ADHD for Smart Ass Women with Tracy Otsuka EP. 121: ADHD and Hypersensitivities in Women with Terry Matlen, LMSW, ACSW
Apr 28, 2021
Terry Matlen, an expert on ADHD in women and author of The Queen of Distraction, shares her personal journey of discovering her ADHD. She explores hypersensitivities, revealing how they manifest differently in women, particularly in those with inattentive-type ADHD. From audio sensitivities causing distress to tactile preferences impacting clothing choices, Terry discusses coping strategies like using headphones and soft fabrics. She emphasizes focusing on strengths and offers insights into the challenges of parenting hyperactive children while managing hypersensitivities.
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Phone Call That Sparked A Diagnosis
- Terry Matlen discovered her ADHD after struggling with phone calls and realizing her exceptional hearing made audio-only conversations painful.
- That realization led her to reading adult ADHD books and getting a formal diagnosis which changed her life and career.
Sensory Overload Is Multi‑Modal And Real
- Hypersensitivities span sound, sight, smell, taste, and touch and can be physically painful, not just emotional.
- Terry emphasizes this is real sensory overload, not mere sensitivity or weakness.
ADHD As Sensory Overload, Not Deficit
- ADHD may not be an 'attention deficit' so much as an inability to filter excess input; people pick up too much.
- Terry frames ADHD hypersensitivity as overload rather than a deficit of attention.
