Neural pathways in slow motion: your ADHD challenges explained with behavioural scientist Liliya Engelke (Part 2)

The discussions around Hyperfocus in ADHD scientific literature and on social media have left me feeling like we're just scratching the surface. There's a great deal more to understand about this incredible trait, and why it's so needed in our world... So today I'm diving deeper into the physiological experience of hyperfocus in the body, and sharing my analogy of how hyperfocus is so much more than 'just being pulled into a task outside of your control' or a trait that annoys others around us... it's actually like a 747 jet taking a long-haul flight. I'll also explore the phenomenon that is the 'fear of being interrupted' and how that relates to hyperfocus and making sure our deepest needs are met as neurodivergents.   ADHDers are not light planes designed for 30 minute joyrides. We’re 747s, designed for long haul flights and high altitude cruising. We have stamina and the intensity or ‘engine power’ required to get off the ground. When we're at high altitude, we can look down at things from a bird's eye view, see the big vision, and make incredible connections. It's what we've evolved to do. And when we're coming in for 'landing' from a hyperfocus session, we need to make sure we descend slowly.   When we're stuck taxiing on the runway, and unable or prevented from being able to take off, this affects our nervous system hugely and means we're not doing what we're f*cking good at. It's crucial we prioritise long periods of TIME to spend in our imaginary, wondering, dreaming world... researching and learning about new ideas and taking action on them.    All this and more on the Future ADHD podcast - Ep 15.   ----- This podcast is edited and mastered by Sam from Shred Session Studios ----- Join 40+K neurodivergents who use our evidence-based ADHD Planners: https://futureadhd.com/ Follow on IG - @future.adhd Follow on TikTok - future.adhd  

Is hyperfocus just an annoying, ill-timed and inconvenient ADHD trait, like some researchers suggest? Or is it actually a fundamental and incredibly necessary method of brain functioning that actually FEEDS our brains and helps stimulate and nourish them?   In today's episode I talk about how I've re-framed hyperfocus and why I think it's incredibly important that ADHDers have a trail of abandoned hyperfixations in their wake. I share some of the random hyperfixations I've been focused on for periods of time (that I thought were complete wastes of time), and how those have ended up creating a patchwork of skills that launched my career.   I also talk about the quality and intensity of ADHD attention, and why that's so unique and a skill that's highly sought after, and needed in our world. I hope you enjoy this episode!   ----- This podcast is edited and mastered by Sam from Shred Session Studios ----- Join 30+K neurodivergents who use our evidence-based ADHD Planners: https://futureadhd.com/ Follow on IG - @future.adhd Follow on TikTok - future.adhd

Today on the podcast, I'm sharing something deep from my heart, something I've been wanting to say for a long time. I'm sharing what I *really* think of the ADHD label, and why it's crucial we define ourselves by what we are, instead of what we're not.   When I re-defined the ADHD label and re-claimed my identity in terms of who I am, instead of in terms of my deficits, it was absolutely life changing.   In this episode, I also cover:   A part of my diagnosis story and my emotions around that Living life as a teenager and 20-something without knowing my neurotype Why life was so hard when I kept trying to force myself to be "neurotypical" Feeling like I’d missed the guidebook on how to be “normal”  What’s at stake when we only focus on our deficits  What it looks like to celebrate, honour and trust my neurodivergent brain and being able to do the same for other ADHDers in my life, and what a gift that has been   This episode is the first in a mini-series all about what's actually happening inside our ADHD brains, so make sure you tune in to hear the rest of the series across the next few weeks. --- Join 30+K neurodivergents who use our evidence-based ADHD Planners: https://futureadhd.com/ Follow on IG - @future.adhd Follow on TikTok - future.adhd

Today on the podcast I'm speaking with a politician, but definitely not your average politician. Jordon Steele-John is the second youngest Senator in Australia, and shares the incredible story of how he was elected into the Senate at 23, and how, in the 6 years since then, he continues to use his unique lens as a disabled politician to advocate for the disabled community in a way Australia hasn't seen before. Jordon's office has a strong current focus on ADHD reform and this year prompted a radical community-led national inquiry into ADHD, medicare and support services.   Joana Partyka also joins me on this weeks conversation. Joana is Jordon's Communications Advisor, a woman with a lived experience of ADHD, and is working closely with Jordon & his team on their current ADHD campaign in Australia.     Jordon, Joana & I talk about:   - why the Greens party and Jordon's office in particular has a current focus on ADHD and easier access to support & medication    - how to make a submission to the ADHD inquiry (closes June 9th 2023 - links below)   - how important it is to centre the lived experience of ADHDers when creating change movements and policy change at a governmental level   - how Jordon has helped to create an inclusive and supportive environment in his office for disabled people, and in particular people with ADHD   HELPFUL LINKS:    Submission: https://greens.org.au/campaign/adhd/make-a-submission   Submission template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hn4NWV3Hfag_uT1FI9ypTQRDAGlDOV2GGglIZn-x3xs/edit    

If you have a child or student with ADHD (diagnosed or suspected) who experiences worry or rumination regularly, this episode is for you! And if you're NOT a caregiver, parent or teacher, many of the tools I share about understanding our brains can still apply to adults, especially if we're trying to dismantle a lifetime of negative messages and begin healing our inner child.     In this episode I talk about:   my personal journey as a parent navigating worry with my 7yo son why kids with ADHD are more prone to worry, anxiety & rumination the effect of gaslighting: why telling them 'there's nothing to worry about' doesn't help how we can empower our kids through self-understanding and simple & fun metacognitive tools that will help them feel less helpless and more in control how I talk to my kid about worry (including examples) understanding worry as one part of many parts that make up who we are activating curiosity (a fantastic 'hack' for ADHD interest-based brains) to stop misplaced fear in its tracks the neurology of the limbic system, amygdala and its adaptive evolutionary advantage for human species how to make talking about anxiety hilarious and interesting for kids, to keep them engaged and in the driver's seat repetition of these tools to embed new beliefs and self-identity in neural pathways and more!   Resources/books mentioned:   No Bad Parts, by Richard Schwartz Internal Family Systems Therapy with Children, by Lisa Spiegel Inside Out, a children's animated film by Pixar Hey Warrior (a picture book on Worry for kids) by Karen Young   DISCLAIMER: This episode is general information and not intended as therapy or advice for your specific situation. Please seek your own medical advice about mental health matters that concern you or your children.   Join 30K neurodivergents who use our evidence-based ADHD Planners: https://futureadhd.com/ Follow on IG - @future.adhd   @adhd.nervous.system Follow on TikTok - future.adhd

If you're in a current state of nervous system overwhelm, feeling regularly anxious or chronically stressed, and have no idea how to even BEGIN to rest again, then this episode is for you. In this episode I talk about: how external environmental stressors can accrue and weigh on our nervous system why these external stressors exacerbate our ADHD 'symptoms' and challenges what to do when you're so chronically stressed you get stuck in fight or flight 'sympathetic' mode, and are completely overwhelmed my honest story the past 4 weeks dealing with overstimulation, school holiday chaos and overwhelm when all self care feels like an effort and why guided visualisations have been AMAZING for me examples of life and relationships stressors on our nervous system a checklist to assess nervous system burnout in our body what happens when our nervous systems gets stuck in a fight or flight state shame & guilt when we 'fail' at self care sensory cocoons, creating a safe 'home' inside your body & how even a 1 minute break can help a 20 min guided visualisation to invite deep rest and connection with your body   VISUALISATION: 20 min guided visualisation starts at 21:45. **WARNING: Do not listen while driving or operating heavy machinery.  LINKS: futureadhd.com/deeprest @adhd.nervous.system @future.adhd More self-care tools and workbooks at: futureadhd.com

Emotional spending, impulsivity, credit card debt, internalised shame & budgeting phobia... these are just a few of the areas that ADHDers often report struggling with when it comes to financial management. So it was no surprise that after 25K+ downloads of our ADHD planner, adding a finance/budgeting section was the No. 1 user request. In today's episode, I'm joined by Eric & Georgie from the Future ADHD team to talk about the launch of our brand new 25-page finance section in the ADHD planner called 'Conscious Cash', which comes as a FREE lifetime update for all customers. Because our mission is to shape the future of ADHD, we wanted to bring you powerful finance trackers based on scientific research that would really help you move the needle on your money habits... so we spent 2 months testing, designing and re-imagining the standard money templates to REALLY motivate and support divergent ADHD brains. Trust us, making sure you're not bored and have lots of dopamine-filled options was our main goal! The response from our audience so far has been hugely positive. So if you need a bit of guidance as you're setting up your planner or just want some money re-frames for ADHD brains, this valued-packed episode has something for everyone! Disclaimer: We are not financial experts and are not qualified to give financial advice, so this episode is merely generalised information - please refer to your financial advisor about your personal situation.   Come and join us! Join 25K+ neurodivergents who use our evidence-based ADHD Planners: https://futureadhd.com/ Follow on IG - @future.adhd Follow on TikTok - future.adhd  

Let's be honest... Society wouldn't be able to function without its spicy and spectacular neurodiverse population. This week on the podcast is all about celebrating the ADHD brain in all its glory! In honour of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, I'm exploring the gifts of ADHD from all angles with my favourite Neurotypical... my husband and Co-Founder of Future ADHD, Eric. This is the perfect episode to share with the NT in your life, to help them get a greater understanding of the ADHD experience. Eric and I talk about: Why it's so important for neurotypicals to be educated on neurodiversity and how they can be good allies Where the word neurodiversity came from and its etymology Why diversity in brain types matters and why it makes society stronger Why we need a balanced view of the strengths & challenges (which is why we're devoting a whole episode to strengths today - whooo whooop!) What does it actually mean to celebrate neurodiversity? How we make our company a ND-affirming and flexible workplace And more! Come and join us!  Join 25K neurodivergents who use our evidence-based ADHD Planners: https://futureadhd.com/ Follow on IG - @future.adhd Follow on TikTok - future.adhd

Dr. Ali Arena is a communications & relationship expert specialising in the unique relational dynamics between neurodivergents and neurotypicals, both adults and kids. Ali has ADHD herself, and is both a Speech-Language Pathologist & Board Certified Behaviour Analyst. She’s a kind of like an interpersonal detective that searches for patterns to increase connection either in romantic relationships, friendships, or parent-child dynamics. Dr. Ali & I talk about: the differences in communication style between women and men the social strengths of ADHD in relationships how to navigate chronic oversharing, info-dumping and vulnerability hangovers all or nothing catastrophizing in arguments having arguments because we’re bored and it’s a dopamine hit becoming disembodied during conflicts and disconnecting from our intentions/spiralling out of control setting boundaries and scheduling down time to nourish your nervous system sensory regulation tips for supporting the ADHD kids in your life helping your ADHD partner calm down when they’re spiralling and so much more...! Ali’s instagram @connectingwithali Ali’s website www.connection-squared.com Join 20K neurodivergents who use our evidence-based ADHD Planners: https://futureadhd.com/ Follow on IG - @future.adhd Follow on TikTok - future.adhd

[PART 2 of Interview]   Liliya Engelke (M.S. CHWC) is an ADHD coach and behavioural scientist who was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult. In this two-part conversation we examine the neurobiology and chemistry of the ADHD brain. Lilly talks about: • the cascade of overwhelm and the shame spiral behind ADHD / ADD paralysis & doom scrolling on the couch • the link between dopamine and motivation • the genius ‘spoon analogy’ that explains ADHD executive dysfunction • “white coat syndrome” and the diagnosis process • why neurodivergents can avoid support after being gaslit by medical professionals • how a behavioural coach can help you modify your ADHD / ADD behaviours, create systems to support you and empower you to find your own solutions long term • why Lilly loves our Future ADHD planner so much and recommends to her clients And make sure you check out Part 1 for the rest of this value-packed conversation. Follow Lilly on IG - @itssliliyaa Lilly’s Coaching Support - https://www.wellnessmantra.org/ — Join 20K+ neurodivergents who use our evidence-based ADHD Planners: https://futureadhd.com/ Follow on IG - @future.adhd Follow on TikTok - future.adhd