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540 | Hormones, Migraines, Social Skills with Gilly Kahn Ph.D

ADHD reWired

Release Date: 06/29/2024

Neurodivergent Pride: Queer Identity, Masking, and Belonging (566) show art Neurodivergent Pride: Queer Identity, Masking, and Belonging (566)

ADHD reWired

What does it look like to live at the intersection of neurodivergence and queerness? In this annual Neurodivergent Pride panel, a collaboration between ADHD reWired and Shimmer Coaching, host Eric Tivers and panelists Savant, Kristen, Jill, and moderator Chris share deeply personal stories about identity, masking, belonging, and the ongoing work of becoming themselves. The conversation moves through the ways masking shows up across queer and neurodivergent lives, from religious trauma and racial identity to the quiet labor of maintaining relationships while autistic. Panelists explore the...

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Under-Supported, Under-Stimulated, or Overextended? with Alyece Smith show art Under-Supported, Under-Stimulated, or Overextended? with Alyece Smith

ADHD reWired

In this episode, Eric sits down with Alyece Smith, business coach, TEDx speaker, autism advocate, and founder of Socially Ausome, for a candid conversation about ADHD, masking, burnout, boundaries, and what it really takes to build systems that fit your brain. Alyece shares how her son’s autism diagnosis changed the way she understood neurodivergence, her own ADHD, and the cost of trying to operate like everyone else. After leaving corporate to prioritize her son’s care, she built a successful business quickly, but found herself overdelivering, people-pleasing, working late into the night,...

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Future Coaching Group Members ONLY? show art Future Coaching Group Members ONLY?

ADHD reWired

This is not a typical ADHD reWired episode. This is a special, time-sensitive episode for listeners who are considering joining the next season of ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups. If you’ve been thinking, “I need more structure,” “I can’t keep doing this alone,” or “I know what to do, but I’m struggling to follow through,” this episode is for you. In this short announcement episode, Eric explains: Who ADHD reWired Coaching & Accountability Groups are for Why structure works better when it comes with support, repetition, and accountability What makes...

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The Desire Gap: ADHD, Sex, and Mismatched Libido with Laura Jurgens EP 563 show art The Desire Gap: ADHD, Sex, and Mismatched Libido with Laura Jurgens EP 563

ADHD reWired

Episode topic: ADHD, sex, desire discrepancy, intimacy, communication, kink, queerness, polyamory, and what happens when libido doesn’t match in relationships. Content note: This episode includes candid adult conversation about sex, desire, libido, kink, dating apps, polyamory, and sexual communication. Episode Summary What happens when one partner wants sex more than the other? What if ADHD affects libido in both directions? And what if “just do it” is actually some of the worst advice out there? In this episode, Eric is joined by Laura Jurgens, a dual-certified master relationship...

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ADHD reWired Live Q and A April 2026 ep 562 show art ADHD reWired Live Q and A April 2026 ep 562

ADHD reWired

In this live Q&A episode, Eric Tivers and ADHD reWired coaches Brian Entler and Kristin Marts answer listener questions about the overlap between ADHD and autism (AuDHD), and how to better understand your brain through both coaching and therapy. They explore how coaching and therapy serve different—but complementary—roles, especially when it comes to turning insight into action. You’ll hear practical examples of how to use each space effectively, whether you're job searching, working through burnout, or trying to follow through on what matters. Eric also breaks down the concept of...

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Coaching Groups: Final Registration Events This Week (A Short Song) show art Coaching Groups: Final Registration Events This Week (A Short Song)

ADHD reWired

Pre-registration for the ADHD reWired Coaching Groups is due Thursday. Registration events are happening Thursday and Friday. The next group starts next week. 👉 For exact dates, times, and next steps, go to: This episode includes a short, experimental song made with Suno Ai explaining the coaching groups. If you’re listening after the registration window closes, future groups will be announced on the website.

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Doing It the Way Your Brain Actually Works (561) show art Doing It the Way Your Brain Actually Works (561)

ADHD reWired

What if the reason you haven’t finished the thing you keep thinking about isn’t motivation, discipline, or follow-through — but fit? In this episode, Eric is joined by Katherine Mutti Driscoll, PhD, an AuDHD coach, educator, and author, for a conversation that starts with writing a book and quickly becomes something much bigger: how neurodivergent adults actually get meaningful work done. They explore why so many ADHD and AuDHD adults carry “someday projects” for years, how structure (not willpower) turns intention into action, and why unmasking isn’t just about identity — it’s...

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560 How to Finish Anything with Paulette Perhach show art 560 How to Finish Anything with Paulette Perhach

ADHD reWired

If you’ve ever had a week where your intentions were solid… and your follow-through vanished into the void, you’re not alone. In this episode, Eric is joined by writer, teacher, and ADHD coach Paulette Perhach, who shares the FINISH framework: a simple, ADHD-friendly approach to actually completing projects, building consistency, and getting unstuck. Paulette’s take is refreshingly honest: ADHD can feel like the superpower and the kryptonite at the same time. She talks about getting diagnosed at 38, learning to ask for accommodations without shame, and building systems that support...

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559 ADHD & AuDHD Burnout:  Why Community & Accountability Still Matter Personal Updates & Listener Questions show art 559 ADHD & AuDHD Burnout: Why Community & Accountability Still Matter Personal Updates & Listener Questions

ADHD reWired

In the final Q&A of 2025, Eric is joined by ADHD reWired coach Brian for a candid, intimate conversation about ADHD, AuDHD, burnout recovery, unmasking, grief, and what it looks like to rebuild momentum without torching your nervous system in the process. They answer listener questions ranging from “what I wish I knew before my autism diagnosis” to “what burnout actually looks like,” and they zoom out to something simple but powerful: community and accountability aren’t “nice extras,” they’re often the difference between knowing what helps and actually doing it. Also: a...

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When “Fine” Keeps Us Stuck: A Reflection on My Dad, Masking, and Adapting ep 558 show art When “Fine” Keeps Us Stuck: A Reflection on My Dad, Masking, and Adapting ep 558

ADHD reWired

“I’m Fine”: What My Dad Taught Me About Resisting Help On August 14th, my dad passed away. In the weeks since, I’ve been reflecting on his life, his humor, his resilience — and his signature phrase: “I’m fine.” He said it when he was hooked up to machines in the hospital. He said it when he was on the roof cleaning gutters, even though his balance was shot. And most of the time, he wasn’t fine at all. In this episode, I share some of the lessons I learned from my dad about adapting — and about the cost of resisting it. From the adult trike he never would have bought for...

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Welcome back to another episode of ADHD reWired. Our guest today is Dr. Gilly Khan, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist who specializes in working with children, teens, and young adults dealing with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. In this episode, Dr. Khan shares her personal journey with ADHD, discusses the impact of hormonal fluctuations on ADHD symptoms, and offers practical advice on improving emotional regulation and social skills.

Dr. Gilly Khan's Journey with ADHD

Dr. Gilly Khan was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 33, a revelation that came as no surprise to her. Like many women, she had suspected for years that she might have ADHD. Her journey towards diagnosis began when she noticed ADHD symptoms in her young daughter, leading her to seek a diagnosis for herself. Encouraged by a colleague who was open about her ADHD diagnosis, Dr. Khan decided to embrace her neurodiversity and advocate for herself and her clients.

The Impact of Hormonal Fluctuations on ADHD

One of the most significant insights Dr. Khan offers is the connection between hormones, particularly estrogen, and ADHD symptoms. She explains that hormonal fluctuations can significantly impact mood, memory, and overall ADHD symptoms. This is crucial for women, especially during periods of hormonal change such as menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

Dr. Khan shares her personal experience with migraines, which she began having in college, and later discovered were linked to estrogen levels. Her experience highlights the importance of considering hormonal influences when diagnosing and treating ADHD in women.

Practical Advice for Emotional Regulation

Dr. Khan emphasizes that medication can significantly help reduce ADHD symptoms, including emotional dysregulation. However, she also discusses the importance of practical strategies to manage emotions. One key approach is to take a time-out when feeling overwhelmed and practice coping skills like deep breathing in a calm environment before re-engaging with the situation.

Dr. Khan's recommendation to include parents in the process is particularly insightful. Coaching parents to help their children recognize emotional dysregulation and use coping strategies can make a significant difference.

Social Skills in ADHD

Addressing social skills, Dr. Khan discusses the effectiveness of social skills groups, especially when tailored to the needs of neurodivergent individuals. She notes the importance of applied practice and the role of parents in coaching their children outside of therapy sessions.

For adults with ADHD, Dr. Khan suggests finding activities and clubs that align with their interests to facilitate meeting like-minded individuals. She also highlights the importance of planning social interactions, just like planning professional activities, to maintain relationships.

Overcoming Social Challenges

Both Eric and Dr. Khan share personal anecdotes about the challenges of remembering names and maintaining social connections. Practical tips such as using a planner to schedule social activities and taking photos to remember names illustrate how even small strategies can make a big difference.

Advocacy and Self-Education

Dr. Khan stresses the importance of self-advocacy and educating oneself about ADHD. She advises seeking out credible resources and being prepared to discuss specific symptoms and experiences with healthcare providers. Her message is clear: understanding and advocating for one’s own neurodiversity is crucial for effective treatment and self-acceptance.

Conclusion

Dr. Gilly Khan’s insights provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of ADHD, particularly in women. From the impact of hormonal fluctuations to practical strategies for emotional regulation and social skills, her expertise offers valuable guidance for both individuals with ADHD and those supporting them.

To learn more about Dr. Gilly Khan, her work, and her upcoming book on emotional dysregulation, visit her website at drgillykhan.com and follow her on Instagram at @drgillykhan.

Thank you for tuning into ADHD reWired. If you found this episode helpful, consider supporting the podcast on Patreon, and don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Together, we can continue to learn, grow, and support one another in our ADHD journeys.

*Shownotes generated by Ai