Feeling Chronically Misunderstood as a Woman with ADHD with Gilly Kahn

Emotional intensity and rejection sensitivity often remain overlooked in traditional discussions around neurodiversity. In this episode of ADHD-ish, host Diann Wingert connects with clinical psychologist Dr. Gilly Kahn to examine why women with ADHD frequently feel misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or dismissed in professional and personal settings.
Gain clarity on how emotional dysregulation influences confidence, leadership, and workplace dynamics. If you are a business owner with ADHD looking for compassionate ADHD business coaching to process past misdiagnoses and harness your emotional strengths, this conversation offers validation and self-acceptance.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS & TIMESTAMPS:
01:15 - Feeling Chronically Misunderstood with ADHD
06:45 - Unpacking Masking in ADHD Business Operations
12:30 - Managing Cognitive Load in Professional Environments
18:10 - Building Self-Trust as a Business Owner
24:00 - Neurodivergent Leadership and Authentic Communication
29:45 - Navigating Relational Dynamics with ADHD
35:20 - Sustainable Growth and Personal Empowerment
41:10 - Embracing Authenticity as an ADHD Founder

What you’ll hear in this episode:
Emotional Dysregulation is Fundamental (and Overlooked): While most people associate ADHD with distractibility and impulsivity, Diann and Dr. Kahn remind us that emotional sensitivity and reactivity are just as central—especially for women. Emotional outbursts, rejection sensitivity, and the complexities of self-regulation often remain unaddressed but profoundly impact daily life and professional relationships.
Misdiagnosis & Misunderstanding Persist: Many women spend years feeling misunderstood, misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or even personality disorders, before discovering ADHD’s unique presentation in females. Trauma from chronic misunderstanding—whether “big T” or “little t”—leaves lasting scars on self-esteem and career confidence.
Diversity of Thought = Business Advantage: The strengths that come with ADHD—creativity, expansive curiosity, resilience in the face of rejection—aren’t just “superpowers” for individuals. As Dr. Kahn eloquently puts it, teams excel when they have true diversity of thought. Those who think differently spark innovation and challenge the status quo.
Mic Drop Moment:
“You can’t have strengths without also having weaknesses, especially when the strengths are extreme.” – Gilly Kahn, PhD
Guest Bio
Gilly Kahn, PhD, is a clinical psychologist, ADHD advocate, researcher, and author in private practice in Atlanta, GA, USA. Before pursuing a master's in experimental psychology and a doctorate in clinical psychology, Gilly studied creative writing, a passion since childhood, and regularly publishes articles on Psychology Today (psychologytoday.com/us/contributors/gilly-kahn…) and ADDitude Magazine. (additudemag.com/author/gilly-kahn-ph-d) Gilly and Diann are both members of the Committed Partners of FindTheADHDGirls.org (findtheadhdgirls.org), an advocacy group for ensuring that future generations of girls with ADHD are not overlooked.

Find Gilly Kahn, PhD, online:
Website: drgillykahn.com
Book: Allow Me to Interrupt: A Psychologist Reveals the Emotional Truth Behind Women’s ADHD by Gilly Kahn, PhD. (amzn.to/3VDBl6v)
Instagram (instagram.com/drgillykahn) and LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/gilly-kahn-m-a-ph-d-1996892b4)

ADHD experts mentioned during the episode:
William Dodson (additudemag.com/author/william-dodson-m-d/?srs…)
Russell Barkley (additudemag.com/author/russell-barkley-ph-d/?s…)

Want to know more about ADHD in girls and women? #FindTheADHDGirls.org (findtheadhdgirls.org)

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© 2025 ADHD-ish Podcast. Intro music by Ishan Dincer / Melody Loops / Outro music by Vladimir / Bobi Music / All rights reserved.