhealthhotline.org, or rainn.org for support.Related resources6 ways ADHD and PTSD can look alikeTrauma, learning differences, and kids of color (from The Opportunity Gap podcast)MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women ChannelTimestamps(04:05) Dr. J defines trauma(05:18) The difference between trauma and PTSD(07:59) Can trauma cause ADHD? Can ADHD cause trauma?(09:51) Misdiagnosis(16:50) What happens when you have both ADHD and trauma(19:25) Possible treatment(23:54) How can caregivers and loved ones support someone who has ADHD and trauma?(28:13) More on ADHD and... on the MissUnderstood podcast channelTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Introducing “MissUnderstood,” the first-ever podcast channel for women with ADHD. Listen now: lnk.to/missunderstoodUnderstood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Breon and Dan Gummel are a mixed-neurodiversity married couple. After about 5 years of marriage, Breon was diagnosed with ADHD. The conflicts they'd been having as a couple took on a new shape. The more they learned about ADHD, the better they understood each other.Now, they've founded an ADHD community called ADHDinner. This is where people with ADHD, and their close ones, can come together for a meal and share their experiences. You can create your own wherever you live with their free ADHDinner guide. Related resourcesadhdinner.orgADHD and marriage (Rachel and Jon's  story)Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell and John RateyThe ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa OrlovTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Leadership and career coach Phoebe Gavin was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. Phoebe's mom was her number one advocate. She never made Phoebe feel like there was something wrong with her, and that's followed her to this day. Now, she works with clients to empower them in the same way. Phoebe takes us through serving in the military, to fashion school, to starting a business with ADHD. She shares career tips when you have ADHD and her journey navigating ADHD and PTSD.Related resourcesPhoebe's episode of How'd You Get THAT Job?!Phoebe's website, betterwithphoebe.com6 ways ADHD and PTSD can look alikeTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

As women, it can feel like we have to do it all, yet not be “too much.” Add ADHD stigma and shame on top, and it can feel impossible. Good thing we have Tracy Otsuka to remind us that no one has ever made a difference by being “too little.” Tracy is an ADHD coach, the host of the ADHD for Smart Ass Women podcast, and author of the book with the same name! In this episode, host Laura Key and Tracy talk about how her son's diagnosis led to her own, the need for an ADHD cookbook, and challenging the status quo. Related resourcesTracy's podcast, ADHD for Smart Ass WomenTracy's book, ADHD for Smart Ass WomenADHD and women: The essentialsTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

Jesse Anderson wishes he'd had an ADHD manual when he was first diagnosed as an adult, so he wrote one. Before he was diagnosed, he never considered having ADHD himself. After his wife encouraged him to look into it more, his trouble with remembering to do things, time management, and anger started to take a different shape in his mind.Today, Jesse is an ADHD advocate, writer, speaker, and author of the book Extra Focus: The Quick Start Guide to Adult ADHD. Join host Laura Key and Jesse as they discuss toxic productivity, prospective memory, and the magic of owning a whiteboard. Related resourcesADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)ADHD and angerJesse's website, adhdjesse.comTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. Learn more at Understood.org.And if you like what you hear, help us continue this work by donating at understood.org/donate.Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.  

When William Curb learned he had ADHD (and wasn't just lazy), he felt empowered to build coping skills. Now, he hosts the Hacking Your ADHD podcast where he talks about ADHD supports, workarounds, and more.In this bonus episode, host Laura Key and William talk about ADHD and emotions and his favorite ADHD hacks.Related resourcesWilliam's podcast, Hacking Your ADHDADHD and emotionsADHD and the myth of lazinessTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. Learn more at Understood.org.And if you like what you hear, help us continue this work by donating at understood.org/donate.Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.  

ADHD coach and creator Caren Magill was diagnosed with ADHD in 2020, during the pandemic. Caren gets real about her experience as a teen girl with undiagnosed ADHD: dropping out of high school, smoking, having poor self-care, and being a “messy kid.” She also shares how she manages her ADHD through fitness, sleep, and meditation.  Caren is also the host of It's The ADHD-Friendly Show podcast. Listen as she shares what she's hearing from women with ADHD about overwhelm, and approaching ADHD challenges with curiosity instead of shame.  Related resources:ADHD in teens: From friendship to forgetting homework (Miya's story)5 ways ADHD teens take risks — and whyCaren's websiteCaren's podcast, It's The ADHD-Friendly ShowTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. Learn more at Understood.org.And if you like what you hear, help us continue this work by donating at understood.org/donate.Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.  

Casey McQuiston, best-selling author of Red, White and Royal Blue, grew up in a neurodivergent family and was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. Still, they had trouble coping, and in high school, English teachers gave them an intervention for “not trying hard enough.”Casey is the author of multiple books in the queer romance genre. Casey chats with Laura about how ADHD influences their writing. They also share a sneak peek of their upcoming book The Pairing, coming out August 2024.Related resourcesWhy “just try harder” is a mythBeing Trans with ADHD (Max's story)caseymcquiston.comTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts.Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.  

What makes being a mom with ADHD so hard? Navigating executive functions and emotional labor, for one. And feeling burned out when burnout isn't an option — because there's always something else that needs your very limited attention!Talking about it with someone who just “gets it” is such a relief. In this episode, Laura talks to her friend and colleague Rae Jacobson, also a mom with ADHD. Listen to their conversation and insights on this bonus Mother's Day episode.Related resources:Rolling with my ADHD Mom BrainBuilding self-compassion skills3 things I'm learning as a new mom with ADHDTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the “ADHD Aha!” podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts.  Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.  

Ellyce Fulmore had structures in place her whole life that kept her ADHD hidden. When the pandemic hit, those structures disappeared. Doing basic daily tasks — things like cooking and running errands — got really hard. Then she went down a research rabbit hole on ADHD in women and asked for an ADHD evaluation.  Before the pandemic, Ellyce had been struggling with impulsive spending. It made her feel like she was in control when really the spending was controlling her. Now, she's the author of the book Keeping Finance Personal.  Related resources:5 tips to help teens and young adults manage moneyEllyce's book, Keeping Finance PersonalQueerdco.comTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts.Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.  

ADHD coach Jaye Lin is no stranger to ADHD burnout. As an Asian American former gifted kid with undiagnosed ADHD, her parents thought she was just being lazy and not applying herself. This pressure and shame followed until her 20s, when her anxiety peaked while she was working at a high-pressure job.  Jaye's therapist thought she was drug-seeking when she wanted to be screened for ADHD. Now, Jaye builds communities and helps others prioritize what's important when tunnel vision takes over our lives.  To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the “ADHD Aha!” podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company. 

In 2016, Paulette Perhach wrote a piece proclaiming that all women need an emergency fund — what she calls an “f-off fund.” But when she struggled to secure an emergency fund for herself, she suspected she might have ADHD. Paulette, a successful author and writing coach, put off the evaluation because she couldn't afford the $260 price tag.In this episode of ADHD Aha!, Paulette talks about her trouble with impulse buying and online shopping. She shares her family's history with money issues, including bankruptcy. And she and Laura have an emotional exchange about the ADHD tax.  To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.  

As a child, David Flink was told to “just try harder.”  But David wasn't lazy. He was trying as hard as he could.   After being diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia in the 5th grade, David went to a school that taught him to “try smarter” instead. There he learned to pick paths that work better for his brain.   Today, David is an author, advocate, and speaker. He's also the founder and chief empowerment officer of Eye to Eye, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving experiences for students with learning differences. Host Laura Key and David discuss how Eye to Eye was born, and bust some age-old ADHD myths.   To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

Peter Jones used to feel better about saying he had a hearing problem rather than considering ADHD. When he was a child in the 90s, adults thought his “listening problem” was because he couldn't hear. Turns out, Peter does have some trouble hearing lower frequencies, but that didn't explain his other symptoms.  Now, Peter knows he has ADHD and is not afraid to say it. On this episode, Host Laura Key and Peter discuss what it means when a child is “listening,” and how auditory processing comes into play.  To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

ADHD coach Emily Weinberg is no stranger to analysis paralysis. Before she was diagnosed, she thought she was just lazy, and that she couldn't have ADHD since she wasn't hyperactive. But whenever she was being “unproductive,” she was actually just frozen. She was stuck thinking about the list of things to do mounting in her head.When she first spoke to a psychiatrist about ADHD, Emily was told that “she just seemed like an anxious mom with young kids.” So her ADHD was missed, which happens for so many women. Since then, Emily has worked hard to understand herself better, and now she empowers others to do the same.To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

Growing up, Carol Blumenstein was labeled an unteachable student. She was terrified to read during class, and school only brought huge anxiety. Luckily, her mom believed in her in a way teachers didn't. She put Carol in community college courses and pushed her to turn her frustration into motivation.Carol didn't know she had ADHD and dyslexia until she saw her own children — all five of them — struggle with the same things she did when she was little. But this time the issues were addressed and they were understood by their teachers.Now, Carol's kids have founded their own organization, KidsRead2Kids, which provides free video audiobooks read by kids for kids and other helpful resources.To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

Back when he was a criminal defense lawyer, Ernest Anemone related to one of his clients: An impulsive, irritable teenage boy who burned down the penalty box of a hockey rink. But what Ernie related to wasn't just the ADHD behaviors. It was the teen's feeling of having no control over his own life.  Now, Ernie is an actor, filmmaker, and executive coach for Fortune 500 companies. Growing up, Ernie felt like he had no agency. He knew he didn't have the type of focus society favored. But he was (and continues to be) good in a crisis. Ernie can focus — one could argue — when it really matters.Also in this episode, the embarrassment and shame that comes with executive dysfunction. And is ADHD really an attention “deficit”?    To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

ADHD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms can look similar in many ways. And together, they can morph into what guest Hannah Harris Green calls “a trauma ball of blame that's hard to untangle.”Hannah is a podcast producer, journalist, and writer who works in public radio. She talked about ADHD and PTSD on KCRW's Bodies podcast, which she produced. (It's an incredible episode. Link below.) She shares her ADHD diagnosis story here and talks about her Venn diagram of ADHD and PTSD behaviors (insomnia, trouble focusing, and more). Also in this episode: a “fall from grace” when school got harder. Plus, adding ADHD to an already layered identity.Hannah's episode on the Bodies podcast: https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/bodies/adhd-women-ptsd-executive-function-messyTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2024 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

Everyone with ADHD has trouble with executive function in some way — and these challenges can make the transition to adulthood especially hard.Today, we're sharing an episode of the In It podcast called “Adulting and executive function skills.” Clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Karen Wilson shares common executive function challenges young adults face in the real world. Get her expert advice on how to help young adults with ADHD cope with the demands of college or that first job.  To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the In It podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

It's the hair twirling that always gives it away. After silently coping for years, Livingston Steele can spot the signs of ADHD, and the anxiety it can cause. He'd been working here at Understood.org for about a year when he was officially diagnosed.Livingston talks about his perfectionism and what led him to get evaluated for ADHD. He also shares how ADHD helped him build empathy for his brothers (who also have ADHD), and for himself.To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

Need organization and decluttering tips? Wendy Zanders has tips for days. She also has ADHD. We don't usually associate strong organization skills with ADHD. And yet, Wendy is a decluttering coach with ADHD. She moved to the United States from Trinidad and Tobago at 14. At first, she struggled to keep up with her classes. But then she discovered her secret weapon: hyperfocusing on cleaning to de-stress and bring focus to her school life.Today, Wendy is a United States veteran, business owner, and mom of 2 kids who also have ADHD. When her son was being evaluated, she recognized her own symptoms in him. Find out how Wendy helps other families tackle clutter, and how having ADHD brings empathy to her work.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

Before her ADHD diagnosis, accountant Sam Salmons felt “fixed, but still broken.” As a young adult, she spent years in therapy, treated her depression, and had a laundry list of coping skills. So, why couldn't she stop her body from doing things — like interrupting — that her mind didn't want to do?Sam saw herself as an “extroverted extrovert.” She was constantly talking and impulsively saying yes to everything. Then her therapist recommended an ADHD evaluation.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

Parents and caregivers: if you have a child with ADHD, you've probably dealt with your share of behavior challenges at home. Just in time for the holidays, here we share an episode of Understood's newest podcast, What Now? A Parent's Guide to Tantrums and Meltdowns. Listen to psychologist (and dad) Dr. Andrew Kahn explain how to tell the difference between tantrums and meltdowns and what to do next. In each episode, he shares practical strategies to help you respond more effectively to your child's outbursts — and manage your own stress along the way.Find the entire season's YouTube playlist here. Get a transcript of this show and check out more What Now? A Parent's Guide to Tantrums and Meltdowns episodes by visiting the podcast page. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

Executive Mananya Komorowski has been described as “brilliant but chaotic” and “unlike any other executive.” Mananya thought she was just quirky, until she found out she has ADHD.Over the last few years, Mananya has experienced a lot of loss. A number of her loved ones have died. To cope, she'd set her emotions aside and hyperfocus on work. Then her grief counselor recommended an ADHD test. Now, she's making space to process her feelings. And she's thinking a lot about ADHD accommodations at work — especially in high-stress executive roles.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

ADHD doesn't go away. Dr. Johnathan Flowers, who specializes in the philosophy of disability, got that message loud and clear when he hit a wall in grad school.  Johnathan had been diagnosed with ADHD in grade school. As a child, he had a complex journey with ADHD medication and teachers who didn't understand his behavior or how to support him. As a young adult, Johnathan thought maybe he'd “gotten over ADHD,” but then he hit that wall. So he got re-evaluated for ADHD.Also in this episode: How Johnathan's mom, who's a special education teacher, advocated for him at school. Plus, what it's like to be a professor with ADHD.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

Actor Oliver Vaquer has a “noisy” ADHD brain. Growing up, he had a hard time paying attention to just about everything — and he'd lie to cover it up. His thoughts would all shout at him at once, and he felt pressured to blurt them out before he forgot them. As an adult, Oliver's rushed, “staccato” speech spurred his doctor to give him an ADHD questionnaire. His responses to the questionnaire surprised them both.Also in this episode: How Oliver uses ADHD medication as a tool to build better habits. Plus, ADHD social anxiety and feeling like you're operating at 100% for the first time ever.  To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

People with ADHD know what it's like to be called lazy. Is that because they don't seem “productive”? Who better to talk about this with than the creator of The Anti-Planner: How to Get Sh*t When You Don't Feel Like It, Dani Donovan. Dani shares her ADHD “aha” moments and what drove her to create an activity book designed for procrastinators.Dani and host Laura Key chat about what it means to be productive with ADHD. Dani shares how she would criticize herself intensely so that others wouldn't. They also talk about analysis paralysis, rejection sensitivity, friendship, and how understanding neurodiversity can change the game.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

Executive function comes up all the time in our interviews with people with ADHD. Why is that? Expert Dr. Karen Wilson joins Laura in this episode to explain. She defines executive function and talks about the types of skills under the executive function umbrella. Dr. Wilson also answers questions like: Does everyone with ADHD have executive function challenges?  And what's the link between executive function and mental health challenges like anxiety?  Dr. Wilson is a clinical neuropsychologist and the founder of ChildNEXUS, a web application that connects parents of kids with learning or mental health challenges with service providers. Tune in to learn about the connection between ADHD and executive function — and what it means for people with ADHD in everyday life.  To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.https://www.understood.org/podcasts/adhd-aha/executive-function-adhdWe love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people in the U.S. with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about “ADHD Aha!” and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts. Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.

“The cup that is draining.” That's how musician and content creator Weston Gardner describes ADHD's effect on him. He'd spent his whole life feeling like he couldn't do things that came so easily to everyone else. Weston was at his wit's end. Getting diagnosed with ADHD (along with anxiety and panic disorder) has helped him be kinder to himself and accept his ADHD brain for how it works.  Weston is a musician and content creator who goes by Arcane Anthems (@arcaneanthems). His music sets the scene for podcasts, Twitch streams, tabletop games like Dungeons & Dragons, and more.  This episode is guest hosted by ADHD Aha! alum Cate Osborn. Cate, aka @catieosaurus, is a content creator and co-host of Catie and Erik's Infinite Quest podcast. Listen to this week's episode to hear Cate and Weston talk about ADHD and gaming, rejection sensitivity, and the power of failure. To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood. We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.  Understood.org is a resource dedicated to shaping the world so the 70 million people with learning and thinking differences can thrive. Learn more about ADHD Aha! and all our podcasts at u.org/podcasts.  Copyright © 2023 Understood for All, Inc. All rights reserved. Understood is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.