In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with filmmaker and producer Jessi Sorensen, creator of the upcoming documentary Anything But ADHD. Together, they explore what happens when ADHD goes unrecognized for years and why so many women are diagnosed with everything except ADHD.

Jessi shares her own late-diagnosis journey, including years of anxiety, insomnia, migraines, panic attacks, perfectionism, and overwork before discovering that ADHD was the missing piece. She also talks about the inspiration behind her documentary and the powerful experience of connecting with other women who shared similar stories.

Their conversation highlights the challenges of getting diagnosed as an adult, the misconceptions that still exist about ADHD, and why awareness, community, and understanding can be life-changing.

What You’ll Learn

• Why many women are diagnosed with anxiety, depression, or insomnia before ADHD
• How perfectionism can mask ADHD symptoms
• The impact of COVID on ADHD awareness and diagnosis
• Why ADHD often looks different than the stereotypes
• The challenges of seeking an adult ADHD diagnosis
• How outdated assumptions can prevent people from getting help
• The connection between ADHD, creativity, and entrepreneurship
• Why community is so powerful for neurodivergent adults
• How Jessi’s documentary Anything But ADHD came to life
• The importance of finding people who truly understand your experience

Why This Matters

Many adults spend years wondering why life feels harder than it seems to be for everyone else.

When ADHD goes undiagnosed, people often blame themselves for struggles that have neurological roots. Understanding ADHD can bring clarity, self-compassion, and a new framework for understanding your past and creating a better future.

This episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to learn more about how your brain works.

The ADHD Button Question

Jami asks every guest: If there were a button that could remove your ADHD forever, would you press it?

Jessi’s answer is no.

While she wishes she had been diagnosed earlier, she believes ADHD helped shape her creativity, career, curiosity, and the life she has built. Rather than erase it, she would choose greater understanding and acceptance.

About the Guest

Jessi Sorensen is a producer, director, and storyteller with more than fifteen years of experience in television, advertising, and documentary filmmaking. Following her late ADHD diagnosis, she began creating Anything But ADHD, a documentary focused on raising awareness about adult ADHD and fostering connection within the neurodivergent community.

About the Host

Jami Shapiro is an ADHD coach, speaker, author, and founder of Silver Linings Transitions. Through Grandma Has ADHD, she helps adults, especially women diagnosed later in life, better understand their brains and navigate life with greater clarity and compassion.

Resources

• AnythingButADHD.com
• Anything But ADHD on Instagram
• This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro

Links & Support

• Website: https://www.jamishapiro.me
• Book: This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro