Mark Smeets, a neurodiversity advocate, discusses his family's experience with ADHD and autism, including their journey to diagnosis and the challenges they faced. He also talks about the overlap of ADHD with other conditions and the efforts of the ADHD advocacy society in British Columbia. The conversation touches on addiction, generational trauma, government response, and the importance of pursuing passions.
ADHD advocacy work focuses on improving support in schools and workplaces, such as providing ADHD-friendly tools like headphones for improved focus and recognizing it as a treatable condition that can lead to addiction if left untreated.
Recognizing comorbid conditions and the challenges faced in obtaining accurate diagnoses are crucial for individuals with ADHD and autism, highlighting the importance of early intervention and proper understanding.
Deep dives
The Importance of Advocacy for ADHDers
Advocacy work for ADHDers focuses on improving support in schools, recognizing accessibility options, and reducing the need for constant fight for these resources. The ADHD Advocacy Society of BC aims to bring about change in the province by advocating to the government. They want to see more assistance provided in schools and workplaces, such as offering ADHD-friendly tools like headphones for improved focus. The society emphasizes the need for a shift from viewing ADHD as a personal failing to understanding it as a treatable condition that can lead to addiction if left untreated.
Navigating the Journey of Diagnosing ADHD and Autism
Mark Smeets, a neurodiversity advocate, shares his family's journey of discovering ADHD and autism in their son. Initially clueless about these conditions, they started asking questions when their son faced challenges with sleep and exhibited behaviors like lining objects up. While expecting an autism diagnosis, they were surprised to receive an ADHD diagnosis instead. Five years later, their son was finally diagnosed with autism. This process also led to Mark and his wife receiving their own ADHD diagnoses. They emphasize the importance of recognizing comorbid conditions and the challenges faced in obtaining accurate diagnoses.
Generational Trauma and the Impact on Mental Health
Mark discusses generational trauma and how it impacts mental health and self-image. He reflects on how messages from past generations about resource scarcity can lead to issues like body image concerns and a distorted relationship with food. Mark highlights the need to break the cycle of trauma and emphasize understanding and empathy in parenting. Additionally, he shares his advocacy work in British Columbia, where they strive to create positive change through education, policy improvements, and increased accessibility to resources for individuals with ADHD and related conditions.
In today’s episode we talk to Mark Smeets. Mark is a neurodiversity advocate out of British Columbia, and the host of the “We are the ADHD Family” podcast.
Mark talks to us about his family’s experience with ADHD. We discuss the journey to his son’s ADHD and autism diagnosis, how it led to his and his wife’s ADHD diagnoses, generational trauma, mental health advocacy work, and being on with where you are.