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S5 EP8: ADHD A Family's Journey Through Diagnosis and Discovery with Aquila Mendez-Valdez
- 2025/03/25
- 再生時間： 51 分
- ポッドキャスト
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サマリー
あらすじ・解説
Welcome to "ADHD: A Family's Journey Through Diagnosis and Discovery with Aquila Mendez-Valdez," a podcast episode that pulls back the curtain on the realities of neurodiversity within a family and how it intertwines with the world of entrepreneurship.Ever wondered how a busy PR strategist navigates the demands of running her own agency while raising a neurodivergent child and supporting a partner who also likely experiences ADHD? Join us as we sit down with Aquila Mendez-Valdez, the founder of a thriving PR and marketing agency that empowers female founders to share their stories with the world.This isn't just a tale of business success; it's a deeply personal narrative that begins with the transformational experience of her youngest daughter's ADHD diagnosis about a year ago. Aquila candidly shares how this revelation has changed the way her entire family interacts with the world and has even influenced her approach to building processes within her business.Hear about the hindsight moments, the recognition of earlier challenges, and the journey of understanding her daughter's experiences in the classroom, where masking her struggles led to anxiety despite her bright and engaged appearance. Aquila offers an honest account of navigating communication, advocating for her daughter's needs with teachers, and the ongoing process of empowering her daughter to understand and articulate her own needs regarding medication.But the story doesn't end there. Aquila also sheds light on the unique dynamic within her marriage, where her husband, a successful former professional athlete, likely has undiagnosed ADHD. She explores how his experiences have differed due to growing up in a generation where it wasn't recognised, and how they now work together to balance their different approaches and celebrate his entrepreneurial spirit.Through Aquila's down-to-earth storytelling, you'll discover how embracing neurodiversity has fostered greater empathy and open communication within her family. This episode highlights that an ADHD diagnosis isn't an endpoint but rather a new beginning, offering a different lens through which to understand and support loved ones.Ultimately, this conversation reveals how Aquila balances the demands of her professional life – helping others craft their narratives – with the deeply personal story unfolding within her own family. It's a testament to the unexpected strengths that can emerge from navigating neurodiversity, proving that different isn't deficient, and highlighting the power of understanding and connection in both business and family. Join us for an insightful and relatable journey that goes beyond the surface of ADHD and celebrates the unique strengths found along the way.The Journey of Diagnosis:* The episode begins by exploring the transformational experience of Aquila's youngest daughter's ADHD diagnosis about a year ago.* Aquila shares how this diagnosis has significantly changed her family's interactions and even influenced her business approach.* She reflects on hindsight moments, recognising earlier challenges in getting her daughter to school and the various strategies they tried before understanding the underlying cause.* The conversation highlights the experience of "quiet" ADHD in girls, where her daughter masked her struggles in the classroom, leading to anxiety despite appearing engaged.* Aquila candidly discusses the process of communicating with her daughter, advocating for her needs with teachers, and navigating the complexities of medication.Family Dynamics and Neurodiversity:* The episode also examines the unique dynamic with Aquila's husband, a successful former professional athlete who likely has undiagnosed ADHD.* It explores how his experiences differed due to the lack of recognition in his generation and how they now work together, balancing their different approaches and celebrating his entrepreneurial spirit.* Aquila emphasises how embracing neurodiversity has fostered greater empathy and open communication within her family.The Intertwining of Personal and Professional Life:* This conversation reveals how Aquila, as a PR strategist who helps others craft their narratives, is navigating a deeply personal story within her own family.* It highlights that an ADHD diagnosis is not an endpoint but a new understanding that offers a different perspective on supporting loved ones.* Ultimately, the episode demonstrates how navigating neurodiversity can lead to unexpected strengths, proving that different isn't deficient.Join us for a relatable and insightful journey that goes beyond the surface of ADHD, celebrating the unique strengths and fostering greater understanding within families and beyond.Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Diary of a ADHD Strategist | ♉ +📣 =👂🏽 at elidervonte.substack.com/...