ADHDifference

Julie Legg and Jel Legg chat about ADHD and Impulsivity – an ADHD trait that is interconnected with many others such as impatience, risk taking, and interrupting.   
  
They delve into the role of impulsivity in ADHD, sharing personal experiences and insights on how it shapes their daily lives. They explore how impulsive actions—often driven by a need for dopamine—can impact finances, relationships, and decision-making. Through examples ranging from impulsive purchases to hasty reactions at work, they highlight the challenges of managing impulsivity and share practical strategies, like taking a moment to pause and creating “game plans,” to help channel these impulses more positively.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Definition and Traits: Impulsivity is acting without thinking about the consequences, a distinct behavior from spontaneity, which allows more time for reflection. Impulsivity often appears as impatience, risk-taking, interrupting, and quick reactions​.
• Examples of Impulsive Actions: They share personal examples of impulsive decisions, from minor actions (like breaking an item by not pausing to think) to major life choices, such as quitting jobs or making big purchases without adequate planning​.
• Dopamine Drive: Impulsivity in ADHD is often driven by a need for dopamine, with impulsive actions providing a rush—whether through quick purchases, emotional responses, or risky behaviors​.
• Financial and Emotional Consequences: Impulsive shopping can lead to debt, while hasty reactions in relationships or at work can cause conflicts. Impulsivity also influences behaviors like road rage, gambling, and risky driving decisions​.
• Strategies to Curb Impulsivity: To manage impulsivity, they suggest techniques like taking a moment to pause, creating “game plans,” and setting boundaries for commitments. Slowing down can help counter impulsive tendencies and prevent regret​.
• Long-Term Impacts and Overcoming Challenges: Years of impulsive actions can lead to guilt and avoidance of decision-making. They note that strategies like following safety routines can help manage impulsivity in high-risk situations​.
• Impulsivity as a Core ADHD Trait: Julie and Jel reflect on impulsivity as a central part of ADHD, affecting daily actions and decisions, while acknowledging that learned strategies can help them channel impulsive energy more positively​.

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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 Awareness Month – a worldwide campaign throughout October, and in its 20th year, driving home this year’s theme is ‘Awareness is Key’. 

They explore how ADHD is often oversimplified, noting that it manifests differently for each person. Julie and Jel emphasize the value of self-awareness within the ADHD community and the personal choice involved in disclosing a diagnosis, especially in the workplace. They share hopes for a future where ADHD is widely understood, envisioning a time when dedicated awareness campaigns will no longer be necessary. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• ADHD Awareness Month Origins and Significance: Celebrated in October, this annual event has aimed to increase understanding of ADHD for 20 years. Julie and Jel highlight how awareness has expanded, but misconceptions still persist​. 
• Misconceptions About ADHD: Despite widespread familiarity with ADHD, many still don’t grasp its varied effects. ADHD manifests differently for each person, and quick media bites can oversimplify the experience​. 
• Personal Choice in Disclosure: The decision to share one’s ADHD diagnosis is personal. They emphasize that awareness month isn’t a mandate to disclose but rather an invitation to foster understanding​. 
• Workplace and Social Challenges: Sharing a diagnosis at work can be helpful but may also lead to misunderstandings or micromanagement, as many employers lack ADHD-specific knowledge​. 
• Self-Awareness and Community Support: They discuss the importance of self-awareness among those with ADHD and mutual support within the community, recognizing that each person’s experience is unique​. 
• Advocating for Change: Julie and Jel envision a future where ADHD is as widely understood as other common conditions, ultimately making awareness campaigns less necessary​ 

LINKS 

ADHD New Zealand 

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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 discuss ADHD and overwhelm – that sense of frustration when we can get upset and shut down emotionally and mentally, in various situations.   

They discuss common triggers such as interruptions to hyperfocus, unexpected tasks, or crowded environments, and share practical strategies for managing overwhelm. These include breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting boundaries, celebrating small wins, and using self-care techniques like mindfulness or breathwork. Emphasizing the importance of recognizing personal patterns and triggers, they provide actionable advice to help listeners navigate and reduce overwhelm in their daily lives.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Defining Overwhelm: Overwhelm in ADHD is described as a flood of emotions triggered by excessive stimulation, frustration, or too much information, leading to emotional or mental shutdowns. It can stem from both large situations and minor inconveniences​.
• Common Triggers of Overwhelm: Situations involving boredom or being stuck, such as waiting for delayed transport​. Unexpected additional tasks, even small ones, on top of a full workload​. Sensory overload from noise, crowds, or hypersensitivity to smells​. Disruptions to hyperfocus, which can cause frustration when concentration is broken unexpectedly​.
• ADHD Traits and Overwhelm: Emotional dysregulation, big emotions, or shutting down completely are common responses to overwhelm. Struggling to articulate feelings can add to the frustration​.
• Overwhelm Management Strategies: Chunking tasks, taking the win, saying no, resetting, self-care. 
• Recognizing Patterns: Identifying personal triggers for overwhelm and predicting when they might occur can help manage them proactively​.

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
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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

Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss ADHD and boredom – despite having a busy mind, we still can experience boredom in various situations, often to our surprise.   
 
They chat about their personal experience of boredom in ADHD, describing it as a struggle with motivation rather than simply having nothing to do. They discuss “trapped boredom,” which arises in situations with little control, and “freedom boredom,” where multiple options fail to spark interest. Both types can heighten frustration, procrastination, or impulsivity, and often require specific coping strategies.  

KEY TAKEAWAYS

•  Understanding Boredom in ADHD: Boredom isn’t just about having nothing to do—it’s about a lack of motivation or focus. It can stem from being stuck in a situation (trapped boredom) or having too many options but no drive (freedom boredom).
• Challenges of Boredom: 'Trapped boredom' can trigger frustration, zoning out, or distractions like fidgeting. 'Freedom boredom' often results from low dopamine, making it hard to start or enjoy activities and leading to guilt or procrastination.
• Strategies to Manage Boredom: Tools like fidget toys, doodling, or breaking tasks into smaller chunks can help, along with rest as self-care or revisiting old hobbies to spark interest.
• Perspective on Boredom: Recognize that boredom is natural, not unique to ADHD, and can sometimes be an opportunity for rest or rediscovery.

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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

Julie Legg chats with London-based certified ADHD coach Laurence Pratt, the founder of ADHD Goals, with a background in UX research and design.

Laurence shares his journey to an ADHD diagnosis and the purpose it brought him in becoming a coach. Laurence describes how his coaching approach focuses on empowering clients to reach their goals by identifying their strengths and addressing common ADHD challenges like time management, task completion, and workplace dynamics. Through a personalized, strengths-based framework, he helps clients harness their abilities and navigate ADHD’s complexities. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Background and Journey: Laurence shares his late diagnosis of ADHD and discusses how challenges in his career and personal life led him to discover ADHD, eventually inspiring him to become a coach​. ADHD coaching provided him with a new sense of purpose, allowing him to support clients in understanding and managing their own ADHD challenges​.
• Common Client Goals: Laurence’s clients typically seek help with specific ADHD-related challenges, such as time management, task completion, and navigating workplace dynamics. He addresses interconnected ADHD traits using an executive functioning framework​.
• The Role of Strengths and Saboteurs: Initial assessments help to identify a client’s strengths and “saboteurs,” which helps personalize solutions and align strategies with the client’s natural inclinations and obstacles​.
• Framework and Process: Coaching sessions start with a free introductory call to assess the client’s needs. Laurence’s approach involves identifying strengths and challenges and equipping clients with tools to manage ADHD traits and achieve personal goals​. Many ADHD traits are interconnected so, when seeing an ADHD coach for one life challenge, you may end up working on several traits together – both positive and negative traits.

 LINKS

Laurence Pratt: ADHD Goals 

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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

Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss ADHD and dating – how ADHD traits can impact some of our dating skills and dating experiences, managing expectations, and being authentic. 

They discuss common challenges, such as emotional dysregulation, masking, and difficulties with active listening, while offering strategies for success, including authenticity, trusting gut instincts, and open communication. Emphasizing the importance of enjoying the process rather than obsessing over outcomes, they encourage listeners to view dating as both a social and personal growth experience, whether or not they find romantic success.   

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• ADHD Traits and Dating: ADHD traits like impulsiveness, over-talking, and the search for dopamine significantly influence dating experiences, often leading to quick emotional connections or disconnections​. Quick emotional investments in potential partners, can be overwhelming for some while decisions to end dates or relationships rapidly when dopamine levels drop may occur​.
• Challenges in Dating: Over-talking or not listening can hinder forming deeper connections. Masking ADHD traits to impress someone may lead to challenges later in a relationship. Emotional dysregulation or dropping the mask too soon can surprise or confuse potential partners​.
• Strategies for Success: Be honest and authentic from the start to foster genuine connections. Recognize and trust gut instincts when determining compatibility. Avoid obsessing over expectations or milestones and focus on enjoying the experience​.
• Compatibility Considerations: Dating someone with ADHD may create a shared understanding but is not essential for success. Open communication and active listening are key, regardless of neurodivergence​.
• Perspective on Dating: Approach dating with an open mind and treat it as a social experience rather than solely a romantic pursuit. Be prepared to end dates or relationships that don’t feel right, while maintaining a positive outlook​.

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
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▶️ YOUTUBE: @adhdifference
🎙️ 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

Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss ADHD and friendships – the challenges faced when trying to make friends, keeping them, and high expectations placed upon what a friend should be. 
 
They discuss finding joy in low-pressure connections and forming bonds through shared interests, redefining friendship on their own terms and focusing on practical strategies such as active listening. Julie and Jel offer encouragement for embracing genuine, interest-based relationships that align with ADHD traits.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Friendship and ADHD: Julie and Jel reflect on how ADHD shapes their perception of friendship, often preferring “close acquaintances” over traditional friendships due to struggles with societal expectations and high personal standards.
• Challenges in Maintaining Friendships: ADHD traits like oversharing, over-talking, and object permanence make it difficult to sustain connections and meet traditional friendship norms. This can leave people with ADHD confused due to their good intentions being misunderstood by others.
• Adapting to Friendship Needs: They find joy in low-pressure relationships, like casual acquaintances, and focus on shared interests such as hobbies or sports to foster meaningful connections.
• Practical Advice: Lowering expectations, practicing active listening, and seeking social groups with shared interests help build connections while managing the unique dynamics of ADHD in friendships. Despite having challenges with friend groups in the past, you don’t have to give up trying in future.

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
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▶️ YOUTUBE: @adhdifference
🎙️ 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

Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss the big emotions that can accompany ADHD – emotional dysregulation, and the challenges faced when exhibiting them. 
 
They discuss how emotional dysregulation amplifies both positive and negative feelings, leading to intense responses that can overwhelm individuals and confuse others. They explore the role of emotional triggers, delayed processing, and the ways ADHD shapes emotional expression through art or music. Sharing practical coping strategies like self-awareness, distraction techniques, and seeking counseling support, Julie and Jel offer insights to help listeners manage emotional intensity and navigate the challenges of big emotions.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Understanding Emotional Dysregulation: Everyone, including neurotypicals, can have big emotions. Those with ADHD are likely to experience heightened emotions frequently without being able to regulate them, often observed by some as irrational and ‘over the smallest of things.’ ADHD often amplifies emotions, leading to intense responses like mood swings, irritability, and quick temper, which can feel overwhelming and be confusing for others​.
• Range of Emotions: While ADHD is often associated with negative emotions, Julie and Jel emphasize that positive emotions like excitement and passion are equally strong and sometimes viewed as “over the top” by others​.
• Emotional Triggers and Processing: Triggers for emotional responses may not always seem directly related to the situation, as ADHD often involves delayed or unexpected emotional processing, sometimes through art, music, or movies​.
• Coping Mechanisms: Strategies include self-awareness, embracing distractions when needed, and using diversion techniques to manage overwhelming emotions. Recognizing and addressing emotions proactively can prevent them from building up and leading to unexpected outbursts​.
• Counseling and Support: They recommend that individuals with ADHD seek support from counselors or therapists to help manage emotional dysregulation, rather than relying solely on ADHD coaches who focus on goals​.

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
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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

Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss ADHD and overthinking – the loops of thoughts that continuously consume the minds of many with ADHD.
 
They explore how unresolved thought loops can consume time, heighten stress, and create emotional spirals, often blending past regrets with present concerns. Drawing on their personal experiences, they discuss the reasons behind overthinking, its impacts, and practical strategies to break free from these mental cycles. They share relatable insights and actionable tips to manage overthinking and regain mental clarity.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Overthinking Characteristics: Overthinking in ADHD often involves loops of unresolved thoughts, mixing past events with present concerns. It can consume significant time and lead to stress, anxiety, and lost productivity.
• Negative Impacts: This pattern of thought can lead to emotional spirals, including feelings of regret, self-doubt, or depression. Common scenarios include replaying conflicts and imagining perfect responses that were never given, which can prolong emotional distress.
• Coping Mechanisms: Both Julie and Jel note that they act as mutual reminders to stop overthinking, using their shared ADHD experiences to support one another. Recognizing overthinking patterns early and shifting focus to other tasks can help mitigate its effects.
• Reasons Behind Overthinking: ADHD brains often juggle a high volume of thoughts, making it challenging to pinpoint solutions or focus on key issues. Fear of acting on decisions, and a need for validation or certainty, can prolong indecision.
• Suggested Strategies: Break the loop by accepting resolutions rather than revisiting problems repeatedly. Act on decisions early to avoid unnecessary contemplation and mental fatigue. At times overthinking is necessary to be able to process information. It is not a weakness by default for those with ADHD, it’s just part of our ADHD difference.

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
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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

Julie Legg and Jel Legg discuss ADHD Superpowers - is there such a thing, what it really means, and why it is such a polarising ADHD subject.
 
They discuss the balance between strengths like creativity, crisis management, and empathy, and the challenges these traits can pose. With insights on harnessing these abilities and embracing neurodiversity, the episode offers encouragement for ADHDers to discover and celebrate their unique talents while acknowledging the complexities of living with ADHD.
 
KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Defining ADHD Superpowers: The term “superpower” is used metaphorically to describe certain ADHD traits that, when harnessed, can lead to exceptional performance in specific areas like creativity, crisis management, or problem-solving. However, these abilities are not consistently controllable and depend on the situation.
• Positive Traits of ADHD: ADHD individuals often excel in non-linear thinking, creativity, imagination, and innovation, making them valuable in team settings and problem-solving scenarios. Attributes like empathy, humour, and a strong moral compass can also shine, especially when confidence is cultivated.
• Challenges and Balance: The same traits that lead to success, like hyperfocus or impulsivity, can also cause setbacks, such as neglecting other responsibilities or making rash decisions. The “yin and yang” of ADHD traits emphasizes the need to acknowledge both their strengths and potential pitfalls.
• Harnessing the Strengths: Recognizing and celebrating ADHD traits is key to using them effectively. This involves understanding how the ADHD brain works and aligning tasks with dopamine-driven motivations. Team environments benefit from neurodiversity when ADHD thinkers are included and actively engaged.
• Addressing the Debate: They acknowledge that not everyone with ADHD relates to the concept of “superpowers,” especially those facing significant struggles. They emphasize that success often comes with hard work and resilience.
• Encouragement and Inclusivity: The episode ends on a motivational note, urging listeners to explore their unique abilities and reminding them that everyone has strengths, even if they require time and effort to uncover.

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🌐 WEBSITE: ADHDifference.nz  
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▶️ YOUTUBE: @adhdifference
🎙️ 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