It’s the last episode of 2022, so we are celebrating our most popular creation:  ‘the most ADHD thing’ and sharing YOUR most ADHD things of this year! We conclude by revealing the most ADHD thing  WE’VE done this year… and some very ambitious plans for 2023! (All in the name of accountability…ie, we’ve said it now, so we have to do it!) We created the concept of ‘most ADHD thing’ to act as the ultimate shame eradicator. For us, these daily mishaps can often feel like ‘if we didn’t laugh we’d cry’, so we really appreciate all of you for getting onboard with sharing yours in our weekly socials posts. An act of camaraderie; pulling the community together! We are all in the same boat, doing similar things and are all here to support each other! This is a funny episode, perfect fodder for that week in the year when even neurotypicals don’t know what day it is! The mishaps are categorised but left anonymous, with one particular listener providing much amusement with eventful happenings and hospital ward moonwalkings! Go on girl! Alongside announcing a new segment for the new year, we conclude with massive 2023  plans and our biggest mess up of 2022! Lols! If you've found this podcast helpful & are in a position to do so, please help us continue to help others by joining our Community. Packages include: vlogs, blogs, live blethers, body doubling and all the chats! If you would prefer you can leave us a tip.MASSIVE thank you to our Patreon pledgers! With more supoport we will be able to continue producing ADHD As Females.  In particular a massive thank you to our Gold Tier Patrons: Sarah Newell, Ola Czarnecka, Rach, Callan Davy, Rachael Riley, Derec Thompson, Anne Barrow, Leanne Smith, Clare Hale, Liesel McDonald, Michelle Corcoran, Dee Naylor, Samantha Knowles-Owen, Kim Pierpoint, Sinéad McDermott, Amy Davies, Cecilia Leslie, Angela Curtis, Kelsey Fehlberg, Kate Wilkinson, Rochelle Fyander, Alana Pinatiello, Eleanor Macpherson, Katharine Kaufman, Lorna Crowe, N. Scott, Suzanne Tanser, Marianne Stevens, Philippa Pickering, Kate Smith, Jenna King, Jacqueline McGeachie, Lynn McKenna, Bee Wood, Jennifer Wilson, Seonaid Macdonald, Manar, Roz King, Helen McCann, Joanne Eccles, Eleanor Campen, Ali O'Connor, Rachel Stewart, Meet Lauren Mitchell, Claire Turner, Katie Enstone, Lauren Bullen, Annmarie Kemsley, Cclaire, Amanda Thomson, Lizzee Oliver, Allie Warren, Nicola Mackenzie- Cracknell, Michelle Bellyou, Katharina Rodda,Eleni Manesiotis,  Olivia Dyer, Gurjit Thandi, Nicol Dicheva, Yvonne Delaney, & Ailish, who have helped make this episode happen; raising much needed ADHD awareness and providing validation and information to those who desperately need it. JOIN US!Support the show

We're gonna have a party tonight... there's some very special surprises at the end of this episode! It's both our first Christmas' diagnosed with ADHD; finally having the answers to our lifelong struggles. Will we be able to keep our masks off instead of performing for everyone else?! We'll let you know! (TW) Here's one for a Christmas cracker -What do you get when you mix Christmas time with people pleasing tendencies, an inability to manage finances, time blindness, forgetfulness, task paralysis, procrastination, disorganisation, emotional dysregulation, grief, family conflict, trauma, perfectionism,  indecision, object/person impermanence, impulsivity, rejection sensitive dysphoria, domestic anxiety, a tendency to leave things to the very last minute, and family, friends and societal pressure?BURNOUT!   ...Funny if it wasn't so true!Christmas leaves Laura in semi constant nostalgic tears; triggered by everything from Bowie & Bing to Boy George, brass bands and Bill Murray! Despite a childhood spent not believing in Father Christmas, at the age of 39, the magic in the air on Christmas Eve tempts her to check the skies for Santa's sleigh.  ADHDer contradictions hey! Dawn divulges a sentiment shared by many that are single and without children, she finds festive joy in the excitement of her young Nieces. It will be Dawn's first sober Christmas, having been inspired by last week's guest @notsosecretlysober Anybody else have an irrational hatred of Doctor Who?! Oh, and here's the sexy cake of dreams recipe by Nige! If it's common for you to have a Christmas meltdown and end the festive period exhausted; check out our ADHD hacks for avoiding Christmas Burnout If in need call SamaritansAll we want for Christmas is YOU...  If you've found this podcast helpful & are in a position to do so, please help us continue to help others by joining our Community. Packages include: vlogs, blogs, live blethers, body doubling and all the chats! If you would prefer you can leave us a tip.MASSIVE thank you to our Patreon pledgers! With more supoport we will be able to continue producing ADHD As Females.  In particular a massive thank you to our Gold Tier Patrons: Sarah Newell, Ola Czarnecka, Rach, Callan Davy, Rachael Riley, Derec Thompson, Anne Barrow, Leanne Smith, Clare Hale, Amy Gramham, Liesel McDonald, Michelle Corcoran, Dee Naylor, Samantha Knowles-Owen, Kim Pierpoint, Sinéad McDermott, Amy Davies, Cecilia Leslie, Angela Curtis, Kelsey Fehlberg, Kate Wilkinson, Rochelle Fyander, Alana Pinatiello, Eleanor Macpherson, Katharine Kaufman, Lorna Crowe, N. Scott, Suzanne Tanser, Marianne Stevens, Philippa Pickering, Kate Smith, Jenna King, Jacqueline McGeachie, Lynn McKenna, Bee Wood, Jennifer Wilson, Seonaid Macdonald, Manar, Roz King, Helen McCann, Joanne Eccles, Eleanor Campen, Christie Maxted, Ali O'Connor, Rachel Stewart, Meet Lauren Mitchell, Claire Turner, Katie Enstone, Lauren Bullen, Annmarie Kemsley, Cclaire, Amanda Thomson, Lizzee Oliver, Allie Warren, Nicola Mackenzie- Cracknell, Michelle Bellyou, Katharina Rodda,Eleni Manesiotis,  & Olivia Dyer, who have helped make this episode happen; raising much needed ADHD awareness and providing validation and information to those who desperately need it. JOIN US!Support the show

Siobhan O'Connor - @notsosecretlysober was diagnosed with ADHD in May of this year, at 32 in Manchester.  In this inspirational blether, she shares her battles to overcome the ADHD comorbidities of alchohol and drug abuse; and concludes with her top tips for a Sober Christmas! Historically, Siobhan felt pride in being 'the last person standing' at parties.  Though she didn't drink everyday, when she did, her binge drinking was so extreme that she ended up being hospitalised on multiple occasions! Getting blackout drunk exacerbated her ADHD trait of risk taking behaviour. The terrifying situations Siobhan found herself in, in the name of 'fun', were no laughing matter! Prior to four years ago, Siobhan LOVED drinking! It was her whole identity(!) and led her to taking recreational drugs, and in turn into dangerous situations and debt. Reading Russell Brand's Recovery, inspired a year off the sauce... she has never looked back! Siobhan has a BRILLIANTLY names Social Media Management company: @ousaucedmedia - get it! :)   Dawn felt so inspired by Siobhan's story, she has decided this will be her first ever sober Christmas... and who knows what 2023 will bring!  Don't feel pressured to drink alcohol at Christmas! Alcohol can affect ADHD brains differently; as discussed in our previous episode: ADHD Vs Alcohol If you feel you are not in control of drinking or any other recreational behaviours, please reach out, there is help out there! For eg: Drink Aware, Alcohol Change, & Turning Point If you've found this podcast helpful and you are in a position to do so, please help us continue to help others by joining our Community. Packages include: vlogs, blogs, live blethers, body doubling and all the chats! If you would prefer you can leave us a tip.A massive thank you to our Patreon pledgers! With more supoport we will be able to continue producing ADHD As Females.  In particular a massive thank you to our Gold Tier Patrons: Sarah Newell, Ola Czarnecka, Rach, Callan Davy, Rachael Riley, Derec Thompson, Anne Barrow, Leanne Smith, Clare Hale, Amy Gramham, Liesel McDonald, Michelle Corcoran, Dee Naylor, Samantha Knowles-Owen, Kim Pierpoint, Sinéad McDermott, Amy Davies, Cecilia Leslie, Angela Curtis, Kelsey Fehlberg, Kate Wilkinson, Rochelle Fyander, Alana Pinatiello, Eleanor Macpherson, Katharine Kaufman, Lorna Crowe, N. Scott, Suzanne Tanser, Marianne Stevens, Philippa Pickering, Kate Smith, Jenna King, Jacqueline McGeachie, Lynn McKenna, Bee Wood, Jennifer Wilson, Seonaid Macdonald, Manar, Roz King, Helen McCann, Joanne Eccles, Eleanor Campen, Christie Maxted, Ali O'Connor, Rachel Stewart, Meet Lauren Mitchell, Claire Turner, Katie Enstone, Lauren Bullen, Annmarie Kemsley, Cclaire, Amanda Thomson, Lizzee Oliver & Allie Warren, who have helped make this episode happen; raising much needed ADHD awareness and providing validation and information to those who desperately need it. JOIN US!Trigger Warning: contains swearing, mentions of mental health struggles, family bereavement, drugs and alcoholSupport the show

The Episode we’ve wanted to create for the last seven months! As time has dragged on the weight of living in limbo has felt heavier and heavier. Finally, with the help of generous ADHDAF listener donations, Dawn has her ADHD Diagnosis! WE CAN’T SAY THANK YOU ENOUGH!  In this EXTRA SPECIAL Bonus Blether, Dawn shares her diagnosis ‘journey’ from start to finish. Including a recap of her horrendous NHS ADHD Assessment ordeal, pre confirming private diagnosis shared care with her GP, the time scale and costs involved. Also the outcome; the breakdown of her Combined Type ADHD Diagnosis, and the next steps, and treatment plan. We also deep dive into our speciality - how it all FEELS on this next stop on the late ADHD diagnosis roller coaster. Thankfully there’s no need to quit the podcast or have her tattoo removed; Dawn is officially ADHDAF! Thank you so much to everyone who made this possible, your support has had a life-changing outcome. To end this year with the answers and a plan in place for treatment is A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE! We want to acknowledge that many of our listeners will still be in ADHD diagnosis limbo on long waiting lists. Our hearts go out to you all. You are the very reason why we keep fighting to raise ADHD Awareness, with hopes to influence systemic change!  If you've found this podcast helpful and you are in a position to do so, please help us continue to help others by joining our Community. Packages include: vlogs, blogs, live blethers, body doubling and all the chats! If you would prefer you can leave us a tip.A massive thank you to our Patreon pledgers! With more supoport we will be able to continue producing ADHD As Females.  In particular a massive thank you to our Gold Tier Patrons: Sarah Newell, Ola Czarnecka, Rach, Callan Davy, Rachael Riley, Derec Thompson, Anne Barrow, Leanne Smith, Clare Hale, Amy Gramham, Liesel McDonald, Michelle Corcoran, Dee Naylor, Samantha Knowles-Owen, Kim Pierpoint, Sinéad McDermott, Amy Davies, Cecilia Leslie, Angela Curtis, Kelsey Fehlberg, Kate Wilkinson, Rochelle Fyander, Alana Pinatiello, Eleanor Macpherson, Katharine Kaufman, Lorna Crowe, N. Scott, Suzanne Tanser, Marianne Stevens, Philippa Pickering, Kate Smith, Jenna King, Jacqueline McGeachie, Lynn McKenna, Bee Wood, Jennifer Wilson, Seonaid Macdonald, Manar, Roz King, Helen McCann, Joanne Eccles, Eleanor Campen, Christie Maxted, Ali O'Connor, Rachel Stewart, Meet Lauren Mitchell, Claire Turner, Katie Enstone, Lauren Bullen, Annmarie Kemsley, Cclaire, Amanda Thomson & Lizzee Oliver,  who have helped make this episode happen; raising much needed ADHD awareness and providing validation and information to those who desperately need it. JOIN US!Trigger Warning: contains swearing, mentions of mental health struggles, emotional distress, medication, self doubt & imposter syndrome. Photo Credit: Sam BrillDawn wears: ADHDAF X Working Clasp NecklaceSupport the show

We are so excited to share this very special bonus blether with a very special person in Laura’s life; who has become a very special person to ADHDAF! Introducing the legendary Steph Thompson, creator of All The Discos handmade accessories; including our collaborative ADHDAF X All The Discos Bolt Earrings, Leopard Print Tree Decorations and Disco Party Capes. Laura & Steph were thick as thieves from aged 11, until that wrecking ball of ADHD swung in and destroyed 20 years of friendship! Laura’s masking caused serious miscommunication and conflict to devastating consequences. The once best friends didn’t speak for over two years! Despite masking to protect herself, hiding who she was and all that she was suffering was the very thing that kept her from safety.  Even with the very best of intentions, lying can cause great pain. After finally reuniting and being brave enough to tell the whole horrible truth behind the facade, the foes were friends once more. This is a story of hope for the great many ADHDers who struggle to maintain friendships and often find themselves in conflict. With honest communication and compassion, even the deepest of wounds can be healed. Two women who thought they would never be in the same room together now work together on two businesses, speaking every single day, and are now closer than ever. ADHD AWARENESS CHANGES LIVES! Steph is neurotypical, and believes EVERYONE should listen to this podcast in order to understand the neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 1 in 40 adults and to help the fight for systemic change! ALL HAIL THE QUEEN OF KARAOKE AND ALL THE DISCOS! Thank you so much Steph for all of your support and for your incredible creations! If you've found this podcast helpful and you are in a position to do so, please help us continue to help others by joining our Community. Packages include: vlogs, blogs, live blethers, body doubling and all the chats! If you would prefer you can leave us a tip.A massive thank you to our Patreon pledgers! With more supoport we will be able to continue producing ADHD As Females.  In particular a massive thank you to our Gold Tier Patrons: Sarah Newell, Ola Czarnecka, Rach, Callan Davy, Rachael Riley, Derec Thompson, Anne Barrow, Leanne Smith, Clare Hale, Amy Gramham, Liesel McDonald, Michelle Corcoran, Dee Naylor, Samantha Knowles-Owen, Kim Pierpoint, Sinéad McDermott, Amy Davies, Cecilia Leslie, Angela Curtis, Kelsey Fehlberg, Kate Wilkinson, Rochelle Fyander, Alana Pinatiello, Eleanor Macpherson, Katharine Kaufman, Lorna Crowe, N. Scott, Suzanne Tanser, Marianne Stevens, Philippa Pickering, Kate Smith, Jenna King, Jacqueline McGeachie, Lynn McKenna, Bee Wood, Jennifer Wilson, Seonaid Macdonald, Manar, Roz King, Helen McCann, Joanne Eccles, Eleanor Campen, Christie Maxted, Ali O'Connor, Rachel Stewart, Meet Lauren Mitchell, Claire Turner, Katie Enstone, Lauren Bullen, Annmarie Kemsley, Cclaire and Amanda Thomson who have helped make this episode happen; raising much needed ADHD awareness and providing validation and information to those who desperately need it. JOIN US!Trigger Warning: contains swearing, mentions of mental health struggles, conflict and emotional distress Support the show

We are so excited to share this blether with our favourite ADHD content creator! This Might Help ADHD creates such incredible social media posts that we share so much of her work, it's bordering on plagiarism! :) This Melbourne based writer got diagnosed at the start of the year; here she jumps onboard the late ADHD diagnosis roller coaster with us all the way from down under.  sharing content to spark conversation, to raise ADHD Awareness and to be a voice for those that can struggle to articulate the ADHD experience.  Her words perfectly encapsulate what it feels like to have ADHD, and she uses @this_might_help_adhd to defend and support ADHDers with her informative and validating posts. This legendary lady literally hits the nail on the head every single time! WE BLOODY LOVE HER!!!Alongside sharing her experiences, she talks about the validation that diagnosis brings. Though she can appreciate that the process was a lot more straightforward for her in Australia than for many in the UK, (ourselves included) her message is that ADHD Diagnosis at any age is life changing, invaluable and in many cases life saving! Just like us, a late ADHD diagnosis, and discovering how the neurodevelopmental condition can be viewed in society, and the systems around it, hasn’t just changed her life... raising ADHD awareness has become her life purpose! As a Mother, she carries guilt and concerns about passing on ADHD to her children. She has created her incredible platform to make the world a better place for ADHDers  of future generations. We absolutely adore her concept of creating an ADHD statement available on thismighthelpadhd.com: Including firm, confident and clear statements that can help get your point across in the workplace, to the Dr and to ADHD deniers. To arm ADHDers with meaningful ways to calmly defend ADHD when it’s spoken about in a hurtful or misinformed way.  Seriously, the woman is a LEGEND; THANK YOU SO MUCH ADELE! If you've found this podcast helpful and you are in a position to do so, please help us continue to help others by joining our Community. Packages include: vlogs, blogs, live blethers, body doubling and all the chats! Or if you would prefer you can leave us a tip. A massive thank you to our Patreon pledgers! With more supoport we will be able to continue producing ADHD As Females.  In particular a massive thank you to our Gold Tier Patrons: Sarah Newell, Ola Czarnecka, Rach, Callan Davy, Rachael Riley, Derec Thompson, Anne Barrow, Leanne Smith, Clare Hale, Amy Gramham, Liesel McDonald, Michelle Corcoran, Dee Naylor, Samantha Knowles-Owen, Kim Pierpoint, Sinéad McDermott, Amy Davies, Cecilia Leslie, Angela Curtis, Kelsey Fehlberg, Kate Wilkinson, Rochelle Fyander, Alana Pinatiello, Eleanor Macpherson, Katharine Kaufman, Lorna Crowe, N. Scott, Suzanne Tanser, Marianne Stevens, Philippa Pickering, Kate Smith, Jenna King, Jacqueline McGeachie, Lynn McKenna, Bee Wood, Jennifer Wilson, Seonaid Macdonald, Manar, Roz King, Helen McCann, Joanne Eccles, Eleanor Campen, Christie Maxted, Ali O'Connor, Rachel Stewart, Meet Lauren Mitchell, Claire Turner, Katie Enstone, Lauren Bullen, Annmarie Kemsley, Cclaire, who have helped make this episode happen; raising much needed ADHD awareness and providing validation and information to those who desperately need it. JOIN US!Trigger Warning: Swearing, mental health struggles, ADHD struggles, Parental guilt, anxiety, depression. suicideSupport the show

Thunder bolts and lightning, very very…frustrating! This episode is proof that three women failed by the system uniting really can cause a storm! Alongside being an award-winning Documentary Maker,  Creative Director, Author, and Yoga Instructor, Hana Walker- Brown also has the patience of a Saint! This legendary lady persevered with this absolutely chaotic episode in which we battled the elements. A terrible storm caused internet problems, with Dawn getting booted off Zoom multiple times! There are a lot of stops and starts (hence slightly longer length) and a fair few really irritating Discord notification noises - too quiet for Laura to notice with her hearing problems, but loud enough to be picked up on the recording - APOLOGIES! At least it shows that our ‘We are ADHDAF’ Community Platform is popping! :DNever has there been such a catastrophic and brilliant interview! As contradictory as the traits of ADHD and Autism;  both of which Hana signified in her neurodivergent screening process. Diagnosed with ADHD at 31;  she may pursue an Autism assessment in the future once the first diagnosis has sunk in. Like so many of us, Hana is extremely hard on herself. At university, she had such extreme burnout, she was hospitalised! Misdiagnosed and prescribed anxiety and depression meds time and time again. Through raised awareness, she finally recognised her struggles as ADHD symptoms, only to be  dismissed by her GP who stated,  ‘a lot of women think they have this!’ If you are listening lady - SHAME ON YOU! Hana has been waiting two years for NHS ADHD therapy. This episode is rammed full of insight, pearls, camaraderie, compassion and validation. So do follow the wonderful Hana’s lead and persevere with this slightly disjointed conversation. It truly is a special one! From at first viewing ADHD as her Superpower to then her kryptonite and now finding self forgiveness. This is one hell of a ride... Enjoy! THANK YOU SO MUCH HANA! We hope to join forces again and cause more storms very soon! If you've found this podcast helpful and you are in a position to do so, please help us continue to help others by joining our Community. Packages include: vlogs, blogs, live blethers, body doubling and all the chats! Or if you would prefer you can leave us a tip.  A massive thank you to our Patreon pledgers! With more supoport we will be able to continue producing ADHD As Females.  In particular a massive thank you to our Gold Tier Patrons: Sarah Newell, Ola Czarnecka, Rach, Callan Davy, Rachael Riley, Derec Thompson, Anne Barrow, Leanne Smith, Clare Hale, Amy Gramham, Liesel McDonald, Michelle Corcoran, Dee Naylor, Samantha Knowles-Owen, Kim Pierpoint, Sinéad McDermott, Amy Davies, Cecilia Leslie, Angela Curtis, Kelsey Fehlberg, Kate Wilkinson, Rochelle Fyander, Alana Pinatiello, Eleanor Macpherson, Katharine Kaufman, Lorna Crowe, N. Scott, Suzanne Tanser, Marianne Stevens, Philippa Pickering, Kate Smith, Jenna King, Jacqueline McGeachie, Lynn McKenna, Bee Wood, Jennifer Wilson, Seonaid Macdonald, Manar, Roz King, Helen McCann, Joanne Eccles, Eleanor Campen, & Christie Maxted who have helped make this episode happen; raising much needed ADHD awareness and providing validation and information to those who desperately need it. JOIN US!Trigger Warning: Strong language, mental health struggles, depression, anxiety, misdiagnosis misogyny, self loathing, ulcers ;)Photo credit: @lizseabrookSupport the show

You will likely already have heard of the wonderful Sam Brown, aka Mrs ADHD.Whether you have or not, you are in for a right treat! Sam is a regular Co-host of The ADHD Adults Podcast. She is on the Board of Trustees of the charity ADHD Adult UK, and she is married to the legendary Professor James Brown from Episode 5; who incidentally, was the first to point out that Sam is ADHDAF!We are so very grateful to Sam for hopping aboard the late ADHD diagnosis rollercoaster with us for one hell of a ride!This blether has been months in the planning, but the three of us are so disorganised, it's taken this long to get together! Even then, it almost didn't happen! Sam forgot, AND then Laura forgot to do the groundwork to focus on Pole dancing.  So this isn't exactly the episode we had 'planned', but we are so happy we finally caught up with Sam! This chaotic chinwag is an absolute joy.... just like the lady herself!@_mrs_adhd_ radiates infectious joy! Which is why it's hard to imagine she suffers an irrational fear that she's about to be sacked, and has held such a low opinion of herself!  At 45(possibly) she feels like a six year old, who only wants to play and be upside down. A form of stimming, which Dawn and I both did as children. This love of being upside down has led Sam to a passion for pole dancing.Alongside a lot of laughs, and hardcore relatable feelings; Sam shares some insight into the Right to Choose option with Psychiatry UK (unfortunately not available in Scotland). She also talks about sex.Entirely unplanned, Sam divulges that undiagnosed ADHD effected her sex life prior to meeting the love of her life. In investigating sex as a topic for an upcoming episode, we discovered two main camps in experiences. Sam shares one of these; infidelity in her youth. So just to make sure nobody gets the wrong impression(!) her pattern of being unfaithful to partners is HISTORICAL! Way before she met James(!) the couple are VERY happily married, and their ADHD diagnoses (and the unmasking that entails) has made their already rock solid relationship even stronger!When we recorded, Sam was only 2 days into titration, and was yet to feel any effects of the low dose of ADHD medication prescribed. We will catch up with Sam at a later date to hear her progress, and we really look forward to speaking to this absolute legend again! THANK YOU SO MUCH SAM!Also a MASSIVE THANK YOU to our Patrons! After months of persuasion, we finally mustered the bravery to set up a Patreon.  As ADHDAF has grown rapidly, we have had to reluctantly admit that it has become unmanageable, and have been forced to ask for help in order to continue creating this podcast. If our podcast has helped you; we are asking that (if you are able) you help us via a monthly pledge; which will enable us to continue helping others. So BIG LOVE & SERIOUS GRATITUDE to all that have signed up to support us; and in particular to our Gold Tier Members: Sarah Newell, Ola Czarnecka, Rach, Callan,Rachael Riley, Derec Thompson, Anne Barrow, Leanne S, Clare, Amy, Liesel McDonald, Michelle Corcoran, Dee Naylor, Samantha Knowles-Owen, Kim Pierpoint, Sinéad McDermott, Amy Davies, Ceci, & Angela Curtis  - who have helped make this episode happen; raising much needed ADHD awareness and providing validation and information to those who desperately need it.Though we can no longer provide a messaging service; with enough Patreon pledges, the Podcast and socials will continue, and we can chat to listeners on our We Are ADHDAF Community Platform. JOIN US!Support the show

This EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE is a wee blether in which we hear the ADHD journey of Rebecca Cowley; the incredibly talented creator of our ADHDAF X Working Clasp collaborative jewellery collection. Rebecca contacted us at the start of August, when our listeners began requesting ADHDAF merchandise. We had put a poll on our stories asking what they would like, when Rebecca slid into our DMs offering us the gift of DOPAMINE! She very kindly gifted us her handmade Dopamine Molecule Collection as a thank you for creating the podcast she had been hyper-focusing on whilst investigating ADHD as a potential diagnosis for her Sister.   It was through us sharing on the podcast how our ADHD presents very differently from one another that led Rebecca to the discovery that she too has ADHD! Rebecca also sent us a surprise ADHDAF Brooch and Necklace;  a prototype for the merchandise we sell on our online store.  We were so excited and in love with her creations that we set to work putting our heads together to create this kitsch and fabulous collection of 'VISUAL DOPAMINE'The motivation behind Rebecca's desire to collaborate with us, is that she has always wanted to do something to help her Sister, who is an inspiration to Rebecca - with her out-there style, personality and bravery. The loud, colourful, fun  and fearless pieces from this collection are a representation of all that Rebecca admires in her Sister.  Her vision for the jewellery from this exclusive collaboration is that each piece is a talking point, to grab attention and to keep the conversation going in order to raise awareness - a visual representation of our podcast(!) and a beacon of bravery and authenticity; to help the wearer to take off their mask! We love the collection and everything it represents SO much!  That said, we can appreciate that much like our style of social media - this collection will not be for everyone! We had a negative comment on one of the promotional posts; which in part we feel was likely due to an albeit clever(!) very 'intense' phrase. Said post was designed to kill multiple birds with one stone by  mocking the idea of ADHD being trendy, and therefore raising awareness; whilst also marketing the merchandise and our ADHD awareness raising podcast. We decided that rather than putting ourselves through a gruelling 24 hours of RSD with a story poll, we would address the concerns raised on the podcast, to explain our stance and reassure all of our intentions.  We work day and night for the cause.  This podcast and the ADHD community are quite literally our purpose. We will continue to dedicate our lives to raising awareness with a view to inspire systemic change and help other ADHDers to the very best of our abilities. Thank you so much to.... what's her name again?! ;) ;) - the INCREDIBLE and talented legend Rebecca for this blether, her creations, and for being a valued member of the ADHDAF Family! If you would like to make a donation to Dawn's diagnosis you can do so here:  https://buymeacoffee.com/adhdasfemalesWe really REALLY appreciate your supportBIG LOVEL & D xxTrigger Warning: Strong language and mental health and struggles Support the show

A massive thank you to Riona O Connor for sharing her very fresh ADHD diagnosis journey with us! If you haven’t already heard of Ireland’s finest,  Riona is an actor; who prior to Motherhood performed in the West End. Finding theatre schedules too demanding once starting a family, she scratched her performing itch by creating comedic content on her social media platform, for which she has gained an enormous following: @rionaoconnor_Alongside her content creation, and comedy songwriting {check out her album: The Brightside} Riona is also a voiceover artist. With her gorgeous County Kerry accent, you can instantly hear why this legend of a lady would be paid to speak! Riona jumped onboard the late ADHD diagnosis rollercoaster in March of this year, after divulging her inability to read and follow Ikea instructions pamphlets to a Teacher friend, who suggested she consider the neurodevelopmental disorder as the cause. Missed up until the age of 40 due to masking from a young age and that old ADHD stereotype conflicting with ‘not having a hyperactive bone in her body.’There are three things in particular that we particularly LOVE about this episode; firstly, the way that Riona discovered her neurodivergence. With ableist media like THAT Guardian article mocking ADHD as a trend and invalidating conversations about ADHD with non doctors; it’s important to note, that unknown masking pros like the three of us found out and sought diagnosis after divulging seemingly trivial symptoms in chats with clued-up friends.  Secondly, Riona’s very unique answer to what she would change about the ADHD diagnostic process. Thirdly, we fully agree that the word lazy needs to get right  in the bin! Finally, we just love Riona, and we know you will too. OK, that’s four, but dyscalculia! :) We are so incredibly grateful to this absolute LEGEND for sharing her Inattentive ADHD diagnosis story with us. Not only is she an absolute joy to blether with; so much of what she says resonates hard, and she shares some absolute pearls to treasure too. THANK YOU SO MUCH RIONA!   We look forward to sharing our next chapter with you in the coming days when we've recovered from the lurgy. In the meantime, if you haven't already, you can enter our giveaway to WIN an ADHDAF X All The Discos Festive Bundle on Instagram Finally, if  you have enjoyed this episode, we would love you to make a donation to our Buy Me a Coffee PageBig loveL & D XTRIGGER WARNING: This episode features strong language and topics that some may find disturbing. Such as mental health issues, low self worth/self-esteem, intrusive thoughts, and family struggles. Support the show