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 96 – ADHD & Autism with Dr. Cheryl Browne

In this episode of Grandma Has ADHD, Jami Shapiro sits down with developmental psychologist, ADHD coach, and mindfulness practitioner Dr. Cheryl Browne for a thoughtful conversation about the overlap between ADHD and autism—and why more adults, especially women, are discovering they identify with both later in life.

Cheryl shares her own late-diagnosis journey, reflecting on decades of succeeding academically while quietly relying on last-minute deadlines, workarounds, and intense curiosity to navigate life. Together, she and Jami explore the growing conversation around AuDHD, the combination of ADHD and autism, and discuss where these neurotypes overlap, where they differ, and why understanding your unique brain can lead to greater self-compassion.

They also talk about mindfulness, aging with ADHD, and why many people find greater confidence, resilience, and emotional well-being later in life.

What You’ll Learn

  • Why many women aren’t diagnosed with ADHD until adulthood
  • What AuDHD is and why more people are talking about it
  • How ADHD and autism can overlap while remaining distinct
  • Signs that autism may be part of the picture
  • The role of sensory sensitivities and social communication differences
  • Why ADHD symptoms often become more noticeable during perimenopause
  • How mindfulness can support emotional regulation and self-compassion
  • Practical ADHD strategies for reducing reliance on memory
  • Why many adults report greater happiness and resilience as they age

Why This Matters

Many adults discover ADHD later in life only to realize there may be other pieces of their neurodivergent story they haven’t yet explored.

This episode encourages listeners to approach these discoveries with curiosity rather than labels, reminding us that understanding how our brains work allows us to build lives that work with us, not against us.

The ADHD Button Question

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

Cheryl’s answer is an immediate no.

While ADHD has brought challenges, she believes it has also shaped the life she loves today. After years of learning how her brain works, she feels the strengths now outweigh the struggles.

About the Guest

Dr. Cheryl Browne is a developmental psychologist, certified ADHD coach, and mindfulness practitioner. Drawing on her own late ADHD diagnosis and decades of research, she helps adults, particularly those diagnosed later in life, better understand their neurodivergent brains and build lives that align with their strengths. She has degrees from Yale University and The University of Texas at Austin.

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

  • Contact Dr. Cheryl Browne: CherylBrownePhD@gmail.com
  • This Explains So Much by Jami Shapiro
  • Meditation apps: Headspace, Calm, 10% Happier

Links & Support

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