ADHD: Regulation instead of a deficit

Getting diagnosed later on in life

Difference in symptoms between boys and girls

Transitions can be challenging

he problem with the “high-functioning” label

When scepticism affects support given

Common coping mechanisms

When not to disclose an ADHD diagnosis at work

Ways to support someone with ADHD 

Self-acceptance: Seeking an assessment 

Classic ADHD stereotypes, like physical hyperactivity, can cause many to be overlooked and turn to maladaptive coping.

Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day.

Despite the boom in online conversation about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in recent years, the neurodevelopmental condition is still largely misunderstood due to its name. Experts say those with ADHD don’t lack attention, as much as they lack the ability to regulate it. 

With October being ADHD awareness month, features correspondent Grace Yeoh speaks with Dr Ong Mian Li, a clinical psychologist and the founder of private practice Lightfull Psychology, in this episode of In Your Opinion. Both were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. 

Together, they explore the invisible challenges of ADHD, particularly when one is seen to be “high-functioning” — the ability to manage the condition on their own while delivering results like neurotypicals. They argue that when society still expects classic behavioural signs, such as physical hyperactivity, many who need support may go underdiagnosed, developing potentially maladaptive coping mechanisms. 

The conversation also highlights practical ways to seek and offer support, ultimately reframing diagnosis as a step toward better understanding of neurodivergence.

Highlights (click/tap above): 

0:46 Reframing ADHD as an attention regulation issue instead of a deficit

3:41 Reflecting on childhood signs after a diagnosis later on in life

7:03 Difference in symptoms between boys and girls 

11:11 Transitions can be challenging for those with ADHD  

17:24 The problem with the “high-functioning” label 

23:53 When scepticism affects support given

28:14 Common coping mechanisms among those who may be overlooked

40:02 When an ADHD diagnosis shouldn’t be disclosed at the workplace

45:13 Practical ways to support someone with ADHD 

49:30 Seeking an assessment as the start of self-acceptance

Read ST’s Opinion section: https://str.sg/w7sH

Host: Grace Yeoh (graceyeoh@sph.com.sg) 

Produced and edited by: Teo Tong Kai

Executive producers: Danson Cheong & Lynda Hong

Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:

Channel: https://str.sg/w7Qt

Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/wukb

Spotify: https://str.sg/w7sV

YouTube: https://str.sg/GjMT

Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg

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All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 

Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts 

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#inyouropinion

Classic ADHD stereotypes, like physical hyperactivity, can cause many to be overlooked and turn to maladaptive coping.
Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day.
Despite the boom in online conversation about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in recent years, the neurodevelopmental condition is still largely misunderstood due to its name. Experts say those with ADHD don&rsquo;t lack attention, as much as they lack the ability to regulate it.&nbsp;
With October being ADHD awareness month, features correspondent Grace Yeoh speaks with Dr Ong Mian Li, a clinical psychologist and the founder of private practice Lightfull Psychology, in this episode of In Your Opinion. Both were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood.&nbsp;
Together, they explore the invisible challenges of ADHD, particularly when one is seen to be &ldquo;high-functioning&rdquo; &mdash; the ability to manage the condition on their own while delivering results like neurotypicals. They argue that when society still expects classic behavioural signs, such as physical hyperactivity, many who need support may go underdiagnosed, developing potentially maladaptive coping mechanisms.&nbsp;
The conversation also highlights practical ways to seek and offer support, ultimately reframing diagnosis as a step toward better understanding of neurodivergence.
Highlights (click/tap above):&nbsp;
0:46 Reframing ADHD as an attention regulation issue instead of a deficit
3:41 Reflecting on childhood signs after a diagnosis later on in life
7:03 Difference in symptoms between boys and girls&nbsp;
11:11 Transitions can be challenging for those with ADHD&nbsp;&nbsp;
17:24 The problem with the &ldquo;high-functioning&rdquo; label&nbsp;
23:53 When scepticism affects support given
28:14 Common coping mechanisms among those who may be overlooked
40:02 When an ADHD diagnosis shouldn&rsquo;t be disclosed at the workplace
45:13 Practical ways to support someone with ADHD&nbsp;
49:30 Seeking an assessment as the start of self-acceptance
Read ST&rsquo;s Opinion section: <a href="https://str.sg/w7sH?ref=inline-article">https://str.sg/w7sH</a>
Host: Grace Yeoh (<a href="mailto:graceyeoh@sph.com.sg">graceyeoh@sph.com.sg</a>)&nbsp;
Produced and edited by: Teo Tong Kai
Executive producers: Danson Cheong &amp; Lynda Hong
Follow In Your Opinion Podcast here and get notified for new episode drops:
Channel:<a href="https://str.sg/w7Qt">&nbsp;https://str.sg/w7Qt</a>
Apple Podcasts:<a href="https://str.sg/wukb">&nbsp;https://str.sg/wukb</a>
Spotify:<a href="https://str.sg/w7sV">&nbsp;https://str.sg/w7sV</a>
YouTube: <a href="https://str.sg/GjMT">https://str.sg/GjMT</a>
Feedback to: <a href="mailto:podcast@sph.com.sg">podcast@sph.com.sg</a>
---
Follow more ST podcast channels:
All-in-one ST Podcasts channel:&nbsp;<a href="https://str.sg/wvz7">https://str.sg/wvz7</a>&nbsp;
Get more updates:&nbsp;<a href="http://str.sg/stpodcasts">http://str.sg/stpodcasts</a>&nbsp;
---
Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section:
The App Store:<a href="https://str.sg/icyB">&nbsp;https://str.sg/icyB</a>
Google Play:<a href="https://str.sg/icyX">&nbsp;</a><a href="https://str.sg/icyX">https://str.sg/icyX</a>
---
#inyouropinion

A hard look at the social issues of the month in Singapore. Join ST journalists and other guests as they discuss with Lydia Wong.

Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day.

Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim

Executive producers: Danson Cheong & Lynda Hong

A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.

Synopsis: Conversations and interviews that give you something to think about. Each Wednesday, In Your Opinion speaks to thinkers, leaders, and the people shaping our lives and the issues of the day.
Produced and edited by: Hadyu Rahim
Executive producers: Danson Cheong &amp; Lynda Hong
A podcast by The Straits Times, SPH Media.