Patient Contributor

Terry Matlen

ADHD Patient Stories

Terry Matlen is a psychotherapist, author, consultant, and coach specializing in adults with ADHD. Her special interest topic is women with ADHD.

Overview

Living With Condition
51 Years
Published
13 Articles
Location
Detroit, Michigan

Introduction

Terry authored the award-winning books, "The Queen of Distraction" and "Survival Tips for Women with AD/HD." She also created an online resource serving adults worldwide with ADHD and an online coaching program for women with ADHD. 

She has been interviewed and quoted widely in such media as NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, US News and World Report, Newsday, and more.

Terry's History with the Condition

"Like many adults who learn of their own ADHD after their child has been diagnosed with it, I too found out I had ADHD while searching for help for my daughter. She had been diagnosed with it (and other special needs) when she was just four years old, and I was in my early 40s. 

"I'd grown up being disorganized, overwhelmed, distracted, and unable to finish projects. Yet, I was able to earn two college degrees! So how could I possibly have ADHD? 

"From reading the very few books available on the topic back in the early 1990s, I was finally convinced that it was time to get evaluated. By then, I had hit the wall, raising two young and very active children (my life was quite chaotic then). Once I got the diagnosis, I had the biggest 'Aha' moment of my life.

"It all fits into place after that. With proper treatment, support, and understanding of how my brain works, my life improved so dramatically I chose a new life path. I was literally driven to help others find their way to a happier, more productive life by guiding them on their own ADHD journey. 

"I started a private psychotherapy practice that later shifted to helping adults online at my website. I also volunteered for major ADHD organizations, began presenting at their national/international conferences, wrote hundreds of articles, and published two books on the topic of women with ADHD. 

"I've never been happier or more content now that I understand how my brain works and how to manage my ADHD symptoms."

NPS-ALL-NP-00342 MAY 2021

Published Articles

I Helped Plan My Daughter’s Wedding in Spite of My ADHD
4 mins
article
Terry Matlen

I Helped Plan My Daughter’s Wedding in Spite of My ADHD

Tips on How to Pay Attention: At School, At Work, At Home
5 mins
article
Terry Matlen

Tips on How to Pay Attention: At School, At Work, At Home

How ADHD Is Different in Adults and Kids — and Why It Matters
3 mins
article
Terry Matlen

How ADHD Is Different in Adults and Kids — and Why It Matters

I Can't Start and I Can't Stop: Tips for Managing Projects with ADHD
3 mins
article
Terry Matlen

I Can't Start and I Can't Stop: Tips for Managing Projects with ADHD

Tips for Getting (and Keeping) Your Home Organized
6 mins
article
Terry Matlen

Tips for Getting (and Keeping) Your Home Organized

Goal Setting with ADHD: How I Make Them Stick
5 mins
article
Terry Matlen

Goal Setting with ADHD: How I Make Them Stick

The Procrastination Black Hole — and How to Climb Out of It
7 mins
article
Terry Matlen

The Procrastination Black Hole — and How to Climb Out of It

Is ADHD Different For Women?
5 mins
article
Terry Matlen

Is ADHD Different For Women?

Careers And ADHD: How To Find The Right Fit
5 mins
article
Terry Matlen

Careers And ADHD: How To Find The Right Fit

My Worst ADHD Triggers
4 mins
article
Terry Matlen

My Worst ADHD Triggers

Rollercoaster Families- When Parent and Child Both have ADHD
3 mins
article
Terry Matlen

Rollercoaster Families- When Parent and Child Both have ADHD

How ADHD Made Me the "Queen of Distraction"
7 mins
article
Terry Matlen

How ADHD Made Me the "Queen of Distraction"

The Barriers to Diagnosing Adult ADHD
5 mins
article
Terry Matlen

The Barriers to Diagnosing Adult ADHD

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