ADHD Aha!
ADHD Aha!
Understood.org, Laura Key
When simple things aren’t simple with ADHD (Terry Matlen’s story)
28 minutes Posted Jan 20, 2026 at 5:00 am.
0:00
28:24
Download MP3
Show notes
Psychotherapist, author, and ADHD pioneer Terry Matlen shares what led to her ADHD diagnosis. Terry’s path started with years of shame and the feeling that everyday life was inexplicably harder than it should be. She describes getting overwhelmed by ordinary moments: making dinner, figuring out what to wear, and freezing at the sink with a wooden spoon in her hand.
Terry is an expert on ADHD in women. She talks about mood regulation and self-esteem with empathy. And she offers hard-won guidance for women with ADHD, especially moms. The conversation is honest — and likely to feel familiar to anyone who’s ever felt like everyday life is too much to handle.