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Series 3 Episode 5 Overview

She Snippets for She Speaks Podcast Series 3 — Making Sense of the Hard Bits of Parenting

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Episode Overview

Women's ADHD often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed—labelled as anxiety, depression, or premenopausal symptoms. The hyperactivity might not be visible, but the poor focus and memory struggles are real. And when you're parenting on top of that, seeking support isn't optional. It's critical.

In this snippet, Delyse explores what it means to lean on your village—and why so many of us resist it. We get stubborn. We convince ourselves we have to do it all alone. But here's the thing: asking for help isn't weakness. It's wisdom. And the people who offer? They often feel honoured to be asked.

This Episode

Delyse shares insights on leaning into support as an ADHD mum. We explore:

Why women's ADHD gets missed:

•       Women's ADHD often goes undiagnosed or untreated because the symptoms look different

•       You might not see hyperactivity, but poor focus and memory are there

•       It's easy to miss or misdiagnose—often labelled as anxiety, depression, or premenopausal symptoms

•       It's not always considered that you might have a disability or a diagnosis like ADHD

Leaning on your village:

•       If you're a mum with ADHD, seeking support isn't optional—it's critical

•       You don't have to do this alone

•       Trusted friends and family often want to help—we get stubborn and set in our minds that we have to do it all ourselves

•       Don't think you're putting a burden on someone—they can say no if they don't have capacity

•       For people who like to help, being asked feels like an honour

Why accepting help helps them too:

•       When family or friends offer support, find something for them to do—even if it's small

•       It takes cognitive load off you

•       It makes them feel connected to you and useful

•       You're actually helping them in a sense—so don't feel like it's a bad thing

Connecting with other parents:

•       Connect with parents whose kids do similar activities—even if you're an introvert

•       A two-minute conversation on the sidelines at training might lead to friendship—not just for the kids, but for you

•       It's not necessarily about you—you might be in the right place at the right time when someone else needs support

•       Carpooling and sharing responsibilities (like who brings drinks) reduces burden—if you only have to remember every second week instead of every week, it's less cognitive load

Check if your kids have it too:

•       ADHD often runs in families

•       If you notice similar struggles in your children, you might catch it earlier than your own diagnosis

•       Earlier diagnosis means they can learn strategies sooner

Turn your ADHD into an advantage:

•       This isn't talked about enough: ADHD gives you a unique perspective that can be a parenting strength

•       Your creativity, your energy, your ability to think outside the box—these are gifts you can share with your kids

•       You can be spontaneous and teach them that although routines are great, sometimes you just have to let go

•       It is okay to have a moment of just being completely joyful and in the moment

•       You're not broken. You're not failing. You just need the right strategies and support—so ask for it

Quotable Moments

"If you're a mum with ADHD, seeking support isn't optional. It's critical." — Delyse Clayden

"Don't ever think that you're putting a burden on someone else—they can say no. But for people who like to help, being asked feels like an honour." — Delyse Clayden

"You're not broken. You're not failing. You just need the right strategies and support." — Delyse Clayden

"Asking for help isn't weakness. It's wisdom." — Delyse Clayden

About Your Hosts

Professor Narelle Lemon is a researcher, educator, and passionate advocate for women's wellbeing based at Edith Cowan University in Perth. Creator of She Speaks and the Citizen Wellbeing Scientist project, Narelle has dedicated over 25 years to one powerful belief: self-care is not selfish—it's essential.

Delyse Clayden is an experienced educator, disability advocate, and mother of three. Specialising in Anxiety, Autism, and working with siblings, Delyse brings both personal and professional experience to her advocacy work. Her unique perspective as both an educator and a parent living alongside additional needs allows her to connect authentically with families.

Resources Mentioned

•       Delyse Clayden Advocacy: www.volume-disabilityadvocacy.au

•       WA Mental Health Association: Resources on staying calm in challenging situations — www.mhc.wa.gov.au

•       Explore & Create Co: www.exploreandcreateco.com

Connect With Us

Listen to more She Speaks episodes exploring women's wellbeing and self-care

Visit our website: www.shespeakswellbeing.com

Follow us on Instagram: @shespeakswellbeingstrategies

A Note on Wellbeing

She Speaks is dedicated to amplifying women's voices on self-care and wellbeing. While we share personal experiences and practical strategies, please remember that this podcast is not a substitute for professional mental health support. If you're struggling, we encourage you to reach out to a qualified mental health practitioner.

She Speaks is proudly supported by the Western Australian Government and Department of Communities Women's Grants for a Stronger Future Grants Program.

She Speaks Podcast was recorded on the lands of the Whadjuk Nyoongar people. We respectfully acknowledge our elders past, present, and emerging.