What is ADHD and Who Else Has It?

Disclaimer: Host Carlen Costa is a certified health care professional, but she is speaking about her personal experience and you should still consult a doctor or your own health care team while making decisions about your health. Find out more about today’s topics from the resources listed below.

In this episode, Carlen touches on her journey discovering her neurodivergence, and specifically ADHD. She explores the concept of hiding behind a ‘mask’ and hiding from your symptoms.  She explains the concept of neurodiversity and neurotypicality, highlighting the differences in brain function. She also provides an overview of various neurodivergent conditions and their prevalence. She shares a list of famous people with ADHD, emphasizing that ADHD is not a disability but a different ability. She concludes by expressing pride in her journey of reclaiming her life and invites listeners to stay curious and embrace their own neurodiversity before part two on this topic, where she talks about her diagnosis while living in Toronto.

Takeaways

• Neurodiversity is a framework for understanding different brain functions and the spectrum of mental challenges.
• ADHD is a common neurodivergent condition that affects both children and adults.
• Many famous individuals, such as Simone Biles and Emma Watson, have ADHD.
• ADHD is not a disability but a different ability, and it is important to embrace and accommodate neurodivergent individuals



Chapters

(00:00) Introduction and the Mask of Fine

(03:28) Discovering Neuro Spiciness

(07:57) Neurodiversity and Neurotypicality

(10:19) Understanding Neurodivergence

(13:19) Neurodivergent Conditions

(14:04) ADHD Prevalence and Famous People with ADHD

(25:05) ADHD Awareness and Misconceptions

(26:02) ADHD as a Genetic Difference

(28:55) ADHD as a Different Ability

(29:43) Upcoming Episode and Conclusion

Works Cited:

ADDitude Editors. “Famous People with ADHD.” ADDitude, 28 Nov. 2016, www.additudemag.com/slideshows/famous-people-with-adhd/.

“Is ADHD Hereditary or Genetic? Yes and No.” ADDitude, ADDitude, 15 Jan. 2009, www.additudemag.com/is-adhd-hereditary-yes-and-no/.

“Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).” The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder.

Chhabra, Sameer. “Adults Who Don’t Know They Have ADHD Can Struggle. Here’s How a Diagnosis Can Help.” CBC, 20 Jan. 2024, www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/adults-undiagnosed-adhd-1.7087547.

Vear, Emily. “New Manulife Data Shows Spike in Adult ADHD Diagnosis | Manulife.” Www.manulife.ca, 21 Sept. 2023, www.manulife.ca/business/news/group-benefits-news/health-insights-press-release.html#:~:text=According%20to%20CADDRA%2C%20the%20Canadian.