Do you ever feel like an "oddball" struggling with distractions, disorganization, and emotional overwhelm? In this revealing conversation, I sit down with internationally recognized ADHD expert Terry Matlen. Terry shares her powerful journey of getting a late ADHD diagnosis after recognizing similar challenges in her daughter who suffered a traumatic brain injury as a toddler. We dive deep into the complex interplay of ADHD symptoms, trauma's impact on the nervous system, and how sensory processing issues often go unrecognized in women with ADHD. This is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand and embrace their neurodivergent wiring.

Terry Matlen, LMSW, ACSW, a nationally recognized expert on ADHD in women, is a psychotherapist, author, consultant, and coach. She is the author of the award-winning book, The Queen of Distraction and Survival Tips for Women with ADHD, and founder/director of ADDConsults, an international online resource serving women with ADHD, and The Queens Of Distraction, an online coaching program for women with ADHD. 

Episode Highlights:

[1:05 ] - Introducing Terry Matlen, renowned psychotherapist specializing in women with ADHD.

[3:40 ] - Terry's daughter suffered a traumatic brain injury at 15 months old.

[8:17 ] - As Terry helped her daughter, she noticed similarities with her own ADHD challenges.

[11:04 ] - Example of Terry's "thought work" to avoid personalizing her child's harsh words.

[15:30 ] - Discussing the nuances between ADHD and "acquired ADHD" from brain injuries.

[19:08 ] - Terry recognizing longtime ADHD symptoms in herself like disorganization.

[23:34 ] - How Terry's creative, open-minded family normalized her ADHD interests.

[26:49 ] - The traumatic loss of Terry's father at age 10 and its lifelong impact on her anxiety.

[29:37 ] - Recounting a severely dismissed life-threatening illness at age 7 that bred insecurity.

[35:58 ] - Terry's lifelong sensory processing disorder and hypersensitivities.

[40:49 ] - The importance of recognizing sensory needs in kids.

[43:12 ] - How Terry supports other women.

Links & Resources:

• ADDConsults: https://addconsults.com/ 
• The Queens of Distraction: https://addconsults.com/queens/ 
• Connect with Terry: Terry@ADDconsults.com

Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD.

Are you a high-achieving adult who still struggles with the chaos of your ADHD, wants a hard reset to create structures and routines that stick, to ultimately build greater confidence?

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