
The ADHD Skills Lab
Navigate each day in an ADHD-friendly way – with research-backed strategies, real-life experiences and expert advice. Each week, UO founder Skye Waterson chats with expert guests, reviews the latest ADHD research, takes your questions and offers practical support to help you move past whatever may be holding you back. Skye Waterson is a former academic turned coach, podcast host, and founder of an international ADHD support service, Unconventional Organisation. After getting a surprise ADHD diagnosis in the first year of her PhD, Skye turned her struggles into research-based strategies. She researched and wrote over 50 articles with a combined readership of 250,000+ and then began her next phase of disseminating these strategies around the world. After being invited to share her strategies with the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) in 2022, Skye has supported late-diagnosed healthcare professionals, professors, lawyers, reporters, fortune 500 directors, and entrepreneurs. She crafted her vision for Unconventional Organisation after realizing how few personalized ADHD strategies were available for adults following her diagnosis.
Latest episodes

Oct 14, 2024 • 40min
The Doctor is in... ADHD Meds & Heart Risk: Research Recap with an Epidemiologist
Dr. Fred Hooven, a Professor of Public Health and epidemiologist, dives into the intriguing connection between ADHD medications and heart health. He tackles the dual findings that some medications may heighten heart disease risks while simultaneously lowering early death rates. The conversation also covers essential study designs and highlights the importance of tailored patient discussions before treatment. With insights from Swedish research, Dr. Hooven emphasizes how lifestyle factors and pre-treatment screenings play crucial roles in safeguarding cardiovascular health.

16 snips
Oct 7, 2024 • 47min
Conquering Clutter with ADHD: Megs Crawford Shares Organising Tips that Work
Discover practical strategies for organizing your space while navigating the challenges of ADHD. Learn how to shift from perfectionism to functional organization. Explore effective ways to declutter and set personal boundaries. Embrace the importance of small wins and mindful transitions in creating routines that stick. Plus, gain insights from a courageous journey into entrepreneurship and the empowering mindset necessary for thriving with ADHD.

Sep 30, 2024 • 34min
ADHD & Finances: More Than Just Impulsivity?!
Dive into the complex relationship between ADHD and finances! Discover how impulsive spending might stem from factors beyond ADHD. Uncover findings from a community study examining personality traits and their influence on financial decisions. Explore the paradox of ADHD as both a unique challenge and potential asset in the workplace. The discussion highlights significant research gaps regarding ADHD's impact on financial management and the urgent need for deeper investigation into financial distress within this community.

Sep 23, 2024 • 54min
How Google’s Lisa Ballard Closes High-Value Deals with ADHD: Secrets to Success in Tech
Lisa Ballard, Director at Google Cloud with 20 years in enterprise tech sales, shares her insights on navigating ADHD in high-stakes environments. She discusses her late diagnosis and the emotional shift it brought, highlighting how individuals with ADHD can leverage their unique strengths. Lisa provides practical strategies for managing overwhelm, such as using planner pads and family planning meetings. Her experiences reveal the importance of community support and mindfulness in achieving professional and personal balance.

8 snips
Sep 16, 2024 • 23min
ADHD and ASD: If you're confused, so are the experts
Is ADHD distinct from ASD, or do they overlap? Experts are still debating this puzzling question. A meta-analysis reveals significant structural brain differences, but many assessment tools fall short. The discussion highlights challenges in diagnosing and treating individuals with both conditions. Inconsistencies in treatment underscore the need for tailored support. Neurodivergent professionals contribute valuable insights to clarify this confusion, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research and shared resources.

Sep 9, 2024 • 44min
Author & Former Publisher E. Prybylski on Words and Creativity
Hello! Thanks for tuning into another week of The ADHD Skills Lab!Skye brings us an interview with the wonderful E. Prybylski, wearer of many hats. They cover the essentials - daily ADHD strategies - but the conversation really gets interesting when they delve into, "how to write" and "how to get published." I will personally be relistening to the bit on connecting authentically so I can feel that spark again. Thanks for being here! Until next time,Sarah (Podcast Producer)ADHD Skills Discussed:Chunking & prioritizationWFH self-accommodation ideasChecking on my basic needs to get unstuck? ...sounds fake, right?Looking for E?Author WebsiteInstagramTikTokThe Star Point Method - Video on YTLooking for more content? Want to get in touch?We would love to hear from you!IG: Skye @unconventionalorganisationIG: Sarah @theadhdskillslabpodcastYT: Unconventional Organisation ADHDP.S. At UO, we help business owners and executives grow their revenue, build momentum, and get focused. So if overwhelm and procrastination is putting you at risk, here’s how to fix it: 1. The Founder's Clarity Audit.If you’re struggling to figure out what the “big boulder” or “north star” should be in your business, and how to finally move on it, this is for you. It’s only $80 and it’ll give you instant clarity on what really matters for moving your business forward — plus a simple neuro hack to make you want to do it. Click here to get started. 2. The Unconventional Organisation Coaching ProgramUsed by business owners, this framework is designed to help you grow your revenue by focusing and getting time back without the stress. Most people feel focused and start building momentum in the first two weeks. If traditional systems don’t work for your brain, this program does. Click here to apply. https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/contact-us 3. Private Coaching for High-Level EntrepreneursFor six and seven-figure business owners ready to scale efficiently, increase revenue, and eliminate chaos—I have a few spots left to work with me this year. Click here to apply....

Sep 2, 2024 • 31min
The Scientific Community has the floor... Adapting Treatment Methods for Adult ADHD [Research Recap]
Discover promising advancements in treating adult ADHD, especially the effectiveness of combining Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with medication. Explore the critical role of inclusive research and community support in personalizing treatment approaches. Learn about specialized support programs for parents with ADHD that focus on practical skill development. The importance of building skills in a shame-free environment and connecting with others in the ADHD community is emphasized throughout.

8 snips
Aug 26, 2024 • 31min
Pelvic Floor PT Dr. Anna Burns on ADHD throughout Motherhood
Dr. Anna Burns shares her relatable journey as a new mother navigating ADHD during the pandemic. The discussion dives into the unique emotional and logistical challenges faced by mothers, especially with late diagnoses. Strategies like using paper reminders and embracing flexible routines come to light. Hormonal changes and their impacts on ADHD symptoms are explored, highlighting the importance of community support and self-advocacy. This insightful conversation emphasizes personal growth and finding joy amidst the chaos of parenthood.

Aug 19, 2024 • 27min
The cat's out of the bag... Atypical Communication in ADHD [Research Recap]
Discover the fascinating world of atypical communication patterns in individuals with ADHD! Explore the challenges of pragmatic skills and how they impact social interactions. Learn about innovative screening methods, including audio analysis, to enhance early detection. Hear personal anecdotes that highlight the unique communication styles of those with ADHD and the importance of community support. Plus, insights on the intersection of ADHD and autism reveal the need for ongoing research in this area. It's a revealing look at understanding and supporting neurodiverse communication!

5 snips
Aug 12, 2024 • 38min
Authentic PR's Kathryn Palmer: AuDHD Stigma, RSD and the Reward of Masking
Hi and welcome back to the ADHD Skills Lab!This week we are offering up an interview with high energy entrepreneur, Kathryn Palmer, who came with lots to share! Curious about what's inside?Talk of misdiagnosis and stigmaHow to thrive while working from home What is the reward for masking and when is it worth it?Thanks for being here! Until next time,Sarah (Podcast Producer)ADHD Skills Discussed:Hyperfocus - to interrupt or not?Chrono-working with ADHDScheduling in variety - why would I do this?Looking for Kathryn?Authentic Public Relations - websiteInstagramLooking for more content? Want to get in touch?We would love to hear from you! Feel free to @ us and drop a line or two!IG: Skye @unconventionalorganisationIG: Sarah @theadhdskillslabpodcastYT: Unconventional Organisation ADHDP.S. At UO, we help business owners and executives grow their revenue, build momentum, and get focused. So if overwhelm and procrastination is putting you at risk, here’s how to fix it: 1. The Founder's Clarity Audit.If you’re struggling to figure out what the “big boulder” or “north star” should be in your business, and how to finally move on it, this is for you. It’s only $80 and it’ll give you instant clarity on what really matters for moving your business forward — plus a simple neuro hack to make you want to do it. Click here to get started. 2. The Unconventional Organisation Coaching ProgramUsed by business owners, this framework is designed to help you grow your revenue by focusing and getting time back without the stress. Most people feel focused and start building momentum in the first two weeks. If traditional systems don’t work for your brain, this program does. Click here to apply. https://www.unconventionalorganisation.com/contact-us 3. Private Coaching for High-Level EntrepreneursFor six and seven-figure business owners ready to scale efficiently, increase revenue, and eliminate chaos—I have a few spots left to work with me this year. Click here to apply....