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How ADHD Shows Up in High-Achieving BIPOC Professionals: Perfectionism, Imposter Syndrome, and Culturally Responsive Care with Dr. Shauna Pollard, PHD

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

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Course Information: https://www.canva.com/design/DAGvHxuVF7A/XIDfeQPGbsEWhtBwdSm6QQ/view?utm_content=DAGvHxuVF7A&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=h350ff892e1

Episode Summary: In this powerful and practical episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW, is joined by Dr. Shauna Pollard, PhD—a licensed psychologist and nationally recognized expert in executive functioning, ADHD, and culturally responsive care.

In this episode we unpack the nuanced ways ADHD shows up in high-achieving BIPOC adults, how it often goes misdiagnosed or missed entirely, and how perfectionism and imposter syndrome can function as survival strategies. This episode explores how systemic bias, internalized messages, and structural barriers shape both the lived experience and the diagnostic process for BIPOC clients—and how therapists can provide more affirming, effective care.

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Topics Covered:

  • Identify culturally shaped presentations of ADHD in adult clients
  • Differentiate between executive dysfunction and internalized identity beliefs
  • Understand the role of perfectionism, masking, and burnout in neurodivergent professionals
  • Apply practical, culturally responsive interventions to support BIPOC clients with ADHD
  • Challenge your own diagnostic assumptions and supervision practices

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Resources:

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About Our Guest: Dr. Shauna Pollard (she/her) is a licensed psychologist specializing in ADHD and executive functioning in high-achieving professionals, particularly those working in tech, healthcare, and academia. Through her private practice, she serves clients across multiple states and is authorized to practice in over 40 states via PSYPACT.

Dr. P helps BIPOC professionals break limiting patterns and pursue their goals with greater ease and authenticity. Her approach integrates evidence-based practices with culturally attuned, strengths-based strategies. She also leads a virtual group for BIPOC clinicians with ADHD and delivers trainings and talks for organizations on neurodivergence, procrastination, perfectionism, and workplace well-being.

For those seeking deeper transformation, she offers therapy intensives—customized, immersive sessions designed for lasting change.

Before earning her doctorate, Dr. P spent six years conducting research aimed at increasing minority representation in STEM fields. She earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and her BA from Emory University. She completed her internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the Memphis VA Medical Center, where she trained in evidence-based treatments for trauma, mood disorders, and integrated behavioral health.

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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This Episode is Sponsored by Jane

This episode is proudly sponsored by Jane, the practice management software that simplifies scheduling, charting, billing, and running your therapy business – all in one place.

Use code AFFIRM1MO to receive a 1-month grace period when you sign up:
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