Show notes
This conversation is a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of community during the grieving process.In this week's episode of the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, Kate is joined by Alex Spencer for a deeply moving conversation regarding her experience of grief and ADHD, following the death of her beloved son, Declan, in 2023.Alex is a holistic therapist, bereavement coach-in-training, and host of The Functioning Griefster podcast. Alex was diagnosed with ADHD later in life, after years of being labelled “ditzy,” “stupid,” or “the class clown” at school due to undiagnosed ADHD and dyslexia. Alex now uses her lived experience to speak openly about neurodiversity, grief, and resilience and has channelled her energy into creating a safe space for honest conversations about loss, mental health, and carrying on while still carrying grief.This conversation is a powerful reminder of the strength found in vulnerability and the importance of community during the grieving process.In this episode, we explore:Alex's experience of ADHD, including misunderstanding as a childHow being Declan's Mum changed Alex's mindset and understanding of neurodivergenceWhy Alex never related to her ADHD diagnosis until one TV programme changed everythingHow being Declan's Mum supported Alex's ADHD without her even knowing it at the timeAlex's fierce sense of right and wrong and her love for Declan drove her to advocate for his needsThe impact of grief and losing Declan on Alex's day-to-day life, ADHD and careerHow Alex is finding her place in the world again and using her voice to make Declan proudThe role of RSD in ADHD and the desire to help others instead of selfMore information regarding Alex's podcast,Why creative outlets like Alex's podcast, The Functioning Griefster, can be so powerful when navigating loss and ADHDTimestamps:00:01 - Introduction to ADHD Women's Wellbeing01:46 - Navigating Grief and ADHD12:15 - The Impact of Acceptance on ADHD and Parenting18:25 - The Impact of Advocacy and Exhaustion21:59 - Personal Reflections on Navigating Grief and ADHD29:40 - Finding Purpose Again During Grief39:59 - Regaining Structure in Grief45:23 - Exploring Grief and ConnectionThe ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live Event Recording is here!My first-ever ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live event sold out, and now the full experience is available to you wherever you are, whenever it feels right.Alongside three neuro-affirming experts, we spent four hours exploring the questions that matter most to late-diagnosed women. Get lifetime access here!Inside the ADHD Women's Wellbeing Live Recording, you'll find:Kate Moryoussef on post-diagnosis growth and her gentle framework for what comes nextDr Hannah Cullen on the neuroscience of ADHD and why your brain works the way it doesHannah Miller on reconnecting with purpose through a neurodivergent lensAdele Wimsett myth-busting on hormones, HRT, progesterone and perimenopauseUnderstand yourself more deeply, feel less alone, and finally access the expert knowledge you deserve. Because every woman with ADHD deserves access to the knowledge, expertise and understanding that for too long simply hasn't been available to us.To get lifetime access for £44, click here for lifetime access.Join the More Yourself Community - the doors are now open!More Yourself is a compassionate space for late-diagnosed ADHD women to connect, reflect, learn and come home to who they really are. Sign up here!Inside the More Yourself Membership, you’ll be able to:Connect with like-minded women who understand youLearn from guest experts and practical toolsReceive compassionate prompts & gentle remindersEnjoy voice-note encouragement from KateJoin flexible meet-ups and mentoring sessionsAccess on-demand workshops and quarterly guest expert sessionsTo join for £26 a month, click here. To join for £286 for a year (a whole month free!), click here.We’ll also be walking through The ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Toolkit together, exploring nervous system regulation, burnout recovery, RSD, joy, hormones, and self-trust, so the book comes alive in a supportive community setting.Today's episode sponsors:If you’re looking to deepen your understanding and create meaningful change in the ADHD community, today’s podcast sponsor is for you! The Neurodiversity Training Academy is on a mission to empower professionals working to help those clients wear their ADHD with pride.You can download the brochure or book a call here:https://neurodiversitytrainingacademy.com/pod/Links and Resources:Find my popular ADHD workshops and resources on my website [here].Follow the podcast on Instagram: @adhd_womenswellbeing_podListen to Alex's podcast, The Functioning Griefster, on Apple Podcasts or YoutubeConnect with Alex via TikTok (@decsrollingbucketlist) or Instagram (@decs_rolling_legacy and @elements_of_grief)Kate Moryoussef is a women's ADHD lifestyle and wellbeing coach and EFT practitioner who helps overwhelmed and unfulfilled newly diagnosed ADHD women find more calm, balance, hope, health, compassion, creativity and clarity.