MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel

Sari Solden, a therapist and author, has been pivotal in shedding light on the unique experiences of women with ADHD. In this discussion, she shares her own struggles with memory and organization, the shame often felt by women, and how their symptoms frequently go unnoticed. Sari emphasizes the cultural pressures that exacerbate these feelings and highlights the importance of her groundbreaking book, which has validated countless women's experiences. Her insights reveal the deep emotional legacies of ADHD and its impact on identity.

This month, we’re featuring our limited series Climbing the Walls. Join health and science journalist Danielle Elliot as she explores the surge in ADHD diagnoses among women. She shares her own story and speaks with experts and women across the country to uncover why it’s happening — and why now.In this first episode, when Danielle finds herself among the many women diagnosed with ADHD during the pandemic, she gets curious. Why women? Why now? This question takes her to northern Michigan, to meet a friend’s mom.More on this story: ADHD and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD)Older women and ADHD: How the lost generation got foundThree days with ADHDFor a transcript and more resources, visit Climbing the Walls on Understood.org. You can also email us at podcast@understood.org. 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.

One of the most urgent ADHD research gaps has to do with ADHD and trans people. We know there are lots of trans folks with ADHD. But when it comes to understanding how best to treat them, it’s a whole different story. That’s why we wanted to talk to someone who knows this experience well. Ivan Hsiao is the founder of Trans Health HQ. He joined this week’s Hyperfocus to share his own diagnosis story and to talk about what we do (and don’t) know about being trans with ADHD. For more on this topic: Trans Health HQBeing trans with ADHD (Max’s story)Talking about neurodivergence and gender identityTimestamps: (01:26) Ivan’s diagnosis story(11:18) Trans broken arm syndrome(13:56) What research is there on ADHD in trans people? (17:23) How to practice better careFor a transcript and more resources, visit Hyperfocus on Understood.org. You can also email us at hyperfocus@understood.org. 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.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Ari Tuckman, a psychologist and ADHD expert, dives into the intriguing relationship between ADHD, impulsivity, and intimacy. They explore how impulsive decisions around sex can lead to regret and the importance of consent. Ari offers insights on emotional regulation, breaking down shame versus embarrassment, and emphasizes the need for self-awareness in minimizing rash choices. The conversation encourages curiosity and compassion in navigating sexual experiences, allowing listeners to learn and grow from their encounters.

Navigating breakups can feel like a withdrawal for women with ADHD. Emotional regulation becomes even tougher, making heartbreak hit harder. The podcast delves into how stress exacerbates ADHD symptoms, resulting in rumination and impulsivity. Practical strategies are shared to disrupt negative thought patterns and manage emotional intensity. Listeners learn to channel hyperfocus into healing activities, using tools like expressive writing and a specially curated breakup playlist to support their recovery.

Last month, the Trump administration laid off over 460 people in the U.S. Department of Education. It included nearly everyone in the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), which enforces federal special education laws. A federal judge has temporarily halted the layoffs, but it’s unclear what will happen next. For people who work in or rely on special education services — including 7.5 million kids — the chaos and worry have already begun.So on this week’s Hyperfocus, we wanted to talk to smart people who could give us some perspective on what’s happening. What could it mean for families and for schools? And what does it say about how the administration views neurodivergent people in general?Our guests are Meghan Whittaker, a former chief of staff at the U.S. Department of Education, and Julian Saavedra, an assistant principal. For more on this topic: What the special education layoffs mean for your child’s IEP and school servicesWhat happens to my child’s IEP if the U.S. Department of Education closes?The R-word is back: How do you get people to care? Special education: Federal law vs. state lawTimestamps:(03:04) A breakdown of the layoffs(10:16) How worry is already hitting families and schools(18:02) What to know about school vouchers(29:50) “Find your space to serve”For a transcript and more resources, visit Hyperfocus on Understood.org. You can also email us at hyperfocus@understood.org. 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.

The holidays are here — and so is all the food, family, and sensory overload that can come with them. Host Cate Osborn sits down with Aleta Storch, dietitian, nutritionist, ADHD expert, and founder of Wise Heart Nutrition, to talk about food and ADHD. They cover what disordered eating looks like (and how it’s different from a diagnosed eating disorder), why sensory sensitivities can make meals stressful, and what it’s like not to be believed when you say you don’t want to eat something. Plus, the dopamine rush of holiday treats — and how to navigate it all with more compassion and understanding.(Note: This episode does not dive deeply into diagnosed eating disorders — we’ll have another episode in the future focused entirely on that topic.)For more on this topic: The National Eating Disorders AssociationADHD and eatingUnderstood.org’s “Neurodiversity and the Holidays” surveyAleta’s website, www.wiseheartnutrition.comAleta’s Instagram, @the_adhd_rdTimestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:05) Aleta’s personal story with ADHD and eating(05:48) What’s the difference between an eating disorder and disordered eating? (07:46) What about ADHD can affect our relationship with food? (13:39) Sensory challenges and food(18:11) The consequences of ignoring our own needs(20:12) Good food practices to support ourselves and the neurodivergent people in our lives(26:23) Aleta’s parting advice for the holidays(28:23) Outro and creditsFor a transcript and more resources, visit Sorry, I Missed This on Understood.org. You can also email us at sorryimissedthis@understood.org. 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.

The magic of new relationships can feel intense for women with ADHD. Discover why the initial spark fades and how the ADHD brain reacts during early romance stages. Learn to recognize the difference between a natural waning and deeper incompatibilities. Dr. Johnson emphasizes the importance of chasing experiences over feelings. Get practical tips on managing emotions and expectations in new relationships, plus insights on when to disclose ADHD to a partner. Tune in for valuable advice that resonates!

Dr. Shauna Pollard, a clinical psychologist specializing in ADHD and burnout, shares insights on healing from burnout and its impact on relationships. She emphasizes the importance of identifying and communicating personal needs effectively. The conversation highlights how burnout exacerbates emotions and complicates boundary setting. They discuss practical strategies for repairing emotional rifts and showing love in low-effort ways during recovery. Dr. Pollard offers resources for those feeling isolated, encouraging listeners to believe in the validity of their needs.

Discover the unique dynamics of dating for women with ADHD! Explore how dopamine and emotional intensity shape the courting experience. Learn to navigate the challenges of overanalyzing and emotional impulsivity in relationships. Find out how to distinguish between genuine chemistry and manipulation. Plus, get practical tips for managing feelings during the dating phase, such as setting boundaries and trusting your instincts. Tune in for valuable insights that can transform your dating experiences!