August 5
"I thought I was just lazy and stupid."
These words from Dr. Catherine Mutti-Driscoll hit hard. At 37, with a PhD in education, she discovered she had ADHD - after her son's diagnosis. How does a highly educated professional miss this for decades?
In this conversation, Tracy Otsuka sits down with Dr. Mutti-Driscoll to explore the often misunderstood world of ADHD in women. From feeling like an imposter in academia to navigating the maze of social interactions, they share raw, honest experiences.
But this isn't just another talk about challenges. It's an in-depth look at Dr. Mutti-Driscoll's groundbreaking work at the Hollowell Center and her essential resource for struggling teens: "The ADHD Workbook for Teen Girls."
Why focus on teen girls? Because adolescence is when many ADHD struggles intensify. Hormones, social pressures, and the need to "fit in" create a perfect storm for young women with ADHD. Dr. Mutti-Driscoll's book isn't just a guide - it's a toolkit for self-discovery and empowerment.
Tracy and Dr. Mutti-Driscoll dive deep into a range of crucial topics. The conversation delves into the unique challenges of navigating education and work with an ADHD brain, including strategies for success.
The discussion also highlights how significant life changes, such as switching colleges, can unexpectedly transform one's experience with ADHD.
Finally, they offer invaluable insights into the nuanced and often misunderstood experience of ADHD in teenage girls, shedding light on the specific hurdles and strengths unique to this group.
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"It's meaningful to take your hard times and reverse them to help someone else. I hope people understand that they are not alone and that there are many valid paths through the teen years."
- Dr. Catherine Mutti-Driscoll
"I've seen the magic when people with ADHD get together, whether one-on-one or in groups. Feeling less alone transforms our challenges into ways to connect and support each other."
- Dr. Catherine Mutti-Driscoll
"I hope that, if nothing else, people take away that they're not alone and there are a lot of different paths through the teen years and they're all valid and we're in it together."
- Dr. Catherine Mutti-Driscoll
"Writing 'The ADHD Workbook for Teen Girls' was a labor of love. It's about offering young women the tools and insights they need to navigate their unique challenges with confidence."
- Dr. Catherine Mutti-Driscoll
- Dr. Catherine Mutti-Driscoll shares her journey from diagnosis to success, including her struggles with reading and writing due to ADHD and inadequate teaching methods.
- Despite challenges, Dr. Catherine has obtained various degrees and certifications, reflecting her love for learning.
- Tracy Otsuka and Dr. Catherine discuss their late ADHD diagnoses after their children were diagnosed, and the impact of Dr. Catherine's ADHD evaluation, which resulted in a 99th percentile score on a QB test.
[14:36 - 29:07] Educational and Personal Development:
- Dr. Catherine talks about her ADHD diagnosis and how it affected her school performance, leading to academic struggles and imposter syndrome.
- She shares her high school experiences with ADHD and autism, highlighting social interactions, college adjustments, and the decision to transfer to another college for a better fit.
- Dr. Catherine reflects on her challenges in the Chicago school system, her difficulties with teaching groups of kids due to ADHD, and her preference for one-on-one interactions.
[29:07 - 41:46] Writing and Publishing a Book for Teen Girls:
- Dr. Catherine shares a funny story about accidentally infringing on a publisher's copyright, which led to an opportunity to write a book for them.
- Tracy Otsuka praises Dr. Catherine's book, "ADHD Workbook for Teen Girls," as a valuable resource, highlighting its unique focus on gender and hormones.
- Dr. Catherine and Tracy discuss the process of writing and publishing the book, the feedback and reviews they received, and the tendency to focus on negative reviews despite overall positive feedback.
