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:

• ADHD and siblings: Tips from an expert
• How to deal with sibling rivalry when one child learns and thinks differently

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.

Listen to Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a new podcast from Understood.org where host Jessica Shaw has honest talks with parents raising kids who learn and think differently.

Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give

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