Melissa Kinney | What if a missed ADHD diagnosis suddenly made your whole life make more sense?

From the parking lot of Costco in the midst of a global pandemic, I received a phone call that has changed my life and changed my beloved friend Melissa's too. What if, after 40 years of living, you realize that much of the ways the world has been so hard are simply because of undiagnosed neurodiversity... even more so, what if much of your overwhelm, anxiousness and depression were symptoms of a missed diagnosis of ADHD. 

Women and girls are commonly underdiagnosed in ADHD because we all expect it to look a particular way. We all know that boy from grade school who could never seem to sit still, stop talking, or stay out of trouble. I assumed for much of my life that I had ADD and considered it a strength in many ways, but I was missing some crucial information. 

I didn't understand how much of a player it was in my relationships, my ability to keep up with work, motherhood, parenting, and how often it led me to avoid conflict at all costs. 

Melissa had a similar experience, though it was never even on her radar until a friend posted about her experience which sent Melissa down a very familiar ADHD rabbit hole of discovery. 

In this episode we talk about life before and after diagnosis, all the things that might have bene different and all the ways we are learning to understand ourselves, our children, our lives and look back with perhaps a little more grace. 

Wondering if this might be you? Here are some common symptoms in women and girls: 

• Daydreaming and in a world of her own 
• Difficulty maintaining focus; easily distracted 
• Disorganized and messy (in her appearance and physical space)
• Doesn’t appear to be trying 
• Doesn’t seem motivated
• Forgetful 
• Highly sensitive to noise, fabrics, and emotions
• Hyper-talkative (always has lots to say, but is not good at listening)
• Hyperreactivity (exaggerated emotional responses)
• Looks to be making "careless" mistakes
• Might often slam her doors shut 
• Often late (poor time management) 
• Problems completing tasks 
• Seems shy
• Seems to get easily upset 
• Shifting focus from one activity to another
• Takes time to process information and directions; seems like she doesn't hear you
• Verbally impulsive; blurts out and interrupts others
• Appears withdrawn
• Cries easily

https://www.verywellmind.com/adhd-in-girls-symptoms-of-adhd-in-girls-20547
https://www.additudemag.com/category/manage-adhd-life/relationships/

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