Episode 44 - Your Brain Needs a Different Plan

In this honest and empowering episode, host Jami Shapiro sits down with ADHD coach Christine Kotik for a conversation centered on something many rarely talk about—ADHD help after retirement. Christine shares her late diagnosis story, how being a high-achieving student masked her symptoms, and why it took until her 40s to finally connect the dots.

Jami and Christine explore how ADHD often hides behind structure—like school, work, and parenting—and how retirement can unexpectedly uncover long-standing struggles. From clients who “held it all together” during their working years to those feeling overwhelmed in their new, unstructured lives, Christine brings real stories and relatable insights.

They dive into time blindness, procrastination, perfectionism, and the emotional impact of losing daily routines. More importantly, they offer practical ADHD help after retirement: strategies like positive self-talk, gentle routines, body movement, and bite-sized goals that meet you where you are.

If you're over 50 and feeling stuck, frustrated, or simply wondering, “Why is this so hard now?”—this episode will help you feel seen and supported.

Thank you for joining us for this episode of Grandma Has ADHD! We hope Jami's journey and insights into ADHD shed light on the unique challenges faced by older adults. Stay tuned for more episodes where we’ll explore helpful resources, share personal stories, and provide guidance for those navigating ADHD. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this podcast with friends who might benefit. Remember, Make the rest of your life the best of your life.

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Chapters

• 0:01 Podcast Introduction & Community Welcome
• 1:25 Meet Christine Kotik: Certified ADHD coach with a passion for seniors
• 3:31 Christine’s ADHD story: from valedictorian to overwhelmed in college
• 6:25 Discovering her ADHD while teaching at a school for differently-wired learners
• 7:45 What is CHADD and how it helped her find her path to coaching
• 8:09 ADHD signs in childhood that often get overlooked—especially in girls
• 11:05 What “time blindness” actually means and how it impacts everyday tasks
• 16:10 Why ADHD symptoms may intensify during retirement
• 17:36 The emotional toll of transitions: structure loss, decision fatigue, and shame
• 20:38 Christine’s take on why retirement can derail routines that once worked
• 24:22 What is NASMM? How move management services can help
• 28:15 Christine’s top strategies for ADHD-friendly aging: structure, self-compassion, and support
• 30:57 The magic of body movement and mental health
• 32:16 Perfectionism vs. progress—and why “just five minutes” can change everything
• 33:22 Start with fun before the hard stuff: how dopamine works with ADHD
• 34:26 Why seniors need ADHD-informed support, especially around finances and health
• 37:35 The Button Question: Would Christine give up her ADHD?
• 39:37 Finding self-acceptance and embracing your “too muchness”
• 40:50 How to connect with Christine for coaching or support