Feb 11
Tracy is delighted to welcome Dr. Kirsten Milliken to Episode #71 of ADHD for Smart Ass Women. Dr. Milliken is a licensed clinical psychologist, an ADHD Coach, and the Author of PlayDHD: Permission to Play. A Prescription For Adults With ADHD. Dr. Milliken lives in Portland, Maine with her two amazing children, her partner, Perry, and her two dogs. As a licensed clinical psychologist Kirsten has worked in a variety of fields including juvenile justice, geriatric mental health, school psychology, community mental health and nonprofit development. Currently, Kirsten has a private practice where she offers services to military veterans, provides diagnostic evaluations, and coaches teens and adults with ADHD.
Kirsten shares with Tracy: The circumstances surrounding her late in life ADHD diagnosis The symptoms she struggled with How she missed the diagnosis in herself What has changed since she was diagnosed How and why she educates her clients on the value of play, as a naturopathic treatment for ADHD The exciting project, that she started with Kris Mitchell. Its goal is to increase the awareness of the positive impact of ADHD on society How to submit written and visual works for potential publication What ADHD traits she feels are responsible for her success Her favorite ADHD workarounds.
APPLE
SPOTIFY
YOUTUBE
"For every, you know, 10 or 15 minutes a play, you're getting 20 to 30 minutes of energy, motivation, attention and focus back."
- Dr. Kirsten Milliken
"I think it's learning to do it your own way. So I think so often, we're looking outside of ourselves for the answers on how to make things easier how to do things successfully."
- Dr. Kirsten Milliken
"I think also being engaged by play is actually an ADHD trait. And so, you know, I think that that makes me a better parent. I think it makes me a better problem solver."
- Dr. Kirsten Milliken
- Dr. Kirsten and Tracy share similar experiences with ADHD diagnosis for their children, despite working in the field and recognizing symptoms in others.
- Dr. Kirsten discusses her experience with ADHD, including emotional outbursts and difficulty following through on tasks.
- Dr. Kirsten discovered the importance of play in addressing ADHD through a personal project at the Add Can Add Coaching Academy.
[11:38 - 19:58] Incorporating Play and Fun into Daily Routines
- Dr. Kirsten and Tracy discuss the importance of incorporating fun and playful activities into daily routines to avoid burnout and increase productivity.
- Dr. Kirsten discusses the importance of play and breaks for individuals with ADHD, citing examples from her own life and research.
- Dr. Kirsten is working on a project with Chris Mitchell to explore the concept of "a world without ADHD," aiming to provide a more positive and inclusive perspective on the condition.
[19:58 - 30:55] ADHD Traits, Workarounds, and Personal Success
- Dr. Kirsten and Tracy discuss their project "World Without ADHD" which aims to showcase the creativity and talents of children with ADHD through art, writing, and other forms of expression.
- Dr. Kirsten and Tracy discuss the importance of humor and diet for managing ADHD, with exercise and accountability also mentioned as helpful strategies.
- Dr. Kirsten believes that recognizing and embracing ADHD traits can lead to personal success, such as being a better parent and problem solver.
