
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

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. Skye here! Whenever you’re ready to grow your business without ADHD overwhelm, here’s how I can help: Get ADHD-friendly business strategies in your inbox No boring productivity hacks—just simple, research-backed tips to help you stay on track, stop overthinking, and get things done. All in quick, easy-to-read emails. Click here to join the community. Find out what’s holding you back. Stuck in procrastination, burnout, or endless to-do lists? My 48-hour Business Audit will pinpoint what’s slowing you down and give you a simple plan to fix it. Click here to grab one before they go. Join my Focused Balanced Growth Program Tired of systems that don’t work for your brain? Get ADHD-friendly tools to stay focused, consistent, and grow your business without burnout. DM me on Instagram with “UNLOCK” to learn more. Work with me One-on-One Running a 6-7 figure business but struggling with focus, decisions, or scaling? Let’s create a plan that works for your brain. Limited spots available— DM me on Instagra...

7 snips
Aug 5, 2024 • 26min
Deconstructing ADHD Diagnostics: How do we get to diagnosis? [Research Recap]
Dive into the intriguing world of ADHD diagnosis and screening complexities. Discover how not all assessment tools are equally effective and the significant biases that can influence outcomes. The discussion unveils the emotional hurdles faced by individuals with ADHD, advocating for community support. Learn about efforts to enhance ADHD detection in diverse urban settings and the role of technology in improving diagnostic workflows. This exploration also highlights the importance of communication among healthcare providers and educators.

Jul 29, 2024 • 43min
Tabletop Game Designer Chris Backe: Imagining an Unconventional Career
Hello! Welcome to another interview in The ADHD Skills Lab!Skye recently sat down with Chris Backe to discuss entrepreneurship in the highly creative industry of tabletop games. Whether you're a fan of tabletop games or looking to start your own creative venture, you'll find value in this chat.Thanks for being here! Until next time,Sarah (Podcast Producer)ADHD Skills Discussed:Reduce ambiguity around deadlinesVisualize your time available for client workAsk yourself: "Is this the right workspace for this task?"Looking for Chris?Entro GamesInstagramLooking 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. Skye here! Whenever you’re ready to grow your business without ADHD overwhelm, here’s how I can help: Get ADHD-friendly business strategies in your inbox No boring productivity hacks—just simple, research-backed tips to help you stay on track, stop overthinking, and get things done. All in quick, easy-to-read emails. Click here to join the community. Find out what’s holding you back. Stuck in procrastination, burnout, or endless to-do lists? My 48-hour Business Audit will pinpoint what’s slowing you down and give you a simple plan to fix it. Click here to grab one before they go. Join my Focused Balanced Growth Program Tired of systems that don’t work for your brain? Get ADHD-friendly tools to stay focused, consistent, and grow your business without burnout. DM me on Instagram with “UNLOCK” to learn more. Work with me One-on-One Running a 6-7 figure business but struggling with focus, decisions, or scaling? Let’s create a plan that works for your brain. Limited spots available— DM me on Instagra...

50 snips
Jul 22, 2024 • 38min
Deep Dive into Dopamine [Research Recap]
Discover the impact of dopamine in ADHD brains and where it originates from. Learn how factors like protein intake and celebrating wins can boost dopamine levels. Dive into research on dopamine transfer deficit theory and its relation to ADHD symptoms. Explore the role of dopamine in intelligence and attention in individuals with ADHD. Uncover strategies for managing ADHD symptoms through self-acceptance and effective reward systems.

Jul 15, 2024 • 32min
Media Psychologist Leslie Poston: "Do it Late" - Interview in The ADHD Skills Lab
Hello and welcome back to The ADHD Skills Lab!This week I am pleased to present a chat Skye had with Leslie Poston, Media Psychologist and founder of Mind Media Tech.Curious about what's inside?Leslie shares her greatest ADHD career strengths.As usual, we get a little personal and talk diagnosis."The best way to manage your ADHD at work..." Thank you for being here. Until next time,~Sarah (Podcast Producer)ADHD Skills Discussed:Setting boundaries around work as a business ownerMaker vs. manager modeWhy we should be networking more and how to do itLooking for Leslie?Mind Media TechPsyberSpace PodcastLinked InTikTokLooking 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. Skye here! Whenever you’re ready to grow your business without ADHD overwhelm, here’s how I can help: Get ADHD-friendly business strategies in your inbox No boring productivity hacks—just simple, research-backed tips to help you stay on track, stop overthinking, and get things done. All in quick, easy-to-read emails. Click here to join the community. Find out what’s holding you back. Stuck in procrastination, burnout, or endless to-do lists? My 48-hour Business Audit will pinpoint what’s slowing you down and give you a simple plan to fix it. Click here to grab one before they go. Join my Focused Balanced Growth Program Tired of systems that don’t work for your brain? Get ADHD-friendly tools to stay focused, consistent, and grow your business without burnout. DM me on Instagram with “UNLOCK” to learn more. Work with me One-on-One Running a 6-7 figure business but struggling with focus, decisions, or scaling? Let’s create a plan that works for your brain. Limited spots available— DM me on Instagra...

5 snips
Jul 8, 2024 • 40min
Rethinking the DSM: A new approach from the HiTOP model
Exploring the HiTOP model as a potential replacement for the DSM, redefining mental health diagnosis, discussing the future of ADHD diagnoses, managing job application stress, research on verbal memory performance in ADHD, exploring delays, IQ, and cardiovascular fitness impact, and learning styles and memory retention techniques.

Jul 1, 2024 • 57min
Netflix Screenwriter Heather Taylor: Interview in The ADHD Skills Lab
Hello and welcome to another interview in the ADHD Skills Lab!Heather Taylor, accomplished screenwriter and co-host of the Braaains podcast, met with us to discuss her lived experience with ADHD and the many ways it failed to resonate with her early on.Curious about what's inside?How externalizing symptoms become internalizing symptomsHow Heather started healing the guilt and shameWait, you can use DND to explain ADHD to people?!Thanks for being here. Until next time,~ Sarah (Podcast Producer)PS. Have you ever wished you could have an expert look at your organization system and tell you exactly how to fix it? Now you can with Skye here. ADHD Skills Discussed:Anchoring daily activities on each otherHow Heather manages deadlines and the need to write many draftsManaging Rejection-Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) and Imposter Syndrome Looking for Heather?Personal WebsiteBRAAAINS PodcastNew Audiobook - Coming Soon!Looking for more content? Want to get in touch?We would love to hear from you!IG: Skye @unconventionalorganisationIG: Sarah @theadhdskillslabpodcastYT: Unconventional Organisation ADHDP.S. Skye here! Whenever you’re ready to grow your business without ADHD overwhelm, here’s how I can help: Get ADHD-friendly business strategies in your inbox No boring productivity hacks—just simple, research-backed tips to help you stay on track, stop overthinking, and get things done. All in quick, easy-to-read emails. Click here to join the community. Find out what’s holding you back. Stuck in procrastination, burnout, or endless to-do lists? My 48-hour Business Audit will pinpoint what’s slowing you down and give you a simple plan to fix it. Click here to grab one before they go. Join my Focused Balanced Growth Program Tired of systems that don’t work for your brain? Get ADHD-friendly tools to stay focused, consistent, and grow your business without burnout. DM me on Instagram with “UNLOCK” to learn more. Work with me One-on-One Running a 6-7 figure business but struggling with focus, decisions, or scaling? Let’s create a plan that works for your brain. Limited spots available— DM me on Instagra...
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