ADHD Aha!

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. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.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, a board-certified cognitive specialist and advocate for neurodiversity, shares her enlightening journey about living with ADHD. She reveals her eye-opening experience of sensory overload at IKEA that led to her diagnosis at age 29. Margaux discusses the challenges of undiagnosed ADHD, particularly anxiety in women, and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in the workplace. Her insightful perspective on justice sensitivity offers a fresh view on the unique strengths of women with ADHD, inspiring others to embrace their differences.

Dan McCoy, an Emmy-winning comedy writer recognized for his work on The Daily Show, shares his journey with a recent ADHD diagnosis. He discusses how this diagnosis helped him understand his mood swings and fear of rejection. Comedy writing serves as a unique form of exposure therapy for him, merging humor with the emotional challenges of rejection sensitivity. Dan also reflects on the impact of ADHD on creativity and productivity, offering insight into the complex emotional landscape many creatives navigate.

Cate Osborn, a sex educator and host of "Sorry, I Missed This," joins to discuss how ADHD reshapes intimacy and communication. She shares insights on executive function challenges affecting relationships and highlights the nuances of consent and rejection sensitivity. Cate explains that for many, 'sex is a task' and offers strategies for navigating impulsivity in romantic settings. Listeners will appreciate her candid anecdotes and the importance of using clear communication to foster intimacy in neurodivergent couples.

Zoe Plotnick, a dedicated teacher, shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and uncovers her family's hidden battles with the condition. She reflects on her childhood experience of feeling misunderstood and the generational stigma associated with ADHD. Zoe also discusses her role as an advocate for her daughter, who faced a similar diagnosis at the same age Zoe did. Their candid conversation sheds light on the importance of breaking the cycle of masking and shame surrounding ADHD in families.

Julianna Broadwater, an administrative business partner, shares her enlightening journey navigating ADHD and OCD misdiagnosis. She reveals her initial resistance to ADHD, stemming from her past diagnosis of OCD and societal pressures. After trying ADHD medication during the pandemic, Julianna experienced a transformative shift in her thinking. Intrusive thoughts that once overwhelmed her became manageable. Her story highlights the complexities surrounding ADHD and the importance of self-acceptance in overcoming mental health challenges.

In this conversation, Jared Robson, a stay-at-home dad and college student with a 4.0 GPA, shares his rollercoaster journey with ADHD. He talks about feeling defeated by failure in school, shifting between high schools, and how socioeconomic status played a role in his education. Jared reflects on his transition to online learning during the pandemic and the importance of finding stillness in his life. He also discusses shifting perceptions of success and the significance of community and self-acceptance in navigating ADHD challenges.

Samantha Hiew, a social entrepreneur and founder of ADHD Girls, shares her transformative journey after receiving her ADHD and autism diagnoses at age 40. She dives into the challenges of managing emotional regulation and sensory meltdowns while navigating motherhood. Sam highlights her multicultural background and the essential role of community in supporting neurodivergent individuals. She also discusses the hormonal shifts that can amplify ADHD symptoms, stressing the need for better understanding and support for women experiencing these unique challenges.

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. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.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.

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. Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.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.