Terry Matlen

Terry Matlen

Patient Contributor

Terry Matlen is a psychotherapist, author, consultant, and coach specializing in adults with ADHD. Her special-interest topic is women with ADHD.

  • Location: Detroit, Michigan, United States

Overview:

Terry's History with the Condition

Terry authored the award-winning books, "The Queen of Distraction" and "Survival Tips for Women with AD/HD." She also created an online resource serving adults worldwide with ADHD and an online coaching program for women with ADHD. 

She has been interviewed and quoted widely in such media as NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, US News and World Report, Newsday, and more.

Terry says: 

"Like many adults who learn of their own ADHD after their child has been diagnosed with it, I too found out I had ADHD while searching for help for my daughter. She had been diagnosed with it (and other special needs) when she was four years old, and I was in my early 40s. 

"I'd grown up being disorganized, overwhelmed, distracted, and unable to finish projects. Yet, I was able to earn two college degrees! So how could I possibly have ADHD? 

"From reading the very few books available on the topic back in the early 1990s, I was convinced that it was time to get evaluated. By then, I had hit the wall, raising two young and highly active children (my life was quite chaotic then). Once I got the diagnosis, I had my life's biggest 'Aha!' moment so far.

"It all fits into place after that. With proper treatment, support, and an understanding of how my brain works, my life improved so dramatically that I chose a new life path. I was driven to help others find their way to a happier, more productive life by guiding them on their ADHD journey. 

"I started a private psychotherapy practice that later shifted to helping adults online at my website. I also volunteered for major ADHD organizations, began presenting at national/international conferences, wrote hundreds of articles, and published two books on women with ADHD. 

"I've never been happier or more content now that I understand how my brain works and how to manage my ADHD symptoms."

The information presented is solely for educational purposes, not as specific advice for the evaluation, management, or treatment of any condition.

Articles By Terry Matlen


A woman with ADHD keeping track of appointments and deadlines in calendar diary
article

“Why Am I Always Late?” ADHD and Time Management (Plus 10 Top Tips for Being on Time!)

By Terry Matlen
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a-group-of-graduating-students-toss-their-academic-caps-in-the-air-in-celebration
article

Careers and ADHD: How to Find the Right Fit

By Terry Matlen
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Children with ADHD playing at nursery school
article

How ADHD Is Different in Adults and Kids — and Why It Matters

By Terry Matlen
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A woman with ADHD gazes out the window, distracted by the view outside.
article

How ADHD Made Me the "Queen of Distraction"

By Terry Matlen
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woman-checking-calendar on a laptop
article

I Can't Start and I Can't Stop: Tips for Managing Projects with ADHD

By Terry Matlen
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Mother with ADHD is proud as she hugs her newly married daughter
article

I Helped Plan My Daughter’s Wedding in Spite of My ADHD

By Terry Matlen
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Woman with ADHD using a wall chart calendar and sticky notes to track daily tasks
article

The Black Hole of ADHD Procrastination: Why We Put Things Off and How to Stop

By Terry Matlen
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Woman with ADHD keeping organized with post-it notes on the window
article

Tips on How to Pay Attention: At School, At Work, At Home

By Terry Matlen
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woman-holding-head-worried
article

What are the Barriers to Diagnosing Adult ADHD?

By Terry Matlen
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