The Podcast

We don’t outgrow ADHD, we simply change with it. Join hosts Jami and Justin as we explore the intersection of ADHD and seniors.

Episode 48 – The Next Room (Grief, ADHD & Finding Peace in Midlife)

In this deeply moving and unexpected episode, Jami sits down with Jane Asher Reaney—radio personality, author of The Next Room, and a new member of the Silver Linings Transitions team—for a soulful conversation that blends spirituality, grief, intuition, and the unexpected signs of undiagnosed ADHD later in life.

What starts as a story about Jane’s connection to her late mother and life after loss unfolds into a powerful reflection on the ADHD traits Jane may have carried her entire life without realizing it.

Together, Jami and Jane explore how ADHD can remain hidden for decades—especially in women—and how grief, creativity, intuition, and sensitivity often walk hand-in-hand with neurodivergence. If you’ve ever wondered, “Was it ADHD all along?”—this episode will feel like coming home.

Whether you’re navigating grief, organizing your life, or finally connecting the dots about your brain, this conversation reminds you: you’re not broken—you’re brilliant.

ADHD, Grief, Intuition, and the Signs We Missed

For many adults, especially women over 50, ADHD has been hiding in plain sight their entire lives. In this moving episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami sits down with Jane Asher Reaney—radio personality, spiritual seeker, and author of The Next Room—to explore what happens when the dots finally start to connect.

This isn’t your typical ADHD conversation. Yes, they talk about executive function and late diagnosis—but they also talk about grief, faith, intuitive nudges, and the healing power of writing it all down.

If you’ve ever felt “too much,” struggled to stay organized, or felt like the world was moving at a pace you couldn’t quite match—this episode will feel like a deep exhale.

When Grief Meets ADHD

Jane lost her mother—her best friend—in 2010. But the relationship didn’t end there. Through journaling, quiet reflection, and moments she can only describe as divine nudges, Jane began receiving what she believes were messages from beyond.

As she and Jami swap stories about loss, signs, and their shared love for spiritual growth, they also reflect on the deeper truth: many women discover their ADHD only after a major life event—like losing a parent, going through a divorce, or entering menopause.

Grief slows you down. It also clears space for truth.

The Hidden Signs of Late-Diagnosed ADHD

Jami gently points out the classic ADHD traits that have shaped Jane’s life all along:

  • Doodling constantly
  • Having multiple unfinished writing projects
  • Feeling “too sensitive”
  • Craving newness, change, and purpose
  • A strong sense of fairness and justice
  • Intuitive flashes that come out of nowhere

Jane may not have had a formal diagnosis—but the signs were there. And in sharing her story, she gives permission to so many others to start asking the same question: What if it wasn’t just me?

ADHD, Ritual, and Spiritual Practice

Jane shares her personal morning ritual: a quiet walk, a “roll call” of loved ones who have passed, and a simple journal practice where she writes down moments, feelings, and even messages she receives.

This small daily act helps her feel grounded, connected, and supported—something many ADHD brains crave but don’t often know how to create.

As Jami points out, many of Jane’s self-soothing strategies are exactly what experts recommend for ADHD brains: walking, writing, slowing down, creating space for curiosity, and finding meaning in the mundane.

Why This Episode Matters

Getting diagnosed with ADHD later in life often brings up big emotions—grief, relief, even regret. But it also opens the door to healing, clarity, and connection.

This episode is a beautiful reminder that:

  • It’s never too late to understand yourself
  • Grief and ADHD can co-exist
  • Spirituality and science aren’t opposites—they can support each other
  • The way forward starts with curiosity and compassion

Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, are wondering if you might have ADHD, or are navigating loss in a new way—this episode is a powerful invitation to listen, reflect, and begin again.

Resources & Key Terms Mentioned:

Jane Asher Reaney with her publiched book, The Next Room

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