Ep 155 Important Perspectives from a Pioneer for Women and Girls with ADHD. Dr. Ellen Littman Part 1

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This podcast features Dr. Ellen Littman, a clinical psychologist with over 30 years of experience specializing in neurodiverse populations, focusing on individuals with high IQs, ADHD, and autism. Educated at prestigious institutions, she has dedicated her career to identifying and addressing the complex and often overlooked presentations of ADHD, particularly in women and girls. Dr. Littman discusses her journey into the field, starting from her internships in New York, where she first noticed the underrepresentation of girls in ADHD diagnoses. Despite early dismissal of her theories, Dr. Littman, through persistence and collaboration with other pioneers like Patricia Quinn and Kathleen Nadeau, brought significant attention to gender differences in ADHD, leading to her co-authoring a groundbreaking book on the subject. The podcast explores misconceptions about ADHD, particularly in women, the challenges they face, including misdiagnosis, the impact of estrogen on symptoms, and the pervasive issue of shame. Dr. Littman also highlights the importance of recognizing ADHD in the context of coexisting conditions like fibromyalgia. The discussion concludes with insights into the slow progress in broadly recognizing and treating ADHD in women, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and education.

00:00 Meet Dr. Ellen Littman: A Pioneer in ADHD and Neurodiversity
02:58 The Journey of Understanding ADHD in Women and Girls
09:08 Challenging Gender Bias and Misdiagnosis in ADHD
13:51 The Personal Stories of Women with ADHD
18:22 Changing Perspectives: Global Impact and Clinical Challenges
22:27 A Call to Action: Reducing Stigma and Embracing Neurodiversity

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When I started this podcast—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. You’re not alone. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 28+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace personal medical advice.*