MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel

Artificial intelligence has cemented itself as the latest world-altering technology. It follows the same lineage as electricity, the television, the internet — the list goes on. Depending on who you talk to, AI is the greatest thing ever or the thing that will destroy the world, with lots of room in the middle for discussion and experimentation. But within the bigger AI fascination, there’s a smaller yet critical conversation about how this technology might help or harm people who learn and think differently. That’s why we brought in Dr. Amy Gaeta for this week’s “Hyperfocus.” She’s an AI ethicist and researcher who also has autism, giving her a unique insight that she shares on our latest episode. For more on this topicAmy’s websiteWhat is assistive technology?6 ways AI can help you manage ADHD symptomsHow software and apps can help with math challengesUnderstood AssistantTimestamps(03:40) AI in the workplace(10:16) Disability justice and technology(13:45) AI’s built-in bias against disability (17:15) How to find helpful, safe AI uses(21:08) Chatbot therapy (25:14) What does the future hold for AI and neurodivergence? For a transcript and more resources, visit the Hyperfocus page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at hyperfocus@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feeling drained, unmotivated, or stuck in survival mode? In part one of our “Breaking the Burnout Cycle” series, host Cate Osborn and psychologist Dr. Shauna Pollard unpack the question: What is burnout? They explore the signs to watch for, how to recognize when you’re in it, and how it’s different from depression.If you’ve been wondering whether what you’re experiencing is burnout, this episode is a good place to start.Related resourcesADHD burnoutADHD and depressionDr. Shauna’s website, https://drspllc.com/Timestamps(00:00) A word from Cate on burnout(01:50) What is burnout? How is it different than depression?(05:57) What happens when ADHD perfectionism and overcommitting meets burnout?(08:06) How do we know that we’re starting to get burnout? How can we tell if it’s burnout or depression?(12:11) How to recognize whether your battery is low or completely tapped out(15:55) How to get to know ourselves and our bodies better to help us in the future(22:57) Burnout spreading from work into the home(26:39) Outro and creditsFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Sorry, I Missed This show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Discover how itchy tags and tight clothes can trigger sensory overwhelm for women with ADHD. Delve into why this discomfort is often overlooked and learn practical strategies to ease daily challenges. Dr. Monica Johnson shares insights into sensory processing difficulties, including how they affect attention and emotional regulation. Explore gender differences in sensory struggles, along with tips for mindfulness and environmental adjustments to create a more manageable routine.

Craig Thomas is best known for his work on TV. He co-created the sitcom “How I Met Your Mother” and has written for “American Dad” and more. He’s penned songs for “Sesame Street” and essays for “The New Yorker.” He’s less known for being a dad. For now, at least. He has a daughter, Celia, and a son, Elliot, who was born with Jacobsen syndrome, a genetic condition causing physical and developmental disabilities. When Elliot was born, Craig’s career was taking off with “How I Met Your Mother.” “I was living an hour drama show at home and then driving to work and doing a sitcom,” Craig says. His upcoming novel, “That’s Not How It Happened,” is based in part on his family’s experience.If you heard our series on the resurgence of the R-word, you’ll recognize Craig’s voice. The conversation with him was so good that we’re sharing more!For more on this topicPreorder Craig’s novelCheck out Craig’s podcastHear Craig on our R-word episodes, part 1 and part 2Timestamps(02:20) Craig’s backstory and current work(09:45) How Craig relates to the disability community(13:10) Disability and media depictions (29:04) Comedy, the R-word, and why language matters(39:10) On parenting a child with disabilitiesFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Hyperfocus page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at hyperfocus@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

It’s a solo mailbag episode! Host Cate Osborn grabs her trusty D20 to let fate decide which listener emails to answer. Cate answers some common ADHD questions from navigating ADHD as a woman, to what it means to have a diagnosis, to how symptoms can shift as we age.Related resourcesUnderstood Explains podcast season 2: ADHD diagnosis in adultsADHD and: AgingFacebook group: ADHD Support for Women by Understood.orgTimestamps(00:00) Intro(00:27) The rules(01:14) Why do previously stimulating activities become routine?(02:48) What does an ADHD diagnosis provide?(05:30) What are some tips for self kindness when dealing with problems we’ve created?(09:56) How to not get too overloaded by a task(14:52) Does ADHD become more calm as you get older? Are there future treatments other than medication being developed?(21:38) A parting word from Cate(23:04) Outro and creditsFor a transcript and more resources, visit the Sorry, I Missed This show page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. Explore Through My Eyes today. Step into the world of three kids with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyscalculia — helping you see differently so you can act differently.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 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People-pleasing can be a coping mechanism for women with ADHD, often stemming from feelings of overwhelm and misunderstandings. The discussion delves into how this behavior manifests and the hidden costs it incurs, like emotional exhaustion. Dr. Monica Johnson shares practical strategies to break free from the cycle, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing personal needs. This insightful conversation sheds light on the unique challenges that come with ADHD and offers encouragement for a healthier mindset.

Ellyce Fulmore, a financial educator and author of Keeping Finance Personal, shares insights on how personal identity influences money management. She discusses the emotional baggage of shame and guilt tied to spending habits and the unique financial challenges that come with ADHD. Ellyce emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s 'money story' and provides practical strategies, including tackling impulse spending and navigating finances in relationships. Her perspective showcases how individual experiences shape financial behaviors in diverse contexts.

Many women with ADHD find shopping to be a temporary escape from stress and anxiety, leading to impulsive spending and regret. The discussion delves into compulsive buying disorder, its signs, and the emotional triggers that fuel it. Dr. Monica Johnson provides practical tips for regaining control over spending habits. The consequences of overspending and the importance of community support in overcoming shopping addiction are highlighted, making it a relatable and empowering conversation.

Join Jordan Davidson, an insightful author and editorial director, as she unpacks the complexities of deciding on parenthood for those with ADHD. Drawing from her extensive interviews, she discusses societal pressures and the misconceptions surrounding parenting expectations. Davidson highlights the emotional hurdles faced by neurodivergent individuals and the importance of communication in relationships. She also delves into the fantasy of the ‘idealized parent’ and challenges the perceptions of family planning, offering a fresh perspective on this vital life choice.

Women with ADHD often struggle to communicate boundaries effectively, feeling intimidated by the process. Dr. Monica Johnson highlights the unique challenges posed by ADHD, like executive dysfunction and emotional regulation. She offers practical strategies to simplify boundary-setting, helping listeners express their limits with confidence. Tips on improving communication styles are shared, making it easier for women to assert their needs in relationships.