ADHD and the “model minority” mask (Emily’s story)

Emily’s challenges with executive function and sensory processing
sounded very similar to those of their mental health clients with
ADHD. Emily, who lives in Australia, does peer work, and their
interactions with other young people with ADHD ultimately led to
their own ADHD diagnosis. 

Emily talks about masking their ADHD symptoms and feeling like a
failure not just to their family, but to Asian people in general.
And they share how they finally felt seen and “broke the mask”
when they got diagnosed with ADHD. 

To find a transcript for this episode and more resources, visit
the episode page at Understood. 

We love hearing from our listeners. Email us at
ADHDAha@understood.org. 

Related resources


Emily’s article: How culture shaped my ADHD diagnosis

The difference between ADHD and sensory processing challenges

What is executive function?



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