In this episode we debunk myths about ADHD — attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — and how it presents in women, girls, and moms.
The Taboo
ADHD is still widely seen as a “little boy’s disorder,” so when women and mothers struggle, their symptoms are often minimized, misdiagnosed, or blamed on personality flaws (lazy, disorganized, bad mom, too emotional!).
Also: How hormones (period, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause) exacerbate ADHD symptoms is rarely discussed in mainstream conversations.
Links + Resources
Time Stamps
* 5:00 – 12:00 | What is ADHD, really?
* 12:00 – 18:00 | Late Diagnosis in Women & Mothers
* 18:00 – 26:00 | Masking and Perfectionism
* 26:00 – 34:00 | Hormones and ADHD
* 34:00 – 42:00 | ADHD x Motherhood
* 42:00 – 50:00 | Strengths and Coping Strategies
Key Takeaways
Many women don’t get an ADHD diagnosis ‘til their 30s or later, often after becoming mothers. This is partly because ADHD symptoms in women are misattributed to anxiety and depression, but diagnosis is often a huge turning point in reframing struggles as a neurological difference and not a personal failing.
ADHD presents uniquely in women. It often looks like mental hyperactivity and not the physical hyperactivity seen in many boys. This is because of social conditioning and expectations for masking (“good girl” socialization, perfectionism, blending in). Masking can lead to exhaustion, shame, and eventual breakdown.
Hormonal changes, like in puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and the menstrual cycle, can exacerbate ADHD symptoms because of the relationship between estrogen and dopamine. The mental load, overstimulation, and pressures of motherhood can add to ADHD challenges and make everyday routines and tasks overwhelming.
Guest Expert
Avery Wasmanski — licensed, trauma-informed therapist — works with women and moms who feel like they are chronically overwhelmed and feel like they aren't good enough in their parenting or relationships.
Avery incorporates mindfulness and other holistic and somatic techniques in her therapy, while always focusing on the relationship between client and therapist as the primary tool for healing and change.
Avery's lived experience of being a mom of two young girls, as well as being a therapist with ADHD, gives her a unique understanding of what being a mom with ADHD is like.
Visit her website at averywasmanskilpctherapy.com or follow Avery on Instagram, Threads, or Facebook.
📍 Pennsylvania, USA
