If you’re someone who found out you had ADHD later in life, or you’re still piecing it all together, you’ve probably experienced how much a supportive network matters. In this episode, we’re diving into that with our guest, Katy Gooblar, who brings a fresh perspective on the idea that a solid support system isn’t just “nice to have”—it’s essential for thriving with ADHD.

In our latest episode of ADHD: Women Exploring the Neuroverse Podcast, Katy opens up about finding her own way in the ADHD world, especially the importance of surrounding herself with people who balance her strengths and understand her needs. Her story is all about self-discovery and tuning into her own experience. “The label gives me a community of belonging,” but her journey shows us that self-acceptance and strong relationships go far beyond any label.

Importance of ADHD community support

For Katy, realizing she had ADHD wasn’t just about her own life—it was also about seeing her children’s personalities and learning more about ADHD along the way. This awareness helped her build a “support network” not just at work but at home, something that has made a massive difference for her. As she puts it,

“For me, it’s about surrounding myself with people who can handle the details I can’t. It’s a strength, not a weakness.”

This support system mindset is something many ADHD women need. ADHD can make organizing and keeping up with routines tough, but having people around you who “get it” can help smooth the way and create a sense of balance.

Self-Awareness and Accepting Help

Katy’s perspective on support is refreshingly honest and empowering. Instead of feeling like she has to do everything alone, she talks about the strength it takes to ask for help and lean on others. For example, her team at work handles detailed tasks that don’t play to her strengths, which gives her more time to focus on what she does best.

“It’s about surrounding myself with people who can handle the details I can’t. It’s a strength, not a weakness.” Many of us struggle to reach out, feeling we need to “do it all,”

but having people in your life who can fill in those gaps is not just practical—it’s powerful.

Finding Belonging in the ADHD Community

Katy explains that while she finds self-awareness valuable, having a community is equally important. For her, the ADHD label isn’t just about self-understanding; it’s about connecting with people who think and feel similarly.

“I think the label gives me a community of belonging. I don’t think it helps as much with self-understanding, but it’s about finding people who think like me.”

Building Your Own ADHD Support System

It can be challenging to figure out where to start with a support system. Here are a few ideas to get started:

1. Identify Your Needs: Think about the areas in your life where ADHD makes things tricky—maybe it’s organizing daily tasks or managing big projects. This can help you identify what type of support you need.

2. Reach Out to Your Network: You may already have friends, family members, or colleagues who can help in these areas. Think about people who naturally “get” you and who you trust to be supportive.

3. Don’t Hesitate to Ask for Help: One of the biggest takeaways from Katy’s story is that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness. When you’re able to lean on others, you’re also giving yourself more time and energy to thrive in other areas.

Have You Found Your ADHD People?

Whether you’re just learning about ADHD or have known for years, the people you surround yourself with can make a huge difference. Katy’s story reminds us that building a support system is key to managing ADHD effectively and that a sense of community can bring a lot of joy, confidence, and motivation.

✨ Curious to hear more? Check out the full episode with Katy Gooblar, “Bringing Out Your Best: The Value of ADHD Support Systems,” and join us as we explore the power of support, community, and belonging. Listen now to dive deeper into these insights, and remember—you don’t have to go through this alone! ✨