The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast

What does the science really say about ADHD? In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, Kate Brownfield talks with Dr. Stephen Faraone, one of the world’s leading ADHD researchers and founder of the ADHD Evidence Project, about ADHD medication, misinformation, co-occurring conditions, and evidence-based treatment. This conversation helps parents better understand what’s supported by research, what gets overstated online, and how to think more clearly about treatment decisions for kids and teens with ADHD. In this episode: ADHD myths vs. evidence stimulant vs. non-stimulant medication ADHD medication and addiction concerns anxiety, depression, and other co-occurring conditions behavior therapy, CBT, and skill-building support Resources mentioned: ADHD Evidence Project: https://www.adhdevidence.org/ ADHD Kids Can Thrive: https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/ Enjoyed this episode? Follow, rate, and share with a parent who wants a more grounded, research-based understanding of ADHD treatment, medication, and support.

If your child looks “fine” at school but falls apart at home, melts down over everyday expectations (homework, transitions, getting out the door), or is sliding into school refusal, this episode will help you make sense of what might be going on, especially when autism, AuDHD, and anxiety are part of the picture. On this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, host Kate Brownfield sits down with Diane Gould, founder of PDA North America and co-author of Navigating PDA in America, for a grounded, parent-friendly conversation about Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) (often reframed as a Pervasive Drive for Autonomy). Diane explains why PDA is best understood through a nervous system lens (not “defiance”), why many traditional behavior plans can backfire, and what actually helps kids who experience everyday demands as a threat response. This episode is especially helpful if you’ve heard “PDA” mentioned in an evaluation, therapy, or online, and you’re trying to understand what’s real, what’s misunderstood, and what supports are most effective at home and at school. In this episode, we cover: What PDA is and how the definition has evolved (and why there’s still debate) Why PDA often overlaps with autism and/or ADHD and why it’s frequently missed or mislabeled PDA vs. ODD: how “oppositional” behavior can look similar on the surface but be driven by something very different underneath The common pattern of masking at school and meltdowns or shutdowns at home, and why parents are often told, “They’re an angel here.” Why school refusal is so common for PDA kids (and what Diane is seeing in families today) Why rewards, consequences, sticker charts, strict routines, and compliance-based strategies often don’t work and what to try instead The role of relationship, trust, and co-regulation, especially as kids get older and school support gets more fragmented Practical ways parents can reduce stress, protect the nervous system, and support learning without crushing autonomy What PDA can look like in adulthood and why support systems and interdependence matter Resources mentioned PDA North America (website): https://pdanorthamerica.org/ Diane Gould: https://dianegouldtherapy.com/ Book: Navigating PDA in America (Diane Gould & Ruth Fidler): Amazon Link Kate / ADHD Kids Can Thrive: https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/   Enjoyed this episode? Follow, rate, and share with a parent who needs a clearer, calmer framework for PDA, demand avoidance, school refusal, autonomy needs, and nervous system support.

If you’re noticing sports betting, fantasy leagues, or “just for fun” gambling creeping into your teen or young adult’s world, especially with ADHD in the mix, this episode is an important listen. Modern betting is fast, private, and built for dopamine… and for some ADHD brains, that combination can become a slippery slope. Host Kate Brownfield sits down with Saul Malek, an emerging voice on the modern gambling landscape, for a candid conversation about how gambling addiction can escalate quickly, why kids with ADHD may be more vulnerable, and what parents can do to support their child without enabling. Saul shares his personal story: diagnosed with ADHD at age four, pulled in through fantasy sports, and how the shift to digital betting and easy credit accelerated everything, costing him sleep, money, relationships, and nearly his life. Today, he’s been abstinent for more than 5 years and on a mission to educate families and communities. In this episode, we cover: Why ADHD can increase risk for addiction (impulsivity, stimulation-seeking, time blindness) How sports betting evolves from “fun” to compulsion, especially when it’s accessible 24/7 The role of secrecy, shame, and chasing losses (and what it can look like at home) What helped Saul recover: structure, community, accountability, and ongoing support How parents can set boundaries, offer support, and avoid enabling, especially with older teens/young adults Where to start if you’re concerned: meetings, specialized therapy, and reputable resources Connect to Saul Malek: https://www.saulmalek.com/ Resources mentioned: Gamblers Anonymous (in-person + virtual), gamblersinrecovery.com, and the National Council on Problem Gambling   Connect with Kate, certified ADHD/Executive Function Parent Coach: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com    Enjoyed this episode? Follow, rate, and share with a parent who needs practical, protective guidance for today’s digital world.

If reading turns into tears, avoidance, or exhaustion in your home, this episode offers a fresh, practical angle: instead of forcing the brain to adjust to the text, what if the text adjusted to your child? Host Kate Brownfield sits down with Diane Gutierrez (co-founder of Cognition Labs and a mom in a neurodiverse family) for a two-part conversation on reducing reading strain for dyslexia/visual-perceptual differences, and on real-life parenting strategies for ADHD families. Diane shares how adjustable text tools can lower cognitive load and improve comprehension, plus the lived wisdom that helped her family navigate school, stress, mental health, and the long haul of raising kids with ADHD and dyslexia. In this episode, we cover: Why “the text should adjust to us” (and how that supports comprehension + reduces fatigue) How Cognition Labs transforms books, PDFs, notes, and scanned images with 15+ adjustable settings Tools families use most: syllabication support, confusable-letter fixes (b/d/p/q), and visual settings that reduce strain Why these supports may help kids with ADHD, by reducing cognitive load during reading Parenting wisdom from a home where ADHD affects nearly everyone: meaning over pressure, consistency over perfection, rest as a requirement When to consider therapy/coaching support and why it’s okay to switch if it’s not the right fit Advocacy and testing: how understanding a child’s brain can change the path forward Resources mentioned: Cognition Labs: https://www.cognitionlabs.com/ Connect with Kate, certified ADHD/Executive Function Parent Coach: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com | Coaching inquiries: https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/appointment/ Enjoyed this episode? Follow, rate, and share with a parent who could use practical, hopeful tools.

If you’ve ever wondered whether there are nutrition-based supports to consider when ADHD brings big swings in mood, sleep, cravings, irritability, or focus, especially when medication isn’t preferred, isn’t available, or you’re looking for complementary tools, this episode offers a practical, hopeful starting point. Host Kate Brownfield sits down with Julia Ross, M.A., N.N.T.S., best-selling author of The Mood Cure, for a grounded conversation about nutritional psychiatry and the role targeted nutrients (including amino acids) may play in supporting attention, stress, sleep, and emotional regulation.   In this episode, we cover: Why foundational nutrition (especially steady fuel + breakfast) can matter for mood, attention, and regulation How Julia’s work in addiction recovery led her toward nutrient therapy and “brain chemistry” support The amino acids discussed in The Mood Cure and how they’re framed as potential supports for stress, sleep, cravings, and focus (with a strong emphasis on going slowly and listening to the body) Why blood sugar dips (hypoglycemia) can show up as irritability, anxiety, “hangry” meltdowns, and intense sugar cravings, especially after school How to think about trialing changes cautiously, including the importance of collaborating with a licensed clinician (especially for kids and anyone on medication) Why parents deserve support too, because caregiver stress and sleep matter in the whole family system Resources mentioned: JuliaRossCures.com   Important note: This episode is educational and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed clinician before starting supplements or making medication changes, especially for children. Connect with Kate, certified ADHD/Executive Function Parent Coach |Whole Person Approach:  ADHDKidsCanThrive.com   Enjoyed this episode? Follow, rate, and share with a parent who could use practical, hopeful tools.  

Dr. Kate Lund, a clinical psychologist and peak performance coach, shares her insights on resilient parenting. Drawing from her personal journey with hydrocephalus and raising twins, she emphasizes resilience as a daily lifestyle choice. Learn about the Relaxation Response—a quick stress-modulation tool—and how it can help manage chaos at home. Lund also encourages parents to avoid the comparison trap, model calmness, and celebrate small wins, fostering stability and confidence in children with ADHD.

Dr. Ardeshir Mehran, a renowned psychologist and author, transforms the conversation around ADHD, anxiety, and depression, viewing them as adaptive signals rather than flaws. He discusses his 'Bill of Emotional Rights,' emphasizing the importance of safety and connection in mental health. Dr. Mehran explains how addressing anxiety first can significantly enhance executive function and fulfillment. Parents learn to listen compassionately and create an emotional haven, paving the way for their children’s growth.

Episode Summary  Child & adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Blaise Aguirre (McLean Hospital) shares DBT tools that help ADHD kids and their parents build emotional regulation before a crisis. We cover modeling calm, the mantra “regulate before you can reflect,” fast resets (breathing, PMR, ice-dive), and a practical, compassionate look at ADHD medication, what to watch, and how careful prescribing reduces risk. Guest Dr. Blaise Aguirre, Mood's leading psychiatrist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School. With 25+ years of treating over 7,000 children and adolescents at McLean Hospital, Dr. Aguirre has extensive experience helping ADHD kids develop emotional regulation skills and coping strategies for high-stress periods. Episode Overview Many kids labeled “misbehaving” are actually missing skills. Dr. Aguirre explains how DBT-based exercises taught early, practiced often, and modeled by parents become second nature and reduce meltdowns. You’ll learn why a parent’s steady nervous system matters (mirror neurons), how to de-escalate in the moment, and how to think about ADHD meds: quick signal checks, side-effect watching, and partnering with a responsive prescriber. Goal: fewer crises, more connection, and a resilient self-story for your child. What We Talk About (Highlights) Skills > “misbehavior”: teach what’s missing—don’t shame Parents first: model regulation; your calm lowers their heat Practice before you need it (make coping automatic) Fast resets anywhere: slow breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, ice-dive Medication basics: quick feedback loop for many stimulants, dose/side-effects to watch, work with a responsive prescriber Protect the self-story: reduce invalidation (“lazy,” “stupid”) to prevent long-term harm. Mirror neurons: your agitation amplifies theirs—stay steady Resources & Links Dr. Aguirre (McLean Hospital): https://www.mcleanhospital.org/profile/blaise-aguirre Mood Tools App (free): https://www.mood.org/app Books by Dr. Aguirre: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001JP3X2W About Your Host Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach; author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD; host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. Every child with ADHD is unique—so are their strengths and struggles. Website & coaching: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com Get the first three chapters of How We Roll free: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast Share with a parent who needs encouragement today. Leave a quick rating/review—it helps other ADHD families find the show.

Episode Summary ADHD young adulthood, “slow-to-launch,” and boundaries with Dr. Tamara Rosier. We unpack ages 16–26, the maturity lag, elongated adolescence, and two common patterns (holding out for the “ideal lifestyle” and withdrawal/gaming). You’ll learn how to shift from fixing to scaffolding, set clear boundaries that preserve connection, and use a simple coaching script to build agency plus realistic timelines for later coalescence in the 20s. Guest Dr. Tamara Rosier, founder of the ADHD Center of West Michigan, author of Your Brain’s Not Broken and You, Me, and Our ADHD Family. She translates ADHD science into warm, practical strategies for families, teens, and young adults navigating motivation, emotions, and executive function. Episode Overview Launching can be bumpy for ADHD teens and young adults, not from laziness, but from skill gaps and a longer developmental runway. Dr. Rosier explains how parents can move from control to calm scaffolding: co-creating structure, aligning expectations, and setting boundaries with connection. We cover language that reduces shame, a step-by-step coaching script (Name → Aim → Plan → Support → Review), and how to think about timelines so families can lower panic and raise progress. What We Talk About (Highlights) Why “launching late” is common with ADHD (maturity lag + EF gaps) Two patterns: idealized lifestyle holdout vs. withdrawal/gaming avoidance Parents first: calm reassurance + scaffolding > fixing Boundaries that preserve connection (limits, choices, natural consequences) A quick coaching script: Name → Aim → Plan → Support → Review Treatment pillars when needed (meds/therapy/coaching + structure) Realistic timelines: progress often consolidates later in the 20s Resources & Links Dr. Tamara Rosier: https://www.tamararosier.com/ Books: Your Brain’s Not Broken; You, Me, and Our ADHD Family Part 1 (previous episode): Punishment Fails ADHD Kids—The Pool Metaphor That Calms Emotional Chaos (with Dr. Tamara Rosier) About Your Host Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach; author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD; host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. Every child with ADHD is unique—so are their strengths and struggles. Website & coaching: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com Free Download Get the first three chapters of How We Roll free: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast Share with a parent who needs encouragement today Leave a quick rating/review—it helps other ADHD families find the show    #ADHDyoungadults #slowtolaunch #scaffolding #ADHDboundaries #executivefunction #gamingavoidance #failure to launch #Tamara Rosier #interview #ADHDparentingteens #transitiontoadulthood        

Episode Summary OCD vs. anxiety in kids, ERP treatment, and co-regulation for families. Dr. Tamar Chansky explains how to tell OCD from general anxiety, where it overlaps with ADHD, and how parents can lower fear, connect first, and coach skills that stick. We cover PANS/PANDAS (sudden-onset OCD after infections), when to seek medical evaluation, and first-line care like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) plus hopeful long-term outcomes and “tune-ups” during new life stages. Guest Dr. Tamar Chansky, founder of the Children’s and Adult Center for OCD and Anxiety, author of Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking, Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Freeing Yourself from Anxiety. She’s known for translating evidence-based care into clear, compassionate strategies families can use right away. Episode Overview Parents often confuse anxiety (“what-ifs,” future worry) with OCD (intrusive thoughts + compulsions). Dr. Chansky clarifies the difference and shows how naming patterns as “OCD-normal” separates the child from the disorder and lowers shame. You’ll learn why parent nervous-system regulation is step one, how ERP works through stepwise “courage challenges,” when medication may help (especially with co-occurring depression in teens), and how to approach PANS/PANDAS: treat medical triggers first, then layer CBT/ERP as needed. Bottom line: pediatric OCD is highly treatable, and families can expect progress plus occasional “tune-ups” during transitions. What We Talk About (Highlights) Language that helps: call patterns “OCD-normal,” separate child from disorder; connect → then problem-solve Anxiety vs. OCD: anxiety = “what-ifs”; OCD = intrusive thoughts + compulsions (“superstition on steroids”) Emotional regulation: parent down-regulation enables child co-regulation PANS/PANDAS: sudden spikes after infections (e.g., strep/Lyme/post-viral); treat medical cause first; add CBT/ERP later First-line care for pediatric OCD: ERP with stepwise “courage challenges”; meds not first-line for most kids, may help some—especially teens with depression Parent power: Coaching parent responses can rival direct child therapy Outlook: highly treatable; skills + neuroplastic change; periodic “tune-ups” during new stages (“last-yearing it”) Resources & Links Dr. Tamar Chansky & books: https://tamarchansky.com/ PANDAS Physicians Network: https://www.pandasppn.org/practitioners/ About Your Host Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach; author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD; host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. Every child with ADHD is unique, so are their strengths and struggles. Website & coaching: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com Free Download Get the first 3 chapters of How We Roll free: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters Need Support? Schedule a free consultation: https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/appointment/ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast Share with a parent who needs encouragement today Leave a quick rating/review—it helps other ADHD families find the show