Jul 12
There’s nothing quite like the ‘aha’ moment of realizing you have ADHD after a lifetime of trying to understand yourself, but after the initial shock wears off many of us are left wondering: okay, so what comes next? I’m frequently asked how to go about pursuing a diagnosis and finding a team of medical and mental health professionals who actually understand ADHD, which is why I’m so excited to invite Kalin Johnson onto the podcast to answer these questions and more.
Kalin, a clinical pharmacist, healthcare advocate, and neurodivergent mentor, recognized a huge gap in supports for neurodivergent people trying to navigate the complicated medical world after struggling to find the right medications and treatments herself. So, like the Smart Ass woman she is, she decided to do something about it. Kalin now uses her medical knowledge and personal experience living life as a queer person and late-diagnosed ADHD and autistic individual to help others create sustainable, individualized healthcare plans with a team of neurodivergent-affirming providers who will take a whole-person approach to treatment.
For those of you who are ready to take the next steps on your ADHD journey but are apprehensive about starting, you won’t want to miss this encouraging and informative conversation with the delightful Kalin Johnson.
APPLE
SPOTIFY
YOUTUBE
"The ADHD and the autism diagnoses just put a name to what and who I already was and was experiencing. And those pieces, those are my favorite things about myself; I love my brain so much. Now getting the rest of the world to love it and understand it is where the challenge has been."
- Kalin Johnson
"It’s so frustrating to come out of an appointment and to feel like I just spent my whole time trying to convince this physician that what I was experiencing was what I was experiencing, and it shouldn’t be that way."
- Kalin Johnson
"It’s clear that a lot of these physical ailments are originating from the stress and the mental toll that the workplace environments are taking on people."
- Kalin Johnson
- Kalin shares her experience with ADHD diagnosis and misdiagnosis, highlighting the importance of seeking help and advocating for oneself.
- Kalin shares her experience with psychological neuroleptic seizures and how it impacted her life, including her workplace and relationships.
- Kalin explains that for individuals with ADHD, medications that are intended to calm the nervous system can have the opposite effect, leading to increased anxiety and dysregulation.
[18:47 - 36:03] ADHD Workplace Accommodations and Neurodivergent Care
- Kalin discusses the challenges of caring for neurodivergent patients in the healthcare field, including inadequate support for basic needs like hydration and rest.
- Kalin discusses the importance of workplace environments for mental and physical health, particularly for those with ADHD, who value identity and self-expression.
- Kalin explains how she works with clients across the country via telehealth, helping them identify and connect with professionals online.
- Kalin emphasizes the importance of believing patients' internal experiences in healthcare, especially in mental health and pain management.
- Kalin discusses the challenges of being diagnosed with multiple conditions and the importance of treating patients holistically.
- Kalin shares insights on why Vyvanse is a popular choice for ADHD medication, citing its extended release mechanism and sustained effects throughout the day.
Website: https://www.kalinjohnson.com/
Instagram: @kalinpharmd
TikTok: @kalinpharmd
Book an Initial Consult: https://www.kalinjohnson.com/get-started
Upcoming free class: Unmasking Your Health
