ADHD, Chronic Illness and Long Covid: Understanding the Intersection and the Road to Recovery

Are you one of the many late-diagnosed neurodivergent people who have struggled with your health since contracting Covid several years ago? In this insightful episode of the ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast, Kate is joined by Claire Twomey, founder of Ireland’s first ADHD Coaching Collective, ADHD Connections. Claire is as an Advanced ADHD Coach, a passionate neurodiversity advocate, and an international speaker and facilitator. Late diagnosed herself, Claire brings both deep personal insight and professional expertise to her work by supporting professionals, creatives, and organisations to understand ADHD through a strengths-based, neuroaffirming lens. In our conversation, Claire shares her lived experience of navigating ADHD alongside Long Covid, opening up about the layered complexity of co-occurring conditions and the vital role of self-advocacy, medical validation, and holistic support. My book, The ADHD Women's Wellbeing Toolkit, is OUT NOW! What You’ll Learn:How Claire’s Long COVID journey impacted her ADHD and what she’s learned through recoveryThe link between ADHD and co-occurring conditions such as chronic fatigue, histamine intolerance, hormonal imbalances, POTS, migraines, and moreThe emotional toll a late ADHD diagnosis can provoke The importance of sleep, pacing, and energy management, especially for those managing chronic illnessHow Claire uses a neuroaffirming coaching approach to support women to thriveThe role of acupuncture, nutrition, and LDN (Low Dose Naltrexone) in Claire's healing journeyWhy seeking second opinions and trusting your body’s signals is a radical act of self-careThe importance of building awareness and advocacy, not just for ourselves, but for the next generation This episode is an empowering reminder that while ADHD can bring challenges, it can also reveal strengths, resilience, and a deep capacity for self-awareness. Claire’s story encourages all of us to slow down, tune in, and seek the support we truly deserve. Timestamps:01:57 - Understanding Long Covid and Its Impacts13:08 - The Impact of Neurodivergence on Long Covid Experiences17:41 - Understanding Long Covid Symptoms and Healing29:44 - Navigating the Impact of Chronic Illness on Daily Life34:17 - The Impact of Chronic Illness on Daily Life Whether you’re navigating burnout, RSD, anxiety, hormonal shifts, or just trying to understand yourself better, this episode offers a glimpse into the support, compassion and gentle guidance that the book brings to life. Links and Resources:Join the Waitlist for my new ADHD community-first membership launching in September! Get exclusive founding offers [here].Find my popular ADHD webinars and resources on my website [here].Follow the podcast on Instagram: @adhd_womenswellbeing_pod Connect with Claire via her website www.adhdconnections.ie