In today’s episode, I’m sharing something a little more personal. This conversation is all about ADHD in women and moms, why it’s so often missed, and what it can actually feel like in real life. For so many of us, ADHD doesn’t look like what we're taught to expect. It’s not always the hyper, can’t-sit-still version we picture in young boys. For women, it often shows up as mental overload, constant overwhelm, emotional ups and downs, and feeling like we just can’t keep up no matter how hard we try. It gets labeled as anxiety, disorganization, or just being “too much,” and we carry that for years without realizing there might be more going on. I share my own journey of starting to question things, what I experienced growing up versus now as a mom, and how masking, perfectionism, and overcompensating played a role in how I showed up. There were moments of relief, validation, and honestly a lot of emotion that came with finally understanding my brain in a different way. I’ll also talk about how ADHD can show up in motherhood. The mental load, the constant juggling, the time blindness, the sensory overwhelm, and the emotional regulation challenges that can feel so intense. Motherhood has a way of bringing all of that to the surface in a way that’s hard to ignore. But this episode isn’t just about the challenges. It’s also about reframing ADHD through a different lens. I talk about the strengths I now recognize in myself, like creativity, problem-solving, empathy, and the ability to hyperfocus. Letting go of unrealistic expectations and the “shoulds” has been a huge part of that process. I also get into what support can actually look like. Things like creating systems that work for your brain, externalizing tasks instead of trying to hold everything mentally, using sensory strategies to regulate, and giving yourself permission to ask for help without guilt. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this me?” I want you to know that it’s okay to explore that question. You’re not broken, and you’re not failing. Understanding your brain can open the door to so much more compassion and support. Thanks for listening 🩷 If this episode made you feel seen, share it with another mom who might need to hear this too. LINKS We’d love to answer your questions on the podcast! Fill out this form - https://harkla.typeform.com/to/ItWxQNP3 #233 ADHD in Adults with Dr. Ashley https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/233-adhd-in-adults-with-dr-ashley-houchin-clinical-psychologist #275 - Alternative Strategies for ADHD with Dr. David https://harkla.co/blogs/podcast/275-alternative-strategies-for-adhd-with-dr-david-nowell Best Part Multivitamin https://bestpartkids.com/ Enter the Autism Acceptance Month Giveaway & Shop Our Sale! https://harkla.co/ All Things Sensory Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/allthingssensorypodcast/ Harkla Website https://harkla.co/ Harkla YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/HarklaFamily Harkla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/harkla_family/ Harkla Digital Courses https://harkla.co/collections/courses