Listen "Empathy and ADHD Connections"
Episode Synopsis
Connection isn’t just a luxury—it’s a lifeline for ADHD brains.
Whether you’re an ADHD parent, an adult navigating friendships, or a child learning how to build relationships, connection shapes our experiences. But here’s the struggle—many of us with ADHD don’t always recognize our own ability to connect.
In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about my son Grayson’s ADHD diagnosis, the struggles we faced with school, judgment from other parents, and how disconnection became a coping mechanism. I also dive into how ADHD brains experience social anxiety, why we can feel isolated even when we’re surrounded by people, and practical ways to build stronger, more intentional connections.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How empathy is a superpower—but only when we’re connected
Why ADHD brains struggle to internalize social success
How judgment and misunderstanding can lead to disconnection
ADHD-friendly strategies to help kids build friendships with confidence
How to recognize and strengthen real-world connections as an adult
The importance of finding the right people who truly get it
Big takeaway? Connection is the missing puzzle piece in managing ADHD—whether it’s through friendships, family, support groups, or even community spaces like our upcoming live conversations at the YMCA in Gadsden, AL.
Whether you’re an ADHD parent, an adult navigating friendships, or a child learning how to build relationships, connection shapes our experiences. But here’s the struggle—many of us with ADHD don’t always recognize our own ability to connect.
In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about my son Grayson’s ADHD diagnosis, the struggles we faced with school, judgment from other parents, and how disconnection became a coping mechanism. I also dive into how ADHD brains experience social anxiety, why we can feel isolated even when we’re surrounded by people, and practical ways to build stronger, more intentional connections.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
How empathy is a superpower—but only when we’re connected
Why ADHD brains struggle to internalize social success
How judgment and misunderstanding can lead to disconnection
ADHD-friendly strategies to help kids build friendships with confidence
How to recognize and strengthen real-world connections as an adult
The importance of finding the right people who truly get it
Big takeaway? Connection is the missing puzzle piece in managing ADHD—whether it’s through friendships, family, support groups, or even community spaces like our upcoming live conversations at the YMCA in Gadsden, AL.
More episodes of the podcast Backpacking Through ADHD
Episode 50: The Year of Reflection
31/12/2025
Episode 49: Joy, Dopamine and December
21/12/2025
Episode 48: The ADHD Gift Guide
21/12/2025
Episode 47: Holiday Survival Guide
07/12/2025
Thankful, Grateful, Blessed.
09/11/2025
Gratitude, Grace and Grit
09/11/2025
Neurodiversity in Action – Lead Differently
26/10/2025
Love, Friendship, and the ADHD Connection
18/10/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.