Translating ADHD

Sleep and ADHD: Strategies for Better Rest

In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty tackle the complex relationship between sleep and ADHD. They discuss how sleep issues are prevalent among individuals with ADHD, with statistics suggesting that up to 90% struggle with some form of sleep disorder. The conversation highlights the challenges clients face in recognizing the connection between their mood, cognitive functioning, and sleep quality. Ash emphasizes the importance of clients experiencing well-rested nights to understand the benefits of sleep, while Dusty shares strategies for creating effective bedtime rituals and managing sleep procrastination.

The hosts explore various approaches tailored to individual needs, from establishing calming bedtime routines to the potential use of melatonin as a supplement. They acknowledge that not every solution works for everyone and that deeper sleep disorders may require professional intervention. Throughout the episode, they encourage listeners to take small, manageable steps toward improving sleep quality and to remain patient with themselves in the process. This discussion provides valuable insights into how ADHD impacts sleep and offers practical tips for those seeking better rest.

Episode links + resources:

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty
• Alarmy
• Sleepworks

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

Beyond Guilt: Finding Balance in Phone Usage for ADHD

In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty tackle the pervasive issue of phone addiction, especially as it relates to individuals with ADHD. They explore how the constant stimulation of smartphones can lead to feelings of guilt and shame, as well as frustration from lost time. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding individual motivations behind phone usage and how it serves different needs, from distraction to connection. Both hosts share personal anecdotes and strategies for navigating phone usage while maintaining a healthy relationship with technology.

The discussion also highlights that not all phone usage is inherently negative; it can be a valuable tool for engagement and connection when used mindfully. Ash and Dusty encourage listeners to shift their focus from guilt over phone habits to understanding the underlying reasons for their behavior. By linking phone usage to personal intentions and desired outcomes, individuals can find a balance that works for them, ensuring that their relationship with technology enhances rather than detracts from their lives.

Episode links + resources:

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

Understanding Emotions in ADHD Behavior

In this episode, Ash and Dusty explore the significant role emotions play in unwanted behaviors associated with ADHD. They illustrate this through a coaching case study focused on a client's struggle with managing emails, revealing how underlying feelings of guilt and shame influenced her behavior. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the emotional context behind actions, emphasizing that awareness and acceptance are crucial for clients to recognize and reshape their narratives.

The discussion also delves into the boundary between coaching and therapy, particularly when addressing past experiences that impact present behavior. Ash shares insights on how coaches can help clients differentiate between emotional responses rooted in personal history versus broader societal expectations. By adopting a framework of pause, disrupt, and pivot, clients can learn to navigate their emotional reactions, ultimately paving the way for growth and self-acceptance in their journey with ADHD.

Episode links + resources:

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

The Cost of Perfection: Understanding Internalized Ableism in ADHD

In this episode, Ash and Dusty delve into the concept of internalized ableism, particularly as it relates to individuals with ADHD. Prompted by listener feedback regarding the use of paper plates, they explore how societal expectations can pressure ADHD individuals to avoid accommodations that might support their daily functioning. Both hosts emphasize the importance of recognizing personal limitations and offering oneself grace during challenging times, illustrating their points with relatable anecdotes about managing executive dysfunction and the weight of self-judgment.

The conversation also highlights the significance of understanding one’s unique needs and circumstances without falling into an all-or-nothing mindset. Through examples like dealing with household challenges and making choices about sustainable living, Ash and Dusty encourage listeners to embrace imperfection and prioritize self-compassion. Ultimately, they empower individuals with ADHD to permit themselves to make choices that may seem less than ideal but are necessary for their well-being and productivity.

Episode links + resources:

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

Finding Your Path: The Journey of Self-Discovery for ADHD Minds

In this episode, Ash and Dusty explore the challenges and complexities of answering the question, "What do I want to be when I grow up?" for individuals with ADHD. They discuss two distinct types of clients: those who are successful yet struggle to manage their passions due to ADHD, and those who feel completely lost regarding their career aspirations. By sharing personal experiences and stories from their coaching practices, they highlight the importance of recognizing agency in one’s journey and the value of staying curious rather than fixated on specific outcomes.

The hosts emphasize that a lack of clarity in career direction is common, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. They encourage listeners to reflect on their past experiences, identify strengths, and consider opportunities without the pressure of having to choose the perfect path. The episode advocates for a journey-oriented mindset where pulling on various threads of interest can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career discoveries, demonstrating that growth often comes from embracing new experiences rather than adhering to predetermined goals.

Episode links + resources:

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

Uncovering Strengths to Navigate ADHD Challenges

In this episode, Ash and Dusty revisit the critical topic of strengths in the context of ADHD. They explore how individuals with ADHD often focus on their challenges, overshadowing their unique strengths. Through coaching insights and real-life examples, they emphasize the importance of recognizing and leveraging strengths as a means to address challenges effectively. The conversation highlights the need for a balanced perspective where strengths and challenges coexist, allowing clients to navigate their experiences with greater self-awareness and confidence.

The hosts share a compelling case study involving a client transitioning from an expat lifestyle to a corporate job, illustrating the adjustments and challenges faced. They discuss how coaching can facilitate a shift in mindset, empowering clients to embrace their strengths while acknowledging their challenges. By fostering a sense of agency and curiosity, the episode reinforces that everyone has unique qualities that can be harnessed to overcome difficulties, ultimately leading to personal growth and fulfillment.

Episode links + resources:

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

Beyond the Norm: Finding Acceptance in ADHD Adulting

In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty tackle the challenges of "adulting" while living with ADHD. They discuss the societal pressures and ableist beliefs that lead individuals with ADHD to feel inadequate or less capable as adults. The conversation centers around the importance of accepting one's unique path and recognizing that the way individuals with ADHD manage their responsibilities may differ significantly from neurotypical standards, yet is equally valid. They emphasize the need for self-compassion and the rejection of internalized ableism, encouraging listeners to explore their strengths instead of solely focusing on their challenges.

The hosts also highlight the significance of community and shared experiences among those with ADHD, noting that many individuals face similar struggles, which can alleviate feelings of isolation. They propose a shift in perspective, advocating for curiosity over shame when addressing personal challenges. By recognizing that everyone's way of navigating adulthood is legitimate, listeners can begin to embrace their own journey without comparison to others. The episode concludes with a promise to further explore the topic of self-knowledge and how understanding one's unique traits can lead to more effective strategies for managing life with ADHD.

Episode links + resources:

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

From Chaos to Clarity: Simplifying Cooking with ADHD

In this episode, Ash and Dusty dive into the complexities of food management for individuals with ADHD. They discuss the various challenges faced when it comes to meal planning, cooking, and maintaining a clean kitchen, all of which can lead to frustration and overwhelm. Dusty shares personal experiences and strategies that have helped clients, including the importance of simplifying meal prep and recognizing when to let go of food that will not be used.

The conversation emphasizes the significance of creating supportive practices, such as doing dishes before cooking and establishing a list of no-prep meals. Ash and Dusty highlight the importance of tackling one aspect of cooking or meal management at a time, fostering a guilt-free approach to food waste, and ultimately finding joy in the cooking process. The episode serves as a reminder that while feeding oneself can be challenging, there are practical strategies that make it easier for those navigating ADHD.

Episode links + resources:

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

Managing Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors with ADHD

In this episode, hosts Ash and Dusty dive into the topic of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), which are common among individuals with ADHD. They discuss behaviors such as skin picking, nail biting, and hair pulling, highlighting how these actions serve as manifestations of underlying hyperactivity and sensory issues. Dusty shares personal anecdotes about her struggles with nail biting and cuticle peeling, emphasizing the importance of understanding the triggers and habitual patterns that lead to these behaviors. Ash adds insights into how daily routines and grooming practices can help mitigate these tendencies by addressing the sensory discomfort that often drives them.

The hosts explore practical solutions for managing BFRBs, ranging from habit reversal techniques to the use of fidgets and sensory aids. They emphasize the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle with adequate sleep, exercise, and self-care to reduce the occurrence of these behaviors. By engineering a life that aligns with the needs of an ADHD brain, individuals can better manage their attention and reduce stress, ultimately decreasing the frequency of BFRBs. Ash and Dusty encourage listeners to cultivate an awareness of their habits and to implement small changes that can lead to significant improvements in managing repetitive behaviors.

Episode links + resources:

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com

Exploring Substance Use and ADHD: Strategies for Balance

In this episode, Ash and Dusty delve into the complex relationship between ADHD and substance use. They discuss how individuals with ADHD may turn to substances like alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, and even more illicit drugs as a form of self-medication. These substances can provide temporary relief for symptoms such as impulsivity, under-stimulation, and social anxiety. The hosts emphasize the importance of understanding the underlying reasons behind substance use, distinguishing between actual addiction and behaviors driven by ADHD-related challenges. They also highlight the difficulty of moderation for those with ADHD, as impulsivity and inattention can lead to overconsumption without realizing it.

The conversation extends to strategies for managing substance use, including setting personal goals and understanding one's own relationship with different substances. Ash and Dusty encourage listeners to get curious about their habits and explore whether their substance use is masking other ADHD-related issues. They stress the significance of finding a balance that works individually, acknowledging that sobriety isn't a one-size-fits-all solution. The episode concludes with a reminder that anyone dealing with serious substance use issues should seek professional help, and they mention the potential benefits of 12-step programs for those needing full sobriety.

Episode links + resources:

• Join the Community | Become a Patron
• Our Process: Understand, Own, Translate.
• About Asher and Dusty

For more of the Translating ADHD podcast:

• Episode Transcripts: visit TranslatingADHD.com and click on the episode
• Follow us on Twitter: @TranslatingADHD
• Visit the Website: TranslatingADHD.com