In these mini episodes we’ll explore common relationship conflict patterns that emerge within neurodivergent and neurotypical couples. These patterns tend to be more disruptive when ADHD is either undiagnosed or not understood. 

In this first mini episode we'll look and the 'parent-child' dynamic that can emerge within a couple and how it can cause conflict and build resentment.  As well as taking a quick look at 'weekend anxiety' that see's the neurodivergent partner trying to fill the 'free' time with tasks, activities, outings and projects. Often leaving their partner or family to clean up in the wake of the creative chaos and ungrounded energy. 

Sound familiar? Then take a listen. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts and stories. Reach out via email or socials

In this episode we hear from Amy, a social worker student, currently working in a support program at the children’s court and mother of two young boys. She shares her journey to diagnosis, at the age of 38, through resonating with other women’s stories on social media. During her lightbulb moment, she thought to herself “Oh my god, I’m am like text book ADHD.” Having struggled with anxiety and insomnia since primary school, Amy was often described by others as a lazy, forgetful, day dreamer, who doesn’t apply herself. She recalls thinking “it’s weird because I don’t feel lazy but I guess I am, and I thought I was academic, but I guess I’m just not smart.”

A heartbreaking and familiar story that Amy tries not to think about too deeply. Since diagnosis and treatment she says “It’s so validating now- I can produce consistent and amazing work. And I I know that I’m not lazy”. She now understands that much of her anxiety was sensory overwhelm.

Amy candidly talks about her oversharing, passionate hyper fixation, the highs and the lows. When her hyper fixation loses its excitement, she would simply set it aside, whenever this happened “I thought I was a weirdo and a joke of a human”.

Amy’s story is familiar, honest, raw and engaging.

If you'd like to share your story you can email me or visit Awaken ADHD and follow me Instagram.

In this lighthearted yet insightful episode, we chat with ‘neuro-spicy’ Teagan, a legal analyst and law student that may or may not learn to play the hurdy-gurdy!

Teagan recalls when she first shared with her psychologist that her inability to action things in life was crippling. 

Challenging the ADHD  misconceptions, she reflects that she now understands that for her the  busyness is not in her body, but in her mind. “Now I’m processing grief for all the things I’ve missed whilst living in my head.”

Teagan feels the relief of now being able to offer compassion to herself and is grateful to the people in her life that support her and accept her neuro-spicy self.

This Awaken ADHD journey is honest, engaging and very relatable. 

If you want to share your journey, please reach out via email [email protected] , Awaken ADHD  or Instagram.  

Credits

Produced and edited by Jade Bonney

Amber runs a successful design and strategy agency in Melbourne. She began her journey into the neurodivergent world about 5 years ago when her son was diagnosed with ADHD. Amber reflects upon the difficulty of having her experience of ADHD recognised by both peers and professionals due to her perceived 'high functioning' and successful professional life.  Her tenacious nature drove her to seek diagnosis despite these barriers. She speaks about the need for greater awareness of the female presentation of ADHD and how validating it is to hear stories of other women with ADHD. 

Amber's shares her journey with humour, wit and unapologetic determination.

Rachael is social worker, fertility and post partum doula/counsellor and a mother of three children, two of which are neurodivergent. These recent  diagnoses mark a whole new chapter in this family's life. When her son started to notice his 'deficits', she knew that he needed extra support. Rachael talks about coming to terms with the additional challenges her family face and balancing her career with her care giving role. 

Rachael looks forward to supporting neurodivergent families in the future, combining her lived experience with her professional skills. 

https://www.amamaisborn.com.au/

Amanda always knew she was different, though she kept that to herself. It wasn't until her daughter was diagnosed in grade 2 that she started to join the dots and her 'difference' began to make sense. "It was a very difficult time for me". Now Amanda is a proud neurodivergent individual, and the mother of two fabulous neurodivergent kids.  Having been through this journey Amanda is now a passionate advocate for neurodiversity in the workplace and supporting woman on their neurodivergent journey. Her mission is to  raise awareness and acceptance of neurodiversity so every amazing and unique brain has the opportunity to thrive. https://thrivingwithneurodiversity.com.au 

Host Jade shares her own Awaken ADHD story when she was diagnosed with ADHD at 44years. This late diagnosis had her look back over her  life through an entirely new lens. Jade talks about how women present differently and the need to challenge the diagnostic tools to capture these differences. 

Welcome to a new ADHD community!  Do you think you might have ADHD? Maybe you've just been recently diagnosed. Or perhaps someone you love has been. Or maybe you were diagnosed a long time ago and just love to feel connected to other neurodiversity individuals. 

Your host , Jade, is a counsellor, relationship therapist and ADHD coach. She'll be be joined each episode by fellow ADHD'ers and the occasional expert in the neurodiverse field. 

Join us as we journey alongside individuals as they awaken to ADHD. Let's create an empowered neurodiverse community through shared stories, insights, tears, laughter, chaos and clarity.

If you'd like to share your story please reach out via www.awakeninsights.com.au