Is ADHD a flaw or just misunderstood?
In this powerful Part 1 episode of Mind Amendment, Dr. Priyanka Rao, clinical psychologist and creator of NeuroDivergent Renaissance joins host Patrick Custer to reframe everything you thought you knew about ADHD.
From late diagnosis and masking to misinformed clinicians and internalized shame, Dr. Rao unpacks how ADHD shows up in ways the world often misses and how that misunderstanding steals empathy from those who need it most.
This conversation is a masterclass in realignment. Instead of chasing “fix it” thinking, Dr. Rao offers permission to build a life that actually works with your brain.
In this episode we cover
- Why ADHD often hides in plain sight, especially for women and people of color
- How masking becomes second nature and eventually self-erasure
- What to do when your systems keep failing you (and it’s not your fault)
- The myth of consistency and why persistence matters more
- Practical first steps to build support systems that actually work
If you’ve ever been called lazy, scattered, or “too much,” this episode might just change everything.
This is your mind. This is your moment. What will you do with it?
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Follow/Watch/Listen/Subscribe:
Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/mindamendment/)
YouTube: @MindAmendment
Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/mindamendment)
Website: (https://www.mindamendment.com)
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Get Help:
Promises Behavioral Health – mental health, trauma & addiction treatment
Insta: (https://www.instagram.com/promises_bh/)
Website: (https://www.promisesbehavioralhealth.com)
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Cast:
Patrick Custer - Host
Insta: (https://www.instagram.com/thepatrickcuster/)
Tiktok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@thepatrickcuster)
YouTube: @thepatrickcuster
Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/patrickcuster)
Dr. Priyanka Rao - Guest
Website: https://www.asha-coaching.com/
Insta: (https://www.instagram.com/ashacoach/)
Tiktok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@ashacoach)
Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/groups/risetothetopcoaching/)
About Dr. Priyanka Rao:
Dr. Priyanka Rao is a licensed psychologist, executive coach, and the founder of Asha Coaching & Consulting. She specializes in supporting ADHD entrepreneurs and leaders, helping them navigate the complexities of running a business and leading teams while honoring their neurodivergent strengths. Her approach combines clinical expertise with real-world practicality, offering tailored, evidence-based strategies that empower clients to lead with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.
Dr. Rao brings a unique and deeply personal perspective to her work. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, she understands firsthand the challenges of navigating a world that is not designed for neurodivergent minds. This lived experience, combined with her extensive background in assessment and therapy, allows her to connect with clients in a way that is both compassionate and effective.
As a first generation American and the eldest daughter of Indian immigrants, Dr. Rao’s work is also informed by a strong commitment to multicultural inclusion. Her upbringing, shaped by the experience of balancing two distinct cultural identities, instilled in her a deep appreciation for the role that culture, family systems, and identity play in shaping a person's experiences and values. These insights are foundational to her work, and she is dedicated to creating a coaching environment that is inclusive, culturally responsive, and grounded in respect.
In addition to her professional roles, Dr. Rao is a mother of two, a fluent French speaker, and a lover of travel, storytelling, and Hallmark romantic comedies. Her approach to both life and work is rooted in the belief that what makes people different is often what makes them most powerful.
Dr. Rao’s mission is to help neurodivergent leaders build systems that work for their brains, lead in alignment with their values, and grow sustainable businesses without sacrificing their well being.
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Produced and Edited by "The Cast Collective" in Nashville, TN!
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