Growing up with ADHD can feel like nonstop failure, especially in a world built for neurotypical brains. In this episode, Jheri sits down with Ryan Jones, an ADHD advocate who has spent years helping families understand ADHD through lived experience and real world support strategies. Ryan shares what it was like growing up with ADHD long before awareness, support systems, or realistic expectations. He opens up about being medicated without explanation, struggling socially, repeating grades, failing classes, and carrying deep shame around school and graduation. Together, Ryan and Jheri reframe ADHD as a brain wiring difference, not a character flaw, and explain what actually helps, including support systems, realistic expectations, education, and practical tools that make the “superpower” side accessible.

Chapters

(00:00) Introduction

(01:01) Were You Ever Diagnosed, Or Just Put On Medication

(03:12) What Made Childhood So Hard With ADHD

(08:41) What Were The Thoughts Running Through Your Head At Your Lowest

(11:11) What Helped People Survive ADHD Before Awareness And Treatment

(13:16) What Happened With Graduation And Why It Hurt So Much

(21:30) Analogy to help Explain ADHD To Parents So They Finally Get It

(26:23) How Do You Shift From “What Is Wrong With Me” To “This Is My Strength”

What is one thing you wish a teacher, parent, or friend understood about your ADHD? Leave your answer in the comments

FREE RESOURCES ✨

ADHD Quiz: https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-quiz

RSD Webinar: https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-emotions-webinar-opt-in

More resources at: https://jherisouth.com

GET SUPPORT ✨

ADHD Simplified Course (just $97!): https://jherisouth.com/page/adhd-simplifed

FREE consult for ADHD coaching: https://jherisouth.as.me/schedule/f39adc54

FOLLOW ME ✨

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/msjherisouth/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jherisouth

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@jherisouth8

Connect with Ryan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ryan-Jones

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryantheazrealtor/