All Aboard ADHD

What happens when you finally understand your ADHD and how can that insight reshape how you see your past, your work, and your parenting?In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Emma Sayle, one of the UK’s leading female entrepreneurs and founder of the global female empowerment brand Killing Kittens, which now has over 200,000 members with events across the globe. Diagnosed with ADHD in her early 30s, Emma shares her personal story of growing up undiagnosed, building multiple businesses, and parenting three neurodivergent children, all while learning to understand her own ADHD brain.Emma reflects honestly on how receiving an ADHD diagnosis helped her reframe decades of lived experience, from school and relationships to risk-taking, ambition, and burnout. She explores the cost of masking, the pressure placed on high-achieving women, and how traits once labelled “too much” have become core strengths in her adult life.Together, Claire and Emma explore:What led to Emma’s ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, and how finally having an explanation reshaped her understanding of herselfHow reflecting on childhood and school experiences through an ADHD lens brought clarity, compassion, and perspectiveWhy ADHD in girls and women is so often missed, and how gendered expectations influenced how Emma was perceivedThe ADHD challenges Emma experienced growing up that later became strengths in leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurshipHow stimulation-seeking, future-focused thinking, and high energy shaped Emma’s career path and business successWhy environment plays a crucial role in focus, wellbeing, and balance, often more than motivation or disciplineHow understanding her own ADHD has transformed the way Emma parents her children, particularly around empathy and connectionA reassuring message for parents navigating the ADHD journey, especially those wishing they had answers soonerThis episode is candid, reflective, and deeply reassuring, offering hope to parents and adults who are still making sense of their own ADHD story, while navigating the responsibility of raising neurodivergent children.Learn more about Emma Sayle and her work:Killing Kittens: https://www.killingkittens.comThe Sisterhood: https://www.thesisterhood.co.ukTo order a copy of the book Unstoppable by Design which features chapters on both Emma and Claire’s ADHD stories: https://amzn.to/4qa0t2nADHD coaching and resources from Claire:https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok:@allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

How can parents better partner with schools and protect their kids’ capacity?In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by expert guest Kate Steer to discuss the daily challenges faced by neurodivergent children in the classroom, and how we as parents can partner positively with schools to better support our children's needs. Kate is a neurodivergent family coach, education consultant, former teacher, and founder of Nurtured Neuro Kids. She specialises in supporting children with autism and ADHD, alongside their families.Claire and Kate discuss:What it’s like being “That Parent” and how a reframe can help to see advocating for your child, as a badge of honourWhy “just coping” through school isn’t good enough for our children and how rigid, one-size-fits-all systems can put neurodivergent kids at a disadvantageThe impact of flexibility and interest-led learning in school, plus why school policy often creates a barrier - for example using children’s interests (e.g. rollercoasters or dinosaurs) to unlock motivation vs how whole-school rules (e.g. no laptops until Year 5) can often block support that could benefit all childrenUnderstanding reasonable adjustments as a legal entitlement under the Equality Act, plus how to identify your child’s biggest challenges and advocate for what they needThe potential sensory triggers our kids encounter throughout the school day and how they can be supported within the classroom to help regulation with accommodations like movement breaks and fidgets (which are “tools, not toys”!)Practical tips to support children with their home routines, capacity and after-school decompression, such as keeping demands low and having lots of snacks available!Ideas for smoother transitions, for example, navigating drop-offs and “making the unfamiliar feel familiar” when going back after the school holidaysThis episode is honest, validating, and essential listening for any parent standing up for their neurodivergent child within a system that often doesn’t fit or suit their needs. Kate encourages parents to trust their instincts, parent the way their child needs, and find their community.Kate’s home-educated neurodivergent son is patiently playing off camera whilst she and Claire recorded this conversation, so you will hear some toy noises in the background.Further resources and linksLearn more about Kate Steer: https://www.nurturedneurokids.com/Follow Kate on Instagram: @nurturedneurokidsFor more information on understanding reasonable adjustments as a legal entitlement under the Equality Act, listen to the All Aboard ADHD Episode “SEN at School” with Laurent Lambert https://www.allaboardadhd.com/blog/sen-at-school-senco-lauren-lambert EBSA is a term used to describe children and young people (CYP) who experience challenges in attending school due to negative feelings (such as anxiety). Find out more here: https://www.supportservicesforeducation.co.uk/page/20029 ADHD coaching & resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their personal experience and professional expertise. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

How can understanding ADHD later in life reshape everything you thought you knew about yourself, your struggles, your creativity, and the choices that shaped your past?In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Pearl Lowe - designer, author, former musician, and creator of the beloved Faded Glamour interiors books. Known for her distinctive vintage aesthetic and her ability to transform spaces with character and soul, Pearl opens up about an entirely different kind of transformation: receiving an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood and finally making sense of a lifetime of intensity, sensitivity, and creative chaos.Pearl shares her journey from growing up as an undiagnosed neurodivergent child in the 70s and 80s, to navigating the music industry, addiction, motherhood, and years of living at full speed, all without understanding her neurodivergence. Her diagnosis brought clarity, compassion, and a new way of relating to herself, her environment, and her family.Together, Claire and Pearl explore:How Pearl’s ADHD diagnosis in midlife helped her make sense of her childhood, her emotional world, and the overwhelm she experienced navigating school, relationships, and early fameThe impact of growing up as an undiagnosed neurodivergent girl including the masking, misinterpretation, and lack of understanding that shaped her self-beliefWhy environment played a central role in Pearl’s history of addiction, along with how “changing her playground” became a turning point in her recovery and wellbeingThe deep connection between ADHD and creativity, and how Pearl’s impulsivity, imagination, and sensitivity became the foundation of her design and interiors careerThe challenges she faced as a young person that have now become her greatest strengths as an adult, particularly intuition, emotional depth, and a vivid creative visionWhat moving from London to Somerset, and later back to the city, taught her about nervous system regulation, identity, and finding the right pace of lifeHow understanding her neurodivergence has changed the way she parents, connects with her children, and interprets their emotional needsThe message of hope she wants every parent on the ADHD journey to hear, especially those wishing they could see into their child’s futureThis is a beautifully honest, warm, and inspiring conversation about creativity, chaos, self-understanding, and learning to rewrite your story with kindness.Further resources and linksPearl Lowe’s books: • Faded Glamour in the City: https://amzn.to/4oFiZyp • All That Glitters: https://amzn.to/4pANN3R • Faded Glamour by the Sea: https://amzn.to/4puzNJ0 • Faded Glamour: Inspirational Interiors:  https://amzn.to/43Vt56JLearn more about Pearl: https://pearllowe.co.ukADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their personal experience and professional expertise. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

Why is it so hard for women with ADHD to trust their instincts, and what happens when we finally do?In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Sam Bramwell, an ADHD coach, entrepreneur, and expert in polyvagal theory, who was diagnosed with ADHD in her 40s. Sam supports women navigating late-diagnosed ADHD, and her work centres around helping them rebuild self-trust, overcome shame, and find a more compassionate way of living.In this powerful and deeply relatable conversation, Sam shares her journey from years of masking, burnout, and self-doubt to finally understanding her neurodivergence and rebuilding her life around authenticity rather than fear. Together, Claire and Sam unpack why so many girls and women go undiagnosed, the emotional fallout of that process, and the freedom that comes with finally making sense of yourself and tuning into your nervous system’s needs. Their conversation covers:What polyvagal theory is and how the autonomic nervous system's three states can show up in our day-to-day experienceHow ADHD traits in girls and women often go unnoticed, misinterpreted, or attributed to anxiety, perfectionism, or “high functioning” behaviourThe cumulative impact of years of masking, from people-pleasing to chronic overachievement, and why unmasking can feel both frightening and liberatingThe emotional crash that can often follow diagnosis: grief, anger, relief, and the slow rebuilding of identityHow fear-based decision-making develops and why women with ADHD often learn to distrust themselvesHow relationships and parenting shift when you begin to tune into your nervous system, communicate your needs, set boundaries, and stop pretending to be “being fine.”What self-compassion actually looks like in practice, and the importance of slowing down, resting, and listening to your bodyPractical tools for reconnecting with yourself, including values-based decision-making, nervous system regulation, boundaries, and community supportWhether you’ve recently discovered your ADHD or are still unpacking years of confusion, this episode offers validation, insight, and a path toward rebuilding your life with softness rather than self-criticism.Further resources and linksSam Bramwell Coaching: sambramwellcoaching.comFollow Sam on Instagram: @samjbramwellBuy Sam’s Book - Enough is EnoughAll Aboard ADHD coaching & resources: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

Why does rejection feel so much more intense for people with ADHD and what can we do about it?In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Dr Alex Conner, an ADHD coach, scientist, author, and co-host of The ADHD Adults Podcast, to unpack one of the most painful and often misunderstood experiences within ADHD, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD).Dr Conner combines his lived experience as an adult with ADHD, his academic background in neuroscience, and his practical work training ADHD coaches to shed light on why RSD can be so overwhelming and what helps when it hits. He is also co-author of ADHD Unpacked and co-founder of the charity ADHD Adult UK, dedicated to evidence-based education and advocacy.Together, Claire and Alex explore:What rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) really is and why it’s not an official diagnosis, yet feels profoundly real for so many people with ADHDHow emotional dysregulation connects to RSD and why the ADHD brain can amplify feelings of criticism, rejection, or embarrassmentThe debate around whether RSD is biological, learned, or both and what current science suggestsThe connection between RSD, social anxiety, and hypervigilance, and how to tell them apartThe ways RSD shows up differently in adults and children from people-pleasing to withdrawal and how parents can help children build autonomy and resilienceWhy communication, self-awareness, and emotional acceptance are essential in managing rejection sensitivityThe practical strategies that actually help from CBT and ADHD-informed therapy to “making no an option,” reframing, and creating supportive environmentsWhether you experience RSD yourself or see your child struggle with it, this episode offers science-based clarity, compassion, and real-world strategies to help make those moments of rejection feel a little less defining.Further resources and links:ADHD Unpacked by Dr Alex Conner and Professor James Brown: https://amzn.to/482BlUQThe ADHD Adults Podcast hosted by Dr Alex Conner and Professor James Brown: https://theadhdadults.uk/ADHD Adult UK: adhdadult.ukFocus Mag evidence-based magazine for adults with ADHD: focusmag.ukADHD Coaching Academy: https://www.theadhdcoachingacademy.com/ ADHD coaching and resources from Claire: allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.