The esteemed Hall of Fame ADHD Podcast Guest and dear friend Dr. Sharon Saline graces the show once again! This week: why is it hard for ADHDers to be authentic joiners? Sharon offers her wisdom on the value of community in managing ADHD, addressing the fears and hesitations that can often prevent individuals from seeking out communal ties.

One of the main topics we discuss is avoidance behaviors towards community engagement. There are myriad reasons why a person might be reluctant to participate in group settings, such as social anxiety, previous negative experiences, Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD), fear of the unknown, and confusion about how to navigate new situations. Dr. Saline emphasizes the potential impacts of such isolating behaviors on a person's physical, mental, and social well-being. She also highlights the importance of fostering relationships, regardless of their novelty, and addresses the common misconception that having a few friends who may not fully understand an individual's experiences is sufficient.

How do we approach overcoming the avoidance of community engagement? Dr. Saline provides practical advice for those who seek the connection a community offers but are held back by their fears. She discusses the potential benefits of therapy or professional healthcare consultations to better understand and manage these fears. She also provides strategies to combat the paralysis often brought on by the fear of RSD and the "what if" scenarios that can hinder one from entering new group situations. Her advice to those who've had negative group interactions in the past is particularly powerful, urging them not to let past experiences define their future opportunities.