Navigating Grief and Neurodiversity: A Conversation with Hannah Allen, LMHC, ADHD-CCSP In this episode of 'Grief is the New Normal,' Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist and grief specialist, welcomes Hannah Allen, a licensed therapist and ADHD coach. They discuss their long-standing friendship and delve into Hannah's journey through late-stage ADHD diagnosis and its impact on her life and practice. The conversation explores the multifaceted nature of grief, particularly for individuals with ADHD, and the importance of understanding non-death related losses. They also talk about the role of masking, the complexities of people-pleasing, and the importance of realigning one's life values. With personal anecdotes and professional insights, this episode offers valuable perspectives for anyone navigating grief and neurodiversity. 00:00 Introduction to Grief is the New Normal 00:26 Meet Hannah Allen: Licensed Therapist and ADHD Coach 03:48 Hannah's Journey with ADHD and Grief 08:28 Understanding Non-Death Related Losses 13:59 Navigating Grief with ADHD 25:32 The Impact of Masking and Unmasking 29:04 Coping Strategies for Grief 30:21 The Role of Brain Chemistry in Grief 31:43 The Performative Aspect of Masking 33:26 Time as a Resource in Grief 34:21 Introduction to Her Aligned Mind 34:29 Ad Break 35:31 Supporting Women in Midlife 37:06 Values and Priorities in Midlife 46:20 Navigating People Pleasing and Grief 51:23 Final Takeaways and Resources ------------------------------------------------- Hannah Allen, LMHC, ADHD-CCSP, is a Certified ADHD Specialist, coach, and licensed mental health therapist who has supported hundreds of high-performing professionals with build lives of clarity, confidence, and composure. A sought-after speaker, educator, and consultant, she provides ADHD education and practical strategies through trainings, classes, coaching, and customized corporate programs. Frequently featured on podcasts and panels, Hannah is recognized for her expertise on the social and emotional challenges of ADHD and for bridging cutting-edge research with real-world application. Hannah is also the founder of Her Aligned Mind, a membership collective and mentorship platform empowering professional women toward an intentional, meaning-filled, and values-aligned second act.   Follow or contact Hannah at: allentherapeutics.com or heralignedmind.com; Instagram: @heralignedmind; @allen_therapeutics ------------------------------------ Grief is the New Normal is the podcast that refuses to sugarcoat loss, because grief isn’t a problem to fix, it’s a reality to live with. Hosted by Dr. Heather Taylor, a licensed psychologist with over a decade of experience in grief, trauma, and reproductive psychology, this show dives deep into the messy, nonlinear, and very real ways grief impacts our lives. Whether you're navigating the death of your person, wrestling with the weight of an invisible loss, or trying to figure out who you even are after everything changed, this podcast is here for you. With a mix of solo deep dives, expert interviews, and candid conversations, Dr. Taylor unpacks the emotions no one warns you about, challenges outdated grief narratives, and offers both practical tools and hard-earned wisdom to help you feel less alone. No toxic positivity. No “fixing” your grief. Just honest talk, validation, and the reminder that you don’t have to do this alone. Because in a world that wants you to move on, Grief is the New Normal is here to help you move through. https://www.griefisthenewnormal.com hello@griefisthenewnormal.com www.linkedin.com/in/heather-taylor-psyd-licensed-psychologist Follow @grief_is_the_new_normal on Instagram for grief podcast, mental health, self-care, sass, and dark humor content whether you’re grieving or you’re a mental health professional needing more modern grief language. Wanting more grief specific support? Check out my grief journal, Authentically Unapologetic: A Grief Journal availa