Rachel Fuller’s ADHD Story

Does your child with ADHD have an outlet for their creativity?

In this episode of All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by special guest Rachel Fuller to share her inspiring ADHD story.

Rachel is a composer, arranger and singer-songwriter, and has been making music since she was 10 years old. As such, her creative journey is deeply intertwined with her personal experiences. Diagnosed with ADHD in her late 40s, she navigated childhood challenges within the confines of mainstream education, emerging with a profound understanding of difference. Rachel’s talent and achievements provide a “crystal ball” for parents on the ADHD journey, illustrating just one of the ways the ADHD creativity can shape a fulfilling and enjoyable career path.

Rachel begins by describing her ADHD ‘aha’ moment when, prompted by a friend sharing their own diagnosis, she read Driven to Distraction by Hallowell and Ratey. Despite being initially skeptical about ADHD and believing it just a label for “naughty kids”, she gradually came to recognise her own symptoms and seek a professional diagnosis. This led to her understanding ADHD as a physical condition rather than a character flaw.

With her passion for music beginning at such a young age, Rachel goes on to describe how music provided a therapeutic outlet to help her cope with her high levels of anxiety. Due to the lack of emotional support she received at home and in school, Rachel learned to mask and internalise her anxiety, feeling inherently “different” and envious of her peers who just seemed to find things easier.

Claire and Rachel discuss the importance of truly understanding ADHD in children in order to provide them with the support they need, and the impact that could have had for Rachel in her own childhood.

Rachel encourages parents of children with ADHD to look out for their strengths and support their creative expression, particularly through the arts as they provide an ideal outlet for their energy. She also shares some wonderful insight into the story behind her book. Set to an original soundtrack, BEE is an enchanting story that inspires compassion and acceptance, and provides a fantastic resource for parents looking to support their children to find their own magical place in the world.

You can buy a copy Rachel’s book BEE - A Story That Celebrates Our Differences here.

You can find out more about Rachel and her work here.