
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

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. 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....

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. 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....

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. 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....

5 snips
Jun 24, 2024 • 35min
Snapshot of an ADHD Diagnosis Around the World [Research Recap]
Learn about the global variations in ADHD diagnosis rates and the impact of culture on assessments. Explore regional differences in symptom levels and the challenges faced in diagnosing ADHD across diverse cultural contexts. Discover insights into self-report scales, diagnostic criteria, and the importance of considering cultural nuances in ADHD assessments.

Jun 17, 2024 • 44min
Interview with Jeremy Didier - President of CHADD: Small Beginnings and ADHD Strategies
Hi and welcome to another episode of the ADHD Skills Lab!I'm Sarah, your producer, presenting a very special episode. Jeremy Didier from CHADD joins us to share the story of how she built ADHD supports into her own life, not just for her kids. She also leaves behind a treasure trove of strategies that are sure to intrigue all ADHD'ers among us!Thanks for being here. Until next time, ~ Sarah (Podcast Producer)ADHD Skills Discussed:Unconventional times to do "the thing"Moments of mindfulnessPeer support is valuableso much more... References:CHADD - Resource CenterCHADD Affiliate Locator *virtual groups availableJeremy Didier - Impact ParentsLooking 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....

Jun 10, 2024 • 37min
Attachment Style & ADHD: What does it mean for neurodiversity? [Research Recap]
Dive into the debate on how attachment styles and ADHD intersect, with discussions on attachment theory, trauma correlations, and personal experiences. Explore the impact of attachment styles on relationships, communication, and neurodiversity, with a focus on understanding and improving self-awareness and vocabulary in interactions.

Jun 3, 2024 • 43min
Sensory Processing and ADHD: I can't hear you, my socks are wet [Research Recap]
Dive into the intriguing world of sensory processing and its crucial link to ADHD. Discover what sensory processing disorder really is and its impact on daily experiences. Explore fascinating studies that uncover gender differences in ADHD diagnosis and the brain's response to sensory challenges. Learn practical strategies to cope with sensory overload and how personal experiences shape one's interaction with the world. This insightful discussion sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of sensory sensitivities and ADHD.