Grandma Has ADHD

Jami Shapiro
  • 5.0 (20)
  • 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. 2d ago

    Episode 107: Why Understanding Your ADHD Matters (ADHD Awareness Month)

    For ADHD Awareness Month, Jami Shapiro is doing something a little different: a solo episode. Jami walks through her own ADHD journey, from dismissing the possibility that she could have ADHD, to being diagnosed at 45 alongside her child, to finally realizing years later just how much ADHD had been affecting her life. She also shares how recognizing ADHD in her mom at nearly 77 changed the way she understood her family, her work, and herself.  In This Episode Why Jami initially dismissed her ADHD diagnosisHow ADHD can look different from the stereotypes many of us grew up withWhy women and older adults can go decades without recognizing their ADHDHow ADHD has affected Jami’s relationships, work, clutter, and everyday lifeWhat understanding her mom’s ADHD changed in their relationshipMasking, overachievement, rejection sensitivity, and impulsivityWhy awareness can lead to more compassion and less self-judgmentThe practical systems Jami now uses to make life easierWhy Jami wouldn’t push the button to get rid of her ADHD Why Does Knowing Matter? When Jami was diagnosed at 45, she had graduated college with highest honors. She assumed ADHD was primarily an academic issue and figured she had already learned how to handle it. So she put the diagnosis on a shelf. Years later, learning more about ADHD made her realize it was showing up in far more places than school. Understanding those patterns gave her a chance to stop fighting against them and start building a life that works better for her brain. Working With Your Brain For Jami, understanding ADHD hasn't meant changing who she is. It has meant learning where she needs support. That can be as simple as setting timers so she doesn't lose track of an appointment, leaving visual reminders where she can see them, or booking every part of a trip at once so nothing gets forgotten. About Jami Shapiro Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author of This Explains So Much, host of Grandma Has ADHD, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Her work focuses on ADHD, aging, life transitions, clutter, and helping people better understand how their brains work. This ADHD Awareness Month, Jami's message is simple: it's never too late to understand yourself better. Resources Jami ShapiroThis Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroGrandma Has ADHDSilver Linings TransitionsIt’s never too late to make the rest of your life the best of your life. 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

  2. Sep 22

    Episode 106 - What is Extreme Clutter Disorder?

    What’s the difference between being overwhelmed by clutter and struggling to actually let things go? In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro talks with Kristine Todd, founder of KAT Organizing & Relocation Solutions, about extreme clutter, ADHD, and why understanding what’s behind the stuff matters. They explore how clutter can look similar on the surface while the reasons behind it can be very different, especially when ADHD, aging, life transitions, and other challenges are involved. What You’ll Learn How ADHD-related clutter can differ from extreme clutterWhy letting go of possessions can be so difficultHow overwhelm and trouble getting started contribute to clutterWhy trust matters when helping someone with extreme clutterHow aging and major life changes can affect clutterWhy starting small can make decluttering more manageableHow having someone there with you can help you get started ADHD, Clutter & Overwhelm For someone with ADHD, clutter can build because they’re overwhelmed, don’t know where to begin, or struggle to stay on task. With extreme clutter, Kristine explains that possessions may have specific purposes or reasons attached to them, making letting go more complicated. The key is understanding what’s happening beneath the clutter instead of approaching every person or home the same way. Start Small If the clutter feels overwhelming, Kristine’s advice is simple: don’t start with the whole house. Set a timer for five minutes. Pick one drawer. Put one thing where it belongs. And if doing it alone feels impossible, ask someone to simply sit with you. “Start slow and start small.” Sometimes getting started is the win. About Kristine Todd Kristine Todd is the founder of KAT Organizing & Relocation Solutions in the Chicago area. She specializes in senior moves and downsizing, clutter support, and working with people with ADHD. She is also a member of NASMM and the Institute for Challenging Disorganization. About Jami Shapiro Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author of This Explains So Much, and host of Grandma Has ADHD. She is also the founder of Silver Linings Transitions, a move management and organizing company serving San Diego and the Coachella Valley. Her work focuses on ADHD, aging, life transitions, and helping people better understand how their brains work. Resources Jami ShapiroThis Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroGrandma Has ADHDSilver Linings TransitionsKAT Organizing & Relocation SolutionsInstitute for Challenging DisorganizationNational Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers (NASMM)It’s never too late to make the rest of your life the best of your life. 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

  3. Sep 15

    Episode 105 - ADHD, Overachievement & Starting Over with Dr. Molly Kerby

    After reading Jami Shapiro’s This Explains So Much, Dr. Molly Kerby started recognizing herself on page after page. The overachievement, trouble reading, constant need to stay busy, rejection sensitivity, and tendency to jump from one interest to another suddenly had more context. Jami and Molly talk about recognizing ADHD later in life, the complicated relationship between achievement and self-worth, and what happens when retirement takes away the structure and identity you’ve relied on for decades.  What You’ll Learn The ADHD traits Molly recognized after reading This Explains So MuchHow someone can be highly successful and still struggle with ADHDWhy overachievement can sometimes be tied to proving your worthHow rejection sensitivity and self-criticism have shown up in Molly’s lifeWhat happened when retirement removed decades of structure and purposeWhy transitions can be especially challenging when you rely on external structure “Could This Explain Me?” Molly spent nearly 40 years in higher education, earned a PhD, held leadership roles, and collected more than a few interests and credentials along the way. But reading Jami’s book made her look at her past differently. She remembered talking constantly in class, staring out the window, struggling with reading comprehension, changing instruments and interests, and always wanting to be involved in something. When Overachievement Becomes Personal Molly admits that earning her PhD was partly about proving she was smart enough to do it. Growing up with financial challenges and being voted “least likely to succeed” left an impact. Even after building a successful career, Molly says she can still feel like a failure. Jami and Molly talk about the complicated relationship between ADHD, achievement, perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to prove yourself. Starting Over After Retirement After almost 40 years at the same university, Molly retired and expected to feel free. Instead, she experienced what she calls “retirement paralysis.” Without the structure, deadlines, and identity that had shaped her days for decades, she found herself asking, Why am I here? That experience helped inspire her work with women navigating retirement, empty nests, career changes, and other major transitions. The ADHD Button Question If Molly could press a button and never have ADHD, would she? Probably not. There are parts she would gladly lose, including the spiraling and physical effects of stress and rejection. But she wouldn’t want to give up the drive that has helped her accomplish so much. For Molly, understanding ADHD is becoming another way to understand the good, the difficult, and everything in between. About Dr. Molly Kerby Dr. Molly Kerby is the founder of ReInnovate U Coaching and a professor emeritus at Western Kentucky University. She holds a PhD in educational administration and a master’s in public health. She is also a certified transformation life coach with training in health and wellness coaching, yoga, Reiki, sound healing, and futures thinking methodology. Her work focuses on helping women navigate transitions, rediscover purpose, and move into their next chapter. About Jami Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author of This Explains So Much, and host of Grandma Has ADHD. She explores ADHD, aging, late discovery, relationships, and what happens when we finally understand how our brains work. Learn more about 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

  4. Sep 8

    Episode 104: When Burnout Leads to Discovery & Why We Need to Pause

    What happens when pushing through stops working? In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro talks with Lisa Richer, neurodivergent success partner and founder of Journey to Bloom, about the burnout that forced her to slow down and ultimately helped her better understand herself and her ADHD. They explore late diagnosis, workaholism, masking, people-pleasing, and what can change when we stop trying to do more and start paying attention to what we actually need. What You’ll Learn How burnout played a role in Lisa discovering her ADHDWhat ADHD looked like before she knew she had itWhy a diagnosis can inform without defining youHow masking and people-pleasing can contribute to burnoutWhy understanding your strengths and struggles mattersHow Lisa learned to set boundaries and give herself permission to restWhy it’s never too late to pause and understand yourself better Before the ADHD Diagnosis Looking back, Lisa can see ADHD throughout her life. As an elite gymnast, movement helped her stay regulated and focused. In school and later at work, things were harder. She describes being great at the "messy middle" of a project but struggling with the beginning and end. She could create an entire presentation but get stuck on the title and objectives. Learning she had ADHD finally gave those experiences context. Diagnosis Informs, It Doesn't Define Lisa never went looking for an ADHD diagnosis. Two different healthcare providers eventually brought it to her attention. The diagnosis didn't change who she was. It helped her understand herself and communicate what she needed. As Lisa says: "Diagnoses inform, they don't define who a person is." That clarity helped her become more comfortable saying, "That's easy for you, but what's hard for you is easy for me." When Burnout Forces You to Stop Lisa spent years pushing herself as an athlete, professional, parent, people-pleaser, and the person who held everything together. Eventually, she couldn't keep going. Burnout forced her to reflect on the masking, pressure, and expectations she had carried for years. It also forced her to finally make room for herself. Learning to Pause One of Lisa's biggest realizations was that doing more didn't mean she was being more successful. She started giving herself permission to nap, read, sit outside, and take breaks without seeing them as wasted time. She became more intentional about her work and learned to say no, not yet, or not now. Her message: "It's never too late to pause and learn how to slow down." The ADHD Button Question Would Lisa press a button that meant she never had ADHD? No. What she would change is trusting herself sooner, even when other people didn't understand her. About Lisa Richer Lisa Richer is a neurodivergent success partner and founder of Journey to Bloom. She is a COPAA Certified Advocate, author, and creator of the Clarity, Confidence, Courage Journey Map. Her work helps neurodivergent individuals, families, and organizations better understand what they need to thrive. Resources & Links Journey to BloomLisa's Free Book Chapter: "Unbecoming to Become: Finding Clarity in the Chaos"Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)CHADD: Diagnosis of ADHD in AdultsLisa Richer on LinkedInJourney to Bloom on Instagram Connect with Lisa Journey to Bloom Email: lisa@journey2bloom.com About Jami Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author of This Explains So Much, and host of Grandma Has ADHD. She explores ADHD, aging, late diagnosis, relationships, and what happens when we finally understand how our brains work. Learn more about Jami Sometimes doing less isn't giving up. Sometimes it's exactly what we need to keep going. 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

  5. Sep 1

    Episode 103 - Looking Back 2 Years After Discovering ADHD at Age 77

    What happens when you discover ADHD at 77 and then have two years to understand what it has meant throughout your life? In this special episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with a very important guest: her mom, Vicki Armel, the original “Grandma” behind the podcast. Vicki’s late ADHD discovery helped Jami see decades of clutter, disorganization, anxiety, memory struggles, and family tension through a completely different lens. It ultimately became part of the inspiration for this podcast, Jami’s ADHD coaching work, and her book, This Explains So Much. Now, Vicki looks back at what has changed since learning she has ADHD and what she understands about herself differently today. Clutter, Memories & Letting Go For years, clutter was a major source of tension between Jami and her mom. Jami once believed Vicki’s piles and difficulty letting go might be hoarding disorder. Understanding ADHD gave them another way to look at what was happening. Vicki shares how she’s become less embarrassed about her home and more thoughtful about why she keeps certain things. She talks about finally letting go of her mother’s china after realizing something important: the plates themselves weren’t what made her feel connected to her mom. That shift has helped her begin separating the memory from the object. “Oh, That’s ADHD Too?” Since discovering ADHD, Vicki has continued reading and learning about it—and keeps recognizing pieces of herself. Things she once worried about or judged herself for now have context. Even forgetting a word feels different. Instead of immediately worrying about her memory, she can recognize what’s happening, laugh about it, and move on. As Vicki puts it, understanding what’s going on makes it much easier to handle. More Grace for Each Other Perhaps the biggest change has happened between mother and daughter. Understanding ADHD hasn’t made every frustration disappear. Jami and Vicki still annoy each other sometimes. But after decades of misunderstanding certain behaviors, they now have language for what’s happening. Jami says there is “more forgiveness for each other” and “more grace.” That may be one of the greatest gifts of a late ADHD discovery: not changing who you are, but finally understanding yourself, and the people you love, a little better. Vicki’s Message to Other Older Women If you’re discovering ADHD at 50, 60, 70, or beyond, Vicki wants you to know it may not be as scary as it sounds. There are things she struggles with because of ADHD, but there are also things she believes she can do because of the way her brain works. And after more than seven decades without an explanation, she’s learning to accept those differences instead of worrying about them. Because as Jami says, it really never is too late. About Jami Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she shares honest conversations about ADHD, aging, late diagnosis, relationships, and finally understanding the way your brain works. Connect with Jami Website: jamishapiro.meBook: This Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroSilver Linings TransitionsThank 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

  6. Aug 25

    Episode 102 - Why ADHD & Autism Look Different in Women

    Why do so many women reach adulthood before realizing they have ADHD, autism, or both? In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with Dr. Karen Albert Saporito, a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in diagnosing and supporting adults with ADHD and autism. With more than 10,000 diagnostic evaluations under her belt, Dr. Saporito brings a unique perspective on why women and girls are so often overlooked. Jami and Karen talk about masking, perfectionism, social expectations, and the ways women may learn to compensate for their differences so well that even they lose sight of what comes naturally and what they've learned to do in order to fit in. Karen also shares her own experience of discovering ADHD later in life after seeing it in her children, and why receiving a diagnosis as an adult can be so healing. Rather than simply putting a label on someone's behavior, the right diagnosis can help remove shame, provide context for lifelong struggles, and allow people to reframe who they thought they were. What You'll Learn Why ADHD and autism can present differently in women and girlsHow social expectations can contribute to masking and camouflageWhy perfectionism and appearing "organized" don't necessarily rule out ADHDHow women may intentionally learn the social rules others seem to understand naturallyWhy ADHD and autism can be difficult to separate into neat categoriesWhat a thorough adult ADHD evaluation should considerWhy diagnosis involves more than recognizing a checklist of ADHD symptomsHow childhood report cards, relationships, routines, and personal history can provide important cluesWhy receiving an ADHD diagnosis later in life can help reduce shameHow our understanding of neurodivergence may continue to evolve ADHD, Autism & the Bigger Picture Karen challenges the idea that ADHD and autism always fit into completely separate boxes. She believes our understanding of neurodivergence will continue to evolve as researchers study more diverse populations and clinicians become better at recognizing ADHD and autism in adults, women, girls, and people who don't fit the historically stereotypical presentations. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest: If you could press a button and make your ADHD disappear forever, would you? Karen doesn't hesitate: No. While she acknowledges that being neurodivergent can make life genuinely difficult, she also emphasizes the importance of removing stigma and recognizing the creativity, individuality, humor, and strengths she sees in the people she works with. Karen's ADHD Hack Her answer might be controversial in ADHD circles: a planner. Karen has used the same brand since graduate school. For her, writing things down and keeping them in one consistent place provides a visual picture of her days and weeks and helps keep her grounded. The key isn't finding another shiny new planner. It's actually surrendering to the one that works and making it part of everyday life. About Dr. Karen Albert Saporito Dr. Karen Albert Saporito is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder and clinical director of Integrative Psychology Associates of South Jersey. She specializes in diagnosing and supporting adults with ADHD and autism and has performed more than 10,000 diagnostic evaluations. She serves on the board of the American Professional Society of ADHD and Related Disorders (APSARD), is part of the APSARD U.S. Guidelines Task Force working to develop nationwide standards for adult ADHD diagnosis and treatment, and co-chairs its Women and Girls Special Interest Group. About Jami Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she creates honest conversations about ADHD, aging, late diagnosis, and what it means to finally understand the way your brain works. Connect with Dr. Karen Saporito Website: Integrative Psychology Associates of South JerseyEmail: karen@integrativepsychassoc.comLinkedIn: Dr. Karen Albert Saporito Connect with Jami Website: jamishapiro.meBook: This Explains So Much by Jami ShapiroIf you're discovering ADHD or autism later in life, this conversation is a reminder that it's never too late to understand yourself differently. 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

  7. Aug 18

    Episode 101 – ADHD, Narcissism & Generational Trauma

    What happens when ADHD, trauma, and the patterns we inherit from our families overlap? Jami Shapiro sits down with licensed marriage and family therapist Virginia Wilcsek, founder of The Transcending Pathway, for an honest conversation about ADHD, narcissism, generational trauma, and the nervous system. Virginia shares her experience growing up with a narcissistic parent and how that eventually shaped her work helping people heal from trauma and difficult relationships. Together, she and Jami explore how growing up around emotional dysregulation, chaos, neglect, or caregivers who weren't attuned to us can affect the way we learn to regulate ourselves. They also unpack an important and complicated question: where does ADHD end and trauma begin? While ADHD and trauma are not the same thing, they can share characteristics such as emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, difficulty focusing, and executive functioning challenges. Virginia explains why biology, development, environment, and our family experiences can all be pieces of the larger story. What You'll Learn Why ADHD and trauma can sometimes look similarHow generational trauma can affect nervous-system regulationThe impact of growing up with narcissistic or emotionally immature parentsWhy an unsafe or chaotic environment can keep the body scanning for dangerHow emotional dysregulation and executive functioning are connectedWhy regulating the nervous system may need to come before problem-solvingWhat somatic practices are and how they can support regulationHow imposter syndrome and negative self-talk can show up with ADHDSimple breathing and grounding techniques for moments of overwhelm Why This Matters For many adults discovering ADHD later in life, understanding their brain can also bring up questions about their childhood and family history. Maybe a parent struggled with emotional regulation. Maybe home never felt completely predictable or safe. Maybe behaviors you once thought were simply part of your personality make more sense when you consider both ADHD and the experiences that shaped you. As Virginia explains, the relationship between ADHD and trauma isn't an either/or question. ADHD has neurological and biological components, while our developmental experiences and environment also shape how we learn to respond to the world. A Tool to Try Virginia shares a simple four-part breathing exercise for moments when you feel overwhelmed or dysregulated: Take a breath and release your throat.Take another and release your chest.Take a third and release your stomach and pelvic muscles.On the fourth breath, release everything.Then notice: Were you holding your breath? Were you bracing? Did anything shift when you gave your nervous system a moment to regroup? The ADHD Button Question Jami asks Virginia: If you could press a button and no longer have ADHD, would you press it? Virginia's answer is an emphatic no. She shares that one of her favorite parts of ADHD is having many different interests, projects, and passions. What might feel "scattered" to someone else allows her to explore different ideas, support people in different ways, and continually discover something new. About the Guest Virginia Wilcsek is a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of The Transcending Pathway, a California-based group practice specializing in trauma, complex PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, loss of identity, and healing from pathological relationships. Virginia is also a certified breathwork trauma facilitator and incorporates somatic approaches into her work, helping clients understand not only their thoughts and emotions but how their experiences can show up in the body and nervous system. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she helps adults, especially women discovering ADHD later in life, better understand their brains, let go of shame, and find tools that work for the way they're wired. Resources The Transcending PathwayThe Transcending Pathway workshopsAdult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. GibsonScattered Minds by Dr. Gabor MatéThis Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Connect with Virginia Website: The Transcending Pathway Instagram: @thetranscendingpathway Connect with Jami Website: jamishapiro.me Book: This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro If something in this conversation sounds familiar, Virginia leaves listeners with a simple reminder for those moments of overwhelm, self-doubt, or dysregulation: “It is not a you problem, it is a nervous system that never learned to feel safe.” 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

  8. Aug 11

    Episode 100 - Unwrapping the Gifts of ADHD with Dr. Ned Hallowell

    For the 100th episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro welcomes one of the most influential voices in the ADHD world: Dr. Edward "Ned" Hallowell. Psychiatrist, bestselling author of Driven to Distraction and ADHD 2.0, and someone who has spent more than four decades helping people understand that ADHD is far more than a disorder—it's a different way of experiencing the world. Together, Jami and Dr. Hallowell explore his remarkable personal story, from a chaotic childhood to becoming one of the world's leading ADHD experts. They discuss why so many people with ADHD grow up believing they're "not enough," how discovering your strengths can transform your life at any age, and why connection, not perfection, is one of the most powerful tools for thriving. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hallowell challenges the traditional deficit-based view of ADHD, encouraging listeners to see it as a collection of gifts that, when understood and supported, can become extraordinary strengths. What You'll Learn Why Dr. Hallowell believes ADHD is a trait—not simply a disorderThe hidden strengths behind distractibility, impulsivity, and hyperactivityHow curiosity, creativity, and imagination become ADHD superpowersWhy self-esteem is one of the biggest challenges for people with ADHDThe importance of finding mentors who recognize your giftsWhy it's never too late to discover your purposeDr. Hallowell's concept of "Vitamin C"—the healing power of connectionWhy "Never worry alone" may be one of the best pieces of ADHD advice you'll ever hear Why This Matters For many adults diagnosed later in life, ADHD has long been associated with shame, frustration, and feeling like they never measured up. Dr. Hallowell offers a different perspective. Rather than asking, "What's wrong with me?" he encourages us to ask, "What am I uniquely wired to contribute?" When we stop trying to become someone else and begin embracing our own strengths, ADHD becomes something to understand—not something to fear. The ADHD Button Question Jami asks every guest the same question: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it? Dr. Hallowell's answer is an immediate no. He believes ADHD is inseparable from his creativity, imagination, energy, and ability to contribute to the world. While it has brought challenges, it's also shaped the life and career he wouldn't trade for anything. About the Guest Dr. Edward "Ned" Hallowell is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist, ADHD specialist, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author. He is the co-author of Driven to Distraction and the author of more than 20 books, including ADHD 2.0. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia himself, Dr. Hallowell has dedicated his career to helping children and adults discover the strengths that often accompany neurodivergence. He is the founder of the Hallowell ADHD Centers and continues to advocate for a strength-based approach to ADHD. About the Host Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she helps adults, especially women diagnosed later in life, understand their ADHD, reduce shame, and discover the gifts hidden beneath years of misunderstanding. Resources Driven to Distraction by Dr. Edward Hallowell and Dr. John RateyADHD 2.0 by Dr. Edward Hallowell and Dr. John RateyHallowell ADHD CentersHallowell HubThis Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro Links & Support Website: https://www.jamishapiro.meBook: 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

See All (108)

5
out of 5
20 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
    108
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grandma Has ADHD
  • Show Website
    Grandma Has ADHD

You Might Also Like