Team,

My new friend Jami Shapiro had me at the title of her podcast, "Grandma Has ADHD." And, while it's funny and memorable, it's also an important perspective to consider: how do we address executive function needs, as seniors or those who love and support them? How do we ensure seniors are included in the neurodiversity conversations? Jami shares her story and some great strategies that help all of us.

All my love to you!

Sarah

Jami's podcast: /https://grandmahasadhd.com/

About Jami: Jami Shapiro, the Founder of Silver Linings Transitions, was inspired to build the company after facing a cancer diagnosis in her early 30s.

After starting Silver Linings Transitions, Jami’s fifteen-year marriage ended and she saw personally how difficult it is for women to re-enter the workforce (whether or not it’s a result of divorce after taking time off to raise children), especially in a meaningful way. Her company allows her to combine her passion for helping helping women balancing home and work, develop the skills and confidence necessary to compete in today’s job market while also helping clients who need extra nurturing and compassion during tough times.

More ways to get support:

ICD:

Institute for Challenging Disorganization

NASSMM:National Association of Senior & Specialty Move Managers

NAPONational Association of Productivity and Organizing

Hey team!

There are so many options for college, and many are designed to support bright students with executive dysfunction! Listen to my conversation with college consultant, Jordan Burstein, as we talk about his non-linear path to success! He takes what he's learned and helps others find their way!

Even if you're not prepping for college for yourself or your teen, this episode is full of hope and a great model for what's possible when you keep seeking the right tools and spaces for your brain!

All my love,

Sarah

#executive function, #ADHD, #neurodivergent, #college

Learn more about Jordan:

Jordan Burstein serves high school students with learning differences. His goal is to help students who may need intervention find success in the student’s current school or find a more appropriate fit for the struggling learner. Jordan has a BA in Psychology and has personal experience dealing with learning disabilities, ADHD and previously struggling in school. Jordan brings a vast understanding into a situation where students may feel alone and marginalized. Previous to joining the practice, Jordan worked as a Mental Health Specialist. He has also worked as an academic mentor for college students at risk. This includes students with learning differences, autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. As a mentor, Jordan led students to become more organized in both academia and thrive in a social setting.

Jordan resides in the Chicago suburbs with his wife and dog. He attended Deerfield High School, Landmark College and Roosevelt University. He is a member of CHADD and the Learning Disability Association of America. Jordan completed the Summer Institute for independent educational consultants through IECA, the only accrediting organization for independent consultants. He has, and continues to visit many colleges and post-secondary programs for students with learning differences, autism spectrum disorders and ADHD. These visits provided Jordan an understanding of the programs and allows him to find the best fit for your student.

Team,

This was a tough episode to title! Dr Aguirre and I talk about tricky things like self-hatred but also keep a bright light on hope. He shares many examples and analogies that will make you feel seen and heard, possibly taking away some of the internal friction you feel in facing the complexities of life. Dr. Aguirre's new book, " I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Hatred and Realize Why You’re Wrong About You " is a game-changer, and I hope it offers you tools and perspectives to challenge your thinking and create new love for yourself!

Our conversation explores why challenges with executive function can cause negative feeling about yourself and what to do with them. I think you'll love it!

All my love,

Sarah About Dr Aguirre: Blaise Aguirre, MD, is a child and adolescent psychiatrist. He is a trainer in, and specializes in, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) as well as other treatments such as mentalization-based treatment (MBT) for borderline personality disorder and associated conditions. He is the founding medical director of 3East continuum of care, an array of programs for teens that uses DBT to target self-endangering behaviors as well as the symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) traits.

Dr. Aguirre has been a staff psychiatrist at McLean Hospital since 2000 and is nationally and internationally recognized for his extensive work in the treatment of mood and personality disorders in adolescents. He lectures regularly throughout the world. Dr. Aguirre is the author or co-author of many books, including Borderline Personality Disorder in Adolescents, Mindfulness for Borderline Personality Disorder, Coping With BPD, and Fighting Back.