MissUnderstood: The ADHD in Women Channel

Picture this: A woman with ADHD grabs her morning coffee hoping it will help her tackle the day. But over time she notices that while caffeine offers a quick boost, it can also affect other symptoms of ADHD.In this episode, listen as Dr. Monica Johnson explains the complex relationship between ADHD and caffeine. Hear how caffeine can affect ADHD symptoms. Learn strategies for safe caffeine intake. And discover alternatives to help with focus and energy.To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the MissUnderstood channel at Understood.We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org.Related resourcesADHD and caffeine: What parents need to knowTypes of ADHD medicationsTimestamps(01:02) Why some people with ADHD use caffeine(01:35) Ways caffeine can impact ADHD symptoms(03:44) Impact of caffeine on women(05:58) How to best manage caffeine use  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

Rae Jacobson has been friends with Katherine Martinelli since they were 6. In the classroom, they were polar opposites: Katherine, a star student; Rae, scrambling and struggling with then-undiagnosed ADHD and dyscalculia. As they grew older, they both became mothers and professional writers and editors. Rae got diagnosed and found the support and systems that worked for her. When, well into their 30s, Katherine called to say she'd been diagnosed with ADHD, Rae was shocked: “My queen of competence has ADHD?”On this episode of Hyperfocus, Rae digs into what made her and Katherine’s ADHD experiences so vastly different. Related resourcesADHD and women: The essentials“Understood Explains” podcast: ADHD diagnosis in adultsHow ADHD is diagnosed in adults“In It” podcast: When your child’s diagnosis leads to your own (podcast)Timestamps(03:56) Martinelli’s diagnosis(07:27) Memories of Rae in school(11:39) Hyperfocusing and other early signs(15:39) “Am I an ADHD imposter?”To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the Hyperfocus podcast page at Understood.orgWe love hearing from our listeners. 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

Have you ever made big plans for the day but ended up doing nothing on that list? The trouble with executive function that comes with ADHD can make planning, and actually starting on those plans difficult.ADHD coach Jaye Lin reacts to a quote on this very scenario. Listen to Jaye’s tips for managing our motivation and making progress. Related resources“You can’t have ADHD” (Farah Jamil’s story)How I beat my social media habit (and how you can too)  How the Five-Second Rule changed my ADHD lifeTimestamps(00:40) Farah’s quote(02:54) ADHD and planning(04:22) ADHD and context switching(06:10) “The whole day” might not be as free as it seems(09:08) What can we do to help?(12:27) RecapTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the MissUnderstood podcast channel page at Understood.Have a challenge you’d like Jaye to talk about in an episode? Email or send a voice memo to us at adhdcoachtips@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

Consent is an agreement that people reach together. It can get a bit tricky with people-pleasing and black and white thinking — two things that can often come up with ADHD. The Wheel of Consent can help.This week, host Cate Osborn welcomes Betty Martin to the show. Betty is the author of The Art of Receiving and Giving: The Wheel of Consent. Join Betty and Cate as they break down the Wheel of Consent and why it can be a great tool for ADHDers.Related resourcesThe Wheel of Consent diagram PDFHow to play the 3-minute gameBetty’s website, bettymartin.orgTimestamps(00:00) Introduction to the Wheel of Consent(03:08) What is consent? (08:25) What does the Wheel of Consent do? (10:25) Redefining “receiving” and “giving” (12:21) ADHD, and talking about consent(17:34) How to figure out what you actually want(23:14) The 3-minute game(29:26) “Putting up with” touch(31:26) The “shadow sides” of the Wheel of Consent(35:17) Where you can find Betty and more Wheel of Consent resourcesTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the Sorry, I Missed This podcast page at Understood.orgWe love hearing from our listeners. 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

Picture this: As your menstrual cycle approaches, you notice a shift in your mood and focus. One moment you feel productive, clear-headed, and on top of your ADHD. The next moment your concentration slips away. Hormonal changes can turn everyday routines into huge challenges for women with ADHD. In this episode, listen as Dr. Monica Johnson explores how hormonal fluctuations can heighten ADHD symptoms. Learn key hormones that can impact mood and focus. And get tips on how to manage ADHD and hormonal changes effectively.To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the MissUnderstood channel at Understood.We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at podcast@understood.org.Related resourcesA guide to hormones and ADHDADHD and hormones (Catie Osborn’s story)ADHD and womenTimestamps(00:55) What are hormones?(01:35) Does research show a connection between ADHD and hormones?(02:38) How does ADHD impact the menstrual cycle?(04:11) How to manage ADHD and hormonal changes effectively(05:04) How diet and exercise play a role 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

Rae had heard that there was a link between ADHD and postpartum depression. But with a tiny baby to care for and a life to navigate, she had more pressing things to deal with. But the question kept bugging her: Does ADHD make you more likely to have postpartum depression?This week on Hyperfocus, Rae finally gets some answers to questions she has had for years. Her guest is Dr. Catherine Birndorf, a reproductive psychiatrist, co-founder of The Motherhood Center, and an expert on postpartum mood disorders.Related resourcesCatherine’s book: What No One Tells You3 things I’m learning as a new mom with ADHD72 hours in the life of a working mom with ADHDParenting tips when you and your child have ADHDTimestamps(02:55) ADHD as a postpartum concern(09:47) PMADs: Not just the ‘baby blues’(14:21) What can struggling parents do?(21:07) Medication and pregnancyTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the Hyperfocus podcast page at Understood.orgWe love hearing from our listeners. 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

People may assume that an ADHDer doesn’t struggle with something because it looks easy from the outside. Though they may be feeling challenged, they’re masking, or “making it work,” to get something done. ADHD coach Jaye Lin reacts to a quote about how “making it work” can lead to anxiety and depression. It can also make it easy to dismiss your own needs for support and accommodations. Listen for some tips that can help.Related resourcesADHD and the “model minority” mask (Emily’s story)Masking my ADHD at work was exhausting, so I stoppedTimestamps(00:42) Emily’s quote(02:24) Jaye’s reaction(03:40) Pressure to mask due to shame(05:54) When others make assumptions about you because you’re masking(08:33) Why we might have a hard time asking for help(10:18) What can we do when we find ourselves in this masking trap?(14:32) Recap  To get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the MissUnderstood podcast channel page at Understood.Have a challenge you’d like Jaye to talk about in an episode? Email or send a voice memo to us at adhdcoachtips@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

Hey MissUnderstood listeners! We’ve got a new show coming soon to our channel.Hyperfocus is a show that zeroes in on what fascinates us about ADHD, learning, and mental health. Join journalist Rae Jacobson as she tackles big questions like, “Why can’t I get my ADHD meds? Who exactly gets to define a diagnosis? And can ADHD make postpartum depression worse?” New episodes launch every other Thursday wherever you get your podcasts. 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

Do you not notice that you’re hungry until you’re raging? Do you bump into things constantly? These are just two examples of how our sensory systems can affect those of us with ADHD. And they have a lot more to do with communication than you might think.This week, author of ADHD & Us and licensed clinical social worker Anita Robertson breaks down the three hidden sensory systems. Join Anita and Cate as they talk about how these can affect relationships with ADHD, and share some tools that can help. Related resourcesInteroception and sensory processing challengesADHD and UsAnita’s website, anitarobertson.comTimestamps(04:19) What is a sensory difference?(08:21) What are the 3 hidden sensory systems?(11:05) How does interoception impact ADHD?(14:47) The vestibular system and ADHD(20:28) Proprioception and ADHD(23:05) Sensory systems and communication with ADHD(26:56) How do we start identifying our sensory needs?(30:21) Where you can find AnitaTo get a transcript of this show and check out more episodes, visit the Sorry, I Missed This podcast page at Understood.orgWe love hearing from our listeners. 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

It was a spur-of-the-moment buy at the mall. A brand new handbag caught your eye and you couldn’t resist buying it.  For many women with ADHD, moments of impulsive spending can lead to feelings of excitement followed by regret once the bills arrive.In this episode, host Dr. Monica Johnson breaks down the connection between ADHD and impulsive spending. Listen as she discusses the value of pausing before making a purchase. And gives practical tips on how women with ADHD can build better financial habits and regain control over their spending.To get a transcript and check out more episodes, visit the MissUnderstood channel page at Understood.We love to hear from our listeners. Email us at podcasts@understood.org.Related resourcesADHD and managing moneyWhat is the ADHD tax?Timestamps(00:42) What is impulsive behavior? (02:03) What is the emotional impact of spending? (03:54) How can positive and negative emotions lead to poor spending habits? (06:05) Strategies for managing spending  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