What happens when a high-achieving mum, running two businesses and parenting three kids, discovers that the chaos in her life isn’t just “normal”—it’s undiagnosed ADHD? In this powerful and relatable conversation, Justin chats with former psychologist and ADHD advocate Jane McFadden about her late diagnosis, parenting in a neurodiverse family, and why understanding is the first step towards connection.

KEY POINTS:


Jane McFadden was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood—after years of burnout, high-functioning chaos, and parenting struggles.


ADHD can often be masked by achievement, especially in women.


Many children and adults use “scaffolding,” or complex routines, to hide difficulties with executive function.


Diagnosis isn’t about labels—it’s about understanding and unlocking connection.


Neurodiverse families can thrive when support and insight replace shame and confusion.

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE:
“If you don’t want to label your child, they’ll label themselves—and it’ll be far worse than any diagnosis.”

RESOURCES:


ADHD Mums podcast by Jane McFadden


Happy Families Membership – happyfamilies.com.au
Help For the ADHD Parent [Article]
Parenting ADHD [The Course]
Parenting an ADHD Child [Article]

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:


If you suspect neurodiversity in yourself or your child, seek a qualified assessment—it can offer clarity and hope.


Explore resources and communities like ADHD Mums to connect with others on a similar journey.


Approach parenting with empathy—ask your child why something is hard instead of assuming they’re being defiant.


Recognise the signs of burnout in yourself and prioritise support.


Focus on connection first—diagnosis is a tool to deepen relationships, not define them.

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What happens when a high-achieving mum, running two businesses and parenting three kids, discovers that the chaos in her life isn&rsquo;t just &ldquo;normal&rdquo;&mdash;it&rsquo;s undiagnosed ADHD? In this powerful and relatable conversation, Justin chats with former psychologist and ADHD advocate Jane McFadden about her late diagnosis, parenting in a neurodiverse family, and why understanding is the first step towards connection.
<hr data-start="560" data-end="563">
KEY POINTS:
<ul data-start="583" data-end="1064">
<li data-start="583" data-end="710">
Jane McFadden was diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood&mdash;after years of burnout, high-functioning chaos, and parenting struggles.
</li>
<li data-start="711" data-end="776">
ADHD can often be masked by achievement, especially in women.
</li>
<li data-start="777" data-end="889">
Many children and adults use &ldquo;scaffolding,&rdquo; or complex routines, to hide difficulties with executive function.
</li>
<li data-start="890" data-end="973">
Diagnosis isn&rsquo;t about labels&mdash;it&rsquo;s about understanding and unlocking connection.
</li>
<li data-start="974" data-end="1064">
Neurodiverse families can thrive when support and insight replace shame and confusion.
</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="1066" data-end="1069">
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE: &ldquo;If you don&rsquo;t want to label your child, they&rsquo;ll label themselves&mdash;and it&rsquo;ll be far worse than any diagnosis.&rdquo;
<hr data-start="1687" data-end="1690">
RESOURCES:
<ul data-start="1719" data-end="1899">
<li data-start="1719" data-end="1761">
<a href="https://adhdmums.com.au/">ADHD Mums</a> podcast by Jane McFadden
</li>
<li data-start="1813" data-end="1899">
Happy Families Membership &ndash; <a href="https://www.happyfamilies.com.au" data-start="1843" data-end="1899">happyfamilies.com.au</a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/help-for-the-adhd-parent">Help For the ADHD Parent</a> [Article]</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/shop/product/parenting-adhd-the-course">Parenting ADHD</a> [The Course]</li>
<li><a href="https://happyfamilies.com.au/articles/parenting-an-adhd-child">Parenting an ADHD Child</a> [Article]</li>
</ul>
<hr data-start="1901" data-end="1904">
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS:
<ol data-start="1938" data-end="2441">
<li data-start="1938" data-end="2058">
If you suspect neurodiversity in yourself or your child, seek a qualified assessment&mdash;it can offer clarity and hope.
</li>
<li data-start="2059" data-end="2159">
Explore resources and communities like ADHD Mums to connect with others on a similar journey.
</li>
<li data-start="2160" data-end="2278">
Approach parenting with empathy&mdash;ask your child why something is hard instead of assuming they&rsquo;re being defiant.
</li>
<li data-start="2279" data-end="2350">
Recognise the signs of burnout in yourself and prioritise support.
</li>
<li data-start="2351" data-end="2441">
Focus on connection first&mdash;diagnosis is a tool to deepen relationships, not define them.
</li>
</ol>
Find us on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/happyfamilies.au/"> Facebook</a>
Subscribe to the Happy Families&nbsp;<a href="https://happyfamiliesfamilyeducation.activehosted.com/f/40">newsletter</a>
&nbsp;

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

#1228 - Being an ADHD Mum With Jane McFadden (R)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/728a6c08-83e1-48b1-ba47-b2b8008e1d53/transcript

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