ADHD Aha!

In this bonus episode, we’re sharing the first episode of a new Understood.org podcast, Climbing the Walls. Climbing the Walls is an investigative limited-series podcast that explores why women were historically underdiagnosed with ADHD — and how the recent surge in diagnoses is reshaping our understanding of ADHD.In this episode, host Danielle Elliot finds herself among the many women diagnosed with ADHD during the pandemic, and she gets curious. Why women? And why now? This question takes her to northern Michigan, to meet a friend’s mom.For more on this topic:Listen to Climbing the WallsADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)Older women with ADHD: How the lost generation got foundFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Climbing the Walls show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at adhdaha@understood.org. Understood.org 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

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.Emilia McGuckin was surprised when a teacher suggested her son might have ADHD. As a teacher herself, she thought she would have spotted the signs. But after diving into the research, an even bigger surprise hit her: Could she have ADHD too?Emilia, a high school and college teacher, was hesitant to pursue an ADHD evaluation. She’d felt dismissed by medical providers in the past, an experience all too common for many women. But when she finally got diagnosed, everything started to make sense. What she once saw as “character flaws” or “personal failings” turned out to be overlooked symptoms of ADHD.Related resourcesIs ADHD hereditary? ADHD icebergTimestamps(01:10) Emilia’s son’s ADHD diagnosis(04:42) Hyperfocusing on ADHD to help her son, and realizing she has symptoms too(06:49) Apprehension about seeking an ADHD evaluation, after not being believed by doctors in the past(09:20) Feelings and coping after diagnosis(11:56) An “avalanche of ADHD” in the family(17:02) How Emilia and her son’s diagnoses changed how she teaches(20:29) Busting ADHD mythsFor a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at adhdaha@understood.org. Understood.org 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

In this engaging discussion, Rae Jacobson, a fellow person with ADHD and host of the Hyperfocus podcast, joins Laura Key to reflect on their shared experiences. They dive into the emotions Laura faces as she navigates her daughter’s recent ADHD diagnosis. The conversation highlights the pressure of being a 'perfect ADHD mom' and the challenges of understanding a child's unique needs. Rae and Laura emphasize the importance of validation and connection within the ADHD community, celebrating how sharing stories helps in fostering awareness and acceptance.

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.Steve Wesley makes videos about ADHD to create a legacy for his family. As a single dad with ADHD, he worries he’s not doing enough to support his two sons, who also have ADHD. He hopes the videos will serve as proof one day that he really was trying.Steve’s late wife was “the calendar” of the family. She kept everything on track. When she passed away, it was up to Steve to manage everything and teach his sons the executive function skills that he struggles with so much himself.Join this emotional conversation between Steve and host Laura Key about parenting and coping with death with ADHD.Related resourcesCheck out Steve’s YouTube channel, Steve with ADHDADHD and coping with grief: 8 ways to help your childADHD and emotionsTimestamps(01:00) Steve’s “aha” moment, and accepting his diagnosis(05:03) ADHD, emotions, and grieving the loss of his wife(10:57) Adjusting to being a single parent as a widower(13:48) Why did Steve start his YouTube channel for his family?(18:38) ADHD: Superpower or curse?(23:27) What would Steve’s wife be proud of him for today?For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! page on Understood.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood.org 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

Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she investigates the rise of women recently diagnosed with ADHD. Listen to Climbing the Walls now.Romance author Sela Carsen saw herself in her daughter’s ADHD evaluation 20 years ago. But she didn’t request an evaluation for herself until just 4 years ago. She was afraid that having ADHD would have a negative effect on her husband’s military career — that she’d be the “crazy wife.” Once Sela was finally diagnosed with ADHD, she had a big sense of relief. She felt capable in her job as an author, and that she “didn’t have to hate herself so much” anymore. Hear this conversation with Sela and host Laura Key as they chat about ADHD shame, Gen X’s outlook on mental health, and neurodivergent book characters. Related resourcesADHD and: ProcrastinationADHD and caffeineUnderstood.org Neurodiversity at Work Survey: Focus on Generation ZTimestamps(01:46) When did Sela start to notice signs of ADHD in herself?  (03:48) Why Sela didn’t pursue an ADHD evaluation while her husband was in active duty(05:46) How ADHD symptoms affected her life while she was undiagnosed  (08:55) Finally seeking an ADHD evaluation(14:11) Neurodivergent story characters(17:45) How being Gen X changes how you approach ADHD(20:24) What’s next for Sela?For a transcript and more resources, visit the ADHD Aha! page on Understood.Want to share your “aha” moment? We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org. Understood.org 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

Margaux Joffe, a board-certified cognitive specialist and advocate for neurodiversity, shares her enlightening journey about living with ADHD. She reveals her eye-opening experience of sensory overload at IKEA that led to her diagnosis at age 29. Margaux discusses the challenges of undiagnosed ADHD, particularly anxiety in women, and emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in the workplace. Her insightful perspective on justice sensitivity offers a fresh view on the unique strengths of women with ADHD, inspiring others to embrace their differences.

Dan McCoy, an Emmy-winning comedy writer recognized for his work on The Daily Show, shares his journey with a recent ADHD diagnosis. He discusses how this diagnosis helped him understand his mood swings and fear of rejection. Comedy writing serves as a unique form of exposure therapy for him, merging humor with the emotional challenges of rejection sensitivity. Dan also reflects on the impact of ADHD on creativity and productivity, offering insight into the complex emotional landscape many creatives navigate.

Cate Osborn, a sex educator and host of "Sorry, I Missed This," joins to discuss how ADHD reshapes intimacy and communication. She shares insights on executive function challenges affecting relationships and highlights the nuances of consent and rejection sensitivity. Cate explains that for many, 'sex is a task' and offers strategies for navigating impulsivity in romantic settings. Listeners will appreciate her candid anecdotes and the importance of using clear communication to foster intimacy in neurodivergent couples.

Zoe Plotnick, a dedicated teacher, shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult and uncovers her family's hidden battles with the condition. She reflects on her childhood experience of feeling misunderstood and the generational stigma associated with ADHD. Zoe also discusses her role as an advocate for her daughter, who faced a similar diagnosis at the same age Zoe did. Their candid conversation sheds light on the importance of breaking the cycle of masking and shame surrounding ADHD in families.

Julianna Broadwater, an administrative business partner, shares her enlightening journey navigating ADHD and OCD misdiagnosis. She reveals her initial resistance to ADHD, stemming from her past diagnosis of OCD and societal pressures. After trying ADHD medication during the pandemic, Julianna experienced a transformative shift in her thinking. Intrusive thoughts that once overwhelmed her became manageable. Her story highlights the complexities surrounding ADHD and the importance of self-acceptance in overcoming mental health challenges.