8. Inside the Mind of a 12-Year-Old with ADHD: Wisdom, Humor, and Hoverboarding
Release Date: 11/12/2024
11. Mental Load and ADHD with Zach Watson
ADHD in the Real World
In this episode, we explore the intersection of ADHD and the mental load in relationships, uncovering the hidden costs of imbalance and how societal norms often add to the strain. Drawing on years of teaching experience, we discuss strategies to engage interest-based brains and tackle resistant behaviors—whether with middle schoolers or partners. We dive into how gamifying emotional labor can help ADHD brains build lasting habits, why unlearning outdated gender roles is crucial, and the difference between skill and will when addressing mental load challenges. This conversation is packed with...
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10. Fair Play and ADHD – A Game Changer for Home and Family
ADHD in the Real World
I can’t believe it took me 10 episodes to talk about Fair Play! This system, based on Eve Rodsky’s book, has been a game changer for my family and my work. In this episode, I break down how the Fair Play Method helps partners create more equitable systems for managing home and family life—especially when ADHD is part of the equation. Here’s what you’ll learn: Why equity (not equality) is the key to sharing responsibilities in a way that works for both partners. How Fair Play’s design naturally supports ADHDers with structure, ownership, and clear communication. The importance...
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9. For the Book Nerds
ADHD in the Real World
In this episode, I sit down with my 12-year-old friend to chat about our favorite books, the joy of discovering stories, and how reading can be an incredible way to connect with others. We explore everything from fantasy series like Aru Shah to the emotional depth of Remarkably Bright Creatures. Along the way, we share tips for finding books you’ll love—even if you think you’re not a “reader.” If you’re looking for book recommendations for kids, adults, or families to enjoy together, this episode is packed with inspiration. Plus, we discuss the value of trying new genres, using...
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8. Inside the Mind of a 12-Year-Old with ADHD: Wisdom, Humor, and Hoverboarding
ADHD in the Real World
In this special episode, I sit down with an extraordinary 12-year-old with ADHD who shares his unique perspective on navigating school, friendships, and life. From hoverboarding during Zoom calls to rocking in class to focus, he sheds light on what helps him thrive and what he wishes teachers and classmates understood about ADHD. Join us as we explore everything from managing boredom to finding dopamine boosts in daily life. His insights will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even rethink ADHD. This episode is perfect for anyone wanting an honest look at ADHD through the eyes of a child!
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7. Hyperfixations & ADHD
ADHD in the Real World
In this thought-provoking episode, Martha dives deep into the world of hyper fixation and its unique role in the ADHD experience. While hyper fixation is often mistaken for hyper-focus, Martha unpacks how these two concepts differ. Through relatable, real-life examples—like her food, drink, and hobby fixations—she illustrates how hyper fixation can provide a comforting routine or become an intense interest without always leading to the time blindness often associated with hyper-focus. If you’ve ever wondered why certain snacks, drinks, or interests become your daily must-have, Martha’s...
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6. The ADHD Paradox—Craving Routine, Needing Novelty
ADHD in the Real World
Do you ever start your week with the best intentions, a beautifully organized schedule in hand, only to find yourself tossing it out by Tuesday? If you're someone with ADHD, balancing the need for routine with the desire for spontaneity can feel like an impossible task. This episode is for you! Join me as we dive into the paradox that so many of us with ADHD face—our brains crave structure, but they also need novelty to stay engaged. I’ll share strategies to build flexible schedules, inject intentional novelty into your day, and create routines that work with your brain rather than against...
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5. The Power of Intentional Laziness as an Antidote to Hyperfocus
ADHD in the Real World
In this bonus episode, I explore how embracing laziness helps combat the burnout caused by hyperfocus. While routine and predictability are often celebrated, I've found that thriving with ADHD sometimes means breaking away from rigid structures and allowing flexibility. I walk you through a day in my life that may seem chaotic but is really about honoring my energy needs. I discuss how I've reframed "laziness" from a negative label to a self-care tool. By intentionally stopping work after energy-draining tasks and allowing myself downtime—whether that’s napping, zoning out, or simply...
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4. ADHD & Hyperfocus
ADHD in the Real World
ADHD is full of contradictions, and today we're diving into one of the biggest: how can we experience both a lack of focus and extreme focus? In this episode, we'll explore why ADHD brains seem to tune out the world at times and, at others, get completely lost in what’s called hyper-focus. If you’ve ever heard "Are you even listening to me?" or struggled with time slipping away while you’re laser-focused, this episode is for you. Martha shares real-life examples, including her own experiences with hyper-focus, why it can be both a superpower and a struggle, and strategies to harness it...
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3. Consistently Inconsistent
ADHD in the Real World
In this episode of "ADHD in the Real World," Martha Hoffman tackles the ups and downs of living with ADHD—the kind that makes you feel like you're walking uphill through waist-high water one day and coasting downhill the next. For years, Martha, like many of us, internalized the inconsistent energy and focus as a problem. But today, she's here to tell you: nothing is wrong with you. Martha breaks down the common challenges of being "consistently inconsistent," including missed deadlines, burnout, and feelings of overwhelm. She provides practical strategies to help manage these fluctuations:...
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2. ADHD & Shame
ADHD in the Real World
In this episode of "ADHD in the Real World," Martha Hoffman unpacks a powerful statistic: by age 12, kids with ADHD have heard 20,000 more negative messages from adults than their neurotypical peers. This reality has a profound impact on self-esteem and the development of shame. Martha explores how this negative reinforcement can lead to patterns of frustration, perfectionism, defensiveness, and avoidance in people with ADHD. Martha provides real-life examples of how shame manifests—from angry reactions to criticism to striving for impossible perfectionism. She also shares a simple yet...
info_outlineIn this special episode, I sit down with an extraordinary 12-year-old with ADHD who shares his unique perspective on navigating school, friendships, and life. From hoverboarding during Zoom calls to rocking in class to focus, he sheds light on what helps him thrive and what he wishes teachers and classmates understood about ADHD. Join us as we explore everything from managing boredom to finding dopamine boosts in daily life. His insights will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even rethink ADHD. This episode is perfect for anyone wanting an honest look at ADHD through the eyes of a child!