Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD

Latest Episodes:

40: ADHD in the Classroom with Lisa Navarra Jan 19, 2023

Show notes

Children with ADHD receive significantly more negative messages in their lifetime than their neurotypical peers. Today's episode of the Soaring Child Podcast is going to explore how teachers, educators, and parents can help overcome that.

Lisa Navarra is a special education teacher and behavioral specialist with over 20 years' experience. She's also an author and a parent herself. Lisa has taught and consulted with students and parents from preschool all the way up to high school. She's the founder of the Student Success Beyond Expectations Podcast and Child Behavior Consulting. She empowers professionals and parents to help children find success inside and outside of the classroom.

Lisa's children's book series, Henry's Tools, serve as a platform for adults to understand self-regulation and executive functioning and for students and children to learn to focus, reach their potential, and be the very best they can be as they learn to self-regulate and believe in themselves.

In this episode, discover strategies that parents and educators alike can implement to help students build their working memory, close achievement gaps at school, develop a growth mindset, and more.

Key Takeaways:

[3:30] How we can help children be successful at school

[5:42] Why children with ADHD often develop negative mindsets and how parents & educators can help

[7:32] Behavior Specific Praise - what is it and some examples

[9:11] How to close the achievement gap at school

[12:35] How a parent can approach a teacher to discuss challenges in the classroom

[16:50] What a parent can do when a teacher is willing to adjust their teaching styles for a student

[19:01] Additional strategies to help children develop that growth mindset

[21:41] Tips to help build working memory

[23:29] Tools for older children' working memory

[27:18] Lisa's book series

[31:42] Lisa's top tip to help children soar

Memorable Quotes:

"We need to really pay attention to the way in which we 1) speak to these children - and all children - as well as how we teach them."

"We really need to understand executive functioning and self-regulation."

"To prevent them from failing, we really need to focus on 1) their growth mindset and 2) reading."

"Before we even know it, we are pigeonholing these children into thinking they are not good and to having a fixed mindset."

"I'm a big advocate for what's called Behavior Specific Praise. Behavior Specific Praise helps to shape self talk."

"A lot of our kids compare themselves to others so they end up thinking, 'Okay, well, I can't do it,' OR they start thinking, 'Okay, I'm not only going to get it right, but I'm going to perfect with it.'"

"Really identifying how the student or the child is feeling, modeling ourselves that growth mindset and saying, 'Okay, I made a mistake. What's the lesson in this?"

"Asking a lot of questions to your child is super important. We have to make sure our children are hearing what we're saying with the message we intend."

"Working memory has 3 parts: the ability to acquire to learn, access to remember, and then to apply."

"Just having a cute visual or having a checklist on the binder is not enough. You have to tie in the action with the outcome."

"Believe in your child. Let them know you believe in them. Have them say it so they can hear it."

How to Connect with Lisa Navarra

Website: https://childbehaviorconsulting.com/lisa-navarra/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisanavarraedu/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lisanavarraedu?lang=en

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/60vi5zx5hzHyknlTmF7WAV

Dana Kay Resources:

Website: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass – https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd

ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

39: Gut Brain Connection with Kiran Krishnan Jan 12, 2023

Show notes

On this week's edition of Soaring Child, we're joined by Kiran Krishnan, a research microbiologist who's a renowned expert on the human microbiome.

Your microbiome, or gut, is a dense set of neurons that cover the entire digestive tract and can control the brain through circulation, the neurological system, immune system and lymphatic system. All these highways allow the gut and brain to constantly be influencing each other because they're two parts of the same system.

In kids with ADHD, the gut-brain connection can be disrupted as early as in the womb through the mom's gut bacteria. Many spectrum disorders are related to gestational stress. However, it's never too late to make significant improvements.

If your child has neurodevelopmental concerns or symptoms, start by getting your child a quality stool test recommended by your practitioner.

Alpha diversity is very important for the gut as well. Without big groups of different microbes, we lose functionality which can cause developmental disorders, allergies and asthma.

So how do you grow alpha diversity in your gut? First, diversify your diet. Visit an ethnic market or buy different foods once a week. Eat lots of fiber-rich foods, use less cleaning products in the home, and get outside in nature with your family. Also getting a dog helps the microbiome.

There isn't a magic bullet when it comes to your microbiome – it's a complex ecosystem where small changes add up to big changes over time. It's equally important to take care of yourself, not just your kids. Make it a family affair.

Key Takeaways:

[4:18] The gut-brain connection in general

[7:32] The gut-brain connection in relation to ADHD

[10:51] Stress test done on mice

[12:18] How a parent knows if there's a gut-brain issue where the brain is compromised

[16:09] Starting with a stool test

[22:55] Black box technology

[27:33] Chronic conditions that occur when we lose microbes

[29:13] How to diversify your diet

[31:23] Why you should reduce cleaners in your household

[33:26] Why eating outside in nature is important

[36:00] The quality of probiotic products on the market

How To Connect With Kiran:

www.microbiomelabs.com

https://www.facebook.com/microbiomelabs

https://www.instagram.com/kiranbiome/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Mq2w90UmLQ

Memorable Quotes:

"You absolutely have to go after the gut no matter what the central nervous system or brain-related issue is, because it is going to be a component of the problem."

"You should never ignore the gut as you're looking at improving your child's development and as you're looking at improving a child's cognitive performance. It's absolutely critical."

"Microbes influence each other's behaviors by their presence. So you could find a pathogen in the gut and go, holy cow, I have a pathogen. That's bad. Well, that's not necessarily bad. It depends on who else is there to control the pathogen and facilitate other functions out of it."

"Most of your genetic elements come from the microbiome. We have 150 times more genes in our microbes than we do in our own cells. So we are essentially a very complex microbial structure."

"It's equally important for you to take care of yourself as much as your kids, because there is something called a microbiome cloud around your home. We share a biome within our household."

Dana Kay Resources:

Website - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adhdthriveinstitute

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/74302454/

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

ADHD Parenting Course - https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd

ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

38: 3 Ways to Naturally Reduce ADHD Symptoms with Dana Kay Jan 05, 2023

Show notes

In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast, we go back to the basics. I remember years ago when my son was really struggling with ADHD, feeling so overwhelmed, not knowing what to do or whom to trust. There was so much information out there about how to best support a child with ADHD that I didn't know where to start and what was going to be the most effective.

In this episode, I will give you a clear direction of how to start the year right with a tried and tested method that not only worked for my son, but also worked for nearly 1000 other families I have personally worked with. I don't want you to waste your time or your money on things that might not work.

Listen in to discover three specific strategies to put into practice today to start seeing improvements in the ADHD behavior and symptoms of your child.

Here are the 2 links mentioned in the episode:

Free webinar - https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/25min-webinar-registration

Book a free call - https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/meet

Key Takeaways:

[4:45] Strategy #1 - remove the top 3 inflammatory foods
[5:01] Primary reasons gluten should be removed from the diet
[8:19] Primary reasons dairy should be removed from the diet
[8:36] 2 reasons soy should be removed from the diet
[10:05] Free webinar where parents can learn more
[10:20] Opportunity to book a free call
[10:38] Strategy #2 - cut out excess sugar and artificial flavors and colors
[12:48] Code words for sugar
[13:41] Artificial flavors and colors
[19:20] Strategy #3 - what to eat instead

Memorable Quotes:

"Get rid of the top inflammatory foods, namely gluten, dairy, and soy."

"Gluten is so inflammatory that I suggest everyone, even those without ADHD or a known gluten intolerance, stop eating it. Plain and simple, gluten is harmful for everyone."

"When we removed gluten from my son's diet, he became a completely different child. Calm. Focused. Able to sit still."

"Many parents overlook the importance of blood sugar management because they think of it in connection with diabetes, not ADHD. But blood sugar management is important for all of us, whether we have diabetes or not."

"Did you know there are chemicals allowed into food in the United States that are banned either partially or entirely in other countries?"

"EVERYONE is negatively affected by artificial colors. They are bad for all of us, a general public health concern!"

"Companies actually use different formulas for American consumers than for those outside the USA. In Britain, food is made with real ingredients. Actual food! But in America, chemicals are added to food, with no warning label at all! This needs to change! Consumers in America should be offered the same ingredients as those outside of the USA, rather than their chemical counterparts."

"It's not just about what you TAKE OUT of the diet but also about what you put in."

Dana Kay Resources:

Website: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/mycompany/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass – https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

37: 2022 - It's Been a Fabulous Year, Let's Recap Dec 22, 2022

Show notes

On this week's edition of Soaring Child, host Dana Kay reflects on 2022 and the most common question asked – Where do I start in trying to naturally reduce ADHD symptoms in my child?

She says:

My son, Oliver, is a living example of treating ADHD without medication. He was four when diagnosed with ADHD and ended up on multiple prescriptions. Through a long process of trial and error, I did my own research. That started me on a journey as a board-certified holistic health and nutrition practitioner with multiple certifications in this area. I'm a best-selling author and leading advocate for natural ADHD symptom reduction.

My son is now a teenager and thriving and has been off meds for years. I want you to know this is possible for you too. Medication is NOT the only way.

Earlier this year, I heard from a family who was finally able to enroll their daughter in dance class, something they had wanted to do for years but couldn't because she was unable to manage her emotions. Now, they have reduced inflammation in her body so that she can manage her emotions and have fun doing things she has always wanted to do. Another mom said her son has friends at school for the first time. When families learn how to reduce inflammation in the body, they start to see major improvements in their child's symptoms. You can do it too.

This year, we've talked about amazing topics like essential oils, healthy communication, acupuncture, parenting tips, ADHD superpowers, managing amino acids, picky eating, eczema, chiropractic care, and so much more. We'll be back on January 5, 2023 with another amazing line-up of speakers and topics.

In the meantime, check out the following resources:

The ADHD Diet, part 1: Addressing the #1 Treatment for Kids with ADHD https://sites.libsyn.com/402857/the-adhd-diet-part-1

The ADHD Diet, part 2: The 5 Worst Foods to Feed Kids with ADHD https://sites.libsyn.com/402857/the-adhd-diet-part-2-the-5-worst-foods-to-feed-kids-with-adhd The Beginner's Guide to Thriving with ADHD Naturally https://programs.adhdthriveinstitute.com/offers/KhUALpNu/checkout

Key Takeaways:

[1:34] The story of Dana's son, Oliver

[3:38] How it's possible to reduced ADHD symptoms using natural strategies

[5:07] Success stories of clients

[8:20] Some of the guests and topics covered this year

Memorable Quotes:

"When families learn how to reduce inflammation in the body, they start to see major improvements in their child's symptoms."

"I thought with that prescription medication, this was going to be the pill that would fix my family, but I was very, very wrong."

"Having meltdowns or tantrums multiple times a day or once a day or every day, that's not normal. That's a sign that something else is going on in the body, and it has to get checked out."

"If you've been told that medication is the only way, if you are going on a vicious cycle of trial and error adjusting the dose and adding new medication, there is another way."

Dana Kay Resources:

Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

ADHD Parenting Course - https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd

ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Website - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adhdthriveinstitute

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/74302454/

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

36: To Punish or Not To Punish, That is the Question with Lori Long & Katie Severson Dec 15, 2022

Show notes

On this week's edition of Soaring Child, we're joined by child psychologist Lori Long and certified speech language pathologist Katie Severson. They were instrumental in creating the Childhood Collective, designed to empower parents by teaching science-backed strategies to raise confident children with ADHD.

One approach is to look at the ABCs of behavior -- A being antecedent, B being behavior and C being consequences. The antecedent is looking at what occurs before the behavior that might trigger it. The consequence is what happens after the child engages in the behavior and how it serves them. For example, lying could be an avoidance behavior. It's important to ask kids what's bothering them and unpack the problem so you can solve it by changing up the antecedents.

Communication is essential in changing behavior, including asking questions like, "What's so hard about this?" or "What emotions were you feeling when I asked you to do this?" Instead of punishing your child for a behavior, ask yourself what your child's need is and what they are communicating to you. The goal is to teach a more desirable behavior to get those needs met.

It's also important to set up routines and really connect with your child by leaning into their interests and helping to build skills, especially their unique executive functioning skills.

Punishment will give you the quickest fix, but it doesn't teach any new skills, so it won't help kids in the long run. Teaching new behaviors takes time, but it can be done by using positive language, giving positive feedback, and building them up in a positive way. That's how to make long-term changes in the brain.

Key Takeaways:

[3:35] What the Childhood Collective is and how it formed

[5:52] The ABCs of behavior

[8:45] The example of lying as an ADHD behavior

[12:08] Example of cleaning up their room

[16:22] Focusing on connection

[17:14] The role of executive functioning

[21:52] Why punishment doesn't work in the long run

[24:20] The right dose of medication

[25:27] Dealing with homework

[27:33] Using consequences in a positive way

[33:38] Supporting kids with ADHD in school

How To Connect With Lori & Katie:

www.thechildhoodcollective.com

Instagram: @thechildhoodcollective

Facebook: @childhoodcollective

TikTok: @thechildhoodcollective

Memorable Quotes:

"They get to escape something that's undesirable, and we try and figure that out to understand what they are trying to get and how we can give that to them in a way that's acceptable."

"Instead of punishing your child for this thing that's maybe not going to be an effective punishment, you're looking at it and saying, what is my child's need here?"

"ADHD results in difficulty regulating attention, and when kids are focused on one thing, they're not hearing the other."

"A punishment will actually give you the quickest fix, but it's also the shortest fix because it doesn't teach any new skills."

"We really want parents to think about what could be going on here and how we can change the situation in the beginning and how we can set kids up for success."

Dana Kay Resources:

Website - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adhdthriveinstitute

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/74302454/

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass – https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd

ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

35: Sleep Techniques for the Whole Family with Kim West Dec 08, 2022

Show notes

On this week's edition of Soaring Child, we're joined by Kim West, the best-selling author of The Sleep Lady's Goodnight Sleep Tight. She's been training gentle sleep coaches internationally since 2010 and has been featured on Dr. Phil and Good Morning America as a leading child's sleep expert.

So many kids with ADHD struggle with sleep, which in turn affects the parents' sleep as well. In fact, more than 50% of non-neurotypical kids have behavioral sleep problems.

When our bodies go to sleep, they work on our immune system and with kids, the body often produces growth hormones during sleep. The body is also working on memory, retention, storage and organization during sleep, as well as short-term learning.

So when a child is sleep-deprived, it makes it harder for them to learn, to remember, and to pay attention, basically exacerbating ADHD symptoms. Many other conditions also affect sleep like asthma (and asthma meds), obstructive sleep apnea, gut issues, reflux, restless leg syndrome, and eczema.

Kim's gentle sleep method has the parent stay in the room with the child while they learn, but then does less and less as the child learns to put themselves to sleep. It's important to follow through with consistency.

She also recommends getting at least 8 hours of sleep, while going to bed and waking up at the same time. She also suggests having a routine before sleep to trigger melatonin in the body. These tips work for kids as well as adults.

Key Takeaways:

[4:45] The mechanics of falling asleep

[8:45] Why kids with ADHD are affected more from sleep deprivation

[14:16] Kim's Gentle Sleep Method

[16:48] Most common underlying conditions that may be contributing to sleep issues

[19:02] Most common signs of sleep apnea

[26:30] Guide of how many hours of sleep a child needs at different ages

[28:20] Good sleep hygiene tips

[37:28] Kim West's upcoming books

[39:56] How naps affect sleep

How To Connect With Kim:

http://www.facebook.com/TheSleepLady

https://instagram.com/thesleeplady/

https://www.youtube.com/c/TheSleepLady1/

http://www.pinterest.com/thesleeplady/

Memorable Quotes:

"We are dealing with children that have problems with attention. They have an attention deficit. So when you have a kid that's not sleeping well, it affects it even more."

"That growth, that repair of the brain and the body is so important and is happening while we're sleeping."

"I developed a method where you stay with them while they learn. You do less and less and move away as they incorporate the skill of putting themselves to sleep."

"Probably what's most important is that we follow through with consistency."

"Having a routine actually helps tell the brain to start secreting melatonin, the drowsy making hormone that helps you start getting ready for sleep."

Dana Kay Resources:

Website - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adhdthriveinstitute

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/74302454/

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass – https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd

ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

34: Executive Functioning with Elaine Taylor-Klaus Dec 01, 2022

Show notes

On this week's edition of Soaring Child, we're joined by Elaine Taylor-Klaus, who's an author, parent educator, and certified coach, as well as the CEO of ImpactParents.com. She co-created the Sanity School Behavior Therapy Training Program to support parents of ADHD kids.

A lot of kids with ADHD have poor executive functioning skills, which help us organize, think, plan, and prioritize. It's basically how our mind works to get everything done. Executive functioning includes memory issues, emotional management, hyperactivity, sequencing, action, and engagement. These all interact with one another, so the challenge isn't in just one area. With ADHD, executive functioning can be impacted significantly, with kids not knowing how to complete tasks even if their mental abilities are quite high.

Parents of children with ADHD need to be trained to understand how to create an environment that's supportive for their kids who have difficulty with executive functioning. The parents' behavior is a critical factor in helping kids change. So is nutrition and mindset. Shifting our perspective allows for behaviors to change, which in turn changes the outcome.

Make sure you've pinpointed the right problem by breaking it down and looking at what's really happening. Take it in small parts to solve the bigger behavioral issues. As a parent, you can do it. You just can't do it all at once.

You should also enroll your child collaboratively in the process of understanding how you can solve this problem together. This gives them a sense of ownership.

Our kids need positive parenting in the context of understanding executive function and setting appropriate expectations. To feel seen, respected, and regarded in the relationship is the core of all of it.

Key Takeaways:

[3:13] Why Elaine started Impact Parents

[5:11] Why parents have to be trained first for their kids with ADHD

[6:46] The role of nutrition in treating ADHD

[8:22] Why mindset matters

[13:21] Definition of executive functioning

[15:06] The different areas that are impacted in executive functioning

[17:46] The Coach Approach to Parenting

[24:13] Working toward long-term goals

[36:23] Parenting teens with ADHD

How To Connect With Elaine:

https://www.impactparents.com

https://impactparents.com/podcast/

https://impactparents.com/blog

Memorable Quotes:

"A lot of the behavior management comes from really connecting to our kids in a relationship and building trust so that we can guide them to make healthier, better choices for themselves."

"Our job as parents is to understand what's going on with our kids well enough to accept it without judgment and blame or shame."

"Understanding the extent to which they're struggling with executive function is really important in helping them learn to navigate it."

"If you're problem-solving on homework and you're trying to make sure they get it turned in and the real problem is getting started, then you're not tackling the right problem."

"We have to let go of that fierce attachment to the outcome in the short term and really invest in our relationship with them in the long term and in their relationship with themself."

Dana Kay Resources:

Website - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adhdthriveinstitute

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/74302454/

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass – https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd

ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

33: A Natural Approach to Autism with Luminara Serdar Nov 24, 2022

Show notes

On this week's edition of Soaring Child, we're joined by Luminara Serdar, an autism recovery expert who helps parents discover and address the root causes of behavior so that their children can be calm and happy.

She discovered the neuromodulation technique at the recommendation of another parent to treat her own allergies. Soon she realized that it could help kids with autism in many ways. Neuromodulation works by giving the body a therapeutic intention to shift by finding errors that the nervous or the immune system is making and correcting them. It's a new way to make the brain work.

Luminara explains that we have to train the brain to think there's a different way to do things by identifying the errors and correcting them. It is literally an intention. The body is asked questions through muscle testing and it responds through strong or weak reactions, using the subconscious mind. It's also important to use drainage and detoxification to get rid of toxins and waste that's clogged in the body and disrupts our biochemistry. Many of these toxins come from diet and environment – everything from plastics to body products to air fresheners.

When these steps are taken, inflammation in the body goes down, better sleep increases, and a child with ADHD or autism can learn how to become calmer and happier. Remember to keep a calm energy as a parent and maintain a safe environment for your child.

Key Takeaways:

[4:40] How Luminara started working with kids with autism

[7:33] What neuromodulation technique actually is

[10:00] How to retrain your body to feel something different

[14:33] Other techniques used to help kids with autism

[25:04] Toxins that are in our everyday environment

[32:10] The importance of taking binders on a regular basis

How To Connect With Luminara:

https://www.instagram.com/autismtransformed/

Luminara's Toxic Products Scavenger Hunt List - https://autismtransformed.com/dana-kay-podcast-landing/

https://www.facebook.com/autismtransformed

To rate cleaning products and water - https://www.ewg.org

Memorable Quotes:

"I think we need to get our kids off this chronic illness cycle by helping them to stay cleaner and have a lifestyle that sustains them, not overwhelms them."

"Allergies are very tied to emotion, and emotions can really affect allergy behavior. So it's all tied in. It's very holistic."

"What I realized is these kids, at least the ones I get that I work with, are super toxic. They have a full bucket, and it's hard to get more in there. That's when I started focusing on drainage and detoxification."

"The more you take the stuff out of their bodies, the less they want to sit on the iPads, the less they want to look at technology, and the more ability they have to take in the world around them."

"Symptoms like hyperactivity, tantrums, and meltdowns are warning signs from the body that something else is wrong, and that's their way of saying, 'Mom, Dad, there's something wrong with me.'"

"This was my biggest lesson being a parent. My biggest lesson in life is how to shift my mindset, how to really approach things in a different way."

Dana Kay Resources:

Website - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adhdthriveinstitute

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/74302454/

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass – https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd

ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

32: Navigating a Healthy Marriage for Parents of Kids with ADHD with Dr. Sarah Salzman Nov 17, 2022

Show notes

On this week's edition of Soaring Child, we're joined by Dr. Sarah Salzman, a leading couple psychologist and founder and CEO of the Couples Communication Institute, dedicated to helping couples achieve lasting closeness and intimacy through effective communication.

Having a child with ADHD can put a lot of pressure on any marriage, so it's important to communicate in a way that stays safe and calm for both partners. Often ADHD kids are in a fight or flight mode, but that doesn't mean that parents have to go there too.

So what tools are effective in healthy communication? Before you begin to communicate with your partner, make sure they're in a space where they can't be interrupted and are ready to listen. Think through what you want to talk about beforehand, and limit it to one thing. Then determine how you feel about it inside, what your goal is for the conversation, and the best place and time to have the conversation. Check in with your partner if that time and place is good for them too.

Think of something you appreciate about your partner that's connected to your goal. Be sure to engage in active listening and repeat what the other person is saying to confirm you're hearing each other and to validate what they're saying.

The bottom line is to feel seen, heard, and understood by your partner and for them to feel the same way. Even in disagreement, you need to honor each other's values in reaching a decision or compromise.

Key Takeaways:

[6:22] Asking to talk to your partner

[8:20] Five things to consider before a conversation

[13:34] Choosing the right time for a conversation

[17:58] Approaching our children for a conversation

[19:00] Asking for time from your partner

[33:19] Discussing areas of disagreement

How To Connect With Sarah:

https://CouplesCommunicationInstitute.com/Quiz/

https://CouplesCommunicationInstitute.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CouplesCommunicationInstitute

https://www.instagram.com/CouplesCommunicationInstitute/

Memorable Quotes:

"I see pretty much any conversation with your partner as an opportunity for a connection and an opportunity to strengthen the bond between the two of you."

"We prioritize the quality of our conversations, even when our kids are tough and things are tough. It's showing each other how important each other is, how important our relationship is."

"To carve out these 10 minutes or these 20 minutes for a quality conversation, the result is we're going to feel closer and more connected. And that is gold."

"The speaker really wants to hear the listener validate what they heard."

"When I can validate that where you're coming from makes sense, and when you can validate where I'm coming from is making sense, then we can become a team."

Dana Kay Resources:

Website - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adhdthriveinstitute

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/74302454/

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass – https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd

ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

31: Functional Medicine with Aaron Hartman Nov 10, 2022

Show notes

On this week's edition of Soaring Child, we're joined by Aaron Hartman, a functional medicine doctor and founder of the Virginia Research Center, currently serving as an assistant clinical professor of family medicine at the VC School of Medicine.

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD and is taking one or more medications for it, you might want to take a second look at what's going on. ADHD is a syndrome, not a disease, which means that many different factors could be the cause of the condition, and if you take away the causes, the symptoms may go away.

What's called ADHD may actually be caused by nutrient deficiencies, mold, hypermobility, brain inflammation, and poor gut health. Kids are eating a lot more processed foods and sugar these days, and they may be exposed to mold at school. They're also given laptops to take home from their schools, exposing them to a lot of blue light. All these things are neuro-inflammatory and can contribute to the symptoms associated with ADHD.

For starters, changing the diet, not sitting in front of a computer for hours, and getting physical exercise can help to alleviate the symptoms. Taking a closer look at these key areas of your children's lifestyle and health is the first step, so you can harness their bodies' remarkable power to heal and help them to begin living the vibrant life they deserve.

Key Takeaways:

[6:56] What can cause brain inflammation

[7:52] Mold issues in schools

[10:21] What you can do to counteract mold nutritionally

[11:15] Best detoxifiers for mold

[11:26] The danger of low cholesterol in kids

[12:18] What hypermobility is

[15:44] How to get the nutrients found in organ meat

[16:41] Role of gut health and brain health in ADHD

[19:30] Potential harmful effect of laptops in schools

[23:21] Difference between a syndrome and a diagnosis

How To Connect With Aaron:

https://www.richmondfunctionalmedicine.com

https://www.facebook.com/RVAintegrative/

https://www.instagram.com/rvaintegrative/?hl=en

Aaron Hartman MD (@aaronhartmanMD) / Twitter

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-hartman

https://www.youtube.com/c/AaronHartmanMD

Memorable Quotes:

"There are a whole host of things that can cause brain inflammation. One of the biggest ones is gut issues."

"Even just being at school, forget technology, forget all the crazy stuff, just the environment of having increased particles in the air like dirty air, mold, all these things can make these kids more brain inflamed that can lead to some of these symptoms."

"Gut health, getting the right mix of bacteria in your GI tract, enough fiber, having regular bowel movements, having a really healthy diet can actually affect the neurotransmitter function in your brain."

"If you have leaky gut, by definition you have leaky brain. 80% of the communication between the gut and the brain comes from the gut."

"Parents have to realize they have options. They might find alternative educational opportunities for the kids. It might mean they put them in different schools. It might mean they homeschool. There are a whole host of opportunities now."

"When you see a kid with ADHD, screen them for depression. Sometimes depressed kids can look like they have ADHD."

Dana Kay Resources:

Website - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adhdthriveinstitute

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/74302454/

Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass – https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd