The concept of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA), was coined by Professor Elisabeth Newson in England in the 1980s. Newson, who primarily worked with children with autism, noticed a group of autistic children whom she felt stood out from the rest in a distinct way.  According to Newson, these children were distinguished by: Despite the prevalence of boys in the autism population, Newson described an even gender distribution in this group of children.  Her foundational description forms the basis of what is now known as PDA. At the core, we find sensitivity and an intense aversion to everyday demands. Coupled with

Today, the number of people suffering from chronic health conditions is increasing, along with the societal associated costs. Unfortunately, mental health issues are no exception. And ADHD, a common and often lifelong condition, is one of the diagnoses rising fastest. Healthcare is thus facing gigantic challenges where a growing group demands limited resources.  As newly diagnosed with ADHD, much will revolve around making lifestyle changes to avoid serious consequences due to challenges inherited in the diagnosis.  The gap between the availability and demand for support and care is painfully evident in today’s healthcare system. Forcing a movement away from, rather

Our Letterlife ADHD Coach Jolanta shares her journey with ADHD. From the struggles of a late diagnosis to the fulfillment in coaching others. How she by embracing neurodiversity transformed her life. Discover how you, too, can start your path to self-realization – it’s just one decision away! Hi! My name is Jolanta. I work as an ADHD coach at Letterlife. In this blog, I thought I’d share a bit more about who I am, what I do and why I have the best job in the world! Today, I see myself as a courageous woman with ADHD who consciously takes

I am a woman about to turn 36, living with my partner for 10 years and our two daughters, a 4-year-old and a 4-month-old baby. I did well in school, had good grades in both elementary and high school and pursued further studies in college. I knew what I wanted and that I needed good grades to get there! I’ve now worked in the real estate industry for 14 years. For me, the question isn’t what you can accomplish as a “compliant girl” with ADHD. The question is rather what it will cost your well-being. I’ve felt different my whole

I’m doing some research for a lecture I’m going to give on ADHD and exercise, and I stumbled upon some studies that throw me back thirty years in time. Back to middle school and high school. What I read makes me proud of the girl I once was and how she turned an impossible situation into something constructive and sustainable. Let me tell you! “All truly great thoughts are conceived by walking.” – Friedrich Nietzsche My aunt Eva, was a Montessori teacher at a preschool where I grew up. I ended up in the Montessori pedagogy. Not because of any special

Overthinking is a common problem for ADHD and AuDHD women. And it causes so much suffering when we get caught up in it. In this blog, we introduce some alternative ways of improving our mental flexibility by challenging the ADHD brain’s fear of chaos. Are you one of us who can easily turn everyday decisions or past awkward situations into Olympic-level mental gymnastics? Do you find yourself engaged in an internal dialogue that would make Shakespeare envious? Do past embarrassments threaten your sanity or your sense of humor?  Then you are in good company! Don’t think so much! Cognitive flexibility,

A day for AuDHD moms to stand tall and be proud of fighting for their child’s best! Becoming a parent was undeniably one of the most significant and defining moments in my life. From the day I became a mom 21 years ago, there has never been a doubt in my mind that this was when real life began. However, motherhood has certainly brought its share of challenges.  I know I’m not alone in this, and that many of us neurodivergent women are especially challenged and criticized for our parental abilities. This is not just something I say. This is supported

A growing number of studies show that most women can continue using ADHD medication during pregnancy, and more often also do so. In consultation with a doctor and with regular check-ups any risk for mother or child seems to be small. The potential benefits of having a woman, who feels and functions well during pregnancy, are of course also significant. But then what?  Is it ok to continue taking your meds if you choose to breastfeed? In this blog, we explore what the latest research says on the matter.  Importantly however, what applies at a group level may not be

The Brain – is wider than the SkyFor – put them side by side –The one the other will containWith ease – and You – beside  Emily Dickinson The American poet Emily Dickinson wrote this insightful poem in 1862. In other words, more than 160 years ago – when she was 32 years old. Emily was neither an astrologer nor a neuroscientist. But an educated woman who already then understood that the brain and mind is so much more powerful than we are still to discover. Despite 150 years of research, we still don’t know more than – at best –