Fear Can Ride Along, But It Doesn’t Get to Drive | Jess Rad | ADHD Beyond the Label

In this powerful episode of ADHD Beyond the Label, Dr Phil Anderton and John Reynolds sit down with Jess Rad, to explore what happens when neurodiversity is no longer hidden, but celebrated.Jess shares the deeply personal journey that began with her daughter’s late neurodivergent identification and led to her own exploration of ADHD. What started as navigating EHCPs and education systems became a catalyst for profound self-understanding, validation, and purpose.Together, they unpack:- Why so many adults discover their ADHD only after their children are diagnosed- The emotional journey from denial and anger to acceptance and empowerment- How shame around “not conforming” can be more damaging than any label- The overlooked sensory experiences that shape daily life — from haircuts to school environments- Why curiosity may be the most powerful starting point for changeJess speaks passionately about creating safe and brave spaces in businesses and communities — environments where people can unmask without fear of judgment. Through her Neurocurious events, she’s working to normalize and mainstream conversations around ADHD, autism, and intersectional identity, reframing neurodivergence as a competitive advantage rather than a weakness.Drawing on Stoic philosophy and Elizabeth Gilbert’s metaphor of fear as a passenger (not the driver), this episode challenges listeners to rethink how they view ADHD. You may not be able to change your neurotype, but you can change how you think about it.At its heart, this conversation is about removing shame, changing the narrative, and building a world where someone can say, “Hi, I’m ADHD,” as casually as ordering a coffee and be met with understanding.