
ADHD Crash Course
This is a podcast for those of us who feel we have a lot to learn about ADHD!My name is Donae Cannon- I'm an occupational therapist, a certified coach, a parent of more than one child with ADHD, and I have ADHD. I've been learning about ADHD for a while now, and I'm still learning new things. Welcome to the Crash Course- let's dive in...
Latest episodes

Jun 17, 2025 • 9min
Ep 106. Am I Lazy? Or Am I Stuck? ADHD, Motivation & the Myth of Laziness
In this video, I unpack the myth of laziness—especially how it shows up for people with ADHD. If you've ever told yourself, “I’m just lazy,” or felt frustrated by your inability to take action, this is for you.We'll walk through my "Am I Lazy?" Flowchart, a simple self-coaching tool that helps you identify what's really getting in the way—whether it's mental fatigue, lack of clarity, or overwhelm—and figure out how to move forward. Spoiler alert: laziness isn’t the answer. Stuckness usually is.✅ Learn how to get curious (not critical) ✅ Find practical ways to get unstuck ✅ Rebuild trust in your ability to rest, prioritize, and take action🔗 Use the link to download the flowchart!This episode on YouTube✨ Interested in More Support? Join my group coaching program!

Jun 12, 2025 • 8min
Ep 105: The Perfect Planner for ADHD?
The Perfect Planner for ADHD? Let’s Talk Time Systems That Actually WorkIf you’ve ever thought this planner is going to change my life... only to abandon it weeks later, you are not alone! Today, we’re diving into the REAL reason planners often don’t work for ADHD brains—and what to do instead. In this video, I walk you through: ✔️ The 3 essential parts of an ADHD-friendly time system✔️ Why your brain shouldn't be your to-do list✔️ How to use a dump list without drowning in it✔️ The importance of retrieval (not just collection)✔️ What to do with “boomerang tasks” that come back later✔️ And why it’s 100% okay to switch up your planner (really!)I’ll also share how I personally use my system—weekly planning, daily focus, and energy management—to stay ahead of chaos, without running myself into the ground.#ADHDplanner #ExecutiveFunctioning #ADHDtimeManagement #OccupationalTherapist #DumpList #ADHDcoaching #CalmSystems #neurodivergentlife 👇 Jump to what you need:00:00 - Welcome! Why ADHD and planners often clash01:00 - Part 1: Collection & Dump List02:00 - Why your brain shouldn't store everything03:00 - The danger of using your dump list every day04:00 - It’s okay to switch planners if you have ADHD05:00 - What about habits? Where (and when) they fit in06:00 - Part 2: Retrieving & Applying (aka Planning)07:00 - Daily views vs. weekly spreads — find what works08:00 - Example: Planning a chaotic day with ADHD09:00 - Part 3: Monitoring (aka Boomerang Tasks)10:00 - Wrap-Up + Tools to go deeper📌 Want more support? Learn about my group coaching program: https://theadhdclaritycoach.com/page/eyb-group-programFind Other Coaching Videos on my You Tube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theadhdclaritycoach

Jun 3, 2025 • 7min
Ep 104. ADHD and Executive Functioning- Do You Drive an Automatic or Regular Transmission?
ADHD and Executive Functioning – The Manual vs Automatic Transmission AnalogyManaging everyday tasks with ADHD can take so much more effort than we think it should! In this video, we explore an analogy that helps explain what it's like to live with ADHD: driving a manual transmission vs. an automatic.This isn't about which brain "version" is better or worse—it's about understanding that you may need to learn how to consciously "shift gears" when others do it automatically. This DOES take more effort in the beginning, but once you master your own system, it becomes second nature!👉 Learn how to stop judging yourself and find the strategies that work for YOUR brain!#ADHDBrain #ExecutiveFunction #ADHDAnalogies #ADHDExplained #ManualTransmissionBrain#NeurodivergentMind #ADHDAwareness #ADHDAccommodations🔗 Learn more about my Group Coaching Program: https://theadhdclaritycoach.com/page/eyb-group-program🕒 Timestamps:00:00 – Intro: ADHD and the Car Analogy00:30 – Automatic vs. Manual Transmission Explained01:00 – Executive Functioning & the ADHD Brain02:00 – Why Some Skills Feel Harder With ADHD03:00 – Making Lists: It’s Not That Simple04:00 – Breaking Down the Breakdown: Why Lists Fail05:00 – Compassion and Curiosity: Not Everyone Gets It06:00 – Advocating for Yourself Without Burning Out06:30 – Normalizing Manual Transmission: Building Your Own Systems07:00 – Real-Life Example: When Automatic Feels Awkward07:30 – Wrap-Up: Understanding the Difference Makes All the Difference08:00 – Next Steps & Resources for Support

May 27, 2025 • 18min
Ep 102. How to Manage Your TOO MANY Things To Do List! | ADHD Dump List Weekly Planner Strategy
Struggling to keep track of all the things? 😵💫 You’re not alone—and there’s a better way. In this video, ADHD coach and occupational therapist Donae introduces a powerful executive functioning tool: the Dump List Weekly Planner. This simple, ADHD-friendly system helps you organize your mental clutter, break down overwhelming tasks, and plan your week without burnout.Whether you’ve been officially diagnosed with ADHD, suspect you might have it, or just find adulting and executive functioning exhausting, this strategy is designed for brains like yours.🔹 What You’ll Learn:How to use a "dump list" to declutter your mindWhy looking at everything every day is hurting your productivityHow to break multi-step tasks (like taxes and returns!) into doable piecesWhen (and why) to ignore your to-do listA system that works with your brain—not against it🎧 Also available on the ADHD Crash Course podcast!📋 FREE ADHD Planner Download ➡️ https://theadhdclaritycoach.com/page/dump-list-planner-freebie✨ Interested in More Support for your overwhelm needs? Join my group coaching program!https://theadhdclaritycoach.com/page/eyb-group-program🔔 Subscribe for more tools built for your brain!📌 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell #ADHDCoach #OccupationalTherapist #AdultADHD #ExecutiveFunction #ToDoListTips #DumpList #ADHDPlanner #NeurodivergentProductivity #ADHDSupport #ADHDEducation #ADHDStrategies #WeeklyPlanning⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction: Who this video is for (ADHD, executive functioning challenges)00:38 – What is a Dump List and Why It’s Helpful01:25 – Step 1: Dump everything from your brain (no order, no judgment)02:10 – Step 2: Identify what must happen this week03:00 – How to break down multi-step tasks like taxes04:00 – Dealing with non-urgent tasks like driving lessons05:00 – Key Rule: Hide the dump list after planning your week06:00 – Why reviewing the whole dump list daily causes overwhelm07:00 – Example: Breaking down a task like getting passports08:00 – How to assign small pieces of big tasks to specific days09:00 – Example: Medications & time-based reminders10:00 – Example: Annoying errands like returns – how to handle them11:00 – Example: Dealing with emotional or frustrating tasks like insurance claims12:00 – How to use a calendar to track “boomerang” tasks13:00 – Ways to break down tasks: Steps, Time, Emotional energy14:00 – Getting more information before plugging in a task15:00 – How to handle missed tasks & why flexibility matters16:00 – Glass balls vs plastic balls: Prioritizing what matters17:00 – Key ADHD challenge: Filtering and prioritizing18:00 – Summary: Focus only on what’s in front of you each day#ADHDCoach #OccupationalTherapist #AdultADHD #ExecutiveFunction #ToDoListTips #DumpList #ADHDPlanner #NeurodivergentProductivity #ADHDSupport #ADHDEducation #ADHDStrategies #WeeklyPlanning

May 27, 2025 • 10min
Ep 103. Do This Instead of Hunting the Perfect Planner for ADHD!
🧠 The Perfect Planner for ADHD? Let’s Talk Time Systems That Actually WorkIf you’ve ever thought this planner is going to change my life... only to abandon it weeks later, you are not alone! Today, we’re diving into the REAL reason planners often don’t work for ADHD brains—and what to do instead. In this video, I walk you through: ✔️ The 3 essential parts of an ADHD-friendly time system✔️ Why your brain shouldn't be your to-do list✔️ How to use a dump list without drowning in it✔️ The importance of retrieval (not just collection)✔️ What to do with “boomerang tasks” that come back later✔️ And why it’s 100% okay to switch up your planner (really!)I’ll also share how I personally use my system—weekly planning, daily focus, and energy management—to stay ahead of chaos, without running myself into the ground.#ADHDplanner #ExecutiveFunctioning #ADHDtimeManagement #OccupationalTherapist #DumpList #ADHDcoaching #CalmSystems #neurodivergentlife 👇 Jump to what you need:00:00 - Welcome! Why ADHD and planners often clash01:00 - Part 1: Collection & Dump List02:00 - Why your brain shouldn't store everything03:00 - The danger of using your dump list every day04:00 - It’s okay to switch planners if you have ADHD05:00 - What about habits? Where (and when) they fit in06:00 - Part 2: Retrieving & Applying (aka Planning)07:00 - Daily views vs. weekly spreads — find what works08:00 - Example: Planning a chaotic day with ADHD09:00 - Part 3: Monitoring (aka Boomerang Tasks)10:00 - Wrap-Up + Tools to go deeper📌 Want more support?💬 Learn about my group coaching program: https://theadhdclaritycoach.com/page/...

May 20, 2025 • 34min
Ep 101. What ADHD Looks Like in Girls And Why it Matters for Adult Diagnosis
🧠 ADHD in Girls: What It Really Looks Like | Real Stories & Insights📌 What does ADHD look like in girls? Is it different from how it appears in boys? And why does it matter?In this episode, we dive deep into what ADHD can look like in girls and women—through the lens of eight real-life stories. From emotional regulation issues to sensory processing disorders, we'll uncover how ADHD impacts daily life and relationships and why it can be easy to miss or misinterpret these impacts.These stories reveal the unique, often overlooked ways ADHD shows up in girls, especially the inattentive type that’s commonly missed in childhood. If you’re an adult woman exploring an ADHD diagnosis, or a parent wondering if your daughter might have ADHD, or a professional who supports neurodivergent individuals, this is for you!As an ADHD coach and occupational therapist, I’ve worked with countless women who were diagnosed later in life—and their journeys often begin with stories like these.Understanding ADHD in Girls: Real Life Stories and Insights:TIME STAMPS00:00 ADHD and girls03:44 Ellie08:42 Natalia12:43 Meg16:38 Jessie20:23 Shreya22:47 Jada24:58 Faith27:59 Lily31:14 Wrap Up🧠 Looking for Support for Learning to Work With Your Brain?Join the waitlist for my next group program here

May 13, 2025 • 15min
Ep 100. Overstimulated by Your Kids? You're NOT a Bad Parent (ADHD & Sensory Tips)
Parents often grapple with sensory overload, especially when their needs clash with their children's. Guilt and pressure to keep going can lead to burnout. The conversation emphasizes self-care and gives practical strategies like taking sensory breaks and open discussions with kids. It also highlights the importance of building awareness around sensory differences, allowing both parents and children to thrive. Ultimately, cultivating self-compassion can help navigate these challenges more effectively.

Mar 4, 2025 • 35min
Ep. 99 How Multi-Passionate Professionals Can Unlock Their Career Paths!
Today I’m chatting with Shell Mendelson, an author and career coach who teaches how you can find the right career path with ADHD.She helps multi-passionate professionals discover how to explore their interests and consider essential career factors on their journey to unlock their career path.In this podcast, we discuss :Challenges for college students in early career planningHow to identify your skills, goals, needs and accommodationFields of fascination – those areas of interest that have been neglected in the past, but can be explored nowChallenges of multi passionate individuals and the importance of prioritizing interests and taking actionHow to recognize and overcome the "safekeeping self" by asking questions and exploring you possibilitiesHow late-diagnosed and/ or older clients may face more challenges due to past experiences, current responsibilities and negative self talkHow to advocate for yourself throughout the interview process and beyondHow to reach Shell: https://passiontocareer.com

Feb 11, 2025 • 33min
Ep 98. Tips for Prioritization, Delegation, & Easing Transitions: Interview with Skye Waterson
In this podcast episode, I'm chatting with Skye Waterson, a former academic turned coach, podcast host, and founder of an international ADHD support service, Unconventional Organisation.Skye's services help overwhelmed professionals with ADHD create focused, balanced days for themselves and their families. Today she’s speaking about time and overwhelm and offers her tips on prioritization, delegation and how we can ease transitions between high to low dopamine tasks!Connect with Skye via Instagram @unconventionalorganisation or visit her website at ADHD Treatment Online | Coaching for Symptom Management for her prioritization filter and additional resources.

Jan 14, 2025 • 14min
Ep 97. How Your Stories Hold You Back (And How to Change Them!)
Sometimes when we struggle, we find ourselves believing the same old "stories" that have been bouncing around in our heads for years.Things like:"I always drop the ball""I'm such a disaster""I don't trust myself to make changes".Not only do these shame-based stories wear us down, they move us far away from problem solving. That's because in order to effectively solve problems, we need to be open and curious. Self judgment is just the opposite of that! Self judgment doesn't attempt to look for answers because it thinks it already has them! If you have these kind of negative stories on repeat, they may be preventing you from actually finding the strategies that will work for your brain!. In this episode of ADHD Crash Course, I talk about how my client's old stories impacted her and how she challenged those stories. As a returning college student with a bumpy academic past, she had some stories to push back on when she got behind in her assignments. I'll also talk about what happened next; how working on challenges like executive functioning skills and managing her overwhelm became much more doable once her brain moved off of the self criticism and into problem solving!