Becoming Understood: What’s Really Happening Beneath ADHD Behaviors

In this episode of Backpacking Through ADHD, Tera sits down with clinical psychologist and behavior analyst Dr. Katrina Ostmeyer for a powerful conversation about what’s really happening underneath ADHD behaviors. Together, they explore emotional regulation, the nervous system, perfectionism, masking, and the difference between defiance and dysregulation—especially in children who don’t yet have the words to explain what they’re feeling. Tera also shares personal parenting moments with Grayson, including a recent experience on the baseball field that left her questioning how parents are supposed to respond when behavior looks intentional on the outside, but feels like something deeper underneath. Dr. Katrina brings both professional expertise and lived experience as a parent of two neurodivergent children, creating a conversation that feels grounded, validating, and deeply human. This episode is for: Parents trying to understand what’s underneath big reactions Women navigating ADHD and emotional overwhelm later in life Anyone who has ever felt misunderstood in their struggles Because sometimes behavior isn’t about defiance. Sometimes it’s a nervous system asking for support. To learn more about Dr. Katrina Ostmeyer and Beyond the Individual, including virtual services, visit: www.beyondtheindividual.com Song of the Episode: “Human” – Christina Perri If this episode resonated with you, please follow, review, and share Backpacking Through ADHD with someone who might need this conversation too.