The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast

Latest Episodes:

ADHD Medication for Kids: What Parents Need to Know with Dr. Bill Dodson May 27, 2024

Show notes

If you are considering ADHD medication for your child, it can be hard to sort through the fear, opinions, and conflicting information. In this episode of the ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, Kate Brownfield talks with ADHD psychiatrist Dr. Bill Dodson about how ADHD medications are used, what parents should watch for, and why finding the right medication and dose can take trial and adjustment.

Dr. Dodson discusses stimulant medications, alpha agonists such as guanfacine and clonidine, and how medication may affect more than attention alone, including impulsivity, hyperarousal, emotional regulation, and sleep. He also explains his approach to identifying the specific ADHD symptoms that are interfering most with a child’s daily life and using those symptoms to evaluate whether treatment is actually helping.

The conversation also covers medication titration, side effects, the role of exercise, and why Dr. Dodson encourages families to work with a clinician who has meaningful experience treating ADHD rather than relying on a professional title alone.

This episode gives parents a deeper look at ADHD medication so they can ask better questions of their child’s medical provider and make informed decisions based on their child’s individual needs.

Always make medical decisions with a qualified healthcare professional who knows your child’s medical history.

Want more support raising a child with ADHD? Visit ADHDKidsCanThrive.com to explore parent coaching, practical resources, and the latest programs designed to help you better understand your child and know what to do next.

Tools to Build Time Management Skills May 20, 2024

Show notes

My guest is Mindy Hudon, a speech-language pathologist, author, and creator of innovative educational tools. She has dedicated herself to empowering children and adults alike to overcome communication challenges and develop essential life skills, such as executive function skills.

Mindy has created a series of innovative and engaging educational tools. This episode digs into her creation, the "Be a Timekeeper Clock", aimed at helping young children to grasp the concept of time enjoyable. Moreover, we discuss her award-winning graphic novel, "Cody's Adventures, How I Learned to Defeat the Time Snatchers," crafted to appeal to teens while serving essential executive function strategies. Engage with Mindy as she takes us through her personal and professional experiences, yielding valuable insights. She lays bare her experiences as a speech-language pathologist, working with patients suffering from traumatic brain injuries or strokes, her transition into the school systems, and her endeavors to help her own child overcome executive function challenges.

Book on Amazon: Link to Buy Mindy's Book

Learn More:https://www.mindyhudon.com/

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Topics covered in this episode:

Mindy’s personal and professional journey working with kids who struggle with time management.
Why time management is hard for kids with ADHD?
Strategies to put in place to help support time management
How can her children’s book teach young teens about time management?
Mindy’s words of wisdom.

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Learn More From Kate at http://adhdkidscanthrive.com/

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Thank you for listening!

#adhd

#adhdkid

#adhdparent

#adhdkidscanthrive

#adhdparentsupport

#adhdsupport

#specialed

#parenting

#ADHDkidhealth

#brainhealth

#anxiety

#depression

#learningdisabilities

#dyslexia

#executivefunctioning

#dyslexic

#kidsbooks

#timemanagment

An Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to Whole Child Resilience May 13, 2024

Show notes

My guest is Dr. Elisa Song, a Stanford-, NYU-, UCSF-trained integrative pediatrician - and she is on a mission to revolutionize the future of children’s health! In 2005, the New England Journal of Medicine predicted that for the first time in history, our children are expected to have a shorter lifespan than us, their parents. Fast forward almost 20 years, and things aren’t much better. She does just that with her groundbreaking new book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to Whole Child Resilience. Creating a resilient, thriving microbiome is the key to raising resilient, thriving kids from the inside out. In Healthy Kids, Happy Kids, Dr. Song shares her proven and practical plan for creating Microbiome Magic every day—for your whole family!

Learn about the significance of gut health in children and understand its profound impact on overall wellness, particularly for neurodivergent children. Dr. Song educates on the role of food, diet, and lifestyle in maintaining children's health. It sheds light on the gut-brain connection and how nurturing this dynamic can regulate children's moods, mental health, attention, and focus. Listen in to unravel how gut microbiome issues can cause allergies, asthma, and behavioral problems, and understand the power of 'psychobiotics' in regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.

This episode is a perfect blend of critical insights into achieving better health for children through conscious nutrition and lifestyle choices, building stronger gut health, and understanding the role of the gut in overall physical and mental health. Dr. Song helps parents chart a course for healthier environments and shares guidance on tackling common childhood ailments naturally.

Learn More:https://www.healthykidshappykids.com/book/

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Topics covered in this episode:

How are our brain and our gut connected?
What does our skin indicate about our health?
What does our poop indicate about our health?
How can a child buy into their own health?
How are ultra-processed foods hurting an individual?
What role can antibiotics play in disrupting our gut health?
How do we use natural remedies to support our health?
A suggested protocol of supplements if ADHD is involved?
Dr. Song’s words of wisdom for parents raising neurodivergent kids?

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Learn More From Kate at http://adhdkidscanthrive.com/

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Thank you for listening!

#adhd

#adhdkid

#adhdparent

#adhdkidscanthrive

#adhdparentsupport

#adhdsupport

#specialed

#parenting

#ADHDkidhealth

#brainhealth

#anxiety

#depression

#learningdisabilities

#dyslexia

#executivefunctioning

#dyslexic

#foodismedicine

#rootcausemedicine

Growing Up Highly Sensitive May 06, 2024

Show notes

My guest is Jim Rajan, an international seer. He started his professional life working in film and TV and then moved to study world healing methods, including shamanism, reiki, Traditional Chinese medicine, and Daoist training. Jim grew up struggling with attention and learning. He was highly sensitive and a feeler of rejection. As a child, they thought he was autistic. He failed to thrive as a baby, and they put it down to transmitted anxiety. Receiving anxiety from others was painful and confusing for Jim. Now, he does deep healing work for others.

Listeners are given an intimate peek into Jim's journey of self-discovery through his own struggles. The conversation illuminates the art of raising highly sensitive children while navigating the accompanying fears.

This episode engages in educational critiques, calling attention to the educational system's failure to appropriately address the needs of children with emotional fluxes. Despite the pitfalls of parenting, Jim emphasizes the unique 'mission' it offers. He draws upon Buddhist beliefs and personal motivation, discussing the role of suffering in instilling growth and resilience.

Learn More on Jim Rajan: https://jimrajan.com/

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Topics covered in this episode:

What is a Seer?
Jim shares his own journey growing up and struggles with going to school.
Jim shares his definition of a highly sensitive person.
How does Jim’s family support him?
How did Jim build resilience in his life?
His words of wisdom for parents.

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Learn More From Kate at http://adhdkidscanthrive.com/

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Thank you for listening!

#adhd

#adhdkid

#adhdparent

#adhdkidscanthrive

#adhdparentsupport

#adhdsupport

#specialed

#parenting

#ADHDkidhealth

#brainhealth

#anxiety

#depression

#learningdisabilities

#dyslexia

#executivefunctioning

#dyslexic

Clarifying the ambiguity around ADHD in Kids Apr 29, 2024

Show notes

Could your child be struggling with ADHD even if teachers say they’re doing fine?

ADHD does not always look like hyperactivity, disruptive behavior, or obvious problems at school. In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, Kate Brownfield, ACC, talks with pediatric neuropsychologist Dr. Katja Fredriksen, co-author of Different Thinkers: ADHD, about how ADHD is diagnosed, why inattentive ADHD can be easier to miss—especially in girls—and when parents should take a closer look.

Dr. Fredriksen explains why ADHD symptoms need to be considered across different environments and in the context of a child’s developmental stage. She also discusses why bright, capable children may compensate successfully until the demands of middle school or high school increase and their executive-function challenges become harder to hide.

You’ll learn:

• Why ADHD may look different in girls
• What to do when parents see struggles that teachers are not seeing
• Why attention difficulties do not automatically mean ADHD
• How screens may interact with attention and ADHD
• When a “wait and see” approach may need a deadline
• How to talk with children about an ADHD diagnosis without creating shame
• Why understanding their own brain can help children become stronger self-advocates
• Why parents should consider “can’t do yet” versus “won’t do” when a child is not meeting expectations
• How recognizing strengths alongside challenges can protect confidence and self-esteem

Dr. Fredriksen also shares why children often already know when something feels harder for them—and why giving them an accurate, supportive explanation can be far healthier than letting them conclude they are simply “bad,” lazy, or not capable.

Her message for parents is simple: understand where your child is developmentally, look for what may be getting in the way, support the skills that are still developing, and remember to notice the strengths of the child in front of you.

Learn more about ADHD parent coaching and resources:
https://adhdkidscanthrive.com

Get the free ADHD Parent Reset:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/IUVgRZz

How to Use Mindfulness and Self-Compassion for Complexities of ADHD Apr 22, 2024

Show notes

My guest is Dr. Mark Bertin, an acclaimed developmental-behavioral pediatrician, assistant professor at New York Medical College, and author specializing in ADHD management. We delve into the world of ADHD, breaking down its complexities and how integrating mindfulness can transform the lives of families grappling with it.

Dr. Bertin extensively elaborates on the concept of ADHD as a developmental delay in managing daily life skills such as attention, organization, planning, time management, emotion, and effort. He reaffirms the effectiveness of mindfulness and self-compassion in managing ADHD-related stress and building resilience.

Taking a closer look at mindfulness, we explore how being fully present can help parents and children navigate the hurdles that come with ADHD. With mindfulness, parents can become more patient, responsive, and resilient, improving both their own well-being and their child's behavior.

We consider the complexities of modern life and school pressures, discussing how a mindful parenting approach can significantly enhance family life. Focusing on the importance of balancing our inherent negativity bias with gratitude and mindfulness, Dr. Bertin shares insights on elevating our general happiness amidst our digital age distractions.

As we delve deeper into the trials of parents dealing with ADHD, we examine societal pressures, misunderstandings, and the value of incorporating self-compassion into mindfulness practice. Self-compassion can improve our overall well-being, change our interactions with others, and boost our persistence and patience.

Finally, Dr. Bertin advocates for parents to prioritize their needs, be it through mindfulness practices or daily activities that maintain sanity. Parents need to be patient, resilient, and mindful in navigating the unique challenges imposed by ADHD.

More on Dr. Mark Bertin: https://developmentaldoctor.com/

Dr. Bertin’s Mindfullness Resources: https://developmentaldoctor.com/mindfulness-resources/

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Topics covered in this episode:

What is mindfulness?
What is it about ADHD that makes life for parents more stressful?
How can you be mindful in a fast-moving world?
What are the types of mindful practices?
What is a self-compassion practice?
Dr. Bertin’s words of wisdom for parents?

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Learn More From Kate at http://adhdkidscanthrive.com/

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Thank you for listening!

#adhd

#adhdkid

#adhdparent

#adhdkidscanthrive

#adhdparentsupport

#adhdsupport

#specialed

#parenting

#ADHDkidhealth

#brainhealth

#anxiety

#depression

#learningdisabilities

#dyslexia

#executivefunctioning

#dyslexic

Loving the Different - A Journey to Self-Acceptance Apr 15, 2024

Show notes

My guest is Nathan Clarkson, a celebrated actor, best-selling author, and filmmaker who takes us through his remarkable life journey. Nathan, best known for his vivid creativity and a member of the esteemed Clarkson family, grew up facing numerous hurdles that included ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and learning disabilities. His thought-provoking experiences form the basis of the best-selling book "Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and The Mom Who Loved Him," a collaborative effort with his proud mother, Sally Clarkson.

Nathan details his journey from feeling out of place as a youth to a self-assured adult. The discourse underscores the paramount role of parents in providing for physical needs, engaging in meaningful conversations, demonstrating compassion, and showering unconditional love.

Nathan's story serves as a beacon of hope to everyone dealing with mental health and learning challenges. It underscores the possibility of a resilient, fulfilling life filled with self-love, acceptance, and overall wellness.

"Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and Mom Who Loved Him" is Nathan and his mother's joint effort to narrate their inspiring tale of perseverance. His story is significant for individuals feeling out of place, indicating hope and strength in unconventional journeys.

Nathan emphasizes his deep sense of spirituality and its pivotal role in his resilience. He credits his belief in a purposeful divine design for his strength, making it his anchor in uncertain times.

Coming into his own as a thriving adult in the creative industry, Nathan delights in his roles as an actor, filmmaker, and writer, bearing testament to his inspiring journey. He concludes the episode with practical tips for parents and educators on appreciating and enhancing the uniqueness of children with ADHD.

Join Nathan to explore the beauty in uniqueness, the strength in accepting one's self, and the power in erasing societal molds to reveal our true selves.

More on Nathan Clarkson: https://www.instagram.com/nathanjclarkson/

Link to his book “Different” on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PZbK5J

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Topics covered in this episode:

Nathan Clarkson gives us some history on the type of kid he was growing up.
Why did he write the book with his Mom about his journey?
The arc of his life from a child to a young adult?
How does Nate’s spiritual life play a role in his own resiliency?
What Nate is doing now as an adult?
What are Nathan’s words of wisdom for kids and/or parents who feel like out-of-the-box kids?

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Learn More From Kate at http://adhdkidscanthrive.com/

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Thank you for listening!

#adhd

#adhdkid

#adhdparent

#adhdkidscanthrive

#adhdparentsupport

#adhdsupport

#specialed

#parenting

#ADHDkidhealth

#brainhealth

#anxiety

#depression

#learningdisabilities

#dyslexia

#executivefunctioning

#dyslexic

How our nervous systems effects us with Dr. Lori Desautles Apr 08, 2024

Show notes

My guest is Dr. Lori Desautels, author and Assistant Professor at Butler University since 2016 where she teaches both undergraduate and graduate programs in the College of Education. Lori was also an Assistant Professor at Marian University in Indianapolis for eight years where she founded the Educational Neuroscience Symposium that has now reached thousands of educators and is in its 15th year. Lori’s passion is engaging her students through the social and relational neurosciences as it applies to education. She does this by integrating the tier one trauma accommodating Applied Educational Neuroscience framework, and its learning principles and practices into her coursework at Butler. Lori is the author of several books such as Connections over Compliance, Eyes are Never Queit, Body and Brain Brilliance coming in 2024, and more.

In this profound episode, we present a comprehensive discussion with Dr. Lori Desautels, unraveling the complexities of behavior management in a changing socio-educational landscape post-COVID-19. We explore where behavior management is more about the adults, highlighting the imperative need for understanding and managing neurodiverse children with traumatic backgrounds. You'll understand the influential role that an adult's nervous system plays, and the paramount importance of adults being emotionally safe and available.

Listen as Lori critically examines the state of our society, the stress it places on our collective nervous systems, and the effects on homes, communities, and schools. Learn the necessity for coherence between families and schools and get unique insights on building a triadic connection between parents, school, and child. The episode narrates experiences of triumphs and challenges as a parent of a neurodiverse child, illuminating the importance of open communication between parents and teachers, and the transformative power of validation.

We offer invaluable advice on writing influential letters to educators and the need for sharing information about your neurodiverse child; while elucidating on the role of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals in fostering a sense of connection and emotional control. You'll also learn about viewing accommodations through an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) lens and its significance to the neurodiverse child.

In closing, the discussion highlights the need for parents to be attuned to their nervous systems, the importance of providing a safe emotional space for children, and the value of self-care. This episode delivers a thoughtful conversation on behavior management underpinned by empathy and understanding. Tune in for insights you wouldn't want to miss!

Learn more fromt Dr. Lori Desautels: :https://revelationsineducation.com/

Links to Resources mentioned in this podcast:

IEP goals focused on connection

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Topics covered in this episode:

Overall, how are kids doing in school post-Covid?
What role do phones play in kids' dysregulation?
What do schools value in their students?
What are the symptoms of dysregulation?
How do we create alignment between family and educators?
Creating IEP goals that focus on connection?
Dr. Lori’s words of wisdom for parents raising neurodivergent kids?

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Learn More From Kate at http://adhdkidscanthrive.com/

—------

Thank you for listening!

#adhd

#adhdkid

#adhdparent

#adhdkidscanthrive

#adhdparentsupport

#adhdsupport

#specialed

#parenting

#ADHDkidhealth

#brainhealth

#anxiety

#depression

#learningdisabilities

#dyslexia

#executivefunctioning

#dyslexic

#neurodiversity

Speech Therapy Techniques & Strategies with Chris Wegner - The Speech Dude Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

My guest is Chris Wegner, the acclaimed 'Speech Dude'. Wegner, a school-based Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) and a nationally renowned presenter helps us unfold the essentials of speech and language therapy and its significance for neurodiverse children.

Drawing from his 20 years of educational experience and his personal journey with ADHD, Chris delves into the diverse communication modes of neurodivergent learners and the role of SLPs. Listen as he underlines the need to provide neurodivergent students with the right tools and support, rather than forcing them into conventional molds.

This enlightening conversation invites the audience to explore the intricacy of sensory experiences common among neurodivergent learners. Learn why sensory regulation is crucial for effective learning and how settings can be modified to create a conducive environment for language development and social interaction. Discover how to strike a balance between sensory support and language learning for a profound understanding of speech and language pathology in aiding neurodivergent children.

Finally, the episode encourages self-advocacy skills in students and embarks on the discussion of the optimal age for children to start advocating for themselves. We advocate for a strengths-based approach and share insights on raising neurodivergent children, emphasizing the need to understand each child's intrinsic goodness. Listen in to foster a better understanding of every child's individual needs without changing their authentic self.

For even more insights, feel free to reach out to Speech Dude on Instagram with the word "bananas" for a treasure trove of helpful resources and support.

Learn more from Chris Wegner aka SpeechDude: https://www.instagram.com/speechdude/

Links to Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Loop Earplugs

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Topics covered in this episode:

The role of SLPs working with neurodivergent kids?
Chris’s journey growing up with ADHD?
provide neurodivergent students with the right tools and support, rather than forcing them into conventional molds.
How sensory therapy supports dysregulation
What are loop ears?
Support for fidgety kids?
When a neurodivergent child should be included in the IEP/504 process?
Chris’s words of wisdom for parents raising neurodivergent kids?

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Learn More From Kate at http://adhdkidscanthrive.com/

—------

Thank you for listening!

#adhd

#adhdkid

#adhdparent

#adhdkidscanthrive

#adhdparentsupport

#adhdsupport

#specialed

#parenting

#ADHDkidhealth

#brainhealth

#anxiety

#depression

#learningdisabilities

#dyslexia

#executivefunctioning

#dyslexic

#neurodiversity

#spl

#speechdude

How Ketogenic Diets Impact ADHD & Mental Health Mar 25, 2024

Show notes

My guest is Nicole Laurent, LMHC. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who helps people use ketogenic dietary therapy as a treatment for mental illness and neurological issues. She uses a variety of nutritional and functional methods of treatment in her work and provides evidence-based psychotherapy modalities in adult client populations. In addition to specialized training in clinical skills, including Behavior Therapy (BT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), she is trained in nutritional and metabolic therapies for mental health.

Through our discussion, Nicole engages listeners about the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry, including the significant role the ketogenic diet plays in improving mitochondrial function. We also delve into the reported advantages of the ketogenic diet for treating diverse neurological disorders and mental health conditions.

Nicole skillfully explains the particulars of utilizing the ketogenic diet as a tool for managing ADHD symptoms. She covers the importance of stabilization of the neural networks and the enhancement of brain energy metabolism, particularly in impulse control and focus areas. However, Nicole also emphasizes that not every child with ADHD may need a ketogenic diet, as there could be simpler ways to manage micronutrient deficiencies.

We venture to explore the underexplored nutritional dimensions of ADHD and mental health and discuss the critical role of essential nutrients in maintaining mental health. We challenge the prevailing psychopharmacology viewpoint and call for an urgent and nuanced understanding of the nutritional component of various mental health issues.

This episode is a valuable resource for every parent wishing to navigate the challenging waters of ADHD management and understand the implications of nutrition on their child's health. It emphasizes the potential benefits of dietary changes and the need to explore beyond stimulant medication.

We also critique the American diet culture and its implications on mental health while offering practical suggestions for making healthier eating choices.

We conclude the importance of proper nutrition in managing ADHD effectively and underline the vitality of educating oneself to ensure the best for a child's mental health.

Learn more from Nicole Laurent: https://mentalhealthketo.com/

Links to Resources mentioned in this podcast:

Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind by Dr. Georgia Ede

Finally Focused by Dr. James Greenblatt & Bill Gottlieb CHC

Sacred Cow by Diana Rodgers and Robb Wolf

Hardy's Nutritionals

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Topics covered in this episode: