Ailín Kennedy was 32 years old when she was first diagnosed with ADHD. When ADHD was first raised as a possibility by her psychiatrist, Kennedy disregarded it thinking “that’s for naughty little boys”. This is, she explains, just one of many misperceptions that persist about the condition. Six years on Kennedy is an ADHD coach and expert. She and her fellow “ADHDer” Mike McGrath-Bryan have released a book, Have I Got Your Attention? A Guide to Adult ADHD in Ireland. The book, she says, is a guide for those with the condition or for anyone who wants to learn more about how ADHD can impact daily life. Speaking on the latest episode of The Irish Times Women’s Podcast, Kennedy tells host Róisín Ingle there are vast differences in how ADHD shows up in people. The book features the stories of nine Irish people with ADHD, such as fashion designer Helen Steele, and explores their unique experiences. Kennedy explains how women with ADHD can often be dismissed as “hysterical”, “hormonal”, “lazy”, “ditsy”, “too sensitive” or “crazy”.The Cork native says getting her diagnosis made a significant difference to her wellbeing. “For the first time in my life I was able to fully understand myself ... I was able to start forgiving myself, which was amazing,” she says. The pair discuss how ADHD affects different aspects of life from relationships to finances. Kennedy also offers tips for “regulation” and discusses “the four pillars” that can help those with ADHD find motivation. You can listen back to their conversation on the player above or search The Women’s Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.Have I Got Your Attention? is published by Merrion Press