We are thrilled to be joined again by the makers of Skylight Calendar! Enjoy this podcast knowing  that we used it to get this one to you on time! :-) You can order yours by going to www.skylightcal.com and using the discount code  PETER  for 10% off of this 15” device up to $30.  Having ADD or ADHD is a gift, not a curse. Hear from people all around the globe, from every walk of life, in every profession, from Rock Stars to CEOs, from Teachers to Politicians, who have learned how to unlock the gifts of their ADD and ADHD diagnosis, and use it to their personal and professional advantage, to build businesses, become millionaires, or simply better their lives.  Our Guest today in their own words:    I'm a neurodiverse author, researcher, and advocate. For much of my life, I felt different from my peers, as if I was behind a glass wall, unable to connect with them. I had my way of thinking and doing things, which often made me feel isolated and unworthy, resulting in the need to prove myself by taking on too many challenges at once, such as working full-time (Animal welfare officer in preclinical research) and doing a full-time PhD (in the behavioral response of crustaceans to anthropogenic noise), Planning a wedding and organizing a mortgage while discussing house plans with an architect (Not counting everyday chores and exercising). I did slow down when I got pregnant by moving to a part-time position. Eventually, after too many meltdowns and close to burnout, I decided to step back from my PhD and job to find answers. In March this year, at the age of 33, after living with a brain that found it impossible to concentrate, with constant migraines, anxiety and fatigue. I received a Formal ADHD diagnosis and informal Autism. It was like a light bulb turned on in my head, and I felt a new sense of acceptance and empowerment. I started to embrace my neurodiversity and celebrate my strengths and talents. I've been on a creative spree. I've written and published two children's books on Amazon, and I've also written a book that you could call part memoir, part encyclopedia and part research on ADHD and Autism. It's called "AuDHD and Me: Growing Up Distracted". In it, I share my experiences and the stories of other neurodiverse individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved amazing things. My goal is to raise awareness and understanding of neurodiversity, especially in Ireland, where I live. I want to help others in a similar situation or who wish to learn more about their unique brains. Enjoy! [You are now safely here] 00:04 - Skylight calendar a practical, joyful organizational tool for families.  Use the code “PETER” for a nice discount! 00:40 - Thank you again so much for listening and for subscribing!! 02:01 - Welcome Author Laura Adams!  [She loves Skylight Calendar as well] 03:08 - On the increase in ADHD diagnoses in Ireland and the lack of government support/funding for neurodiverse individuals, particularly in education. 04:17 - Tell us about your life before & after your ADHD diagnosis and how it shifted your perspective! 05:00 - Laura’s book AuDHD can be found here!  [See below for Non-US links**]  06:00 - On understanding ADHD and how it applied to her own experiences. 06:57 - Peter Shankman highlights the common misconceptions and stereotypes surrounding ADHD and the relief that comes with getting a diagnosis. 07:30 - Laura Adams discusses the transformative effect of receiving a diagnosis and how it has empowered her to step out of her comfort zone and share her experiences. 10:07 - On becoming a Marine Biologist & researching stress & audio in crustaceans. 13:31 - On how improving focus via medication may enhance thesis writing 16:05 - How can people find you Laura? Web: Buy her book here!  Socials:  LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/laura-adams-297716b6  16:29 - On the struggle to overcome Imposter Syndrome 17:00 - Thanks so much for joining ”Faster Than Normal” just about every week!! We appreciate you and your wor