298 ADHD, Autism, and The Hidden Struggles in Women You Didn't See Coming
Jan 14, 2025
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Join Dr. Priyanka Rao, a licensed clinical psychologist and late-diagnosed ADHDer, as she dives into the unique struggles of women navigating ADHD and autism. They explore the difficulties of diagnosis, the impact of hormones, and the importance of self-advocacy in assessments. Dr. Rao sheds light on perfectionism and the often-overlooked emotional turmoil women face. Cultural competence in mental health care also takes center stage, advocating for neurodiversity-affirming practices. Get ready for insightful tips and empowering stories!
Women with ADHD often experience symptoms differently from men, leading to underdiagnosis due to internalized struggles and societal expectations.
Neurodiversity affirming care focuses on strengths rather than deficits, validating clients' experiences while addressing unique challenges of neurodivergent individuals.
Late ADHD diagnoses can bring clarity and relief, but individuals often grapple with grief over missed opportunities and the complexities of their journeys.
Deep dives
Understanding ADHD in Women
Women often experience ADHD differently than the stereotypical image of hyperactivity associated with young boys. This discrepancy can lead to underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis as symptoms manifest internally rather than externally, which results in women being more likely to internalize their struggles. Many women may be overlooked or misdiagnosed as anxious due to societal expectations that encourage them to remain composed and follow rules. Consequently, thoroughly understanding these unique experiences is essential for properly addressing and supporting women with ADHD.
The Importance of Neurodiversity Affirming Care
Neurodiversity affirming care recognizes and embraces the different ways brains function, challenging the notion that there is a 'normal' or 'ideal' way to think and process information. This perspective encourages mental health professionals to focus on strengths rather than deficits, validating clients' experiences and supporting their mental well-being. Providing this type of care requires an understanding of cultural differences and assuring that care addresses the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. By fostering a supportive environment, clients can feel more comfortable discussing their needs and experiences.
Challenges of Late Diagnosis
Receiving a late ADHD diagnosis can provide clarity and understanding for individuals who have struggled without knowing the underlying reasons for their challenges. Many report feelings of relief, yet they also experience grief for missed opportunities and the difficulties endured throughout their lives. The diagnostic journey can often be frustrating, especially when assessments feel inadequate or rushed, leading to accurate concerns about one's cognitive abilities and self-worth. Understanding the complexity of late diagnoses is crucial for mental health providers, as many clients may have experienced a lifetime of misunderstandings and need validation in their experiences.
Intersection of ADHD and Autism
There is significant overlap between ADHD and autism, complicating the diagnostic process due to shared traits like executive dysfunction and emotional regulation difficulties. Individuals exhibiting characteristics of both conditions may struggle with impulsivity and social nuances, leading to confusion in diagnostics. The unique presentation of concerns differs for each person, and thus assessment needs to be comprehensive and empathetic, taking into account personal narratives rather than strictly adhering to criteria. As autism awareness grows, it becomes increasingly important to assess for both conditions to better understand and support individuals experiencing these neurodivergent challenges.
Navigating Cultural Considerations in Mental Health
Cultural background plays a vital role in shaping perspectives on mental health, often impacting the level of stigma associated with diagnoses. For example, within Asian communities, varying levels of awareness and acceptance regarding ADHD and autism can lead to misconceptions and invalidation of individuals seeking help. By creating a multicultural affirming practice, mental health providers can better cater to the needs of diverse clients, engaging with them in meaningful ways. This approach involves respecting cultural values and expectations, ultimately leading to more effective therapeutic outcomes.
Ever feel like the world just doesn't get what’s happening inside your brain? In this episode of the I Have ADHD Podcast, I sit down with my client and colleague Dr. Priyanka Rao, and we dive headfirst into the wild, twisty world of ADHD and autism—especially how it shows up in women.
We’re talking about the real stuff—like why it’s so dang hard to get diagnosed, the silent battles happening behind the scenes, and why neurodiversity-affirming care is a game-changer (spoiler: it’s life-changing). Dr. Rao opens up about her late-in-life diagnosis and lets us in on what she wished she knew sooner.
Oh, and hormones? Yep, they’re in the mix too. We cover how they mess with ADHD, the overlap with autism, and—most importantly—how you can speak up and advocate for yourself during assessments.
I also unpack some heavy hitters: perfectionism (ugh), why self-diagnosis is totally valid, and how the mental health field needs to step it up when it comes to cultural competence and understanding neurodivergent brains.
This episode is packed with insights, personal stories, and practical tips to help you feel seen, heard, and ready to take on the world (or at least that overdue to-do list).
Hit play and let’s get into it! Watch this episode on YouTube Want help with your ADHD? Join FOCUSED! Have questions for Kristen? Call 1.833.281.2343 Hang out with Kristen on Instagram and TikTok
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