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. 4D AGO

    Episode 78 - Anxiety and ADHD the hidden sign we all missed.

    Lynn Layfield on Anxiety (Part 1) In this deeply personal and emotional episode of the Grandma Has ADHD Podcast, Jami welcomes back her longtime friend and Sparkler Society co-founder, Lynn Layfield, for a conversation unlike any they’ve had publicly before. What began as a private conversation about anxiety quickly turned into something much bigger. Jami realized their discussion needed to be recorded because Lynn’s story reflects something many women are just beginning to understand: the complicated relationship between ADHD, anxiety, and emotional regulation. For the first time, Lynn opens up about the struggles she faced growing up — long before ADHD was widely understood in girls. From sleepless nights and intense fears as a child to years of therapy and misinterpretation of her symptoms, Lynn shares how her childhood experiences shaped her life and how ADHD may have been influencing her anxiety all along. This episode also highlights a growing realization happening today: many women are being diagnosed with ADHD later in life after decades of confusion, misdiagnosis, or being told their struggles were simply anxiety. Jami and Lynn explore how creativity, emotional sensitivity, and imagination — strengths often found in ADHD brains — can also contribute to anxiety when left unsupported. This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and deeply relatable for anyone who has ever wondered why their mind works the way it does. Part 1 sets the stage for Lynn’s story and the childhood experiences that shaped her journey. In This Episode Why this episode is different from any Lynn has shared beforeThe emotional side of ADHD that many people never seeThe connection between ADHD and anxietyWhy many adults — especially women — are being diagnosed later in lifeLynn’s childhood experiences with anxiety and sleeplessnessGrowing up before ADHD in girls was widely recognizedHow ADHD creativity can amplify fears and imaginationEarly therapy approaches used in the 1970s and 1980sReward systems, journaling, and childhood coping strategiesThe importance of community and shared experiences Key Takeaways ✨ ADHD doesn’t always look the way people expect.  ✨ Anxiety is common for people with ADHD but may not always be the root cause.  ✨ Many adults are discovering their ADHD later in life.  ✨ Creativity and imagination — strengths of ADHD brains — can also intensify anxiety.  ✨ Community and understanding are powerful tools for people navigating ADHD. About Lynn LayfieldLynn Layfield is the co-founder of the Sparkler Society alongside Jami Shapiro. She brings humor, creativity, and honesty to conversations about ADHD, anxiety, and personal growth. In this episode, Lynn courageously shares parts of her story she has rarely discussed publicly — offering insight and hope to others who may see themselves in her journey. Resources MentionedThe upcoming Sparkler Society communityJami Shapiro’s ADHD coaching servicesThank 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

    54 min

  2. MAR 3

    Episode 77 - It Wasn't Just Aging: Late-Diagnosed ADHD and the Life That Finally Makes Sense

    Thriving with ADHD at Every Stage of Life with Jennifer Lorenz In this insightful and validating episode, Jami welcomes certified ADHD and executive function coach Jennifer Lorenz. With over 25 years of experience mentoring professionals and extensive training in ADHD coaching, emotional intelligence, and CliftonStrengths, Jennifer brings both professional expertise and personal lived experience to the conversation. Together, they explore what it really means to live, work, parent, and age with ADHD—and how understanding executive function can transform shame into empowerment. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why ADHD is not about “fixing what’s broken,” but leveraging your natural strengthsHow executive function impacts organization, planning, memory, and daily lifeThe unique challenges ADHD presents during life transitions, especially retirementWhy structure plays a critical role—and what happens when it disappearsHow ADHD often runs in families and can be diagnosed later in lifeThe hidden shame many ADHD adults carry—and how to release itWhy focusing on strengths creates more success than trying to “fix weaknesses” Jennifer’s Story: Late Diagnosis and Finding Her Calling Jennifer’s journey began when her sons were diagnosed with ADHD. Through learning about their experiences, she recognized similar patterns in herself and pursued her own diagnosis as an adult. Her personal experience—combined with professional coaching training—led her to specialize in helping others navigate executive function challenges, productivity, life transitions, and ADHD across the lifespan. She now helps clients build systems that work with their brain—not against it. Key Topic: What Is Executive Function? Executive function refers to the brain’s management system—the skills that help us: Plan and prioritizeStay organizedManage timeRegulate emotionsFollow through on tasksRemember important informationFor people with ADHD, these skills may develop differently or require additional support systems and strategies. Jennifer explains that executive function challenges often become more noticeable during transitions—such as retirement—when external structure disappears. ADHD, Aging, and Retirement One of the most important insights Jennifer shares is how ADHD affects adults later in life. Many adults rely on workplace structure to function successfully. When retirement removes that structure, challenges with planning, organization, and motivation can suddenly intensify. This is why understanding ADHD and executive function is essential—not just for children, but across the entire lifespan. The Truth About ADHD: Strengths and Challenges Jennifer shares a powerful perspective: ADHD is not a flaw—it’s a different brain wiring. While ADHD can create challenges in daily life, it also brings strengths such as: CreativityPattern recognitionInnovationHyperfocusEmotional insightThank 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 5m

  3. FEB 24

    Episode 76 - Jami Shapiro on Love, Relationships and ADHD

    “ADHD, Dating & Relationships” with Jami Shapiro and Lynn Layfield Episode Summary In this candid and personal conversation, Jamie sits down with longtime friend Lynn to explore how ADHD has shaped their dating lives, marriages, and relationships. From impulsivity and rejection sensitivity to energy mismatches and household chaos, they unpack the real-world impact of ADHD across different life stages. The episode also introduces the vision behind their growing community, the Sparkler Society, designed to support midlife women navigating ADHD-related challenges. What You’ll Learn How ADHD traits like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and executive dysfunction can influence romantic relationshipsWhy rejection sensitivity and recognition-seeking play a big role in communication dynamicsThe connection between ADHD, self-esteem, and partner selectionHow energy levels and love languages can create friction in marriagesLessons learned from divorce, long-term partnership, and dating later in lifeThe importance of community support and shared problem-solvingKey Topics & Moments Origin Story: Jamie and Lynn’s decades-long friendship and wedding memoriesADHD & Marriage: How difficulty sitting still, household management challenges, and differing needs for connection affected Jamie’s first marriageDating Patterns: Lynn reflects on short early relationships and attention shiftsRejection Sensitivity: Understanding emotional responses and communication impulsesEnergy Mismatch: When one partner’s pace and drive outstrip the other’sCommunity Building: Inside the Sparkler Society and features like the “Worry Circle” and “High Road”Standout Insights ADHD can amplify both connection and conflict in relationshipsMany adults discover their ADHD only after years of relationship patternsShared understanding (or diagnosis) can foster compassion between partnersSupport systems reduce isolation and improve problem-solvingMemorable Quotes “If it cracks like a duck and waddles like a duck… it might be ADHD.”“Sometimes it burns in my body until I say it.”“You have to be with someone who appreciates your energy.”Who This Episode Is For Adults navigating ADHD in dating, marriage, or divorceMidlife listeners reevaluating relationship patternsAnyone curious about how neurodiversity shapes emotional connectionCall to Action If this episode resonated, share it with a friend who might feel seen by this conversation, and keep the discussion going about how ADHD shows up in relationships. 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

    57 min

  4. FEB 17

    Episode 75 - ADHD and Relationships

    In this episode, we dive into the complex, beautiful, and sometimes messy world of ADHD and relationships with psychotherapist and relationship expert Anita Robertson. Together, we explore how neurodiversity shapes the way we love, communicate, and connect — especially when both partners are navigating different brain wiring. Anita shares her personal journey with ADHD, how it influenced her path into couples therapy, and why traditional relationship models often miss the mark for neurodiverse couples. Drawing from her clinical work and lived experience, she explains how emotional regulation, attachment patterns, and family dynamics intersect with ADHD — and how couples can build tools that actually work for them. We also talk about late diagnoses, generational patterns, and the powerful role of awareness in breaking cycles of shame and misunderstanding. From the impact of rejection sensitivity to the importance of praise and curiosity in relationships, this conversation is packed with practical insights and heartfelt moments. Whether you’re in a neurodiverse relationship, recently diagnosed, or simply curious about how ADHD shows up in connection and intimacy, this episode offers compassion, validation, and actionable takeaways. What You’ll Learn How ADHD traits influence romantic and family relationshipsWhy emotional dysregulation and rejection sensitivity can create conflict cyclesThe connection between attachment styles, trauma history, and neurodiversityHow late ADHD diagnoses can reshape identity and relationshipsPractical ways couples can communicate and support each other more effectivelyAbout the Guest Anita Robertson is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, and relationship specialist focused on helping neurodiverse couples thrive. She integrates attachment-based, emotionally focused, and Gottman-informed approaches with ADHD-affirming strategies, and is the author of ADHD and Us: A Couple’s Guide to Loving and Living with Adult ADHD. Resources & Links Mentioned: Grandma Has ADHD Community & Resources https://grandmahasadhd.com Join the Grandma Has ADHD Facebook CommunityJami Shapiro – ADHD Coaching & Sparkler Society https://jamishapiro.meSilver Linings Transitions (ADHD-informed organizing & move management) https://silverliningstransitions.comInstagram: @grandma_has_adhd @silverliningstransitions Facebook: Silver Linings Transitions Grandma Has ADHD (Facebook Page & Group) Youtube: Grandma Has ADHD Key Themes ADHD • Neurodiverse Relationships • Emotional Regulation • Attachment • Family Patterns • Late Diagnosis • Communication Tools 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

    55 min

  5. FEB 10

    Episode 74 - It's my party and I can cry if I want to. Do we have unrealistic expectations about birthdays?

    It's my party and I can cry if I want to. Do we have unrealistic expectations about birthdays? Birthdays are supposed to be joyful, celebratory, and full of cake—but for many of us, they come with unexpected emotions: disappointment, pressure, comparison, and quiet grief over where we thought we’d be by now. In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro unpacks the unrealistic expectations we place on birthdays and why they can hit especially hard for ADHD and midlife brains. We talk about social pressure, emotional labor, aging, and the freedom that comes with letting birthdays be honest instead of perfect. If you’ve ever cried on your birthday and wondered, “What’s wrong with me?”—this episode is for you. Birthdays are supposed to feel magical—but why do they so often end in tears?  In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro explores the unrealistic expectations we put on birthdays, the pressure to feel celebrated, and why this one day can stir up big emotions—especially in midlife and ADHD brains. If you’ve ever cried on your birthday and felt confused (or guilty) about it, you’re not alone. Birthdays are supposed to be fun… so why do they sometimes make us cry? 🎈  In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro dives into the unrealistic expectations we put on birthdays, the pressure to feel celebrated, and the big emotions that sneak in—especially for midlife and ADHD brains. Cake, feelings, and permission to be human included. Disclaimer: This episode is for fun, reflection, and ideas about birthdays and feelings—it’s not a substitute for professional advice. If you’re struggling with emotional or mental health issues, please reach out to a qualified professional. And yes, crying at your party is totally allowed! Resources Grandma Has ADHD Community & Resources – Join the Grandma Has ADHD Facebook Community: https://grandmahasadhd.comJami Shapiro – ADHD Coaching & Sparkler Society: https://jamishapiro.meSilver Linings Transitions (ADHD-informed organizing & move management): https://silverliningstransitions.com 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

    48 min

  6. FEB 3

    Episode 73 - Consciously Aging and Living Powerfully with ADHD

    With over 30 years of experience working with adults, couples, and families with ADHD, James Ochoa, LPC brings a rare combination of clinical insight and lived experience to this episode of Grandma Has ADHD. As an ADHD clinician, author, and founder of the Life Empowerment Center, James joins Jami to explore what it truly means to age with ADHD, especially when the diagnosis comes later in life, and how finally naming it can profoundly change the way we age, relate to others, and care for ourselves. James shares both his professional expertise and personal lived experience, opening up about his own adult ADHD diagnosis and how it reshaped his understanding of emotional regulation, identity, relationships, and purpose. Together, Jami and James explore the emotional complexity of late diagnosis, including the grief for what could have been, the relief of finally having an explanation, and the unexpected joy of self-recognition. This episode also dives into the often overlooked emotional distress syndrome of ADHD, how aging and hormonal changes such as menopause can intensify symptoms, and why curiosity, compassion, and meaning matter more than productivity as we grow older. James introduces powerful reframes, including mining the gems of your life story, embracing recognition euphoria, and imagining a future where ADHD is not something to fix, but something to understand and work with. If you have ever felt like you were too late to understand yourself, this conversation is a reminder that self-discovery does not expire, and that your later years can be some of the most connected, adventurous, and fulfilling of your life. Disclaimer This episode discusses ADHD, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, mental health, and medical topics. It is intended for education and awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making medical decisions. If you are experiencing emotional distress or a medical emergency, please seek immediate help.  Resources & Links Mentioned: Focus Forward by James Ochoa – exploring the emotional and mental stress of ADHDWhen the Shiny Wears Off (upcoming book by James Ochoa)You Mean I'm Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy?! – Kate Kelly & Peggy RamundoErik Erikson’s 9th Stage of Development (Gerotranscendence)jamesochoa.com – James Ochoa’s websiteGrandma Has ADHD Community & Resources https://grandmahasadhd.com Join the Grandma Has ADHD Facebook CommunityJami Shapiro – ADHD Coaching & Sparkler Society https://jamishapiro.meSilver Linings Transitions (ADHD-informed organizing & move management) https://silverliningstransitions.comThank 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

    47 min

  7. JAN 27

    Episode 72 - Living Life Wide Open: ADHD, Menopause, and Learning to Love Yourself with Linda Roggoli

    What happens when undiagnosed ADHD meets menopause?  In this episode, Jami Shapiro sits down with ADHD pioneer Linda Roggoli to unpack decades of masking, overwhelm, and “why is life suddenly harder?” moments. Linda shares how dropping estrogen turned everyday challenges into chaos—and how understanding the link between hormones and ADHD changed everything. They dive into why stimulant medication isn’t always the full answer, how hormone therapy can be transformative when done safely, and why outdated research scared many women from treatment. They also explore how ADHD manifests differently in women, especially with increasing responsibilities at work and home. This episode is full of validation, laughter, and relief for anyone wondering, “Why is this getting harder as I get older?” It’s a reminder that ADHD isn’t new in midlife—it’s often been there all along, finally demanding attention. If you’re a woman navigating menopause, questioning a late ADHD diagnosis, or seeking to understand your brain with more kindness, this episode will leave you feeling seen, informed, and far less alone. Disclaimer This episode discusses ADHD, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, mental health, and medical topics. It is intended for education and awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making medical decisions. If you are experiencing emotional distress or a medical emergency, please seek immediate help. Resources ADDiva Network – Community & support for women 40+ with ADHD: https://addiva.net/ ADHD Palooza – Online expert conferences for ADHD women and couples:  https://adhdpalooza.com/ TADD Talks – Short ADHD talks hosted by ADDA (similar to TED but ADHD‑friendly). You can explore the archive and weekly series here: https://add.org/tadd-talks-podcast/  Grandma Has ADHD Community & Resources – Join the Grandma Has ADHD Facebook Community: https://grandmahasadhd.comJami Shapiro – ADHD Coaching & Sparkler Society: https://jamishapiro.meSilver Linings Transitions (ADHD-informed organizing & move management): https://silverliningstransitions.comThank 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

  8. JAN 20

    Episode 71 - Menopause, ADHD & Oversharing: What Women Over 50 Need to Know

    What happens when menopause, ADHD, hormones, and midlife all collide at once? In this candid and deeply relatable episode of Grandma Has ADHD, host Jami Shapiro is joined by her longtime friend and Sparkler Society co-creator Lynn Layfield for an honest conversation about menopause, ADHD after 50, brain fog, hormones, emotional regulation, and what it really feels like to enter the “third act” of life. Jami shares a milestone moment — officially entering menopause — and opens up about how hormonal shifts dramatically impacted her ADHD symptoms, energy, sleep, pain, focus, and overall quality of life. Together, Jami and Lynn explore how menopause can amplify ADHD challenges that many women have lived with undiagnosed for decades, often mislabeling symptoms as anxiety, depression, aging, or “just stress.” They talk openly about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), white-knuckling menopause vs. getting support, brain fog, emotional dysregulation, sensory overload, and the often-ignored connection between estrogen and ADHD symptoms. The conversation also highlights the generational gap in ADHD diagnosis — especially for women — and why so many women only recognize ADHD after their children are diagnosed. This episode is funny, validating, a little messy (in the best way), and incredibly empowering. It reframes menopause not as an ending, but as the beginning of a powerful new chapter — one where self-understanding, systems, and strengths finally come together. If you’ve ever wondered why everything feels harder during menopause — or why ADHD symptoms suddenly feel louder — this conversation will make you feel seen. Disclaimer  This episode discusses ADHD, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, mental health, and medical topics. It is intended for education and awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making medical decisions. If you are experiencing emotional distress or a medical emergency, please seek immediate help. Resources Grandma Has ADHD Community & Resources - https://grandmahasadhd.com Join the Grandma Has ADHD Facebook CommunityJami Shapiro – ADHD Coaching & Sparkler Society - https://jamishapiro.meSilver Linings Transitions (ADHD-informed organizing & move management) - https://silverliningstransitions.comThank 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

    49 min
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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
    79
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grandma Has ADHD
  • Show Website
    Grandma Has ADHD

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