ADHD Aha!

In school, a teacher made Rakia Reynolds push her desk all the way to the principal’s office for getting in trouble. Rakia had undiagnosed ADHD. She was energetic, creative, and the class clown. Rakia is now a businesswoman and creative leader with diagnosed ADHD — a diagnosis that she never shared publicly… until now. Hear from Rakia, the founder and executive director of Skai Blue Media, on why she shied away from talking about her ADHD until now. Did a level of success make it feel safer to talk about? And if so, what can we learn from that?  Related resourcesRakia’s company, skaibluemedia.comWhy some kids clown around in class  32 examples of workplace accommodationsTimestamps(01:41) Speaking publicly about having ADHD(07:47) Rakia’s childhood and school life(12:43) Hitting a wall in graduate school(14:36) Rakia’s “aha“ moments(16:51) ADHD strengths and weaknesses(18:53) Coping at work(21:36) How employers can create an inclusive and supportive workplaceTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at 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

Em Schulz thought they were just lazy growing up. Years later, after discovering that not everyone’s TikTok was full of ADHD tips that “weirdly work,” they realized they might have ADHD.Em is a paranormal investigator (aka ghost hunter) and co-host of the And That’s Why We Drink podcast. Em and Laura chat about ghosts and ghosting, as in ghosting relationships — a not uncommon ADHD behavior. And Em shares their take on whether people believe less in ghosts or ADHD.Related resourcesEm’s podcast website, andthatswhywedrink.com“Is ADHD real?” What experts say when people doubt ADHDADHD fact sheetTimestamps(01:32) What it’s like being a paranormal investigator(06:13) What do people believe in less: ADHD or ghosts?(07:02) Growing up with undiagnosed ADHD(10:42) Em’s pandemic diagnosis(14:02) TikTok ADHD tips that resonated with Em(15:39) How did Em’s ADHD diagnosis change their life?(16:55) What’s scary about ADHD?(18:34) Why Em became a paranormal investigator(19:33) ADHD creativity at night(20:28) Scary movies(23:43) Where you can find Em To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at 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

If you like this show, consider making a donation this holiday season. 100% of your donation will go towards helping us create more podcasts (like this one!). Click here to make a gift today.Growing up as a Black girl with undiagnosed ADHD, Kayla Sanders learned very early that getting into trouble was not an option. Kayla was imaginative, playful, and extremely bright. She was also hyperactive, which was occasionally mistaken for disobedience. One incident in particular in the first grade left a lasting mark on Kayla. From then on out, Kayla did everything she could to avoid causing trouble for her hard-working, loving mom. She pushed down her hyperactivity and masked her symptoms for years. Then, during the pandemic, Kayla was finally diagnosed with ADHD.  Join Kayla and host Laura Key’s chat on ADHD and masking, and the added pressure that comes from racial bias.Related resourcesTo be Black in America with a learning disabilityBias in school discipline: When the teacher says your child is “acting out”, from Opportunity GapADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)Timestamps(01:10) Kayla’s pandemic ADHD diagnosis story(06:53) Kayla’s childhood behavior(09:45) The pressure to mask ADHD as a Black woman(13:56) Covering up “mistakes” in the classroom(15:35) Kayla’s relationship with her mom(20:11) Cultural masking, and the intersection of ADHD and race To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the ADHD Aha! podcast page at 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

Patricia Sung, a mother and podcast host diagnosed with ADHD in college, shares her transformative journey as a parent navigating emotional regulation. She candidly discusses her experiences with 'raging'—the sudden eruption of emotions—and offers practical strategies for better management. Patricia highlights the unique challenges ADHD moms face, the importance of self-compassion, and the need to celebrate small victories. Her insights empower others to embrace their journey, fostering a supportive community among mothers with ADHD.

In this engaging discussion, Matthew Raghunauth, an artist and UX designer recently diagnosed with ADHD, shares his journey of self-discovery. He reflects on feeling lazy and overwhelmed, particularly when transitioning back to office life after the pandemic. Matthew candidly addresses the fear of rejection, imposter syndrome, and the emotional toll of procrastination. He emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and how growing up means taking care of oneself, especially as a first-generation American navigating unique pressures.

Farah Jamil, an executive and ADHD life coach, shares her inspiring journey of self-advocacy when confronted by skeptics doubting her ADHD. She debunks harmful myths linking ADHD to intelligence and discusses the challenges of maintaining friendships amid her struggles. Farah emphasizes the need for community and understanding among individuals with ADHD. She founded support groups for Muslim and interfaith ADHDers, showcasing her commitment to fostering connection and resources for those navigating similar challenges.

Jessica McCabe, creator of How to ADHD, opens up about her personal journey with ADHD from diagnosis at 12 to real understanding at 32. She describes her first experience with ADHD medication as life-changing, likening it to putting on glasses. Jessica shares the challenges of motherhood combined with ADHD, including navigating social anxiety and the stigma around medication. With a mix of humor and honesty, she reflects on her rapid transition into motherhood and highlights the power of community support in managing ADHD.

Dr. Monica Johnson, a professional in mental health, discusses the complex ties between ADHD and trauma. She sheds light on how trauma can mimic ADHD symptoms and the potential for misdiagnosis. Dr. J explains the emotional challenges faced by individuals managing both conditions, emphasizing the importance of supportive treatment and understanding. Caregivers play a crucial role, and she shares valuable strategies to help those affected. This insightful conversation navigates the intersection of psychological well-being and ADHD.

Breon Gummel is a trauma nurse and a passionate advocate for ADHD awareness, while her husband Dan Gummel works in media production, bringing his insights on navigating relationships with ADHD. They share their journey after Breon's diagnosis and how it transformed their marriage. Their discussions reveal the challenges in communication and planning while highlighting the laughter that comes from understanding. They emphasize the power of community through their ADHDinners, offering a safe space for shared experiences, acceptance, and healing.

Leadership and career coach Phoebe Gavin shares her journey of starting a business with ADHD. She discusses her military service, fashion school, and tips for navigating ADHD and PTSD. Phoebe emphasizes the importance of support and empowering others with ADHD.