Generalizations about ADHD haven’t done girls any favors. ADHD often manifests very differently in girls than in boys. What causes parents, educators, and even doctors, to view the symptoms of ADHD differently with girls? We know that masking, and even variations in environments, often cause symptoms to be missed. How is that happening? We’re revisiting the subject and chat with Stephen Hinshaw, a Distinguished Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC San Francisco.

Find out more about building neurodiversity-affirming schools, and about the courses we’ll be offering soon, here.

Stephen P. Hinshaw is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC San Francisco. His focus is on developmental psychopathology, child and adolescent mental health (particularly ADHD), and the use of clinical trials to understand underlying mechanisms. He also actively investigates mental illness stigmatization and attempts to reduce such stigma.

Hinshaw has authored over 400 articles, chapters, and commentaries, plus 12 books. He has won numerous national and international research awards, including the James McKeen Cattell Fellow Award from the Association for Psychological Science, the Distinguished Scientific Contributions Award from the American Psychological Association, and the Sarnat International Prize in Mental Health from the National Academy of Medicine. He was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2021.

His extensive media coverage includes the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Today Show, CBS Evening News, ABC World News Tonight, and many more.

BACKGROUND READING

Berkeley, research, website, Straight Talk about ADHD in Girls: How to Help Your Daughter Thrive

The Neurodiversity Podcast is on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, and you’re invited to join our Facebook Group.

Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Chris Wells, a writer, researcher, and podcaster who specializes in positive disintegration. They break down the theory of positive disintegration, developed by Kazimierz Dąbrowski, and its relevance to personal growth and neurodiversity. They explore the concept of over-excitability, its implications in the gifted education community, and the controversy surrounding its interpretation. They talk about disintegration as a pathway to self-actualization, and the need for community support for those experiencing intense emotional states. They also discuss the future directions of integrating Dąbrowski's theory with contemporary understandings of neurodiversity.

TAKEAWAYS

• The theory of positive disintegration is about personal growth.

• Dąbrowski's work connects mental illness with developmental potential.

• Over-excitability is a key concept in understanding neurodivergence.

• The gifted education community often misunderstands Dąbrowski's theory.

• Positive disintegration can lead to self-actualization.

• Intensity and sensitivity can be both a blessing and a curse.

• Navigating disintegration requires a grounding practice.

• Community support is essential for those experiencing disintegration.

Episode 147, with Alex Vuyk: Does Personality Impact Neurodiversity?

Positive Disintegration podcast episode 30 mentioned in our conversation (link is to Apple podcasts)

Check out the courses in the Neurodiversity University.

Chris Wells, PhD is a writer, researcher, and podcaster specializing in positive disintegration, neurodivergence, and personal growth. They are the founder of the Dąbrowski Center and creator of the Positive Disintegration Network, dedicated to bringing Dąbrowski’s theory of positive disintegration into both academic and public conversations.

Chris co-hosts the Positive Disintegration and Cosmic Cheer Squad podcasts and shares their work on Substack, where they blend theory with lived experience to make complex psychological concepts more accessible. Their work centers on self-development, authenticity, and transformation, supporting others in navigating growth through the lens of neurodivergence.

BACKGROUND READING

Chris’s LinkTree, Positive Disintegration website, Cosmic Cheer Squad Substack, Instagram

Kaelynn Partlow is an autism advocate and author, and one of the stars of the Netflix series, Love on the Spectrum. Today she joins Emily to talk about her experiences with autism, and they cover a lot of ground in this conversation. They discuss the evolution and effectiveness of ABA therapy, the need for accurate labeling, and using declarative language in communication. They also offer advice for parents of newly diagnosed children, and talk about the importance of finding community.

TAKEAWAYS

• The world will label children if parents don't.

• The superpower label is a double-edged sword.

• Nuance is often lost in discussions about autism.

• Profound autism requires specific understanding and advocacy.

• Declarative language can reduce pressure in communication.

• Specific questions help autistic individuals engage better.

• Finding community is essential for parents of autistic children.

Have Emily come and speak to your school district, company, or organization. Here's where you can find out more and get in touch.

Kaelynn Partlow is an autism advocate, speaker, and author widely recognized for her appearance on the Netflix series Love on the Spectrum. Through her impactful social media presence, she promotes meaningful inclusion and practical support, reaching millions with her message of autism acceptance and understanding.

Kaelynn is the author of Life on the Bridge, a book that offers both personal and professional insights to foster deeper connection between autistic and non-autistic people. Since joining Project Hope in 2015 as a Registered Behavior Technician, she has led therapy sessions, developed staff training materials, and shared her expertise nationally to support more informed and compassionate autism care.

BACKGROUND READING

Kaelynn’s LinkTree links