The ADHD Reframed Project Podcast

Ep 29 | Unmasking Late Diagnosis: Ryan Davies on Stigma, Medication, and Men's Mental Health

What happens when the people trained to protect and heal are the ones afraid to unmask? This week, Emma sits down with Ryan Davies for a powerful, eye-opening interview detailing his intersecting journey with ADHD and Autism. From the initial shock of a late diagnosis to the complex reality of managing medication side effects, Ryan shares how neurodivergence plays out in high-pressure professional environments like the Police and the NHS. We dive deep into the vital importance of the Oliver McGowan mandatory training campaign, the unique hurdles of men's mental health, and why hiding your brain in the workplace is a liability—not a shield. If you are trying to navigate a highly structured career while keeping your authenticity intact, Ryan’s advocacy is your masterclass. In this episode, we reframe: * The Systemic Shield: Navigating neurodivergence inside the rigid structures of the Police and NHS. * The Medication Blueprint: Real talk on how stimulants improve daily functioning—and how to manage the side effects. * Breaking the Blueprint on Men’s Mental Health: Why open storytelling is the ultimate weapon against societal stigma. * The Oliver McGowan Impact: The critical role of mandatory neurodiversity education in public health and safety. * Micro-Steps for Overwhelm: Practical, small-scale coping mechanisms to reset a dysregulated brain. "My daughter calls it my nutty brain—sharing my story is how we smash the stigma." 🎙️ FULL EPISODE CHAPTERS & RESOURCES Chapters: * 00:00 Introduction & Ryan’s Background * 04:29 The Dual Diagnosis Journey & Initial Reactions * 12:49 Understanding ADHD’s Daily Impact * 18:25 The Truth About Medication & Dosage Adjustments * 25:33 Managing Overwhelm with Micro-Coping Mechanisms * 32:38 Moving from Self-Acceptance to Community Advocacy * 39:26 Navigating Professional Life & Public Sector Hurdles * 44:32 Breaking the Silence on Men’s Mental Health & Gender Perspectives * 01:07:42 Navigating the Diagnostic Maze * 01:13:58 Embracing Neurodiversity & Radical Personal Growth Resources Mentioned in this Episode: * The Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training: nhs.uk/oliver-mcgowan-campaign [http://nhs.uk/oliver-mcgowan-campaign] * Connect with Ryan: Ryan Davies on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-davies/] You aren't losing your mind; you're finding your true self. Hit follow and join the project.

S1 Ep 28 | The Layered Mind: Kari Suderley on AuDHD, CPTSD, and the Menopause Storm

What happens when trauma, hormones, and neurodivergence collide? This week, Emma sits down with guest Kari Suderley for an unfiltered, deeply educational masterclass on the complex intersections of adult neurodivergence. Carrie opens up about her personal diagnosis journey with ADHD and Autism, tracing how these traits interact with CPTSD and collide head-on with menopause. From the raw reality of sensory overload and emotional hyperarousal to the strategic fight for reasonable adjustments in higher education, this episode pulls back the curtain on the layers most people ignore. If you are trying to navigate academia, parenthood, or professional life while managing a brain under siege from shifting hormones and trauma, Carrie’s story is the blueprint you need. In this episode, we reframe: * The Intersection of Trauma & AuDHD: How CPTSD alters the executive function landscape. * The Menopause Multiplier: Why hormonal shifts escalate ADHD and sensory overload. * The Academic Battle: Navigating higher education, securing Disabled Students Allowances (DSA), and demanding adjustments. * Emotional Regulation Toolkits: Practical tech and cognitive strategies to manage hyperarousal. * Intergenerational Dynamics: Parenting as a neurodivergent adult while breaking cycles for the next generation. Advocacy isn't a luxury; it’s the most important piece. 🎙️ FULL EPISODE CHAPTERS & RESOURCES Chapters: * 00:00 Introduction & Background * 02:33 Diagnosis Journey & Neurodivergence * 05:34 Navigating Menopause, Hormones & ADHD * 11:50 Academic Hurdles & Higher Education * 14:45 Support Systems & Reasonable Adjustments (DSA) * 39:51 Finding Effective Study Strategies & Processing Info * 52:10 Utilizing Learning Technology * 56:43 Neurodivergent Parenting & Family Dynamics * 01:06:40 Coping Strategies for Emotional Regulation * 01:09:42 Advocacy, Strengths & Celebrating the Accomplishments * 01:17:44 Reframing ADHD & Embracing Differences Resources Mentioned in this Episode: * UK Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSA): gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances [http://gov.uk/disabled-students-allowances] * NotebookLM: notebooklm.google.com [http://notebooklm.google.com] (AI tool for summaries) * Speechify: speechify.com [http://speechify.com] (Text-to-speech app) Connect with Kari: * LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kari-suderley-m-ed-17970866/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kari-suderley-m-ed-17970866/] You aren't losing your mind; you're finding your true self. Hit follow and join the project.

S1 Ep 27 | The Transformation Blueprint: Stu Coleman on Education and Workplace Advocacy

Is your workplace inclusive, or are you just "fitting in"? This week, Emma is joined by Stu Coleman to discuss the ripple effect of an ADHD diagnosis. Stu shares his personal journey of discovery and explains how a deeper understanding of neurodiversity doesn't just help the individual—it transforms entire environments. We’re breaking down the practical strategies needed to overhaul the "factory model" of education and the corporate world, turning them into spaces where neurodivergent brains can actually lead. If you’re looking for the language to advocate for yourself or others, this is your field guide. In this episode, we reframe: * The Transformation Shift: How understanding your brain changes how you show up at work. * Education Evolution: Moving beyond standard learning models to support neurodiverse students. * The Advocacy Toolkit: Practical tips for demanding better support systems in professional spaces. * Cultural Change: Why neurodiversity is a competitive advantage, not a liability. Sound bites "To find myself is the final frontier" "Imagine filling a water balloon really quickly" "Judge me on what I do, not how I do it" Resources ADHD Coaching with Stu Coleman - https://stucolman.com [https://stucolman.com] Purple Platform by Georgina Craven - https://purpleplatform.com [https://purpleplatform.com] Neurodiversity Index Report by City & Guilds - https://cityandguilds.com/research/neurodiversity-index [https://cityandguilds.com/research/neurodiversity-index] Guest links Website - https://stucolman.com [https://stucolman.com] Twitter - https://twitter.com/stucolman [https://twitter.com/stucolman] Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Personal Journeys 01:20 Diagnosis Journey: Discovering ADHD 04:31 Understanding Emotional Intensity and Dysregulation 10:42 Reframing ADHD: Strengths and Skills 15:58 Creating Inclusive Work Environments 21:53 Advocacy and Self-Advocacy in Education 32:34 Navigating Educational Challenges with ADHD 36:20 Finding the Right Support: The Importance of Fit 40:47 Empowerment Through Advocacy and Adjustments 45:14 The Role of Advocacy in Education 48:04 Parenting with ADHD: Insights from Experience 52:10 The Emotional Landscape of ADHD in Men 57:14 Encouragement for the ADHD Community Stop asking for permission; start leading the change.

S1 Ep26 I wasn't broken I was undiagnosed with Siobhan Fox on AuDHD and Life’s Mid-Point Transitions

Is it "brain fog," or is your neurodivergence meeting a hormonal storm? This week, Emma sits down with Siobhan Fox for a deep dive into the intersection of ADHD, Autism, and the "Great Disruptor": Perimenopause. Siobhan shares her raw journey of self-discovery at the midpoint of life, exploring how shifting hormones can unmask traits we’ve spent decades hiding. From the complexities of neurodivergent parenting to overcoming the societal "shoulds" that weigh us down, this episode is a guide for any woman navigating a major life transition. Stop wondering why your old coping mechanisms aren't working anymore. It’s time to build a new toolkit that respects the person you are becoming. In this episode, we reframe: * The Hormonal Unmasking: Why perimenopause often leads to an ADHD or Autism diagnosis. * The Parenting Parallel: Navigating your own discovery while raising neurodivergent children. * Societal Deconditioning: Letting go of the "Neurotypical Standard" of womanhood. * Transition Strategies: Practical tools for managing executive function when your hormones are in flux. Sound bites "Shame is so liberating when you let go of it." "Hormonal changes during menopause rewire the brain." "Always backing myself keeps me going." Resources ADHD Coach Training Program - https://www.adhdcoachtraining.com/ [https://www.adhdcoachtraining.com/] Elaine Aron's Book on Highly Sensitive Person - https://www.amazon.com/Highly-Sensitive-Person-Understanding-Yourself/dp/0553062182 [https://www.amazon.com/Highly-Sensitive-Person-Understanding-Yourself/dp/0553062182] Menopause Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi - https://www.amazon.com/Menopause-Brain-Understanding-Yourself-Change/dp/0593194484 [https://www.amazon.com/Menopause-Brain-Understanding-Yourself-Change/dp/0593194484] Wild Power by Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlittle - https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Power-Reclaiming-Menarche-Myth/dp/1785042784 [https://www.amazon.com/Wild-Power-Reclaiming-Menarche-Myth/dp/1785042784] Guest links LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanrfox/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/siobhanrfox/] Instagram - @siobhan_reveals Website - bigpicturebusinesscoach.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Personal Journeys 01:54 Navigating Diagnosis and Self-Discovery 06:05 Understanding ADHD and Its Impact on Life 09:57 Communication Challenges and Strategies 13:51 Parenting as a Neurodivergent Individual 20:10 Breaking Generational Patterns in Parenting 30:57 Reflections on Parenting and Self-Discovery 35:57 Navigating Apologies and Emotional Responses 40:54 Understanding Hormonal Changes and Mental Health 48:46 The Journey to HRT and Personal Empowerment 54:58 Advocacy for Women's Health and ADHD Awareness 01:02:22 Overcoming Darkness: A Journey of Recovery 01:04:50 Finding Healthier Coping Mechanisms 01:07:11 Understanding Financial Challenges with ADHD 01:09:09 The Impact of Alcohol on ADHD 01:12:12 Breaking Free from Alcohol's Grip 01:18:37 Embracing Sobriety and Self-Discovery 01:21:08 Creating a Supportive Community You aren't losing your mind; you're finding your true self. Hit follow and join the project.

S1 Ep 25 | The Resilience Loop: Georgina Colman on ADHD, MS, and Reclaiming Your Power

When your brain is "fast" but your body says "slow," how do you find the middle ground? In our season finale, Emma is joined by Georgina Colman to discuss the powerful intersection of ADHD and Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Georgina shares a masterclass in resilience, exploring the hidden links between hormonal health, autoimmune diseases, and neurodivergence. We’re not just talking about the struggle; we’re talking about the solution. Georgina introduces us to Purple, a platform dedicated to supporting the disabled and neurodivergent community with real-world resources and advocacy. This episode is a call to reclaim your power, regardless of your diagnosis. It’s the perfect end to our first chapter: a reminder that with the right tools and community, we don't just survive—we thrive. In this episode, we reframe: * The ADHD/MS Connection: Navigating life with both a neurodivergent brain and an autoimmune condition. * Hormones & Health: How hormonal shifts act as a "volume knob" for both ADHD and autoimmune symptoms. * The Purple Mission: Discovering a platform built to empower the disabled community with resources and discounts. * Advocacy in Action: Moving from patient to power-player in your own healthcare journey. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to ADHD and MS 01:43 Family Dynamics and ADHD Diagnoses 04:55 The Impact of ADHD on Health 07:56 Hormonal Influences on ADHD and Autoimmune Diseases 11:51 Navigating the Healthcare System 14:48 The Need for Better ADHD Awareness and Support 20:01 Creating Purple: A Resource for the Disabled Community 25:52 Introduction to Purple: A Community Resource 29:26 Membership and Financial Accessibility 31:29 Understanding Financial Insecurity in the Disabled Community 34:38 Challenges with the Benefit System 39:36 Reframing ADHD: Understanding and Acceptance 42:00 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed The diagnosis is the beginning, not the end. Hit follow and join the project.