Unmasking ADHD: Laurie’s Journey of Late Diagnosis, Identity, and Everyday Life
Episode Description
What if everything you thought was “just your personality” turned out to be ADHD? For many late-diagnosed adults, that lightbulb moment brings both relief and grief. Laurie’s story shines a light on what it means to navigate identity, unmasking, and daily life with ADHD in a world that often misunderstands neurodivergence.
Meet Laurie Faulkner, a content creator and advocate who was diagnosed with ADHD at 23 after years of feeling “different.” Her journey—from drama school to impulsively moving countries, working for Disney as a princess, and now openly sharing her ADHD story online—offers a relatable and refreshing perspective. Laurie speaks candidly about masking, overstimulation, impulsivity, and the hacks that help her thrive. She brings authenticity, humor, and honesty to the conversation, making her a powerful voice for the late-diagnosed neurodivergent community.
TOPICS DISCUSSED
Late ADHD diagnosis in adulthood
Masking and unmasking
Overstimulation and sensory sensitivities
Impulsivity and decision-making with ADHD
Hacks for managing focus and routines
Supporting neurodivergent friends and adults
Neurodiversity as a spectrum
Strengths and struggles of ADHD brains
TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE
ADHD often goes unnoticed until adulthood, leaving many to feel “different” without knowing why.
Masking can be exhausting—and unmasking is a process of rediscovering your true self.
Impulsivity isn’t always a negative—sometimes it leads to incredible adventures and opportunities.
Practical ADHD hacks include: doing tasks immediately, sticking to routines, and using tools like Google Calendar.
Support for neurodivergent people looks like acceptance, honest communication, and accountability from those closest to them.
Neurodivergence is a spectrum—every person’s experience is unique, and that diversity is a strength.
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