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Navigating the complexities of ADHD in relationships requires more than just understanding the condition—it demands a thoughtful approach to communication, empathy, and mutual support.
Stephen Mitchell, PhD and Erin Mitchell, MACP tackle the tough questions head-on:
- What do you do when your partner acknowledges their ADHD but refuses any support or treatment?
- How can you communicate the impact of their behaviors without triggering shame?
- What happens when you notice your partner criticizing ADHD traits in your child—the very same traits they demonstrate themselves?
Each of these scenarios creates unique relationship dynamics that can either strengthen or fracture your partnership, depending on how you navigate them.
The heart of this episode is our five-step process for addressing ADHD in relationships. It begins with truly believing your partner's experience, whether they're sharing how ADHD affects them or how they're impacted by your ADHD behaviors. The second critical step is removing shame from the equation—no belittling, no treating your partner like "another child," no judgment. From there, we emphasize education, understanding each other's ADHD stories, and finally taking meaningful action through appropriate supports.
Ready to transform how you and your partner talk about ADHD? Listen now, and discover how to replace criticism with curiosity, defensiveness with understanding, and conflict with compassion. Your relationship—and your family—will thank you.
