ADHD Aha!14 Okt 2025

When one twin has ADHD and gets labeled “the bad one” (Lisa McNeil’s story)

Lisa McNeil grew up being called the “bad” twin — the one who talked back and couldn’t do well in school. Her sister was the “good” one. It wasn’t until years later, when Lisa joined a Duke University study to earn some extra cash, that she discovered she had ADHD.

In this episode of ADHD Aha!, host Laura Key talks with Lisa about how that ADHD diagnosis reframed her childhood, why being a paramedic suited her brain, and how playing violin in fourth grade unexpectedly helped her with reading.

For more on this topic:

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:19) Growing up as a twin

(09:22) The impact of music on Lisa in the fourth grade

(11:23) Early adulthood before ADHD diagnosis

(12:33) The Duke study Lisa took part in to be diagnosed

(16:02) How religion has affected Lisa’s relationship with her family as an adult

(18:10) Life after diagnosis

(23:27) Outro and credits

For a transcript and more resources, visit ADHD Aha! on Understood.org. You can also email us adhdaha@understood.org.

As kids head back to school, it's a good time to remember: not every student experiences the classroom the same way. Through My Eyes, a free interactive experience from Understood, lets you step into a day in the life of a kid with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. See their strengths and challenges in a whole new way. Try it out here.

Understood is a nonprofit where millions of people who are navigating neurodivergence find clear guidance, practical tools, and people who get it. To help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give.

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