The Power of Unmasking ADHD: Life, Labels, and Liberation

In this powerful episode, host Brianna Dance is joined by two special guests: Deonte Smith, a seasoned DCPS Behavior Tech, and licensed therapist Ayisha Jones Keith. Together, they unpack the complex, emotional, and often misunderstood world of ADHD—through both clinical expertise and lived experience. From missed diagnoses and parenting challenges to breakthrough moments of self-compassion, this candid conversation explores how ADHD shows up at different stages of life. Ayisha shares her deeply personal journey alongside clinical insights, while Deonte offers real-world school-based strategies to support children navigating ADHD inside and outside the classroom. The episode also explores the often-polarizing conversation around medication vs. non-medication approaches, the role of parenting neurodivergent children, and how, for many, ADHD can be a superpower—fueling creativity, resilience, and out-of-the-box thinking. You’ll walk away with vulnerable storytelling, myth-busting truths, and practical tools that anyone—diagnosed or not—can use to better understand themselves or someone they love.