ADHD Aha!

Back by popular demand… it’s Ange Nolan! Ange returns to ADHD Aha! to share how her ADHD journey has evolved since we last spoke. That includes her decision to study disability theology and help make worship spaces more supportive for neurodivergent people. Going back to school brought up old memories of past academic struggles. Ange talks openly about navigating those feelings with more clarity and self-understanding. She also gives an update on her personal life — this time, celebrating a calm, steady relationship that looks very different from the intense dynamics she experienced in the past. For more on this topic: Ange’s first interview: ADHD, loving intensely, and impulsivity A guide to ADHD and emotions For a transcript and more resources, visit ADHD Aha! on Understood.org . You can also email us at [email protected] . 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week we’re revisiting one of our favorite ADHD Aha! episodes. Ange Nolan once suspected she had ADHD but was dismissed by her doctor. Years later, an ADHD “iceberg” graphic that visualized how so many ADHD symptoms live beneath the surface finally made everything click. After her diagnosis, Ange recognized how much ADHD had shaped her romantic relationships, her drive for intense connection, her “chameleon” behavior, and her impulsive career changes. Be sure to tune in next time! Ange is coming back to tell us how life has changed in the three years since her episode aired. Spoiler: She’s doing great. For more on this topic: Listen: ADHD and messiness (Jeannie’s story) Read: ADHD and emotions Read: Understanding impulsivity Listen: ADHD and marriage (Rachel and Jon’s story) Timestamps: (00:50) The ADHD iceberg moment that revealed hidden symptoms (05:20) Early warning signs, misdiagnosis, and feeling dismissed (09:40) Career pivots, masking, and finding work that finally fits (15:30) Impulsivity, hyperfixation, and burnout in relationships For a transcript and more resources, visit ADHD Aha! on Understood.org. You can also email us at [email protected] . 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Atira Roberson was in first grade, she was evaluated and diagnosed with ADHD, dyscalculia, and a specific learning disability. But she didn’t find out about those diagnoses until college — when she went through all of her old paperwork herself. Growing up, Atira knew she was different and was bullied because of it. Her mother was her biggest advocate, but her parents chose not to tell her about her diagnoses at the time. In this episode, Atira — now an English language arts teacher — shares how learning the truth changed the way she saw herself, and how it shaped her passion for teaching and education policy today. For more on this topic: Why Black girls with learning disabilities need more visibility, from the Opportunity Gap podcast To be Black in America with a learning disability, by Atira Roberson What are learning disabilities? For a transcript and more resources, visit ADHD Aha! on Understood.org . You can also email us at [email protected] . 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jim Tews is a comedian, Coast Guard veteran, and New York Times bestselling author who’s not shy to talk about ADHD in his stand-up act. Jim shares how he went from doing admin work in the Ohio Coast Guard to community college, where panic attacks finally led to his ADHD diagnosis. Jim shares what it was like trying medication for the first time and why he thinks he wasn’t diagnosed sooner. (“I had girl ADHD.”) These days, he’s channeling all of it into comedy. With a new special ( With Pictures ) and album ( Without Pictures ), Jim talks about how stand-up keeps him grounded and what he’s learned along the way. He also looks back on a childhood full of distractions — like hiding behind doors and watching squirrels — and how those moments still show up in his life and work. For more on this topic: Jim’s book: Felines of New York ADHD and distraction in the military ADHD and the brain Timestamps: (01:52) Starting out in the Coast Guard in Ohio (05:51) Jim’s doctors dismiss a possible ADHD diagnosis (07:30) How college made ADHD more obvious (15:29) Going alcohol-free with ADHD (16:45) ADHD stories from childhood For a transcript and more resources, visit ADHD Aha! on Understood.org. You can also email us at [email protected] . 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, host Laura Key sits down with her co-worker Dr. Ann Bennett, who leads applied research and evaluation at Understood.org . Ann shares her own autism and ADHD diagnosis story — one that didn’t unfold until the end of her PhD program. Ann was valedictorian of her high school. She also had a disciplinary record. She’d get bored and sometimes fall asleep in class because she’d already taught herself the material. First diagnosed with autism and later with ADHD, Ann reflects on what those labels helped her understand about herself and her brain. She also shares findings from our recent “Women With ADHD: The Power of Podcasts” study, where she surveyed and interviewed women who listen to Understood podcasts — including ADHD Aha! Along the way, Ann found herself having her own “aha” moments. For more on this topic: Women with ADHD: The power of podcasts What is AuDHD? ADHD and women Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:08) Growing up undiagnosed (06:13) Being diagnosed with autism and ADHD during her PhD (11:07) Meeting her husband, and unmasking for the first time (13:28) Sharing her story more with others (14:19) “Women With ADHD: The Power of Podcasts” study Ann conducted on Understood.org podcasts (23:44) Specific statistics from the study (32:00) Outro and credits For a transcript and more resources, visit ADHD Aha! on Understood.org. You can also email us at [email protected] . 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Lisa McNeil grew up being called the “bad” twin — the one who talked back and couldn’t do well in school. Her sister was the “good” one. It wasn’t until years later, when Lisa joined a Duke University study to earn some extra cash, that she discovered she had ADHD. In this episode of ADHD Aha!, host Laura Key talks with Lisa about how that ADHD diagnosis reframed her childhood, why being a paramedic suited her brain, and how playing violin in fourth grade unexpectedly helped her with reading. For more on this topic: ADHD and siblings: Tips from an expert How to deal with sibling rivalry when one child learns and thinks differently Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (02:19) Growing up as a twin (09:22) The impact of music on Lisa in the fourth grade (11:23) Early adulthood before ADHD diagnosis (12:33) The Duke study Lisa took part in to be diagnosed (16:02) How religion has affected Lisa’s relationship with her family as an adult (18:10) Life after diagnosis (23:27) Outro and credits For a transcript and more resources, visit ADHD Aha! on Understood.org . You can also email us 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever felt like a fraud, even in the work you know best? Dr. Nerissa Bauer has. After years as a researcher, teacher, and children’s doctor, burnout led her to step away from academia. Not long after, she found out she had ADHD herself. At first, the diagnosis left her embarrassed and full of questions. How could she have missed it for so long? That turning point brought both sadness and relief, and it changed the way she connects with families. Since then, Nerissa has built a new path in telehealth and started Teach Me ADHD, an online course for families. In this episode, she talks about how burnout and her own ADHD diagnosis reshaped her work — and how they help her show up more honestly for others. For more on this topic Nerissa’s organization, Let’s Talk Kids Health ADHD burnout ADHD and: Imposter syndrome Timestamps (00:00) Intro (01:23) ADHD and burnout, and losing structure (08:23) Nerissa’s ADHD evaluation as a physician herself, and imposter syndrome (16:42) What is the value of an ADHD diagnosis as an adult? As a parent? (21:08) Nerissa’s online course, Teach Me ADHD (26:28) Outro and closing For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! show page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Derek Miller wears many hats: money coach, musician, athlete, performer, cider guide, and more. His ADHD story is just as full of twists. Derek didn’t find out he had ADHD until college. The jump from high school left him struggling to focus — especially while also caring for his wife during her cancer treatment. To get through the stress, he often used caffeine, while also working on managing his emotions and finding ways to improve himself. Derek’s view of life and money also changed during his time in Mozambique, where he served as a Mormon missionary. That experience shaped how he thinks about community and resilience. In this episode of “ADHD Aha!,” host Laura Key talks with Derek about majoring in math even though he had math anxiety, how he learned to handle his emotions and focus, and why he now helps others build a healthier relationship with money. For more on this topic ADHD and managing money ADHD and caffeine Derek's financial education instagram Timestamps (00:00) Intro (01:07) Derek’s college ADHD diagnosis story (05:53) Math anxiety (09:04) Self awareness and introspection (12:32) How emotional money can be (15:49) Derek’s time living in Mozambique, and what he learned about rejection sensitivity (21:40) What’s next for Derek (22:53) Outro and credits For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Sari Solden is a psychotherapist, author, and a true trailblazer for women with ADHD. In this episode, she talks about discovering her own ADHD while helping shape the growing field of adult ADHD in the 1990s. She shares openly about her struggles with shame, working memory, and the pressure of trying to meet society’s expectations of what a woman “should” be. She also reflects on lessons learned from the many women she has worked with over the years. Sari takes us behind the scenes of her early meetings with other ADHD experts at a time when adult ADHD was just starting to be recognized. She’s the author of several books, including “Women with Attention Deficit Disorder,” which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Through her pioneering work, Sari gave voice to countless women whose struggles were long misunderstood or overlooked. Related resources Hear Sari on “ Climbing the Walls, ” our podcast about the rise of ADHD diagnoses in women A deeper dive on ADHD and shame What is working memory? For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! show page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

When Erica Shoemate gave birth to her daughter Nia, she was told Nia wouldn’t survive. But today, Nia is 7 years old — and that traumatic birth became a turning point in Erica’s life. Erica shares how her postpartum experience led to diagnoses of anxiety and PTSD, and eventually ADHD. A former national security analyst turned maternal health strategist and policy advocate, Erica reflects on the layered stigma of mental health in the Black community. She also talks with Laura about ADHD and hormones. And she shares the comment her husband made that sparked her ADHD evaluation. Related resources Erica’s website, www.ericalshoemate.com A guide to ADHD and hormones From the Hyperfocus podcast: Did my ADHD make me more likely to have postpartum depression? ADHD and pregnancy Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:09) How Erica’s pregnancy journey led to her ADHD diagnosis (10:07) What Erica’s diagnosis has taught her about herself (16:10) Why Erica speaks openly about her ADHD diagnosis (21:26) Erica’s maternal health advocacy work For a transcript and more resources, visit the “ADHD Aha!” show page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s one thing to wonder if you have ADHD. It’s another to read how your loved ones see it in you. Host Laura Key talks with writer, director, and performer Kate Hammer, who was born in Canada and now lives in Scotland. Kate shares her experience navigating the U.K.’s ADHD evaluation process, which includes personal letters from family and friends, and the complex emotions it brought up. She also discusses her short film, Bear , a surreal, funny, and poignant look at how ADHD can shadow your every move. In the film, a woman on her way to a job interview is followed by a bumbling bear — clumsy, loud, and impossible to ignore. The Bear represents ADHD in all its disruptive, intrusive glory. Kate talks about why she chose to visualize ADHD this way, how humor helps her process, and what it means to turn something invisible into something you can’t ignore. Related resources Kate’s short film Bear trailer Kate’s full short film Bear (Password: BossJude) Timestamps (00:00) Intro (01:03) The UK ADHD evaluation process (07:26) What ADHD traits cause Kate shame and guilt? (08:44) Kate’s short film Bear (16:58) Validating the challenges of ADHD through her short film (21:27) Kate’s ADHD aha! moment(s) (23:05) Outro and credits We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Magician and speaker John Michael Hinton grew up full of energy. As a kid, he lived abroad and stood out for his high energy. His parents noticed early on that caffeine seemed to calm him down, a clue that something deeper might be going on. John Michael — who performs a few magic tricks in the episode! — talks with host Laura Key about how things fell apart academically in his freshman year of high school, leading to a 1.7 GPA. An ADHD diagnosis helped him get the support he needed. The biggest turning point came thanks to a mentor who encouraged him to stop living in “Ready, FIRE, Aim” mode and start thinking “Ready, AIM, Fire.” Now a husband and father of three (all with ADHD, too), John Michael explains how ADHD fuels his creativity, curiosity, and performance style. Related resources John Michael’s website, www.johnmichaelhinton.com ADHD and creativity ADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria Timestamps (00:00) Intro (01:01) Growing up undiagnosed while moving around internationally, and being diagnosed in the states as a teenager (06:19) College, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, and creativity (09:01) Magic trick break #1 (11:15) ADHD and performing magic on stage (13:15) Being remembered as the “weird kid” and using mentors to mature (16:12) “Ready, aim, fire” instead of “Ready, fire, aim” (17:50) Magic trick break #2 (19:15) Incorporating ADHD into his magic acts (21:13) Home life with an entire ADHD family (22:42) A message to all the other “spazzes” out there (25:19) Outro and credits For a transcript and more resources, visit the “ADHD Aha!” show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For most of her life, Jiyoung An believed her struggles came down to laziness or lack of effort. Even after her ADHD diagnosis less than a year ago, she questioned whether she was just making excuses and using ADHD “as a crutch.” In this week’s episode, Jiyoung shares how her perspective has changed. She’s unlearning internalized shame and now sees her brain for what it truly is: different, not broken. Related resources What is growth mindset? What does thriving with ADHD actually look like? Timestamps (00:00) Intro (00:46) What was happening before Jiyoung sought out an ADHD evaluation this year? (03:00) Jiyoung’s 3 different psychiatrists’ opinions (04:24) Falling into hustle culture before diagnosis, and being hard on herself (07:24) Jiyoung’s journey to accepting her ADHD label (11:07) How frustrating it can be to not have solutions to all of her ADHD challenges (13:08) Perfectionism and comparing yourself to others (16:50) Jiyoung’s experience growing up with undiagnosed ADHD (19:25) Noticing ADHD in her little sister (21:22) What ADHD traits Jiyoung struggles with the most (25:08) Credits We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Marc Almodovar was diagnosed with ADHD at 16, after he took it upon himself to ask for help. But it wasn’t until a painful breakup in his early 20s that he began to confront the emotional toll of hiding his struggles. In this episode, Marc talks with host Laura Key about the toxic messages men receive around emotions and strength, the myths he’s had to unlearn, and the power of unmasking. He also shares how those realizations led him to found the Men’s ADHD Support Group — a space for men to talk openly about mental health, identity, and ADHD without shame. Related resources The Men’s ADHD Support Group What is self-advocacy? Timestamps (01:42) Masculinity and ADHD (08:37) Marc’s ADHD diagnosis at 16 (13:03) Fully understanding his ADHD in his early 20s (15:43) How did Marc “marry” his ADHD? (17:03) What are some of the signs of ADHD that men overlook the most? (17:52) Creating the ADHD Men’s support group, and what’s next (19:53) How to reframe a negative self talk cycle For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! show page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Laura Mears-Reynolds had reached a breaking point with anxiety and depression—until she realized something deeper was going on. She didn’t feel safe in her own hands, and she knew she needed help. What she didn’t know? ADHD was at the root of it all. The UK-based host of the ADHD AF podcast joins ADHD Aha! to share how understanding her brain finally helped her shed shame, find self-acceptance, and build a thriving community. Her message is clear: You’re not broken—and you’re definitely not alone. Related resources American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Laura’s podcast and community website, adhdasfemales.com ADHD and depression ADHD and anxiety Timestamps (02:37) The most ADHD thing that’s happened this week (03:29) Laura’s ADHD diagnosis story, and crisis point (07:20) Identifying as naive and overly trusting (10:18) Laura’s ADHD “aha” moments (13:02) A constant level of chaos, and assuming (what ended up being) ADHD symptoms were from partying a lot (15:18) The “little” ADHD things that add up and cause shame (17:27) Struggling with the “ADHD superpower” narrative (19:50) How would life have been different with an earlier diagnosis? (21:21) How Laura’s life has changed since her diagnosis, and creating the ADHD AF podcast For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! show page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resources 6 ways ADHD and PTSD can look alike ADHD and trauma Timestamps (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 daughter For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! show page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resources What is AuDHD? The Men’s ADHD Support Group Timestamps (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 children For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! Show page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resources Listen to the Climbing the Walls podcast ADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) ADHD breakups: Impulsive texts and overthinking regrets, from Sorry, I Missed This Timestamps (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 podcast For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! show page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] , 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 Walls ADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) Older women with ADHD: How the lost generation got found For a transcript and more resources, visit the Climbing the Walls show page on Understood.org . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] . 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resources Is ADHD hereditary? ADHD iceberg Timestamps (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 myths For a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood . We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected] . 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resources ADHD, anxiety, and perfectionism (Laura’s story) ADHD in girls My 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 [email protected] . 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resources Check out Steve’s YouTube channel, Steve with ADHD ADHD and coping with grief: 8 ways to help your child ADHD and emotions Timestamps (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 [email protected] . 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resources ADHD and: Procrastination ADHD and caffeine Understood.org Neurodiversity at Work Survey: Focus on Generation Z Timestamps (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 [email protected] . 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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 resources ADHD and sensory overload ADHD and depression Understood.org’s 2024 Neurodiversity at Work Survey Fact Sheet Margaux’s website, margauxjoffe.com Timestamps (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 [email protected] . 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dan McCoy understood better 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 resources ADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) ADHD and mood swings Dan’s podcast, The Flop House Timestamps (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 Understood Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at [email protected] . 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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.