ADHD AF

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BONUS BLETHER with Rebecca Cowley of Working Clasp Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

This EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE is a wee blether in which we hear the ADHD journey of Rebecca Cowley; the incredibly talented creator of our ADHDAF X Working Clasp collaborative jewellery collection.
Rebecca contacted us at the start of August, when our listeners began requesting ADHDAF merchandise. We had put a poll on our stories asking what they would like, when Rebecca slid into our DMs offering us the gift of DOPAMINE!
She very kindly gifted us her handmade Dopamine Molecule Collection as a thank you for creating the podcast she had been hyper-focusing on whilst investigating ADHD as a potential diagnosis for her Sister. It was through us sharing on the podcast how our ADHD presents very differently from one another that led Rebecca to the discovery that she too has ADHD!
Rebecca also sent us a surprise ADHDAF Brooch and Necklace; a prototype for the merchandise we sell on our online store. We were so excited and in love with her creations that we set to work putting our heads together to create this kitsch and fabulous collection of 'VISUAL DOPAMINE'
The motivation behind Rebecca's desire to collaborate with us, is that she has always wanted to do something to help her Sister, who is an inspiration to Rebecca - with her out-there style, personality and bravery. The loud, colourful, fun and fearless pieces from this collection are a representation of all that Rebecca admires in her Sister.
Her vision for the jewellery from this exclusive collaboration is that each piece is a talking point, to grab attention and to keep the conversation going in order to raise awareness - a visual representation of our podcast(!) and a beacon of bravery and authenticity; to help the wearer to take off their mask! We love the collection and everything it represents SO much!
That said, we can appreciate that much like our style of social media - this collection will not be for everyone! We had a negative comment on one of the promotional posts; which in part we feel was likely due to an albeit clever(!) very 'intense' phrase. Said post was designed to kill multiple birds with one stone by mocking the idea of ADHD being trendy, and therefore raising awareness; whilst also marketing the merchandise and our ADHD awareness raising podcast.
We decided that rather than putting ourselves through a gruelling 24 hours of RSD with a story poll, we would address the concerns raised on the podcast, to explain our stance and reassure all of our intentions. We work day and night for the cause. This podcast and the ADHD community are quite literally our purpose. We will continue to dedicate our lives to raising awareness with a view to inspire systemic change and help other ADHDers to the very best of our abilities.
Thank you so much to.... what's her name again?! ;) ;) - the INCREDIBLE and talented legend Rebecca for this blether, her creations, and for being a valued member of the ADHDAF Family!
If you would like to make a donation to Dawn's diagnosis you can do so here: https://buymeacoffee.com/adhdasfemales
We really REALLY appreciate your support
BIG LOVE
L & D xx
Trigger Warning: Strong language and mental health and struggles

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Episode 29: Riona O Connor - ADHD, Gatekeeping, Intrusive Thoughts and IKEA Instructions Nov 15, 2022

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A massive thank you to Riona O Connor for sharing her very fresh ADHD diagnosis journey with us!
If you haven’t already heard of Ireland’s finest, Riona is an actor; who prior to Motherhood performed in the West End. Finding theatre schedules too demanding once starting a family, she scratched her performing itch by creating comedic content on her social media platform, for which she has gained an enormous following: @rionaoconnor_
Alongside her content creation, and comedy songwriting {check out her album: The Brightside} Riona is also a voiceover artist.
With her gorgeous County Kerry accent, you can instantly hear why this legend of a lady would be paid to speak!
Riona jumped onboard the late ADHD diagnosis rollercoaster in March of this year, after divulging her inability to read and follow Ikea instructions pamphlets to a Teacher friend, who suggested she consider the neurodevelopmental disorder as the cause.
Missed up until the age of 40 due to masking from a young age and that old ADHD stereotype conflicting with ‘not having a hyperactive bone in her body.’
There are three things in particular that we particularly LOVE about this episode; firstly, the way that Riona discovered her neurodivergence. With ableist media like THAT Guardian article mocking ADHD as a trend and invalidating conversations about ADHD with non doctors; it’s important to note, that unknown masking pros like the three of us found out and sought diagnosis after divulging seemingly trivial symptoms in chats with clued-up friends. Secondly, Riona’s very unique answer to what she would change about the ADHD diagnostic process. Thirdly, we fully agree that the word lazy needs to get right in the bin!
Finally, we just love Riona, and we know you will too. OK, that’s four, but dyscalculia! :)
We are so incredibly grateful to this absolute LEGEND for sharing her Inattentive ADHD diagnosis story with us. Not only is she an absolute joy to blether with; so much of what she says resonates hard, and she shares some absolute pearls to treasure too. THANK YOU SO MUCH RIONA!
We look forward to sharing our next chapter with you in the coming days when we've recovered from the lurgy. In the meantime, if you haven't already, you can enter our giveaway to WIN an ADHDAF X All The Discos Festive Bundle on Instagram
Finally, if you have enjoyed this episode, we would love you to make a donation to our Buy Me a Coffee Page
Big love
L & D X
TRIGGER WARNING: This episode features strong language and topics that some may find disturbing. Such as mental health issues, low self worth/self-esteem, intrusive thoughts, and family struggles.

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Episode 28: ADHD, Media Ableism, Burnout and Depression Nov 08, 2022

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Our late ADHD diagnosis rollercoaster ride is currently in a trough. But despite us both finding ourselves in the midst of a bit of a depressive episode, this is not a depressing episode!
We kick off with some ranting about the appalling Guardian article that has left the ADHD community feeling like the butt of a very bad joke. Thank you to everyone who has shared our open letter to The Guardian. Here's a link if you've not seen it and would like to encourage an apology: https://www.instagram.com/p/CkiaofRqKub/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
We are very happy to be reunited, and sharing our first blether with just the two of us in three weeks. It's taken Laura going on holiday to realise that she had been existing in a constant state of burnout for the last six months, and that she had gotten into the habit of equating her self-worth to her ridiculous and unsustainable productivity level.
Meanwhile, whilst Dawn was left steering the ship solo she came to the realisation that depression has crept in. Feeling as though everything is on top of her; the way ADHD presents for her being that she doesn't feel her emotions until they are at breaking point.
The VERY good news is that Dawn FINALLY has a date for her private ADHD assessment, and it is SOON! Monday 14th November, and we hope that this date is THE date! We will be doing a special episode sharing her experience, which will hopefully be a lot more positive than the last, with Dawn finally getting the answers she has waited so long for.
Dawn wanted to share the NHS ADHD diagnosis experience on the podcast and therefore (unnecessarily!) feels some guilt about going down the private route. But it really is essential for her mental health that she starts receiving the treatment and support that she desperately needs. She is so incredibly grateful to you all for your donations, enabling her to go private, which she otherwise wouldn't have been able to do, so a MASSIVE THANK YOU to all who have donated!
If you would like to make a donation to Dawn's assessment, you can do so here: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/adhdasfemales
We have come to the realisation that how we are currently doing things just isn't working. We want to provide a better service in which we don't lose messages due to the sheer volume we receive daily, and we want to be able to do MORE! More activism, more connection. So we are going to be starting a community platform. We believe that in creating this we can do better work and be able to continue ADHD As Females, which in it's current form - despite all the will in the world - has become unmanageable. We look forward to sharing our new chapter with you next week.
As ever we are so grateful for your support and encouragement and are in awe of the ADHD online community. We really are all in this together!
Trigger Warning*
This episode features strong language and some topics that some might find distressing, such as: depression, grief, bereavement, ableism, mental health struggles , suicide, addiction, eating disorders

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Episode 27 - ADHD Babes: Vivienne Isebor & Shauna Campbell Nov 01, 2022

Show notes

We are so grateful to ADHD Babes for joining us on the late ADHD diagnosis rollercoaster, and so excited to share this insightful interview with two
absolute mega babes!
ADHD Babes founder Vivienne Isebor & Podcast Producer Shauna Campbell share their late ADHD diagnosis stories and the work of their incredible Community Group for Black Women & Non-Binary people with ADHD.
Us newly ‘diagnosed’ neurodivergent neighbours are on a mission to raise much needed awareness about ADHD! But we are not experts(!) and can only share our experiences; therefore we invite others along to educate us. Viv & Shauna do exactly that, in sharing their perspective and the work of their group, ‘born out of necessity due to the lack of support and resources in Adult ADHD services, especially when considering the marginalisation of groups and the lack of representation for Black Women and Non-Binary people.’
In their podcast, The ADHD Babes invite you to walk with them in their journey of learning about our wonderful brains and all the things that come with living in a world where you have to manage multiple intersectionality's.
ADHD babes is an open space for anyone who's looking for support with ADHD. The intersectional impact of being a black woman or non-binary person with ADHD has unique disadvantages, their organisation aims to address through specialist support, tailored workshops and community-centred outreach
We so loved meeting Viv & Shauna, THANK YOU SO MUCH LADIES!
The most ADHD thing we did this week is apparent from the intro in which one half of ADHDAF is absent…
Despite planning everything and trying to get everything done before Laura went on holiday, we forgot to record the intros and outros - ADHDAF!!!!!
Trigger warning* this episode contains strong language and topics which some will find disturbing, including: suicide, mental health struggles and financial difficulties.

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Episode 26: ADHD Awareness Month Special - ADHDAF Listeners Speak Oct 25, 2022

Show notes

We conclude ADHD Awareness Month with this VERY SPECIAL Episode in which some of our amazing listeners share what they want the world to know about ADHD.
The theme for ADHD Awareness Month 2022 is ‘Understanding a Shared Experience’, and we feel incredibly privileged to be able to use our platform to empower our listeners to share their ADHD experience with the world!
Back in August we ran a campaign on our socials called ‘It Only Takes a Minute ADHDAF’ in which we asked followers to share a one minute video or voicenote to volunteer their voices to raise awareness about ADHD. This is what it was for.
As we always say, we are not therapists, experts or coaches, just two late diagnosed ADHD women sharing our personal experiences in the hope that they help others. In the last six months since launching we have been completely blown away by the impact ADHDAF has had. So we know the importance and value of opening up about the realities of living with the neurodevelopmental disorder.
The ADHD online community has been such an enormous help to us both as we ride the late ADHD diagnosis rollercoaster. We are so grateful to have found so many like us, and to have had so many join our Leopard Print Army for ADHDAF Day on Friday 21st October.
Together we thrive; and we believe that together we can incite systemic change!
THANK YOU SO MUCH to everyone who took part in this very special episode, ADHDAF Day, who sent selfies to be a face of ADHDAF, and to all of our listeners, followers and guest speakers over the last 6 months.
We REALLY REALLY appreciate you all!
Big love
L & D xx
If you would like to make a donation towards Dawn’s diagnosis you can via this link: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/adhdasfemales
You can also buy incredible handmade ADHDAF merchandise from collaborative collections with incredible creatives: Working Clasp & All The Discos here: https://www.adhdasfemales.com/merchandise
*Trigger Warning - this episode features strong language and sensitive topics that some may find distrurbing, including: suicide, eating disorders, severe mental health struggles,

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Episode 25: Forever Yours Betty: ADHD, Autism & ORANGE Oct 18, 2022

Show notes

Welcome to the wonderful world of Sheri Scott, aka @foreveryoursbetty
We are both longterm fans of this incredible creative's content, so we feel very lucky and incredibly grateful to have had a blether with this absolute tangerine dream!
Glasgow's finest Sheri, is a multi-hyphenate - very appropriately nicknamed 'the ideas factory'. Her flame haired head hosts a brilliant brain constantly buzzing with brightly coloured ideas, which she uses to put the fire into businesses.
From high fashion to chimpanzees, you name it and Sheri's unique and creative 'big picture' brain waves will catapult companies to flaming results. You've only got to take a quick glance at her own platform to see that this lady is a Queen amongst content creators!
As the pandemic threw a spanner into the works the world over, Sheri's work and coping mechanisms shut down, just as Tik Tok began raising awareness about ADHD - opening her eyes to the neurodevelopmental disorder.
In 2020 Sheri received a late ADHD diagnosis at the age of 34, and was referred for a screening for Autism, as she presents highly for this also.
(We will further explore ASD in a furture episode)
What followed was sadly nothing short of a frightening and dangerous ordeal!
Without the essential support she should have been provided(!) Sheri has taken treatment into her own hands. She takes responsibility for managing her clashing ADHD and Autism symptoms, and has found what works for her.
*We hear of many using ADHD medication in a way that works for them, but just in an attempt to be responsible (though being so isn't our strong point!) I'm sure all will understand that we have to say this - always read and follow medication instructions*
We are so grateful to Sheri for sharing one hell of a ride on the late ADHD diagnosis rollercoaster with us! Her insight into 'NEURODIVERSE JOY' is so touching, that it's even giving me goosebumps now just thinking about it! We were so moved in her description of the joy that the colour orange brings her, that we've changed our signature colours, turning our socials orange for the week in her honour... WE'VE BEEN TANGOED!
Serendipitously, orange is also the colour of ADHD Awareness Month, so we are very happy to be giving Sheri mega dopamine hits, whilst raising awareness for the cause at this important time. Further serendipitously, having been enamoured by Sheri being her striking citrus self unapologetically; we were hurt this week for being called - in a nutshell - 'too much'.
We end this episode with a Reynolds rant(!) in which we acknowledge our need to educate ourselves about social media accessibility. We understand that we need to be mindful of that going forward; but taking the lead of Sheri, we outright refuse to dull our sparkle!
We are loud, colourful, chaotic and busy-minded people who won't be to everyone's tastes; but after a lifetime of masking, authenticity is essential as we embark on this new chapter which we share for the cause. Our podcast and our platform are a reflection of ourselves and how ADHD presents in US.
We take great inspiration from your authenticity, creativity and bravery, and therefore we are forever yours Sheri!
*TRIGGER WARNING*
There is some swearing, mentions of medication, misdiagnosis, malpractice, mental health crisis, financial struggles, and heart stabbing - metaphorically!

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Episode 24: Dawn's NHS ADHD Assessment Ordeal Oct 11, 2022

Show notes

On Tuesday 4th October Dawn went for an NHS ADHD Assessment in Aberdeen. We couldn't believe that her long awaited diagnosis day was falling in ADHD Awareness Month, AND on the day we hit 100K downloads!
Suffice to say, this was not the episode we thought we would be putting out!
This is an Episode of two parts. As planned, we wanted to share this very important experience in real time, so began by the pre preparation and feelings the day before the big day to help others awaiting their assessment. Turns out the day was indeed big, but for the wrong reasons!
If you've read the Press and Journal article, you will already know about this ordeal. We are very grateful to journalist Chloe Irvine for the fantastic feature on Dawn, highlighting how very broken the current system is: https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/aberdeen-aberdeenshire/4876867/im-not-sure-ive-got-another-four-months-in-me-to-wait-rgu-students-desperation-for-adhd-diagnosis/
This is NOT what we thought we would be sharing, and certainly not the answers that Dawn had hoped and hung on for. We understand that the underfunded and overstretched NHS is absolutely up against it! The real issue here is the lack of communication. Not laying out the timeline of the process is so incredibly damaging and unforgivable, and Dawn has made a formal complaint.
Whilst Dawn recovers and gathers her strength, as she plans her next move she would like to thank every single one of you who has reached out with messages of support both before and after this horrendous experience. It is your encouragement that is giving her fuel to carry on fighting this battle.
Though we had so wanted to put out a positive message to all of those seeking NHS ADHD diagnosis and treatment, sadly what we have instead is a podcast episode from two women who were not just let down by the system as children; but now who have also been let down by the broken NHS ADHD diagnosis process in their late 30s this ADHD Awareness Month.
Dawn feels that the only positive is that in sharing her ordeal she is raising crucial awareness and letting so many others who are suffering similar know that that they are not alone. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
We hope for a better, quicker, more communicative and supportive diagnosis system by next ADHD Awareness Month.
We conclude on a positive note, looking ahead to alternative ADHD diagnosis routes, and announcing the exciting things we have planned this month:
If you follow our socials you will already know that Laura managed to hit her starsign deadline and get the brand new website up on 9th October! LOLS.
We could not be more excited to collaborate with Working Clasp for handmade ADHDAF jewellery and All The Discos for handmade festival style ADHDAF party capes made from recycled party decorations! Check out our amazing new merchandise and website here: https://www.adhdasfemales.com/
We are doing an Intagram Live with Louise 'Pink Pear Bear Williams' on Wednesday 12th October at 8:30pm - we invite you to click this link and 'ask us anything', which we will answer LIVE: https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjcgF8DKWKc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Finally we invite you all to join our LEOPARD PRINT ARMY for ADHDAF DAY - Friday 21st October. Wear at least one item of leopard print in a show of solidarity for the cause. We want change! If you do too, join us by tagging us in your pictures, and videos wearing at least one leopard print item. ADHDAFarmy!
Trigger Warning Due to the emotion of this long awaited appointment, this is a very sweary episode. Lots effing, but this is all very raw, having been recorded the day before and day after the ordeal - apologies for swearing like sailors!
Mentions of suicide and severe mental health struggles.

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Episode 23: ADHD Awareness Month collaboration with The ADHD ‘Adults’ Oct 04, 2022

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This is a very special episode for ADHD Awareness Month! Part 2 of our collaboration with The ADHD Adults…
In Part 1, Dr Alex Conner and Dr James Brown interview us on their Podcast - Tap here to listen: https://www.adhdadult.uk/podcast/
Or watch us squirm in our first ever interview on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/hyzm9AMjOqQ
In this episode, we swap roles (PHEW!) and invite Alex and James onto ADHDAF for our standard, disorganised, rambling blether.
The four of us have joined forces to highlight the importance of community. Using our voices collectively, learning from each other’s knowledge and experiences, and supporting each other is the most powerful way to raise awareness in the hope to influence systemic change.
We really are all in this together! The support of the online ADHD community has, and continues to be a lifeline for us both; which is why we always recommend leaning into it. In particular, we are incredibly grateful to James and Alex for their invaluable work educating the masses about the neurodevelopmental condition with their Podcast and Focus Mag, for supporting late diagnosed ADHDers (us included) with their charity ADHDadultUK, and for welcoming us into the ADHD podcasting community. We are on the same team making much needed noise for the cause!
Thank you lads (lads,lads!) we love this episode, in which the best frenemies confess their undying love for one another and set us a piece of homework- which obviously we still haven’t done!
In all seriousness though, où est la banque?!
*TRIGGER WARNING* It’s a sweary one, with naughty words throughout with references of mental health struggles.

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Episode 22: ADHD Clinician Compassion with Jenny Okolo Sep 27, 2022

Show notes

Jenny Okolo is a lead psychiatric occupational therapist, and an award-nominated mental health advocate, with extensive experience in the criminal justice sector.
This summer Jenny became a TEDx Speaker for TEDxNHS. In her incredible talk she invited listeners to challenge the limits of their empathy, displaying the enormous impact compassion can have.
‘TEDxNHS was founded as a unique movement to enable the voices of NHS staff and patients to be heard on a national stage and spread their learning across the system. Bringing change to the NHS through the power of storytelling, TEDxNHS aims to inspire us to think differently, dream bigger, and design better for the population we serve.’
‘We as healthcare professionals have such an opportunity to look beyond labels’ ~ @jenokolo
Jenny is our first neurotypical guest, and she plays a part in the NHS ADHD diagnostic system; helping people to get diagnosed and to see the value of diagnosis. Her message is completely aligned with our values: COMPASSION for neurodivergents, and that ADHD needs to be taken seriously!
With different perspectives on the current ADHD diagnosis crisis, inevitably we do see some aspects differently… but that’s the whole point!
With an underfunded NHS stretched to its limit, and undiagnosed ADHDers suffering in silence due to stigma/lack of awareness or living in limbo hell for years on outrageously long waiting lists for assessment and treatment; people are suffering on both sides!
We feel it is essential to learn and understand the problem from all angles in order to find a way forward. It isn’t a case of ‘us and them’…
As we all desperately need a better system; it is essential that ADHDers and clinicians pull together in order to influence systemic change!
We loved hearing about the incredible work Jenny does, and are so grateful to this legendary lady for giving us invaluable insight into the alternative perspective of the ADHD Diagnosis Crisis.
THANK YOU SO MUCH JENNY!
*Trigger Warning* We discuss some sensitive topics which some may find disturbing. Including: BN, ED, criminality, and mental health crisis.

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BONUS BLETHER with Phionna McInnes Sep 20, 2022

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This EXTRA SPECIAL BONUS EPISODE is a wee blether with Phionna McInnes about her AMAZING Aberdeen event for ADHD Awareness Month🎗
We welcome you to team weird and invite you to ‘You, Me & ADHD’, a ladies lunch at The Chester Hotel on 2nd October 12-4pm
Bringing the Aberdeen ADHD women’s community together and raising funds for Phionna’s incredible charity We Too! ,which empowers families of children with disabilities in NE Scotland.
We are honoured to have been asked to join the panel; a Loose Women style fireside chat alongside Nicola McAlley of STV News! We really can’t wait!
If you identify as female and ADHD, or if you want to support a loved one and learn more about ADHD in women, join us for this very special day in the Silver City during ADHD Awareness Month… we hope to meet you there!
Tap here for tickets: https://www.neurofabulous.me/
Alongside discussing the event, local legend and Chief Ninja Phionna shares her very unique ADHD journey and experiences.
Thank you so much Phionna for being our first in-person guest at ADHDAF HQ, and for asking us to be part of your fabulous fundraiser… we really can’t wait!

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