ADHD isn’t just a childhood condition—it’s a lifelong experience that often goes unrecognized well into adulthood. I was delighted to co-host two webinars in February, Understanding Adult ADHD, to explore the realities of living with ADHD, dispell common myths, and share strategies for thriving.
My fellow co-host was Sydney-based ADHD coach Caroline Beresford. Caroline brought her wealth of experience from both the corporate world and her work supporting ADHDers, while I shared personal insights from my own late diagnosis and lived experiences shared in The Missing Piece.
There was a lot to cram into 60 minutes, but in typical ADHD style, we covered a lot of ground – and ran over time!
What is ADHD, Really?
ADHD is a neurological condition that affects executive functioning, which includes skills like decision-making, impulse control, emotional regulation, and task management. The frontal lobe—the brain’s “cockpit”—operates differently in those with ADHD, making everyday tasks more challenging. Dopamine deficiency plays a significant role, impacting motivation, focus, and behaviour regulation.
Many people still associate ADHD with hyperactive school-aged boys, but adult ADHD often looks very different.
One of the most powerful takeaways from the webinar was to embrace the idea that ADHD isn’t just a disorder—it’s a different way of thinking and experiencing the world. By shifting the focus from deficits to strengths, adults with ADHD can build strategies that work for them, rather than trying to fit into neurotypical expectations.
We tackled key aspects of adult ADHD, from understanding executive function challenges to exploring strategies for time management, emotional regulation, and self-advocacy.
Each session was designed to be informative, practical, and empowering, offering attendees a clearer understanding of how ADHD shows up in adulthood and, most importantly, how to work with it rather than against it.
