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. 

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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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