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From Alien to Artist: how late ADHD diagnosis changed everything 

In this deeply moving episode of the ADHD Creative Club, Dave welcomes tattoo artist and fine artist Katriona Macintosh, who shares her extraordinary journey from being the "gifted child" who painted herself as an alien at age 9, to receiving her ADHD diagnosis at 55. 

In this episode, Katriona discusses:

• Painting herself as an alien at age 9: the first sign something was "different"
• Being labeled a "gifted child" and the isolation that followed
• Moving countries constantly while masking her way through school
• The 10-year period where she stopped making art entirely
• How becoming a mother reignited her creative passion
• Entering the male-dominated tattoo industry as a late starter
• Her son approaching her during COVID: "Mom, I think I have ADHD"
• The moment she realised: "We all do the same sh*t, it's me, I'm the cause"
• Getting diagnosed at 55 and finally understanding a lifetime of feeling "alien"
• Raising three creatives (tattoo artist, interior architect, photographer) in an ADHD household
• Why reading before bed stops the rumination spiral
• Learning to communicate better as an ADHD family

Key Takeaways: 

• Be unapologetically you, the right people will gravitate to you 
• Reading/creative pursuits can stop anxiety spirals and rumination 
• It's okay to explore multiple creative mediums (don't let anyone limit you)
• Work around your schedule as a creative parent, flexibility is key 
• It's okay to walk away from people who don't serve you (even with RSD) 
• Support your children for who they are, not who you want them to be
• Late diagnosis (even at 55!) can still be transformative 

Katriona's story is a testament to resilience, late-blooming creativity, and the power of finally understanding yourself after decades of feeling different. Her message about being "normal in a different way" will resonate deeply with anyone navigating a late ADHD diagnosis.

Connect with Katriona:

• Instagram: @katrionatattoo
• Threads: @katrionatattoo
  

Join the ADHD Creative Club community at theadhdcreative.club for more tips, tricks, and real talk on thriving as a neurodivergent creative entrepreneur.