ADHD can manifest differently in individuals, and symptoms like distractibility, impulsivity, and trouble with planning can be indicators of the condition.
ADHD can impact social skills, sensory overload, and anxiety, leading to feelings of overwhelm in social situations and a need for strategies to manage sensory stimuli.
Deep dives
Discovering ADHD through Distractions
The podcast episode features a conversation with Kai Lu Kay, an actor and comedian who shares her personal journey of discovering she may have ADHD. Kay recounts an incident at a bar where she became easily distracted, particularly by cute dogs passing by, and realized she may have been masking her inability to focus. This led her to reflect on her own experiences and recognize the potential for ADHD. She eventually sought professional help, underwent testing, and was diagnosed with ADHD, finding immense relief in understanding the reasons for her difficulties.
Challenging Misconceptions and Embracing ADHD
The conversation delves into the misconceptions surrounding ADHD, often associated with hyperactivity, and how it can manifest differently in individuals. Kay humorously explores various symptoms and challenges faced, such as distractibility, impulsivity, and trouble with planning. By reframing these behaviors and embracing her creativity, Kay finds self-acceptance and self-love. She also sheds light on how ADHD can impact social skills, sensory overload, and anxiety, sharing her own experiences of feeling overwhelmed in social situations and relying on strategies to manage sensory stimuli.
Supporting Others and Changing Narratives
Kay discusses her role in supporting others by sharing her ADHD journey and helping friends recognize possible symptoms in themselves. She talks about addressing stigma, skepticism, and misunderstandings surrounding ADHD within her own family. Kay highlights the importance of seeking therapy, consulting with professionals, and promoting awareness for better self-understanding and personal growth. Ultimately, she encourages everyone to embrace their unique qualities and find humor in their individual struggles, fostering a positive outlook on ADHD and challenging negative narratives.
Kai Liu thought she was doing a good job masking her distractibility and overall frazzled-ness. It wasn’t until a friend checked in with her that she realized she wasn’t masking her ADHD symptoms as well as she thought. After some reflection about her trouble with focus, she knew it was time to ask a doctor about ADHD.
Kai grew up thinking she just had a “bad personality.” But this conversation with host Laura Key shows that this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Through her ADHD diagnosis, and some self-kindness, she’s turning that thinking around. Hear about the overlooked symptoms of ADHD in adult women, and listen as Laura and Kai, who’s a comedian, play an impromptu ADHD game show!
Understood is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give
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