24. Janelle Booker: Rethinking ADHD For Women Over 50
Sometimes flourishing after 50 begins with understanding yourself differently. For some women, that may mean recognising that long-held struggles with organisation, time, getting started, emotional regulation or keeping all the balls in the air could be connected to ADHD.
In this episode, I speak with clinical and counselling psychologist Janelle Booker about why ADHD has so often been missed in women, what it can look like in midlife, and why perimenopause and menopause can bring long-standing challenges into sharper focus. We explore masking and shame, the possibility of late diagnosis, and what becomes possible when we stop asking, “What’s wrong with me?” and start asking, “What do I need to thrive with the brain I have?”
This conversation is for women wondering whether ADHD may be part of their story, and for partners, friends, family members and colleagues who want to better understand the people they love and work with.
Also covered:
Why ADHD can look very different in women from the stereotypical image of the “naughty boy”
The role of dopamine, motivation, novelty and urgency in getting things done
Why perimenopause and menopause can be a turning point for women with previously unrecognised ADHD
The ‘grielief’ (grief and relief) that can come with understanding your life through a new lens
How self-compassion, supportive relationships and the right strategies can help women flourish with a different kind of brain
Keywords:
ADHD, ADHD in women, women over 50, late diagnosis ADHD, ADHD and menopause, ADHD and perimenopause, undiagnosed ADHD, ADHD and shame, self-compassion, neurodivergence, neurodiversity, autism and ADHD, AuDHD, highly sensitive person, supporting someone with ADHD, ADHD friendships, midlife women, midlife, self-understanding, authenticity, flourishing after 50, Flourish After 50, Janelle Booker
Guest:Janelle Booker
Website: https://www.janellebooker.com/
Janelle’s book, written with Matthew Johnstone: https://www.adelightfulhumandifference.com/
Resources:
Janelle wants to share two podcast episodes with you, relating to menopause, hormones and ADHD from a podcast called ADHD Chatter:
How Hormones and Menopause Impact ADHD Women | Dr. Louise Newson
How Hormones and Menopause Impact on Women with ADHD - Adele Wimsett
Janelle’s standout episodes about ADHD on the Imperfects Podcast:
Living with ADHD. A Psychologist’s Explanation, Nov 4, 2024
Fast and Loose Brains Need Different Parenting, June 29, 2026
A Message from Sue:
Feeling like you're somewhere between the life you've lived and what's next? Flourishing in the Messy Middle is a three month group program starting September 22nd, yo help you make sense of where you are, reconnect with what matters and take your next steps with greater clarity and confidence.
Find out more at: https://www.flourishafterfifty.com.au/flourishing-in-the-messy-middle