Grandma Has ADHD

Jami Shapiro
  • 5.0 (16)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to “Grandma Has ADHD,” the podcast dedicated to exploring the unique challenges and experiences of seniors living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and referred by some as ADD.  We’ll provide valuable insights, expert advice, and personal stories to help older adults, their families, and caregivers navigate the journey of managing ADHD in later life mixed with a little humor and real life, unedited examples of navigating life with ADHD. Whether you are a senior who suspects you may have ADHD or love an ADHD Senior, “Grandma Has ADHD” embraces the saying “Making the rest of your life, the BEST of your life” and is here to provide you with the information, support, and resources you need to thrive.

  1. 1D AGO

    Episode 86 - Feel Less S****y About Yourself

    In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with ADHD coach Shelley Fritz for a refreshingly honest and grounded conversation about what it really means to live with ADHD, especially when you’ve spent years thinking your struggles were personal failures. Together, Jami and Shelley talk about redefining success, setting realistic expectations, and finding ways to make life feel more manageable not by pushing harder, but by working with your brain. This is a conversation about letting go of shame, lowering the bar in a meaningful way, and creating a life that actually feels good to live. What You’ll Learn Why so many adults with ADHD believe their struggles are character flawsHow late diagnosis can shift your entire self-perceptionThe connection between ADHD, anxiety, and emotional dysregulationWhy “feeling like a mess” is a common ADHD experienceHow to set smaller, achievable goals that build momentumWhy defining your own version of success mattersHow guilt can block you from doing things you actually enjoyHow ADHD shows up consistently across different life stages Why This Matters Many people with ADHD spend decades believing they are the problem. This episode is a reminder that the goal isn’t perfection, it’s feeling better, little by little. When you begin to understand your brain and adjust your expectations, things can start to feel more manageable, and the weight of constant self-judgment can begin to lift. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it? Shelley’s answer is no. While ADHD has brought challenges, it has also shaped who she is — and understanding it has allowed her to move from frustration toward acceptance and growth. About the Guest Shelley Fritz is an ADHD coach and former special education teacher with over 20 years of experience working with students with learning differences. After discovering her own ADHD later in life, she transitioned into coaching adults, helping them build routines, manage time, and better understand their brains in a supportive, non-judgmental space. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through her podcast Grandma Has ADHD, she brings awareness to ADHD in older adults, especially women, helping listeners better understand their brains and navigate life with more clarity and compassion. Resources Your ADHD Path: https://youradhdpath.com This Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroAllow Me To Interrupt by Dr. Gilly KahnshellADHD coaching and support resources Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.meSilver Linings Transitions: Support for downsizing, organizing, and life transitionsBook: This Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

    52 min

  2. APR 28

    Episode 85 - Why We Need to Reframe Shame with ADHD

    In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with psychologist and adult ADHD expert Dr. Shawn Horn for an honest and empowering conversation about one of the heaviest emotions many people with ADHD carry: shame. Dr. Horn shares how shame can quietly shape relationships, confidence, communication, and emotional regulation — and why healing begins when we stop judging ourselves and start understanding what’s really going on. Together, Jami and Dr. Horn explore how reframing shame can open the door to stronger relationships, more self-compassion, and practical strategies that actually work for the ADHD brain. What You’ll Learn Why shame is so common in adults with ADHDHow late diagnosis can reshape your self-imageThe difference between guilt and shameHow rejection sensitivity (RSD) impacts relationshipsWhy nervous system regulation matters in communicationHow ADHD can affect connection, conflict, and emotional reactionPractical ways to build self-compassion and resilienceWhy understanding your brain changes everything Why This Matters Many adults with ADHD spend years believing they are the problem. This episode is a reminder that ADHD challenges are not character flaws. When shame is replaced with understanding, people can begin to build healthier relationships with themselves and others. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it? This conversation highlights a common theme on the podcast: while ADHD can bring real struggles, many people also discover strengths, creativity, empathy, and resilience through understanding how their brain works. About the Guest Dr. Shawn Horn, PsyD is a licensed clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, podcast host, and adult ADHD expert known online as the “Shame-Busting Psychologist.” She helps adults with ADHD turn shame into resilience and thrive socially and emotionally. She is the author of Thrive Socially with Adult ADHD: Shame-Busting Strategies to Build Better Relationships Using Polyvagal Theory & Neuroscience. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through her podcast Grandma Has ADHD, she brings awareness to ADHD in older adults, especially women, helping listeners better understand their brains and navigate life with more clarity and compassion. Resources Thrive Socially with Adult ADHD by Dr. Shawn HornPolyvagal Theory resourcesADHD relationship and communication strategies Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.meSilver Linings Transitions: Support for downsizing, organizing, and life transitionsBook: This Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

    1h 9m

  3. APR 21

    Episode 84 - ADHD & Downsizing

    In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro switches things up and sits in the guest seat as she’s interviewed by her longtime friend Lynn. With National Organizing Month as the backdrop, this conversation explores the powerful intersection between ADHD and organizing, especially when it comes to downsizing, decluttering, and navigating a lifetime of belongings. Jami shares her personal experiences, professional insights, and practical strategies for making organizing more manageable, not by forcing perfection, but by working with the ADHD brain instead of against it. What You’ll Learn The difference between organizing, decluttering, downsizing, and “right-sizing”Why traditional organizing methods often don’t work for ADHD brainsHow “out of sight, out of mind” impacts clutter and decision-makingWhy decluttering must come before organizingThe concept of “DOOM piles” (Didn’t Organize, Only Moved)How to use constraints and systems to reduce overwhelmWhy labeling and visibility can make a big differenceHow to make organizing more engaging through gamification and creativityThe emotional side of clutter, including shame, avoidance, and overwhelmHow ADHD shows up differently than hoarding disorder Why This Matters For many adults, especially those diagnosed later in life, clutter isn’t about laziness or lack of effort. It’s about how the ADHD brain processes decisions, attention, and follow-through. Understanding this can shift the narrative from frustration to clarity and help create systems that actually work. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through her podcast Grandma Has ADHD, she brings awareness to ADHD in older adults, especially women, helping listeners better understand their brains and navigate life with more clarity and compassion. Resources Silver Linings Transitions National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM): https://www.nasmm.org Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD) This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Watch Jami tour her mom’s home and talk about clutter, ADHD, and how it differs from hoarding disorder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Hrfn_szhqo  Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.me Silver Linings Transitions: Support for downsizing, organizing, and life transitions Book: This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Enjoying the Podcast? If this episode resonated with you: Leave a reviewShare it with someone who might need to hear itFollow Grandma Has ADHD for more conversations on ADHD, aging, and understanding your brainThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

    55 min

  4. APR 14

    Episode 83 - Overcoming the Guilt and Shame of ADHD

    In this episode, Jami Shapiro sits down with ADHD coach and educator Jamie Blume for a deeply honest conversation about guilt, shame, and self-compassion in the ADHD journey. Jamie shares her personal story of discovering ADHD through her son’s struggles and how that realization reshaped not only her understanding of him, but of herself and her past. Together, Jami and Jamie explore how guilt shows up in ADHD, why it can feel so heavy, and how shifting from self-blame to self-compassion can open the door to growth, healing, and a more empowered way forward. What You’ll Learn How ADHD can show up in childhood but go unrecognizedWhy many adults carry guilt about missed signs or late diagnosisThe connection between ADHD, shame, and self-perceptionHow to shift from “should have known” to “what can I do now”The role of self-compassion in moving forwardHow ADHD affects social dynamics and relationshipsWhy structure and systems matter at every stage of lifeHow menopause and life transitions can intensify ADHD symptoms Why This Matters Many adults spend years looking back with regret, wishing they had known sooner. This episode is a reminder that while those feelings are real, staying there doesn’t move us forward. Understanding ADHD through a new lens can help replace guilt with clarity, and shame with self-compassion. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it? Jamie’s answer: No. She shares that ADHD is deeply connected to who she is, her creativity, empathy, and energy, and that with the right tools and awareness, it becomes something to work with, not against. About the Guest Jamie Blume is an ADHD coach, educator, and founder of Along Their Way. After her own ADHD diagnosis, she dedicated her work to helping individuals and families better understand and navigate life with ADHD through both science and lived experience. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through her podcast Grandma Has ADHD, she brings awareness to ADHD in older adults, especially women, helping listeners better understand their brains and navigate life with more clarity and compassion. Resources Along Their Way: https://alongtheirway.com ADHD coaching and support resources This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.me Silver Linings Transitions: Support for downsizing, organizing, and life transitions Book: This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

    51 min

  5. APR 7

    Episode 82 - The Impact of ADHD Medications on Older Adults

    In this episode, Jami Shapiro sits down with nurse practitioner and ADHD specialist Maggie Alexander for an eye-opening conversation about ADHD medication, especially in older adults. For many people, ADHD has long been misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or simply overlooked, particularly in women and those diagnosed later in life. And when it comes to treatment, there’s still a lot of confusion, fear, and misinformation around medication. Maggie brings both clinical expertise and real-world experience to the conversation, breaking down what ADHD medications actually do, how they work in the body, and why age should not be a barrier to treatment. What You’ll Learn Why ADHD is often mistaken for anxiety or depressionThe truth about stimulant medication in older adultsHow to know if a medication is actually working for youThe real difference between Adderall and RitalinWhy dosage has nothing to do with age or body sizeWhat “start low, go slow” really meansThe overlooked emotional side of ADHD (RSD) Why This Matters Many adults spend years, even decades, being treated for the wrong thing. This episode sheds light on what happens when ADHD is missed, and what becomes possible when it’s finally understood and supported properly. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it? While Maggie doesn’t have ADHD herself, the conversation reinforces a powerful theme heard across the podcast, that ADHD, while challenging, is also deeply tied to creativity, intuition, and how people experience the world. About the Guest Maggie Alexander is a psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in ADHD. She has worked with hundreds of patients and focuses on precise, individualized treatment. She is the author of Shine with ADHD. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through her podcast Grandma Has ADHD, she brings awareness to ADHD in older adults — especially women — helping listeners better understand their brains and navigate life with more clarity and compassion. Resources Shine with ADHD by Maggie AlexanderADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS) Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.me Silver Linings Transitions: Support for downsizing, organizing, and life transitions Book: This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Enjoying the Podcast? If this episode resonated with you: Leave a reviewShare it with someone who might need to hear itFollow Grandma Has ADHD for more conversations on ADHD, aging, and understanding your brainThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

    52 min

  6. MAR 31

    Episode 81 - A Daughter's Experience with Alzheimers and ADHD

    In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with ADHD coach and behavior analyst Heather Callison for a deeply honest conversation about discovering ADHD later in life, raising neurodivergent children, and how family patterns often reveal the bigger picture. Heather shares her journey of recognizing ADHD in herself after her daughter’s diagnosis and how that discovery reshaped her understanding of her past, her career, and her family dynamics. Together, Jami and Heather explore the emotional realities of living with ADHD — from missed diagnoses in childhood to the powerful resilience that often develops along the way. This episode also dives into important topics like ADHD in girls, overlapping conditions like epilepsy and dysgraphia, and how compassion and awareness can change the trajectory of someone’s life. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why ADHD is often missed in girls and high-achieving studentsHow ADHD frequently runs through entire familiesThe connection between ADHD and epilepsyWhy social challenges can appear before academic strugglesThe role of resilience and self-awareness in ADHD managementHow parenting changes when you understand neurodivergenceThe emotional experience of late ADHD diagnosisWhy many adults with ADHD learn to give themselves graceAbout The Guest Heather Callison is an ADHD coach, board-certified behavior analyst, and educator with a PhD in Special Education. She works with creative, passionate individuals who feel stuck and helps them rediscover their strengths through ADHD-informed coaching. About The Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, author, and certified senior move manager. Through her podcast Grandma Has ADHD, she raises awareness about ADHD in adults — especially women discovering their diagnosis later in life. Resources Mentioned • Jami Shapiro’s book This Explains So Much • ADDCA Coach Academy ADHD coaching program • ADHD coaching and community support groups • Research on ADHD and epilepsy comorbidity Links & Resources Website: https://www.jamishapiro.meFacebook: Grandma Has ADHDInstagram: Grandma Has ADHD📘 Book:This Explains So Much by Jamie ShapiroFacebook: Silver Linings TransitionsSenior move management and decluttering supportThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

    1h 7m

  7. MAR 24

    Episode 80 - Anxiety and ADHD part 2

    This episode continues a deeply personal conversation between Jami Shapiro and her longtime friend and collaborator Lynn, as they explore the lifelong impact of ADHD, especially for women who were never diagnosed growing up. In Part 2, Lynn shares more of her childhood experiences—growing up with anxiety, night terrors, hyperactivity, and creativity—long before ADHD was widely understood or diagnosed in girls. Through therapy, structure, and the support of her parents, she slowly developed tools that helped her navigate school, relationships, and life. Jami and Lynn also discuss the realities of ADHD in adulthood, including motherhood, work, aging, and the pressure women feel to “hold everything together” for their families. This episode highlights an important message: ADHD doesn’t disappear with age—and many women are only discovering it later in life. In This EpisodeWhy Jami created the first-ever two-part episodeLynn’s childhood experiences with anxiety, insomnia, and hyperactive creativityThe therapist who helped introduce structure and boundariesHow ADHD can go unnoticed in girlsThe role of sports, activity, and structure in managing symptomsGrowing up feeling “too much” or differentBullying, friendships, and rejection sensitivityADHD in parenting and family dynamicsWhy ADHD in mothers affects the household differentlyLate-life ADHD discovery and menopauseThe origin and purpose of the Sparkler Society Key Takeaways ADHD Often Goes Undiagnosed in Girls Many women grew up believing ADHD only affected hyperactive boys. As a result, generations of women never received a diagnosis or proper support. Structure Can Be Life-Changing Lynn’s therapist didn’t label her condition but instead provided practical tools, boundaries, and structure that helped her gradually improve sleep, focus, and confidence. Women Carry the Mental Load Jami explains how ADHD can hit women harder because mothers are often expected to manage the household’s executive functioning. ADHD Doesn’t Go Away With Age In fact, symptoms can intensify later in life due to hormonal changes, stress, or aging. Memorable MomentsLynn’s parents using sports and activities to help channel her energyThe “tape on the floor” technique used to create nighttime boundariesThe viral story of Lynn’s mother’s humorous tombstoneJami reflecting on how ADHD shaped her career helping seniors with downsizingThe powerful realization that ADHD may run through generations of familiesAbout the Sparkler SocietyJami and Lynn are building a new community called The Sparkler Society, designed for women with ADHD who want support, structure, and connection. The community will include: Weekly live group sessionsBody doubling for productivityADHD coaching and supportDecluttering and downsizing guidanceConversations about spending habits and unfinished projectsThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

    1h 9m

  8. MAR 17

    Episode 79 - We Don’t Suddenly Get ADHD at 60 - We’re Finally Becoming Aware a conversation with Dr. David Goodman

    Episode Summary In this powerful episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with internationally recognized ADHD expert Dr. David W. Goodman to explore one of the most overlooked conversations in mental health: ADHD in older adults. For decades, ADHD was believed to be something children simply “outgrew.” Dr. Goodman has spent over 40 years researching and treating adult ADHD, challenging that myth and helping the medical community understand that ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. Together, Jami and Dr. Goodman unpack why so many adults—especially women—are only now discovering their ADHD later in life, how it can be mistaken for memory loss or dementia, and why diagnosis can be deeply healing even in later years. This episode is filled with insight, compassion, and hope for anyone who has ever wondered: "Why has my brain always worked differently?" What You’ll Learn in This Episode✅ Why ADHD often goes undiagnosed until adulthood or later in life ✅ The surprising ways ADHD symptoms can mimic dementia or cognitive decline ✅ Why women and older adults are historically underdiagnosed ✅ How ADHD symptoms stay relatively stable, but life demands change how impairments appear ✅ Why many physicians still miss ADHD in older adults ✅ The emotional impact of discovering ADHD later in life ✅ How diagnosis can bring relief, healing, and restored relationships About the GuestDr. David W. Goodman is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Director of the Adult Attention Deficit Disorder Center of Maryland. He is one of the world’s leading experts on adult ADHD, having: Delivered 750+ lectures worldwidePublished 35+ peer-reviewed scientific papersLed major adult ADHD clinical trialsAuthored The Black Book of ADHDHis expertise has been featured in major outlets including CNN, ABC World News, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Key Conversation HighlightsADHD Doesn’t Disappear With Age Research now shows ADHD is a lifelong neuropsychiatric condition, not something people grow out of. Many adults are simply getting diagnosed for the first time later in life due to increased awareness. ADHD vs Dementia Older adults with ADHD may experience symptoms like: forgetfulnessdifficulty focusinglosing track of tasksThese symptoms can sometimes be misinterpreted as early dementia, which is why proper evaluation is so important. Why Women Are Diagnosed Later For generations, ADHD was primarily associated with hyperactive boys. Many girls showed inattentive symptoms instead, which were often overlooked. As a result, countless women have spent decades believing they were: lazydisorganized“too much”not trying hard enoughWhen in reality, they had undiagnosed ADHD. The Impact of Awareness A diagnosis later in life can bring a powerful shift: understanding past strugglesThank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life. Follow us: Instagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD

    1h 11m
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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Welcome to “Grandma Has ADHD,” the podcast dedicated to exploring the unique challenges and experiences of seniors living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and referred by some as ADD.  We’ll provide valuable insights, expert advice, and personal stories to help older adults, their families, and caregivers navigate the journey of managing ADHD in later life mixed with a little humor and real life, unedited examples of navigating life with ADHD. Whether you are a senior who suspects you may have ADHD or love an ADHD Senior, “Grandma Has ADHD” embraces the saying “Making the rest of your life, the BEST of your life” and is here to provide you with the information, support, and resources you need to thrive.

Information

  • Creator
    Jami Shapiro
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    87
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grandma Has ADHD
  • Show Website
    Grandma Has ADHD

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