ADHDifference - IDENTIFYING WITH ADHD + guest Leonie-Ruth Acland

ADHDifference

In this episode Julie Legg interviews guest Leonie-Ruth Acland (aged 68, NSW) who identifies with ADHD but is not formally diagnosed. They chat about how this came about, feelings of ‘deficit’ as a child, and the inspirational women she has met on her ADHD journey.

Ruth shares personal stories of her time in Java and Tanzania as a young mother, her association with the UN, her strength, emotional intelligence, and helping others to flourish. Ruth talks about self-compassion, the daily routines that keeps her grounded as an older adult with ADHD, ageism, her love of nature, and the importance of one’s personal growth.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Decision-making regarding seeking a formal diagnosis vs identifying with ADHD and being content with an informal diagnosis.
• Considerations around ADHD medication for older adults.
• Growing up as a child feeling a sense of deficit, undiagnosed.
• ADHD being genetically linked.
• Parenting and living overseas, undiagnosed – Java and Tanzania.
• Experience working in association with the United Nations.
• Ageism.
• Personal growth.

Key takeaways:

• If you identify with ADHD traits, and it makes a positive difference to your life with regards to self-compassion, understanding without the need to seek medication, a formal diagnosis may not be considered essential for some.
• If ADHD stimulant medication is not available for health reasons, other treatments, such as strategies and management tools may help.
• Taking time for self-care, daily routines and personal growth helps the ADHD brain feel grounded.
• Our personal strength, empathy and our drive can help ourselves and others flourish.
• The more we can understand and know ourselves, the more real we show up in the world.

Links:

ADHD Women Explore The Neuroverse Podcast

Flourishing Education Podcast

Ruth Acland, Tanglewood

Julie is the author of THE MISSING PIECE: A Woman's Guide to Understanding, Diagnosing and Living with ADHD (Harper Collins, 2024).

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