Central PA ADHD Support Group - Children & Adults with ADHD

Why ADHD Makes Emotions So Hard- And Research Backed Strategies for How to Make Them Easier.

Big emotions don’t just feel overwhelming for ADHD brains- they often spark a shame spiral that leaves us thinking, “Why can’t I just handle this?” In this talk, we’ll crack open the science behind the struggle, naming 10 neurobiological differences (like temporal discounting and filterless sensory processing) that turn everyday feelings into tidal waves. We’ll zoom in on 4 key culprits that hijack regulation, revealing why generic advice fails and how frustration morphs into crushing self-blame.
Once we understand the “why,” we’ll use research as our compass to chart a path through the emotional storm with ADHD-friendly strategies that fit real life, not a just a textbook:

• The “Emotion Meter Method”: A single, easy to remember tactic to safeguard your values and goals mid-meltdown
• Sensory resets to dial down emotional pain
• Strategies to derail shame spirals with curiosity, not criticism
• “Good enough” regulation—tools that embrace imperfection and still work.

For adults with ADHD exhausted by emotional whiplash and professionals ready to move beyond theory, this talk blends neuroscience with live-experience tactics to reclaim control over big feelings—with compassion, not shame.

Dr. Marcy Caldwell is a psychologist, writer, illustrator, and proud wife and mother in a family full of neurodiversity. With over twenty years of experience, she is a passionate advocate for those with neurodiverse brains, focusing on helping craft systems and environments that nurture unique strengths.