Dealing with unexpected events is part of being human. Most people feel anxiety about the unknown. But ADHD and uncertainty is a different experience. For people with ADHD, unexpected events that do not have an end in sight can feel paralyzing. I am not talking about surprises that are fun or novel. Because that would be a different article. I am talking about painful, prolonged uncertainty. A few common examples are with medical procedures. These experiences can be traumatic for anyone. The exhaustion of navigating healthcare systems. Staff not communicating ...

For women with ADHD, motherhood often feels like a never-ending evaluation. One where the criteria are vague, the expectations aren’t fair or reasonable, and which set the stage for feeling inferior. So many of the women I work with describe feeling like they’re already behind before the day even begins. And it’s not because they’re incapable. It’s often because myths of motherhood quietly create pressure that can cause immediate overwhelm and shutdown.