ADHD, Screens, and Sleep: Strategies to Help Kids and Teens

Confused about ADHD or looking for effective ways to support a child or teen? Dr. Ruston is joined by Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, PhD, a clinical psychologist at Seattle Children's Hospital, who explains how ADHD is diagnosed and how symptoms evolve from childhood through adolescence. They explore both the strengths and challenges associated with the condition.

The episode focuses on research-based strategies that parents and other adults can use to support youth, including "point-of-performance" actions, preventing "dopamine cliffs," and other approaches for managing screen time, physical activity, and sleep. Dr. Schoenfelder Gonzalez also shares her work developing FAST (First Approach Skills Training), a free, evidence-based program designed to give parents practical tools to support youth with ADHD and other conditions.

Featured Expert‍

Erin Schoenfelder Gonzalez, PhD

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Research References

Sibley, M. et al. Non-pharmacological interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. 2023

Sharma, A. et al. Stimulant medications affect arousal and reward, not attention networks. Cell, 2025.

Resources‍

Fast Approach Skills Training Program

‍Additional Resources

Screenagers Website

Bring Screenagers to Your Community‍

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Time Code

00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup

01:34 Meet Dr Erin Felder Gonzalez

02:37 Why ADHD Not ADD

03:33 ADHD Across Ages

08:14 Motivation and Reward Brain

09:53 Explaining ADHD Positively

11:59 ADHD and Mood Struggles

12:59 Screenagers Films Break

13:49 Parent Training Big Picture

17:10 Positive Reinforcement Skills

18:50 Family Media Plan Basics

21:59 Handling Screen Limit Pushback

24:50 Transitions and Consequences

27:10 Choosing Better Content

29:06 Physical Activity in Teens

31:26 Sleep Challenges and Tips

34:51 ADHD Brain Differences

36:54 FAST Program Resources

37:52 Community Support and Wrap

39:19 Final Thanks and Subscribe