ADHD Aha!

Clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Karen Wilson discusses executive function challenges faced by young adults with ADHD in the real world. She provides expert advice on coping with the demands of college or that first job, including developing self-advocacy skills, seeking academic help, managing medication, and fostering self-development. The hosts and Dr. Wilson encourage listeners to join the conversation and share their experiences.

Livingston Steele, a guest on this podcast, discusses his perfectionism and how it led him to get evaluated for ADHD. He also shares how ADHD helped him build empathy for his brothers (who also have ADHD), and for himself.

ADHD decluttering coach, Wendy Zanders, shares her experience of using hyperfocus to bring organization to her life. She discusses her ADHD diagnosis, homeschooling challenges, and the importance of balance and prioritizing tasks. Wendy also shares her vision of providing scholarships and support for families in need.

Before her ADHD diagnosis, accountant Sam Salmons felt “fixed, but still broken.” As a young adult, she spent years in therapy, treated her depression, and had a laundry list of coping skills. So, why couldn’t she stop her body from doing things — like interrupting — that her mind didn’t want to do?Sam saw herself as an “extroverted extrovert.” She was constantly talking and impulsively saying yes to everything. Then her therapist recommended an ADHD evaluation.To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit the episode page at Understood.We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at ADHDAha@understood.org.Related resourcesADHD in girls: Overlooked?What causes trouble with self-control?How ADHD is diagnosed in adults 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

Dr. Andrew Kahn, psychologist and dad, explains the difference between tantrums and meltdowns in children with ADHD. He provides practical strategies for parents to respond effectively, emphasizing the importance of observation and presence. Check out more helpful advice for parents on understood.org.

Executive Mananya Komorowski shares her journey of discovering she has ADHD, coping with grief, and her thoughts on ADHD accommodations at work. She reflects on how her diagnosis has changed her perception of herself and discusses the challenges of managing ADHD in high-stress executive roles.

Dr. Johnathan Flowers, specializing in the philosophy of disability, shares his journey with ADHD, including childhood diagnosis, challenges in school, and hitting a wall in grad school. They discuss the importance of support and advocacy, and the experience of being a professor with ADHD.

Actor Oliver Vaquer discusses his 'noisy' ADHD brain and the challenges he faced growing up. He talks about using ADHD medication to build better habits and the experience of feeling like he's operating at 100% for the first time ever. The podcast also touches on ADHD social anxiety and the misconceptions surrounding the condition.

Dani Donovan, Creator of The Anti-Planner, talks about productivity with ADHD, self-criticism, analysis paralysis, rejection sensitivity, friendship, and the power of understanding neurodiversity.

Dr. Karen Wilson, clinical neuropsychologist, joins to explain executive function and its link to ADHD and mental health challenges like anxiety. She discusses the different skills encompassed by executive function, the importance of flexible thinking and self-regulation, and the possibility of a part two episode exploring working memory and flexible thinking.