When one twin has ADHD and gets labeled “the bad one” (Lisa McNeil’s story)

Lisa McNeil grew up being called the “bad” twin — the one
who talked back and couldn’t do well in school. Her sister was
the “good” one. It wasn’t until years later, when Lisa joined a
Duke University study to earn some extra cash, that she
discovered she had ADHD.


In this episode of ADHD Aha!, host Laura Key talks with
Lisa about how that ADHD diagnosis reframed her childhood, why
being a paramedic suited her brain, and how playing violin in
fourth grade unexpectedly helped her with reading.


For more on this topic:


ADHD and siblings: Tips from an expert

How to deal with sibling rivalry when one child learns and
thinks differently



Timestamps:


(00:00) Intro


(02:19) Growing up as a twin


(09:22) The impact of music on Lisa in the fourth grade


(11:23) Early adulthood before ADHD diagnosis


(12:33) The Duke study Lisa took part in to be diagnosed


(16:02) How religion has affected Lisa’s relationship with her
family as an adult 


(18:10) Life after diagnosis


(23:27) Outro and credits


For a transcript and more resources, visit ADHD Aha! on
Understood.org. You can also email us adhdaha@understood.org.


Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like
ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work,
donate at understood.org/give


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