ADHDifference

Julie Legg speaks with Caroline Beresford about the concept of ADHD paralysis, a state of mental "freeze" where decision-making and action become difficult or impossible. Caroline shares her personal journey with ADHD, her experiences as a parent of children with ADHD, and her insights as a certified ADHD coach. 

Together they discuss the unique challenges of ADHD paralysis, its triggers, and strategies to overcome it. A common stigma associated with ADHD paralysis is the perception that it is laziness or a lack of willpower. People often misunderstand ADHD paralysis as "procrastination" or "not trying hard enough," which leads to judgment from others and self-criticism from those with ADHD. Caroline emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and recognizing the role of executive function deficits in ADHD-related paralysis.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Caroline’s ADHD Journey: Her ADHD diagnosis journey was influenced by her experience as a parent navigating her child’s ADHD diagnosis and her decision to train as an ADHD coach​.
• Understanding ADHD Paralysis: Overwhelm, perfectionism, fear of failure, and large, unstructured tasks often trigger paralysis​. ADHD paralysis can affect everyday tasks, work, and relationships, as individuals struggle to take action despite having a clear intention to do so​.
• Strategies to Overcome ADHD Paralysis: Include breaking tasks into smaller steps, external accountability, self-compassion, and time awareness tools.
• Common Stigma: ADHD paralysis is often misjudged as laziness or lack of effort, but it’s actually caused by executive dysfunction, making it difficult to start tasks despite wanting to, leading to shame, self-doubt, and misunderstandings from others.
• Coaching Role: Caroline helps ADHDers manage symptoms, reduce paralysis, and find personalized solutions.

LINKS

Caroline Beresford – The Addvocacy Project Website: https://www.theaddvocacyproject.com/

Caroline Beresford - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-beresford-the-addvocacy-project/

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 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie Legg speaks with Romy Graichen from Therapy Advances; a neurodivergent therapist, trainer, and consultant, about the intersection of ADHD and therapy. Diagnosed later in life with ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyspraxia, Romy shares her unique journey and the challenges she faced navigating a world often shaped by neurotypical norms. 

Together, they discuss how therapy can be more inclusive and empowering for neurodivergent individuals, emphasizing the transformative potential of integrating lived experiences into therapeutic practices. Romy shares her work in training therapists to move beyond traditional, neurotypical frameworks, fostering a deeper understanding of the unique needs and strengths of neurodivergent clients. She highlights the importance of adapting communication styles, challenging biases, and creating affirming spaces where clients can feel seen and understood.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Romy’s Personal Journey: How her late diagnoses brought clarity to lifelong challenges, reshaping her perspective on identity and capability.
• Biases in Therapy: The neurotypical frameworks in traditional therapy often overlook the needs and experiences of neurodivergent individuals.
• Inclusivity in Practice: Advocating for updated therapist training to prioritize neurodiversity and create affirming spaces.
• Celebrating Strengths: Highlighting creativity, adaptability, and empathy as key ADHD strengths that flourish in supportive environments.
• A Call to Action: Encouraging professionals to embrace change and develop tools that better support neurodiverse clients.

LINKS

Romy Graichen – Therapy Advances Website

Romy Graichen - LinkedIn

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Julie Legg speaks with Sara Thompson, PhD, a theatre professional and public speaking coach, about her journey with a late ADHD diagnosis and how it reshapes her understanding of lifelong challenges. 

Together, they explore the impact ADHD and academia, the authenticity and confidence in public speaking, the influence of societal norms on ADHD traits, and the empowering role of creativity in navigating executive function struggles. Sara shares her insights on embracing individuality and turning vulnerabilities into strengths, offering inspiration and practical tools for thriving with ADHD.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Impact of Late Diagnosis: A late ADHD diagnosis provides relief and clarity, allowing individuals to reframe lifelong struggles with greater self-compassion. Sara reflects on symptoms she now recognizes as ADHD, such as difficulties with unstructured tasks and feelings of self-doubt in academia.
  
  
• Struggles with Traditional Education: Sara finds that the lack of structured deadlines in graduate school exacerbates her ADHD symptoms, fueling guilt and a sense of inadequacy.
  
  
• Public Speaking Coaching: Drawing on her theatre and performance background, Sara helps clients develop confidence and authenticity in their public speaking. She emphasizes embracing individuality over conforming to rigid expectations, encouraging clients to lean into their strengths and communicate with genuine passion. Sara uses techniques like voice modulation, body language, and breathing exercises to help speakers stay grounded and connect with their audience.
  
  
• Executive Function Challenges: Sara experiences overwhelm and paralysis when initiating tasks, a common struggle for individuals with ADHD. These challenges are often worsened by societal norms and rigid work structures.
  
  
• Community and Connection: Recognizing ADHD traits in others fosters self-compassion and a sense of belonging for Sara, reducing the isolation that often accompanies an undiagnosed condition.

LINKS

Sara Thompson website 

Sara Thompson LinkedIn 

Sara Thompson Facebook 

Sara Thompson Instagram 

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 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie Legg chats with Angela Raspass, a Sydney-based business coach, mentor, author, and fellow late-diagnosed ADHDer. Angela shares her inspiring journey from corporate career to self-employment, discussing the unique strengths and challenges of being an ADHD business owner. 

Angela shares how her diagnosis reshaped her understanding of past experiences and influenced her coaching approach. Together, they explore how embracing an ADHD lens can lead to greater self-compassion, awareness, and empowerment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Journey to Self-Employment and Business Coaching: Angela transitioned from corporate work to self-employment after realizing the inflexibility of corporate environments conflicted with her needs. Initially starting with a marketing consultancy, her career evolved into business coaching, driven by a passion for direct client interaction and creative problem-solving​.
• ADHD Diagnosis and Its Impact: Diagnosed at 53, Angela reflected on her life with newfound clarity, seeing how ADHD traits like impulsivity and the need for stimulation had shaped her experiences. 
• Challenges as an ADHD Business Owner: Traits such as impulsivity, overthinking, and time blindness presented consistent challenges in running her business. She emphasized the difficulty of aligning her energy patterns with conventional expectations and the struggle with self-doubt and perfectionism​.
• Strengths of ADHD: Angela highlighted her ADHD-related strengths, such as divergent thinking, big-picture vision, and resilience. Her creativity, adaptability, and ability to connect with others on a deep level were described as key assets in her personal and professional life.
• The Role of Self-Belief: Fostering self-worth is essential for business owners, particularly those with ADHD. Self-doubt often holds individuals back despite having the tools and strategies to succeed. She advocates for combining business strategy with self-leadership to create sustainable and fulfilling businesses​.
• Coaching Approach: Angela works with established business owners, helping them recalibrate their businesses to align with their strengths and values. She emphasizes the importance of ongoing support to maintain momentum and overcome setbacks, or as she calls it, the “ka-donk” factor.
• Insights into ADHD in Women: Angela's experiences echo broader themes in ADHD among women, such as masking, self-doubt, and the late realization of ADHD traits. Her advocacy highlights the power of storytelling in reducing stigma and fostering understanding​.

LINKS

Angela Raspass - website

Angela Raspass - LinkedIn

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 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie Legg chats with Darrin Bull, spokesperson for ADHD New Zealand, about the changes newly announced by Pharmac that promise to reshape ADHD treatment accessibility in New Zealand. 

From December 1, 2024, Pharmac will fund lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), a next-generation ADHD medication, and remove the two-year psychiatrist renewal requirement for prescriptions. Darrin highlights the benefits of these changes, long-advocated by ADHD New Zealand, that aims to address significant barriers faced by those with ADHD.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Funding of Vyvanse: From December 1, 2024, Pharmac in New Zealand will fund lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), a next-generation ADHD stimulant medication.
• Removal of Renewal Criteria: The requirement to renew ADHD medication prescriptions every two years via a psychiatrist will be eliminated.
• Benefits of new medication: Offers fewer side effects, especially related to sleep. Reduces addiction risks compared to older stimulants. Serves as an additional option, but not a universal solution—effectiveness varies among individuals.
• Access: Special Authority approval from a psychiatrist will still be needed to start using  lisdexamfetamine .
• Advocacy: ADHD New Zealand advocated for these changes for nearly a decade, as prior renewal requirements posed significant barriers for patients. These changes didn’t happen overnight. ADHD New Zealand has been advocating tirelessly for years—holding 339 meetings since 2018 alone—to make these advancements a reality. 

LINKS

ADHD New Zealand 

Pharmac’s Press Release 11-Nov-24 

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Julie Legg and Jel Legg chat about ADHD and Anxiety – the ongoing worry, nervousness and a myriad of fearful thoughts that can stem from ADHD traits, or be an anxiety disorder that affects neurotypicals too.     
 
They discuss how anxiety often intertwines with ADHD traits, like forgetfulness and impulsivity, creating unique triggers that can lead to excessive worry and self-doubt. Julie and Jel reflect on the impact of external stressors, such as media-driven fear, and the challenges of managing both cognitive anxiety (thought-based) and physical anxiety (unexpected physical symptoms). They offer personal strategies for managing anxiety, including mindfulness, seeking advice from trusted individuals, and finding ways to stay grounded in the present. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Connection between ADHD and Anxiety: Around 50% of adults with ADHD experience anxiety, which may stem from ADHD traits like forgetfulness, impulsivity, or difficulties with organization. These traits can trigger worry and self-doubt, especially in situations where trust in one’s abilities is compromised​​.
• Triggers and Self-Perception: Simple ADHD-related lapses can spiral into significant self-doubt and anxiety. For example, forgetting to secure valuables may lead to doubts about trustworthiness and increased anxiety about future lapses​.
• Media Influence: Exposure to dramatic news can heighten anxiety, especially when framed as "fears." This heightened emotional content can trigger anxiety for those with ADHD who may already be sensitive to stressors​.
• Types of Anxiety in ADHD: Cognitive (thought-based) and non-cognitive (physical symptoms) anxiety both affect those with ADHD. Physical responses to triggers can come unexpectedly, even without logical cause, while cognitive anxiety often involves looping thoughts about finances, job security, or future uncertainties​.
• Strategies for Managing Anxiety: Techniques like externalizing problems (considering a third-person perspective) and mindfulness can help. Maintaining focus on the present, rather than dwelling on past mistakes or future unknowns, can mitigate stress. The couple also highlights the value of seeking advice from older, experienced individuals​.

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Julie Legg and Jel Legg chat about ADHD and Recharging – the need to re-energize our ADHD energy battery. The method used to recharge batteries really doesn't matter, but the outcome does.    
  
Living with ADHD often involves a constant search for dopamine, which can be exhausting; taking breaks helps prevent burnout and emotional dysregulation. They highlight “planned” and “unplanned” downtime, from taking quiet Sundays to micro-breaks during a busy day, and underscore the importance of activities that allow them to relax. Recharging looks different for everyone. They stress that it’s okay to seek personal downtime, especially as it ultimately benefits their relationships and productivity. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Recharging is Essential: Regular recharging is crucial to prevent burnout and emotional dysregulation for those with ADHD, which can arise from a constant search for dopamine and high levels of mental activity​.
• Physical and Mental Rest: Recharging isn’t just about sleep; it includes mental downtime to avoid exhaustion. Activities that don’t demand much mental energy  help ADHD minds recharge​.
• “Me Time” and Boundaries: Taking time for oneself, even if it appears antisocial, is vital. Recharging can involve alone time, simple pleasures, and activities without deadlines or demands. Establishing routines, like reserving certain days or hours as downtime, helps create a rhythm of rest​.
• Planned and Unplanned Downtime: Planned recharging includes activities like gardening, light exercise, or intentional relaxation days. Unplanned breaks are also valuable, as energy can suddenly drop, making it difficult to accomplish tasks. Accepting and responding to these “forced” breaks is part of managing ADHD​. For those who can’t set aside a whole day, micro-breaks, like a quiet drive or taking five minutes away from work, are helpful in managing energy levels​.
• Mindfulness and Presence: Simple mindfulness practices, like people-watching or enjoying nature, provide calming, low-pressure ways to recharge. Activities that feel relaxing rather than like tasks allow ADHD individuals to let go of pressure​.
• Communication and Flexibility: It’s okay to ask for personal time, as this recharging ultimately supports family relationships and personal productivity. Flexibility in recharging methods, such as mixing up activities, is effective and refreshing.

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 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie Legg and Jel Legg chat about ADHD Tax – the extra effort and time people with ADHD put into achieving a task when compared to neurotypicals. It's the ‘price we pay’ due to ADHD traits that can take a toll on time, emotions, and finances.    

ADHD Tax is an ongoing cost for those with ADHD, impacting various aspects of life, but self-awareness and tailored strategies can reduce its impact. They discuss what ADHD tax can look like, how it creeps into the daily lives of ADHD adults in the simplest of ways, and the monumental outcomes too. While it may not seem much at the time, the snow-ball effect of missed time management, procrastination, impulsivity, and emotional outbursts all have ramifications. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Understanding the ADHD Tax: The ADHD Tax refers to the extra time, effort, and financial cost ADHD individuals often incur due to traits like impulsivity, distractibility, and difficulty with organization​.
• Time Tax: Everyday tasks often take significantly longer due to distractions. For example, a one-hour work task can take twice as long because of distractions like internet browsing. Simple tasks, like watering plants or running errands, also extend as other tasks capture attention along the way​.
• Financial Tax: ADHD traits can impact finances, with reduced work hours due to distractions or impulsive spending on unnecessary items. This financial tax may lead to overspending and guilt, particularly in retail therapy situations​.
• Emotional Tax: ADHD can lead to overthinking, difficulty leaving unhealthy situations, and impulsive emotional outbursts. These behaviors often result in emotional consequences, such as regret, guilt, and a toll on self-confidence​.
• Cognitive Tax: Overthinking and replaying conversations or decisions can drain mental energy, leaving less room for creativity or productivity. Procrastination is also common, causing tasks to weigh heavily until they’re eventually completed​.
• Strategies for Minimizing the ADHD Tax: While it’s impossible to eliminate this tax, identifying and reducing triggers—like excessive social media use or overthinking—can help. Recognizing personal “tax hotspots” and using tools like lists, boundaries, and accountability partners can ease the impact​.
• Unavoidable Tax: The hosts emphasize that while ADHD-related costs can be minimized, they can’t be fully avoided. Accepting and managing these aspects can help individuals navigate the ADHD tax with greater resilience.

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 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie Legg chats with Raewyn Heays, national co-ordinator of ADHD New Zealand. They discuss the organisation, how it all began, along with the information, events, and services they co-ordinate and offer the growing ADHD community in New Zealand. 
 
Since 1979, ADHD New Zealand has grown into a vital resource hub, offering screening tools, educational content, active Facebook support groups, and regular webinars on topics like nutrition, anxiety, and ADHD in girls. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Role and Growth of ADHD New Zealand: ADHD NZ, originally a self-help group, has grown significantly since 1979, evolving into a comprehensive resource hub under Raewyn’s coordination since 2019. The organization primarily relies on donations, memberships, and grants, with Raewyn as the only paid employee​.
• Resource Offerings: The organization provides a variety of resources, including a self-screening tool for adults, a healthcare directory, educational videos, articles, and tools for both adults and children with ADHD. The website’s adult self-screening tool is a high-traffic feature, reflecting increased interest from adults seeking ADHD assessment​.
• Community Engagement: ADHD NZ fosters community through large and active Facebook support groups for adults, parents, and partners. These groups allow members to share information and experiences, reducing feelings of isolation for those on the ADHD journey​.
• Webinars and Courses: Regular webinars cover diverse topics, from nutrition and ADHD to anxiety management and ADHD in girls. Members can attend these webinars at a discounted rate, and courses are offered on parenting, teen anxiety, and more​.
• Ask an ADHD Coach Program: The organization offers monthly “Ask an ADHD Coach” sessions on a donation basis. These small-group sessions provide members with direct access to trained ADHD coaches, covering topics specific to adults, teens, and children​.
• Increased Demand from Women and Adults: Raewyn notes a shift in inquiries, with more adults—especially women—seeking information about ADHD assessment, reflecting a growing awareness and reduced stigma around adult ADHD diagnoses​.
• Financial Memberships: Financial memberships support ADHD New Zealand’s work and allow members to access discounted webinars and courses. Membership fees are essential for funding as ADHD New Zealand does not receive government support​.
• Advocacy and Outreach: ADHD New Zealand engages with the government, media, and community groups, using surveys and community feedback to advocate for ADHD awareness and better support systems. They are now consulted by agencies like Pharmac on ADHD-related matters, indicating a rising influence​.

LINKS

ADHD New Zealand - website 

ADHD NZ - Facebook page 

Facebook Forum – Parents of Children with ADHD 

Facebook Forum – Adults with ADHD 

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 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More

Julie Legg chats with Ashley Cairns, CEO and director of A Change for Better. They discuss the ACFB Fund – the charitable side of the organisation, mental health services, subsidised ADHD online assessments, and how the organisation is expanding to provide a wrap-around service.
 
By offering asynchronous assessments, the organization reduces wait times and costs, making diagnostic services available to rural and low-income clients through flexible payment options. Their approach includes comprehensive reports, post-diagnosis support, and customized treatment plans. With a dedicated team of psychologists and a fully online service model, A Change for Better is pioneering more inclusive, effective pathways for ADHD diagnosis and mental health support across New Zealand. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• About A Change for Better: Founded in 2019, A Change for Better is a mental health organization in New Zealand, offering streamlined, subsidized ADHD and autism assessments through the ACFB Fund to make these services more accessible​.
• Efficient, Asynchronous Assessment Model: To reduce costs and wait times, A Change for Better allows clients to complete detailed questionnaires on their own time. This model reduces psychologist admin time, leading to faster, more cost-effective assessments​.
• Affordable and Flexible Payment Options: Assessments are priced based on household income, with flexible interest-free payment plans available to ensure affordability, including the option to pay as little as $10 per week​.
• Comprehensive Diagnostic Process: Clients undergo multiple assessments, including ADHD, autism, trauma, and mood screens. Reports are detailed, often 20+ pages, offering a thorough diagnostic process. This detailed approach is accepted by partner psychiatry programs, reducing the need for repeat assessments​.
• Post-Diagnosis Support and Treatment Plans: The organization aims to provide wrap-around support post-diagnosis, including treatment plans, counselling, neurodiversity coaching, and customized support groups for individuals and parents​.
• Nationwide Reach: As a fully online service, A Change for Better is accessible to people across New Zealand, particularly beneficial for rural clients who face limited local resources​.
• Specialized Team Structure: The organization uses a multi-psychologist approach, with clinical, educational, and general psychologists assigned to clients based on their needs, ensuring appropriate support for each case complexity​.
• Future Services: Plans include expanding into general mental health assessments and offering free counselling for individuals with ACC sensitive claims, reflecting their commitment to comprehensive mental health support​.
• Note: A psychologist is not able to prescribe ADHD medication directly which is important to remember when seeking an assessment. Canterbury is unique however (at the time of writing), as the pathway to acquiring a Special Authority Number to access ADHD medication differs to the rest of New Zealand.

LINKS

A Change for Better Organisation

A Change for Better Fund  

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🎙️ YOUR HOST: JulieLegg.nz

 ℹ️ DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or ADHDifference. Read More