Three Lessons from an ADHD Late Diagnosis

Three Lessons from an ADHD Late Diagnosis

🎧 ADHD Come Lately – Episode 9: Three Lessons from an ADHD Late Diagnosis [https://pod.link/1826742829] Six weeks into his ADHD diagnosis, the host reflects on three lessons so far — from the limits of medication to finding acceptance and humour in late discovery. Featuring a powerbank, an airport tannoy, and the things we carry without realising. In this reflective wrap-up to the first season of ADHD Come Lately, we explore what happens after the diagnosis — when the dust settles and real life carries on. Six weeks in, three lessons emerge: 💊 Medication helps, but it’s not magic. 🧭 Very few people will truly understand — and that’s okay. 🌱 I’m still me. Along the way, there’s travel fatigue, tension headaches, RSD triggers, and one deeply awkward airport moment involving a “deported” powerbank. This episode is about learning to sit comfortably with yourself — ADHD and all — while leaving behind the unnecessary baggage you’ve been dragging around for years. --- ✨ Support & Resources (Australia): 🇦🇺 ADHD Australia 🇦🇺 Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 🇦🇺 Head to Health 🇦🇺 Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support) 🇦🇺 MensLine Australia – 1300 78 99 78 🖤❤️💛 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mental Health Support: 🏵️ 13YARN – 13 92 76 A free, confidential, 24/7 phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are feeling overwhelmed or need someone to talk to. 🖤❤️💛 WellMob – Culturally safe online mental health tools and wellbeing resources made by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. --- 🇬🇧 UK Support: 🇬🇧 ADHD UK 🇬🇧 Mind – Mental Health Charity --- 🎙️ About the Show: ADHD Come Lately is for the newly diagnosed, the maybe diagnosed, and anyone realising that the reason they can’t finish their to-do list might not be a character flaw after all.

[Finally Diagnosed] Titration Station — Riding the Ritalin Slow Train (with Possible Delays)

🎙️ Episode 8: Titration Station — Riding the Ritalin Slow Train (with Possible Delays) In this episode of ADHD Come Lately, Dave reveals that it’s official — he has ADHD. He reflects on what it’s like to finally receive a diagnosis, how it’s opened up new and validating conversations, and the confusion that can come with navigating treatment options. Dave shares his experience of starting Ritalin, what 'titration' actually means, and how it feels to board the slow train of medication adjustment — side effects, surprises, and all. This episode explores patience, comparison, and learning to trust the process (with a little help from Aesop’s fable about the dog and its bone). If you’re starting your own titration journey or still waiting for clarity, this one’s for you. --- 💬 In this episode: How it feels to finally be diagnosed with ADHD What titration is and why it matters My Ritalin schedule and early side effects How stimulant meds differ (Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse, Dexamphetamine) The emotional adjustment — and the patience it demands A reminder that slow progress is still progress --- 🧠 Resources & Support (Australia): ADHD Australia: adhdaustralia.org.au Mind Australia (mental health support): mindaustralia.org.au Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14 — lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 — beyondblue.org.au

ADHD Cheat Codes: A Game of Neurodivergence

🎧 Episode 7: ADHD Cheat Codes: A Game of Neurodivergence In this episode, I take you through some of the wild, messy, and occasionally funny chapters of my life — from dropping out of uni in a blur of beer and burgers, to solo climbing 'missions' that could’ve gone very wrong, to lifeguarding, failed police applications, and eventually stumbling into criminology. Along the way, I share the ADHD 'cheat codes' I’ve discovered — the shortcuts and workarounds that helped me survive and, eventually, succeed. And to wrap up, I share a bunch of practical cheat codes that you can actually steal and try in your own life. What you’ll hear in this episode: Why my first go at university was doomed from the start The thrill (and chaos) of late-night climbing escapades The crushing shame of walking out of my first exam Lifeguarding, depression, and trying to 'repent' by joining the police Discovering criminology and finally feeling interested in something ADHD 'cheat codes' I’ve used across work, study, and life A list of practical hacks for focus, routine, money, social life, and study --- 🛠 Cheat Codes You Can Steal Here are some of the ADHD hacks I talk through in the episode: Brain & Focus: body doubling, timers, externalising your brain Life Admin: the one-touch rule, default meals/outfits, visible storage Money: automate bills, separate fun money Social & Emotional: script conversations, pre-commit to plans, schedule rest Work & Study: work with your natural energy, use templates, micro-deadlines These aren’t rules — they’re tools. Try what works, ditch what doesn’t. --- 🚑 Australian Support Services If you’re struggling with ADHD, mental health, or both, you don’t have to do it alone. Here are some supports you can reach out to: ADHD-specific ADHD Australia — adhdaustralia.org.au ADHD Foundation — Helpline 1300 39 39 19, adhdfoundation.org.au ADHD Support Australia — adhdsupportaustralia.com.au ADHD Guide (Australia) — adhdguide.com.au Mental health & crisis support Lifeline — 13 11 14 (24/7 crisis support) Beyond Blue — 1300 22 4636 (mental health support and counselling) Head to Health — headtohealth.gov.au NSW Mental Health Line — 1800 011 511 (24/7 service in NSW) --- 👉 If you find this episode useful, please follow the show, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need a few cheat codes of their own.

Pacing The ADHD Waiting Room & The Medication Debate

Episode 6 – Pacing The ADHD Waiting Room & The Medication Debate In this episode, Dave takes you on another ADHD-flavoured wander through life, music, and the oddities of the diagnostic process. Expect tangents, humour, and a few thoughtful moments along the way. What’s inside this episode: 🎙 The remarkable case of the vanishing podcast 🎸 Blink-182 and ADHD – what’s our age again? 🤘 Should you still listen to punk and wear headphones in your forties? 💡 ADHD hiccups and the cumulative impact on partners ❓ Is ADHD just an excuse? ⏳ Why are the episodes getting longer? (spoiler: still a mystery) 🧠 Reflections on my one (so far) appointment with the psychiatrist Books mentioned: Fahrenheit-182 — Mark Hoppus & Dan Ozzi The Year I Met My Brain: A travel companion for adults who have just found out they have ADHD — Matilda Boseley Quote of the week: "If you can’t change something, change the way you feel about it." — Maya Angelou (I had to cut me giving her credit, as I mispronounced her name) --- Support services in Australia 🇦🇺 If this episode raises questions or feelings for you, please reach out for support. ADHD Australia – adhdaustralia.org.au ADHD Foundation – adhdfoundation.org.au Head to Health – headtohealth.gov.au (government mental health resource hub) Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au (24/7 crisis support) Kids Helpline (for young people 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au

5 Common ADHD Traits You're Not Imagining & The Red Pill

🎙 Episode 5 – 5 Common ADHD Traits You’re Not Imagining & The Red Pill In this episode of ADHD Come Lately, we dive into five ADHD traits that don’t appear in the official diagnostic criteria — but if you live with ADHD, you probably know them all too well: 1. Time blindness – The challenge: underestimating how long things take or losing track of time. The flipside: the ability to hyperfocus in the moment and be completely present when something matters. 2. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) – The challenge: intense emotional pain at perceived rejection or criticism. The flipside: deep empathy, attunement to others, and strong bonds in relationships. 3. Task initiation paralysis – The challenge: procrastination or difficulty starting tasks, even important ones. The flipside: bursts of incredible productivity under pressure, and creative problem-solving when it counts. 4. Low frustration tolerance – The challenge: irritability and overwhelm in stressful situations. The flipside: passionate energy, quick action when things aren’t right, and fierce advocacy for what matters. 5. Shame spirals – The challenge: replaying mistakes and feeling “never good enough.” The flipside: self-awareness, accountability, and a drive to grow and do better. 💡 If you’ve ever wondered “Is this just me?” — this episode is here to tell you: it’s not. And there’s more to the story than the struggle. --- Acknowledgement of Country I acknowledge the Wallamattagul peoples of the Dharug Nation, the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast is created. I pay my respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Recognition of Lived and Living Experience I also acknowledge and honour the expertise, insight, and resilience of people with lived and living experience of ADHD, mental health challenges, and neurodivergence. Your voices are vital in shaping understanding, support, and change. --- Support Services If you are in NSW or anywhere in Australia and need ADHD or mental health support, you are not alone: ADHD Australia – https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au [https://www.adhdaustralia.org.au/] Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | https://www.beyondblue.org.au [https://www.beyondblue.org.au/] Lifeline – 13 11 14 | https://www.lifeline.org.au [https://www.lifeline.org.au/] Head to Health (Australian Government) – https://www.headtohealth.gov.au [https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/] If you’re in crisis, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 or seek immediate professional help. --- 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast platform.