55. CONFESSIONS: Things I Can’t Say at the Playground — ADHD Mums

For ADHD mums, school pickup isn’t chit chat — it’s performance. The smiles, the nods, the weather talk. On the outside you look friendly. On the inside, you’re collapsing.

In this Quick Reset, Jane unpacks why masking at the school gate feels so exhausting, how it impacts ADHD and autistic mums, and why it’s not about being unfriendly — it’s about survival.

✨ What We Cover in This Episode

Why everyday small talk at school pickup can lead to masking, exhaustion, and car park tears.
How chronic masking in social situations (play dates, birthday parties, pickup and drop off) leads to burnout and mental health struggles.
Research on the Double Empathy Gap by Damian Milton, and why neurodivergent communication breakdowns are misunderstood.
Jane’s ADHD Mum School Pickup Guide — practical insights for getting through without faking it.

💛 This Episode Is For You If

You’ve ever left school pickup early because you couldn’t fake one more smile.
You collapse in the car after masking your way through birthday parties or play dates.
You’ve been judged as rude, antisocial, or unfriendly — when you were just maxed out.
You want to feel less alone in the invisible cost of social masking as an ADHD mum.

📑 References & Research

Research on the Double Empathy Gap by Damian Milton.
ADHD Mum School Pickup Guide.

🎧 Listen now: Spotify | Apple | adhdmums.com.au

JOIN THE COMMUNITY:

Have questions or want to connect with other ADHD mums? Join our supportive Facebook group here and dive into the conversation. No question is too small, and I love answering in a group format!

FOLLOW FOR MORE:

Get daily tips, insights, and relatable content for ADHD mums by following me on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or YouTube

LEAVE A REVIEW:

Love this episode? Your review means everything! It helps other mums find this content and feel supported. Let’s spread the word and make a difference together.

COLLABS:

For collaborations or speaking engagements, email me at jane@adhdmums.com.au.

MORE RESOURCES:

Still unsure if ADHD or autism applies to you or your child? Take my recommended self-tests here.

Mentioned in this episode:

Free Resources Good Copy

Free Resouces