Episode Summary
In this powerful episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with internationally recognized ADHD expert Dr. David W. Goodman to explore one of the most overlooked conversations in mental health: ADHD in older adults.

For decades, ADHD was believed to be something children simply “outgrew.” Dr. Goodman has spent over 40 years researching and treating adult ADHD, challenging that myth and helping the medical community understand that ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition.

Together, Jami and Dr. Goodman unpack why so many adults—especially women—are only now discovering their ADHD later in life, how it can be mistaken for memory loss or dementia, and why diagnosis can be deeply healing even in later years.

This episode is filled with insight, compassion, and hope for anyone who has ever wondered:

"Why has my brain always worked differently?"

✅ Why ADHD often goes undiagnosed until adulthood or later in life
✅ The surprising ways ADHD symptoms can mimic dementia or cognitive decline
✅ Why women and older adults are historically underdiagnosed
✅ How ADHD symptoms stay relatively stable, but life demands change how impairments appear
✅ Why many physicians still miss ADHD in older adults
✅ The emotional impact of discovering ADHD later in life
✅ How diagnosis can bring relief, healing, and restored relationships

Dr. David W. Goodman is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Director of the Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Center of Maryland.

He is one of the world’s leading experts on adult ADHD, having:

• Delivered 750+ lectures worldwide
• Published 35+ peer-reviewed scientific papers
• Led major adult ADHD clinical trials
• Authored The Black Book of ADHD

His expertise has been featured in major outlets including CNN, ABC World News, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal.

ADHD Doesn’t Disappear With Age
Research now shows ADHD is a lifelong neuropsychiatric condition, not something people grow out of.

Many adults are simply getting diagnosed for the first time later in life due to increased awareness.

ADHD vs Dementia
Older adults with ADHD may experience symptoms like:

• forgetfulness
• difficulty focusing
• losing track of tasks

These symptoms can sometimes be misinterpreted as early dementia, which is why proper evaluation is so important.

Why Women Are Diagnosed Later
For generations, ADHD was primarily associated with hyperactive boys.

Many girls showed inattentive symptoms instead, which were often overlooked. As a result, countless women have spent decades believing they were:

• lazy
• disorganized
• “too much”
• not trying hard enough

When in reality, they had undiagnosed ADHD.

The Impact of Awareness

A diagnosis later in life can bring a powerful shift:

• understanding past struggles
• releasing years of shame
• improving relationships with family
• developing strategies that actually work

As Dr. Goodman explains, the goal is helping people understand the difference between:

“what you have” vs “who you are.”

Jami shares the emotional story of discovering that her own mother had ADHD after decades of struggle.

That realization transformed their relationship from frustration to understanding, bringing compassion, healing, and peace later in life.

📘 Book: This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro

A powerful exploration of undiagnosed ADHD in women and how understanding it can

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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Lynn Layfield on Anxiety (Part 1)

In this deeply personal and emotional episode of the Grandma Has ADHD Podcast, Jami welcomes back her longtime friend and Sparkler Society co-founder, Lynn Layfield, for a conversation unlike any they’ve had publicly before.

What began as a private conversation about anxiety quickly turned into something much bigger. Jami realized their discussion needed to be recorded because Lynn’s story reflects something many women are just beginning to understand: the complicated relationship between ADHD, anxiety, and emotional regulation.

For the first time, Lynn opens up about the struggles she faced growing up — long before ADHD was widely understood in girls.

From sleepless nights and intense fears as a child to years of therapy and misinterpretation of her symptoms, Lynn shares how her childhood experiences shaped her life and how ADHD may have been influencing her anxiety all along.

This episode also highlights a growing realization happening today: many women are being diagnosed with ADHD later in life after decades of confusion, misdiagnosis, or being told their struggles were simply anxiety.

Jami and Lynn explore how creativity, emotional sensitivity, and imagination — strengths often found in ADHD brains — can also contribute to anxiety when left unsupported.

This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and deeply relatable for anyone who has ever wondered why their mind works the way it does.

Part 1 sets the stage for Lynn’s story and the childhood experiences that shaped her journey.

In This Episode

• Why this episode is different from any Lynn has shared before
• The emotional side of ADHD that many people never see
• The connection between ADHD and anxiety
• Why many adults — especially women — are being diagnosed later in life
• Lynn’s childhood experiences with anxiety and sleeplessness
• Growing up before ADHD in girls was widely recognized
• How ADHD creativity can amplify fears and imagination
• Early therapy approaches used in the 1970s and 1980s
• Reward systems, journaling, and childhood coping strategies
• The importance of community and shared experiences
  
  

✨ ADHD doesn’t always look the way people expect.
 ✨ Anxiety is common for people with ADHD but may not always be the root cause.
 ✨ Many adults are discovering their ADHD later in life.
 ✨ Creativity and imagination — strengths of ADHD brains — can also intensify anxiety.
 ✨ Community and understanding are powerful tools for people navigating ADHD.

Lynn Layfield is the co-founder of the Sparkler Society alongside Jami Shapiro. She brings humor, creativity, and honesty to conversations about ADHD, anxiety, and personal growth.

In this episode, Lynn courageously shares parts of her story she has rarely discussed publicly — offering insight and hope to others who may see themselves in her journey.

• The upcoming Sparkler Society community
• Jami Shapiro’s ADHD coaching services

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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Thriving with ADHD at Every Stage of Life with Jennifer Lorenz

In this insightful and validating episode, Jami welcomes certified ADHD and executive function coach Jennifer Lorenz. With over 25 years of experience mentoring professionals and extensive training in ADHD coaching, emotional intelligence, and CliftonStrengths, Jennifer brings both professional expertise and personal lived experience to the conversation.

Together, they explore what it really means to live, work, parent, and age with ADHD—and how understanding executive function can transform shame into empowerment.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why ADHD is not about “fixing what’s broken,” but leveraging your natural strengths
• How executive function impacts organization, planning, memory, and daily life
• The unique challenges ADHD presents during life transitions, especially retirement
• Why structure plays a critical role—and what happens when it disappears
• How ADHD often runs in families and can be diagnosed later in life
• The hidden shame many ADHD adults carry—and how to release it
• Why focusing on strengths creates more success than trying to “fix weaknesses”

Jennifer’s Story: Late Diagnosis and Finding Her Calling
Jennifer’s journey began when her sons were diagnosed with ADHD. Through learning about their experiences, she recognized similar patterns in herself and pursued her own diagnosis as an adult.

Her personal experience—combined with professional coaching training—led her to specialize in helping others navigate executive function challenges, productivity, life transitions, and ADHD across the lifespan.

She now helps clients build systems that work with their brain—not against it.

Key Topic: What Is Executive Function?
Executive function refers to the brain’s management system—the skills that help us:

• Plan and prioritize
• Stay organized
• Manage time
• Regulate emotions
• Follow through on tasks
• Remember important information

For people with ADHD, these skills may develop differently or require additional support systems and strategies.

Jennifer explains that executive function challenges often become more noticeable during transitions—such as retirement—when external structure disappears.

ADHD, Aging, and Retirement
One of the most important insights Jennifer shares is how ADHD affects adults later in life.

Many adults rely on workplace structure to function successfully. When retirement removes that structure, challenges with planning, organization, and motivation can suddenly intensify.

This is why understanding ADHD and executive function is essential—not just for children, but across the entire lifespan.

The Truth About ADHD: Strengths and Challenges
Jennifer shares a powerful perspective:

ADHD is not a flaw—it’s a different brain wiring.

While ADHD can create challenges in daily life, it also brings strengths such as:

• Creativity
• Pattern recognition
• Innovation
• Hyperfocus
• Emotional insight

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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“ADHD, Dating & Relationships”

with Jami Shapiro and Lynn Layfield

Episode Summary
In this candid and personal conversation, Jamie sits down with longtime friend Lynn to explore how ADHD has shaped their dating lives, marriages, and relationships. From impulsivity and rejection sensitivity to energy mismatches and household chaos, they unpack the real-world impact of ADHD across different life stages. The episode also introduces the vision behind their growing community, the Sparkler Society, designed to support midlife women navigating ADHD-related challenges.

What You’ll Learn

• How ADHD traits like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and executive dysfunction can influence romantic relationships
• Why rejection sensitivity and recognition-seeking play a big role in communication dynamics
• The connection between ADHD, self-esteem, and partner selection
• How energy levels and love languages can create friction in marriages
• Lessons learned from divorce, long-term partnership, and dating later in life
• The importance of community support and shared problem-solving

Key Topics & Moments

• Origin Story: Jamie and Lynn’s decades-long friendship and wedding memories
• ADHD & Marriage: How difficulty sitting still, household management challenges, and differing needs for connection affected Jamie’s first marriage
• Dating Patterns: Lynn reflects on short early relationships and attention shifts
• Rejection Sensitivity: Understanding emotional responses and communication impulses
• Energy Mismatch: When one partner’s pace and drive outstrip the other’s
• Community Building: Inside the Sparkler Society and features like the “Worry Circle” and “High Road”

Standout Insights

• ADHD can amplify both connection and conflict in relationships
• Many adults discover their ADHD only after years of relationship patterns
• Shared understanding (or diagnosis) can foster compassion between partners
• Support systems reduce isolation and improve problem-solving

Memorable Quotes

• “If it cracks like a duck and waddles like a duck… it might be ADHD.”
• “Sometimes it burns in my body until I say it.”
• “You have to be with someone who appreciates your energy.”

Who This Episode Is For

• Adults navigating ADHD in dating, marriage, or divorce
• Midlife listeners reevaluating relationship patterns
• Anyone curious about how neurodiversity shapes emotional connection

Call to Action

If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who might feel seen by this conversation, and keep the discussion going about how ADHD shows up in relationships.

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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@grandma_has_adhd
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In this episode, we dive into the complex, beautiful, and sometimes messy world of ADHD and relationships with psychotherapist and relationship expert Anita Robertson. Together, we explore how neurodiversity shapes the way we love, communicate, and connect — especially when both partners are navigating different brain wiring.

Anita shares her personal journey with ADHD, how it influenced her path into couples therapy, and why traditional relationship models often miss the mark for neurodiverse couples. Drawing from her clinical work and lived experience, she explains how emotional regulation, attachment patterns, and family dynamics intersect with ADHD — and how couples can build tools that actually work for them.

We also talk about late diagnoses, generational patterns, and the powerful role of awareness in breaking cycles of shame and misunderstanding. From the impact of rejection sensitivity to the importance of praise and curiosity in relationships, this conversation is packed with practical insights and heartfelt moments.

Whether you’re in a neurodiverse relationship, recently diagnosed, or simply curious about how ADHD shows up in connection and intimacy, this episode offers compassion, validation, and actionable takeaways.

What You’ll Learn

• How ADHD traits influence romantic and family relationships
• Why emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity can create conflict cycles
• The connection between attachment styles, trauma history, and neurodiversity
• How late ADHD diagnoses can reshape identity and relationships
• Practical ways couples can communicate and support each other more effectively

About the Guest

Anita Robertson is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and relationship specialist focused on helping neurodiverse couples thrive. She integrates attachment-based, emotionally focused, and Gottman-informed approaches with ADHD-affirming strategies, and is the author of ADHD and Us: A Couple’s Guide to Loving and Living with Adult ADHD.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Grandma Has ADHD Community & Resources
  https://grandmahasadhd.com
  Join the Grandma Has ADHD Facebook Community
• Jami Shapiro – ADHD Coaching & Sparkler Society
  https://jamishapiro.me
• Silver Linings Transitions
  (ADHD-informed organizing & move management)
  https://silverliningstransitions.com

Instagram:

@grandma_has_adhd
@silverliningstransitions

Facebook:

Silver Linings Transitions

Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group)

Youtube:

Grandma Has ADHD

Key Themes

ADHD • Neurodiverse Relationships • Emotional Regulation • Attachment • Family Patterns • Late Diagnosis • Communication Tools

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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@grandma_has_adhd
@silverliningstransitions

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Grandma Has ADHD

It's my party and I can cry if I want to. Do we have unrealistic expectations about birthdays?

Birthdays are supposed to be joyful, celebratory, and full of cake—but for many of us, they come with unexpected emotions: disappointment, pressure, comparison, and quiet grief over where we thought we’d be by now.

In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro unpacks the unrealistic expectations we place on birthdays and why they can hit especially hard for ADHD and midlife brains. We talk about social pressure, emotional labor, aging, and the freedom that comes with letting birthdays be honest instead of perfect.

If you’ve ever cried on your birthday and wondered, “What’s wrong with me?”—this episode is for you.

Birthdays are supposed to feel magical—but why do they so often end in tears?
 In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro explores the unrealistic expectations we put on birthdays, the pressure to feel celebrated, and why this one day can stir up big emotions—especially in midlife and ADHD brains. If you’ve ever cried on your birthday and felt confused (or guilty) about it, you’re not alone.

Birthdays are supposed to be fun… so why do they sometimes make us cry? 🎈
 In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro dives into the unrealistic expectations we put on birthdays, the pressure to feel celebrated, and the big emotions that sneak in—especially for midlife and ADHD brains. Cake, feelings, and permission to be human included.

Disclaimer:
This episode is for fun, reflection, and ideas about birthdays and feelings—it’s not a substitute for professional advice. If you’re struggling with emotional or mental health issues, please reach out to a qualified professional. And yes, crying at your party is totally allowed!

Resources

• Grandma Has ADHD Community & Resources – Join the Grandma Has ADHD Facebook Community: https://grandmahasadhd.com
• Jami Shapiro – ADHD Coaching & Sparkler Society: https://jamishapiro.me
• Silver Linings Transitions (ADHD-informed organizing & move management):
  https://silverliningstransitions.com

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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@grandma_has_adhd
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With over 30 years of experience working with adults, couples, and families with ADHD, James Ochoa, LPC brings a rare combination of clinical insight and lived experience to this episode of Grandma Has ADHD. As an ADHD clinician, author, and founder of the Life Empowerment Center, James joins Jami to explore what it truly means to age with ADHD, especially when the diagnosis comes later in life, and how finally naming it can profoundly change the way we age, relate to others, and care for ourselves.

James shares both his professional expertise and personal lived experience, opening up about his own adult ADHD diagnosis and how it reshaped his understanding of emotional regulation, identity, relationships, and purpose. Together, Jami and James explore the emotional complexity of late diagnosis, including the grief for what could have been, the relief of finally having an explanation, and the unexpected joy of self-recognition.

This episode also dives into the often overlooked emotional distress syndrome of ADHD, how aging and hormonal changes such as menopause can intensify symptoms, and why curiosity, compassion, and meaning matter more than productivity as we grow older. James introduces powerful reframes, including mining the gems of your life story, embracing recognition euphoria, and imagining a future where ADHD is not something to fix, but something to understand and work with.

If you have ever felt like you were too late to understand yourself, this conversation is a reminder that self-discovery does not expire, and that your later years can be some of the most connected, adventurous, and fulfilling of your life.

Disclaimer

This episode discusses ADHD, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, mental health, and medical topics. It is intended for education and awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making medical decisions. If you are experiencing emotional distress or a medical emergency, please seek immediate help.

 Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Focus Forward by James Ochoa – exploring the emotional and mental stress of ADHD
• When the Shiny Wears Off (upcoming book by James Ochoa)
• You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy?! – Kate Kelly & Peggy Ramundo
• Erik Erikson’s 9th Stage of Development (Gerotranscendence)
• jamesochoa.com – James Ochoa’s website
• Grandma Has ADHD Community & Resources
  https://grandmahasadhd.com
  Join the Grandma Has ADHD Facebook Community
• Jami Shapiro – ADHD Coaching & Sparkler Society
  https://jamishapiro.me
• Silver Linings Transitions
  (ADHD-informed organizing & move management)
  https://silverliningstransitions.com

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

Follow us:

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@grandma_has_adhd
@silverliningstransitions

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Grandma Has ADHD

What happens when undiagnosed ADHD meets menopause? 

In this episode, Jami Shapiro sits down with ADHD pioneer Linda Roggoli to unpack decades of masking, overwhelm, and “why is life suddenly harder?” moments. Linda shares how dropping estrogen turned everyday challenges into chaos—and how understanding the link between hormones and ADHD changed everything.

They dive into why stimulant medication isn’t always the full answer, how hormone therapy can be transformative when done safely, and why outdated research scared many women from treatment. They also explore how ADHD manifests differently in women, especially with increasing responsibilities at work and home.
This episode is full of validation, laughter, and relief for anyone wondering, “Why is this getting harder as I get older?” It’s a reminder that ADHD isn’t new in midlife—it’s often been there all along, finally demanding attention.

If you’re a woman navigating menopause, questioning a late ADHD diagnosis, or seeking to understand your brain with more kindness, this episode will leave you feeling seen, informed, and far less alone.

Disclaimer

This episode discusses ADHD, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, mental health, and medical topics. It is intended for education and awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making medical decisions. If you are experiencing emotional distress or a medical emergency, please seek immediate help.

Resources

• ADDiva Network – Community & support for women 40+ with ADHD:
  https://addiva.net/ 
• ADHD Palooza – Online expert conferences for ADHD women and couples: 
  https://adhdpalooza.com/ 
• TADD Talks – Short ADHD talks hosted by ADDA (similar to TED but ADHD‑friendly). You can explore the archive and weekly series here:
  https://add.org/tadd-talks-podcast/  
• Grandma Has ADHD Community & Resources – Join the Grandma Has ADHD Facebook Community: https://grandmahasadhd.com
• Jami Shapiro – ADHD Coaching & Sparkler Society: https://jamishapiro.me
• Silver Linings Transitions (ADHD-informed organizing & move management):
  https://silverliningstransitions.com

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

Follow us:

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@grandma_has_adhd
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What happens when menopause, ADHD, hormones, and midlife all collide at once?

In this candid and deeply relatable episode of Grandma Has ADHD, host Jami Shapiro is joined by her longtime friend and Sparkler Society co-creator Lynn Layfield for an honest conversation about menopause, ADHD after 50, brain fog, hormones, emotional regulation, and what it really feels like to enter the “third act” of life.

Jami shares a milestone moment — officially entering menopause — and opens up about how hormonal shifts dramatically impacted her ADHD symptoms, energy, sleep, pain, focus, and overall quality of life. Together, Jami and Lynn explore how menopause can amplify ADHD challenges that many women have lived with undiagnosed for decades, often mislabeling symptoms as anxiety, depression, aging, or “just stress.”

They talk openly about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), white-knuckling menopause vs. getting support, brain fog, emotional dysregulation, sensory overload, and the often-ignored connection between estrogen and ADHD symptoms. The conversation also highlights the generational gap in ADHD diagnosis — especially for women — and why so many women only recognize ADHD after their children are diagnosed.

This episode is funny, validating, a little messy (in the best way), and incredibly empowering. It reframes menopause not as an ending, but as the beginning of a powerful new chapter — one where self-understanding, systems, and strengths finally come together.

If you’ve ever wondered why everything feels harder during menopause — or why ADHD symptoms suddenly feel louder — this conversation will make you feel seen.

Disclaimer 

This episode discusses ADHD, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, mental health, and medical topics. It is intended for education and awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making medical decisions. If you are experiencing emotional distress or a medical emergency, please seek immediate help.

Resources

• Grandma Has ADHD Community & Resources - https://grandmahasadhd.com
  Join the Grandma Has ADHD Facebook Community
• Jami Shapiro – ADHD Coaching & Sparkler Society - https://jamishapiro.me
• Silver Linings Transitions (ADHD-informed organizing & move management) - https://silverliningstransitions.com

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

Follow us:

Instagram:

@grandma_has_adhd
@silverliningstransitions

Facebook:

Silver Linings Transitions
Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group)

Youtube:

Grandma Has ADHD

What if the chronic pain, fatigue, migraines, or fibromyalgia you’ve lived with for years weren’t “just part of getting older” — but connected to undiagnosed ADHD?

In this eye-opening episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro is joined by Dr. Michael Lenz, physician, author, and host of the Conquering Your Fibromyalgia podcast, for a deep dive into the powerful — and often missed — overlap between ADHD, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, IBS, migraines, and nervous system dysregulation.

Dr. Lenz shares how his early exposure to ADHD research shaped his medical career, why adult ADHD is still widely misunderstood (especially in women and older adults), and how decades of patients struggling with “invisible illnesses” led him to recognize a consistent pattern: a high co-occurrence of ADHD in people with fibromyalgia and chronic pain syndromes.

Together, Jami and Dr. Lenz explore how the ADHD brain processes pain differently, why sensory overload and emotional dysregulation matter, and how properly treating ADHD can dramatically reduce pain, fatigue, overwhelm, and even improve relationships and quality of life. The episode also tackles common myths — including stimulant medication fears in older adults — and offers practical guidance on where to seek help if you suspect ADHD later in life.

This conversation is validating, science-based, and deeply hopeful for anyone who has felt dismissed, misunderstood, or exhausted by chronic symptoms with no clear answers.

Disclaimer: This episode discusses ADHD, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, mental health, and medical treatment options. It is intended for education and awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions. If you are experiencing emotional distress or a medical emergency, please seek immediate help.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• Dr. Michael Lenz Book - Conquering Your Fibromyalgia
• Dr. Michael Lenz Podcast & YouTube Channel - Search Conquering Your Fibromyalgia on YouTube and podcast platforms
• Grandma Has ADHD Community & Resources:
  https://grandmahasadhd.com
• Join the Grandma Has ADHD Facebook Community
• Jami’s Website, ADHD Coaching & Sparkler Society Membership:
  https://jamishapiro.me
• Silver Linings Transitions (ADHD-informed organizing & move management):
  https://silverliningstransitions.com

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

Follow us:

Instagram:

@grandma_has_adhd
@silverliningstransitions

Facebook:

Silver Linings Transitions
Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group)

Youtube:

Grandma Has ADHD