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

ADHD reWired

Release Date: 06/29/2024

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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Building Systems that work for you (and not the other way around) with Stephanie Blake - Ep 557 show art Building Systems that work for you (and not the other way around) with Stephanie Blake - Ep 557

ADHD reWired

🧠 Episode Summary: Are you building a business (or a life) that supports your life—or one that runs you into the ground? In this episode of ADHD reWired, Eric Tivers is joined by business systems coach and automation strategist Stephanie Blake. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Stephanie shares how simplifying her business, embracing structure, and getting honest about burnout helped her reclaim her energy and build a business that works for her, not the other way around. They talk about the unique ways ADHD brains thrive with streamlined systems, why too many tools can be a trap, and...

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Hustle, Flow or Let it Go? Lessons from Burnout and Grief - with Dr. Portia Preston - Ep 556 show art Hustle, Flow or Let it Go? Lessons from Burnout and Grief - with Dr. Portia Preston - Ep 556

ADHD reWired

What does it really mean to know when to push, when to pause, and when to let go? In this heartfelt conversation, Dr. Portia Preston returns to ADHD reWired to share insights from her book Hustle, Flow, or Let It Go? We talk about burnout, shame-free wellness, and the small practices that can help us create a more sustainable rhythm in life. This episode weaves together stories of resilience and grief, the reality of living with ADHD and autism, and Portia’s SANE model (Slow down, Acknowledge, Navigate, Evaluate)—a simple framework to help you reset when overwhelm takes over. We also talk...

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People Pleasing & ADHD: When People Pleasing & ADHD: When "Yes" is a Nervous-System Response and How to Stop with Anita Sandoval, LPC - EP 555

ADHD reWired

People-pleasing isn’t a personality flaw—often it’s a nervous-system strategy. Licensed Professional Counselor and ADHD-CCSP Anita Sandoval joins Eric to unpack how the fawn response shows up with ADHD, trauma, and RSD; how it differs from masking and conflict avoidance; and what real change looks like. We cover Anita’s “Empower → Resilient → Authentic” model, ADHD-friendly EMDR adaptations, and the messy-but-worth-it work of boundaries (including with narcissistic family dynamics). Resources, Anita’s links, and a quick survey about a potential evening coaching group are in...

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554 | OCD with ADHD: Could your anxiety be OCD? with Natalia Aíza show art 554 | OCD with ADHD: Could your anxiety be OCD? with Natalia Aíza

ADHD reWired

What is OCD, really? It’s far more than the stereotypes of handwashing, tapping, or lining up your pens just right. On today’s episode, Eric is joined by Natalia Aíza — a therapist, parent, writer, and co-founder of Kairos Wellness Collective — who specializes in supporting individuals and families navigating OCD and anxiety. Together, they explore how OCD can show up in less obvious ways, especially for those with ADHD. You’ll hear: ✅ Why OCD is often missed or misdiagnosed in ADHD brains ✅ How intense nostalgia, perfectionism, and social media checking can all be forms of...

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The ADHD Productivity Manual with Ari Tuckman, PSY.D, MBA show art The ADHD Productivity Manual with Ari Tuckman, PSY.D, MBA

ADHD reWired

Support Comes from ADHD reWIred's Coaching and Accountability Groups. Summer Sessions are July 24 - Sept 18. Join us at our next registration event on July 10th. Learn more by going to  Episode Overview: In this episode, Eric is joined by Ari Tuckman, PSY.D, MBA, psychologist, international presenter, and author of the new "ADHD Productivity Manual." Together, they dive deep into the realities of productivity for people with ADHD, exploring motivation, activation, self-compassion, and practical strategies for getting things done. Key Topics Discussed: The difference between...

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More Episodes

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