From helping ADHD students to finally seeing herself

From helping ADHD students to finally seeing herself

From The Neurodivergent Connection / The Curious Storyteller by Reid

June 5, 2026 · 58 min · Season 19 · Episode 13

About this episode

Dr. Jennifer Dahl discusses her late ADHD diagnosis and the journey of rebuilding life amidst grief and trauma.

Late ADHD Diagnosis, Grief, and Rebuilding Life in Small Steps What happens when the person helping others finally realizes the story is also their own? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jennifer Dahl to talk about late ADHD diagnosis, masking, grief, trauma, and what it means to rebuild a life when your brain needs a different kind of support. This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply human. We talk about the shock and relief that can come with finally having a name for what you've lived with for years. Then we get into something many people don't say out loud: what it feels like when ADHD overlaps with loss, exhaustion, and major life changes. Dr. Jennifer shares why “trying harder” often misses the point, and why small shifts can make a real difference when big systems fall apart. If you've ever wondered why some advice works for other people but not for you, or how to move forward without pretending you have it all together, this episode will give you a lot to think about. About the Guest Dr. Jennifer Dahl has spent more than 25 years supporting students and adults with ADHD. After her own diagnosis, along with experiences of grief, trauma, and brain injury, her…

People in this episode

Host: Reid

Guest: Dr. Jennifer Dahl

Topics covered

  • ADHD
  • late diagnosis
  • grief
  • trauma
  • support
  • life changes

Keywords

  • ADHD
  • diagnosis
  • grief
  • trauma
  • support
  • life changes
  • masking
  • mental health

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ADHD

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