In this solo episode of ADHD Her Way, Johanna Badenhorst, Clinical Psychologist and neurodivergent mum, explores why interruptions can trigger such intense irritation, overwhelm and even rage, particularly during the school holidays.
Johanna covers the role of ADHD and autistic traits, including task switching, working memory, sensory overload, cognitive load, autistic inertia and the added challenge of losing the predictability of your usual routine.
She also shares what this has looked like in her own school holidays, from juggling work and parenting to noticing when her own patience is wearing thin, plus practical strategies that have helped.
In this episode:
• Why interruptions can feel disproportionately hard for neurodivergent parents
• The link between cognitive load, sensory overload and rage
• ADHD task switching and autistic inertia
• Why school holidays can amplify overwhelm
• Creating predictability without needing a perfect routine
• Activities that can help regulate both you and your kids
• Recognising the build-up before you reach breaking point
• Repairing after you lose your cool without getting stuck in guilt and shame
• When additional support from a psychologist or ADHD coach may be helpful
A relatable reminder that you can love being with your kids and still find the constant interruptions, noise and demands incredibly hard.
Want more practical strategies to use in those moments? 💛
If you liked the regulation strategies in the episode, my Nervous System Reset Guide for ADHDers has even more practical tools for those moments when you’re overstimulated, snappy or everyone in the house needs a reset.
It’s an inexpensive 20-page downloadable guide you can access instantly, with grounding exercises, DBT-inspired tools, check-ins and gentle strategies designed with ADHD/AuDHD brains in mind.
👉 Download the Nervous System Reset Guide for ADHDers here
