20. The Worst Assessment Process Ever: A Cautionary Tale With Dena Robertson
Description
In this episode, Jane dives into the complexities and frustrations of the ADHD diagnosis process with Dena Robertson, a 39-year-old widow and single mum of two girls. Dena shares her distressing journey through the assessment and diagnosis of ADHD - both for herself and her daughter, Ruby - highlighting the significant challenges they faced along the way.
**Trigger Warning: This episode discusses sensitive topics, including self-harm and the loss of a loved one.**
Key topics covered include:
Dena’s experience of being medically gaslit for years, with her symptoms dismissed as anxiety, depression, or stress, and the profound impact this had on her mental health and self-esteem.The emotional toll of advocating for yourself and your children in a system that often dismisses neurodivergent women and girls.The stark differences between Dena’s own ADHD assessment process and the struggle to get Ruby diagnosed.The ongoing challenges of finding the right support.Strategies for pushing through frustration and seeking the right diagnosis and treatment, particularly for neurodivergent girls who often present differently than boys.
The conversation underscores the importance of persistence and proactivity in navigating the ADHD diagnosis process. If you’re navigating this journey or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights, empathy, and a sense of camaraderie in the shared struggles of the neurodivergent community.
If you’d like to connect with Dena or learn more about navigating the ADHD diagnosis process, join the ADHD Mums Facebook Group.
BOOK IN WITH JANE'S RECOMMENDED THERAPISTS
If you're looking to connect with a parenting specialist or psychologist for expert advice on parenting, please check out www.adhdmums.com.au/services. Your journey to more confident and supported parenting starts here!
CONNECT WITH ME...
If you’ve got a question or want to connect with other ADHD mums, we’ve got a whole community on our Facebook group. Click here to join and post your question. Don’t worry if it’s been asked before! I love to answer everyone in a group format.
FOLLOW FOR MORE...
I post more content, insights and help on my social media accounts. Follow along for more ADHD mum content.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhd_mums
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/100091850469503/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhdmumsaus
- YouTube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCB0uYIHpFKFo6AdhQQaBr1w
LEAVE ME A REVIEW
Your review means the world to me! Your thoughts really help others discover my content that I genuinely (and passionately) hope could make a difference in their lives. Your support creates a ripple effect of spreading my show around and hopefully reaching the right people (especially Mum’s who may be at their wit’s end).
WANT TO COLLABORATE?
If you’re enquiring about a collaboration or speaking engagement – please email a...
TRIGGER WARNING: This podcast series discusses topics that may be distressing to some listeners, including domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. It includes real-life accounts from survivors that may be distressing. If you or someone you know is affected by these...
Published 11/13/24
In today’s episode, I welcome back Claire Britton, a neurodivergent OT with a wealth of experience supporting ADHD and neurodivergent families. Claire brings a unique, practical perspective on managing ADHD - think habit-stacking, body doubling, and dopamine menus! She shares insights on...
Published 11/11/24