If we are lucky as women with ADHD, we have people in our lives with whom we feel understood. However, most of us spend a great deal of our time with people who don’t completely understand us, and maybe never will. They may not “get” how we talk, how we think or feel, or why we have so much difficulty with things that are easy for them. We may find ourselves spending a frustrating amount of time over-explaining, hiding, cringing, pretending, or trying to “pass inspection.” In this conversation, psychotherapist and expert in women with ADHD, explores healthy communication for neurodiverse women; how to shift our mind sets, manage our expectations, and maintain our self- respect in relationships while living in a neurotypical world.
Sari Solden, M.S, is a psychotherapist who has counseled adults with ADHD for over 30 years. She is the author of the books, Women with Attention Deficit Disorder, Journeys Through ADDulthood, and co-author of A Radical Guide for Women with ADHD. Her areas of specialization include women’s issues, inattentive ADHD, and the emotional consequences and healing process for adults who grew up with undiagnosed ADHD. She is a prominent keynote speaker on these subjects nationally and internationally. Ms. Solden currently consults with neurodiverse women mental health and helping professionals, as well as trains therapists in how to help women with ADHD. She serves on the professional advisory board of ADDA and was the recipient of their award for outstanding service by a helping professional.