In this episode, Johanna Badenhorst interviews psychologist Sarah about her personal journey with ADHD, including her late diagnosis and the impact it has had on her self-understanding. They discuss the stigma surrounding ADHD, particularly for women, and the importance of self-acceptance and validation. The conversation also touches on the challenges of living with ADHD in a neurotypical world and the need for curiosity and exploration in understanding one's own experiences.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sarah and Her Journey

02:08 The Impact of ADHD Diagnosis on Personal and Professional Life

04:47 Navigating Stigma and Self-Doubt in ADHD Diagnosis

07:17 Understanding the Unique Challenges Faced by Women with ADHD

10:17 The Role of Hormones and Life Changes in ADHD Symptoms

13:19 Finding Compassion and Acceptance in ADHD

15:44 Strategies for Managing ADHD in Daily Life

18:18 The Importance of Neurodiversity in Psychological Practice

Keywords

ADHD, diagnosis, women, neurodiversity, self-acceptance, mental health, stigma, personal journey, psychology, support

In this episode of ADHD Her Way, Johanna discusses the challenges of planning and goal setting for women with ADHD, especially at the start of a new year. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how ADHD affects planning, the need for flexibility in goal setting, and the significance of externalizing thoughts to manage mental load. Johanna invites listeners to a holistic year planning workshop designed to create supportive and realistic planning systems that align with individual energy and rhythms.

Join my live workshop on February 9 if you want to approach planning differently! Save your seat here

If you want to work with Johanna or you would like to give feedback check out: www.johannabadenhorst.com or email hello@johannabadenhorst.com.

In this deeply affirming and practical conversation, Johanna Badenhorst sits down with psychologist and neurodiversity advocate Sandhya Menon to talk about ADHD, autism, energy management, and what it actually means to support neurodivergent children and adults in a sustainable way.

Sandhya shares her personal journey into psychology, how lived experience and trauma shaped her work, and why energy management, not just behaviour management, is a missing piece in both parenting and mental health.

Together, they explore:

• Why burnout is so common for neurodivergent people.

• How energy accounting helps us understand what drains and restores us.

• Why accommodations are not “special treatment” but essential supports.

• And how shifting from “fixing” to acceptance and understanding changes everything for kids and adults alike.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, clinicians, and any neurodivergent adult who is tired of trying to survive systems that were never built for their nervous system. 🌱

👉 Sandhya’s Neuroaffirming Books and Resources like The Powerpack: https://www.onwardsandupwardspsychology.com.au/neuroaffirmingbooks

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