Astrophysics, ADHD and Rethinking How We Learn

What if your brain was wired for a different kind of orbit?   In this episode of Beyond Distracted, hosts Anthony Brown and Meagan Cooke sit down with astrophysicist, science communicator and IncludeHer founder Dr Kat Ross to explore neurodiversity, adult diagnosis, and learning in ways that support an ADHD brain.   Kat shares her experience of receiving an adult ADHD diagnosis and her anger at the systems that continue to miss ADHD presentations in women and gender-diverse people. She reflects on navigating academia, not fitting the mould of a scientist, and how her unique thinking became a key strength during her astrophysics PhD.   She also discusses starting IncludeHer, an organisation challenging gender imbalance and stereotypes in STEM through visibility, representation and accessibility.   In this episode, we explore: Adult ADHD diagnosis and the grief that can follow   Why ADHD often goes unnoticed in women and gender-diverse people   The dopamine threshold for learning and rethinking focus   ADHD in science and the value of big-picture thinking   Practical habits that make daily life more manageable   Whether you're newly diagnosed, questioning the academic system, or curious about how neurodiversity can open up a universe of possibilities, this episode offers a fresh perspective.