Shining With ADHD by The Childhood Collective

How do you know if your child’s ADHD medication is working, or when it might be time to make a change? In this episode, we break down the different ADHD medication types, how providers find the right medication and dose, and navigating common ADHD medication side effects. We also talk about what parents can watch for as their child adjusts to medication and when to check back in with their child’s provider.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. We’ve spent decades supporting thousands of families navigating ADHD. And we’re also moms: some of us raising kids with ADHD and some of us navigating it ourselves… which means we understand both the science and the real-life moments that don’t make it into textbooks.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Episode #231 Transcript

Episode #223: ADHD Medication and Brain Development: Let’s Break it Down

Episode #224: ADHD Medication and Addiction: Myth vs. Fact

Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Email us at: hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Doors to ADHD Parenting Together are only open until Tuesday, October 27th. Join us in our community today to connect with ADHD experts and other parents who truly get it. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-parenting-together Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The middle school years can be tricky, especially when you're parenting a child with ADHD who wants more independence but still needs plenty of support. In this episode, we're joined by Sean Kane from Growth Mindset Parenting to learn how parents can help middle schoolers build independence, resilience, and problem-solving skills. Sean shares why our middle school ADHD kids are often more capable than we realize, how to stay steady when they push back, and how to give them opportunities to take ownership and collaborate while still holding important family boundaries.

MEET SEAN KANE

Sean is a former Middle School Teacher and administrator with 3 sons of his own. He writes now for parents in the middle school years so they can understand the developmental window that their kids are in and help them develop the skills to become their best selves.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #230 Transcript

Growth.Mindset.Parenting Instagram

Growth Mindset Parenting Website

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ADHD and sensory processing often go hand in hand, but it can be hard to figure out what your child’s behavior is actually telling you. In this episode, pediatric occupational therapist Laura Petix, also known as The OT Butterfly, helps us understand how sensory needs can show up in everyday life - especially for kids with ADHD! She also shares the idea of a “sensory budget” from her new book, The Sensory Code, and how understanding your child’s sensory system can help you support them before they reach their limit. If you’ve ever wondered, “Is this sensory?” this episode will give you practical ways to start connecting the dots.

MEET LAURA PETIX

Laura Petix is a Filipino American, neurodivergent pediatric occupational therapist, author of The Sensory Code, and nationally recognized voice in sensory processing and nervous system–informed behavior support. She is the founder of The OT Butterfly, a leading education platform trusted by hundreds of thousands of parents, educators, and clinicians for translating neuroscience into practical, real-world strategies. With a background spanning clinical practice, research, and large-scale digital education, Laura is known for making complex sensory science accessible, affirming, and actionable.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #229 Transcript

The OT Butterfly's Website

The OT Butterfly's Instagram

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you have found yourself googling "ADHD task completion" at midnight after a frustrating day of parenting, you are not the only one! We’re sharing one simple tool that can make ADHD task completion easier by helping your child create a clear “future picture” of what they’re working toward. We’ll explain why this matters for the ADHD brain and how you can use it for everything from homework and chores to getting out the door. If you’re tired of giving 47 reminders just to get one task across the finish line, this is a strategy you’ll want to try.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. We’ve spent decades supporting thousands of families navigating ADHD. And we’re also moms: some of us raising kids with ADHD and some of us navigating it ourselves… which means we understand both the science and the real-life moments that don’t make it into textbooks.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Episode #228 Transcript

Online ADHD Parent Course: Creating Calm

Use a Future Picture to Help Your Child Stay Focused and Motivated

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Email us at: hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ADHD in girls is such an important and often overlooked topic. Today, we’re joined again by Dr. Stephen Hinshaw, who has spent his career researching ADHD in women and girls. We take a closer look at mental health in girls, and how shame and stigma can especially affect girls with ADHD. Dr. Hinshaw also shares practical ways parents can support their daughters and help them build confidence. Whether your daughter has ADHD or you’re just starting to wonder, this episode is full of helpful information and hope.

MEET DR. STEPHEN HINSHAW

Stephen P. Hinshaw is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UC San Francisco. An internationally recognized expert on ADHD and neurodevelopment, his research focuses on longitudinal studies, clinical trials, and developmental pathways in girls and women. He is also a leading voice in reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Dr. Hinshaw earned his A.B. from Harvard and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from UCLA. He has authored more than 440 scientific publications and 11 books, including the award-winning memoir Another Kind of Madness. He has received numerous national and international honors for his contributions to psychology, child development, psychiatry, and ADHD research, and was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2021. His work has been featured by the New York Times, Washington Post, Today Show, CBS, PBS, and many popular podcasts.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #227 Transcript

Episode #153: Understanding ADHD in Girls with Psychologist Stephen Hinshaw

Dr. Hinshaw's Book - Straight Talk about ADHD in Girls: How to Help Your Daughter Thrive

Free ADHD Treatment Guide

Free ADHD Parenting Guide

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Back-to-school with ADHD can feel like a LOT for kids and parents, especially when sleep schedules are off and everyone is adjusting to new routines. In this episode, we’re sharing three practical ways to make the transition easier. And because back-to-school rarely goes exactly as planned, we’re sharing plenty of our own personal stories and laughs from the first week of school in our own homes.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. We’ve spent decades supporting thousands of families navigating ADHD. And we’re also moms: some of us raising kids with ADHD and some of us navigating it ourselves… which means we understand both the science and the real-life moments that don’t make it into textbooks.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Episode #226 Transcript

Online ADHD Parent Course: Creating Calm

Customizable routines to simplify mornings, evenings, and after school

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Email us at: hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ADHD sibling conflict can leave parents feeling like they're constantly playing referee. In this episode, we explore why sibling conflict is so common in families with ADHD, the executive function skills that often fuel these arguments, and practical ways to reduce the fighting while helping your children build skills that last.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. We’ve spent decades supporting thousands of families navigating ADHD. And we’re also moms: some of us raising kids with ADHD and some of us navigating it ourselves… which means we understand both the science and the real-life moments that don’t make it into textbooks.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Free ADHD Parenting Guide

Online ADHD Parent Course: Creating Calm

Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Email us at: hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

One of the biggest fears parents have about ADHD medication is whether it could increase the risk of addiction later in life. In part 2 of our series on ADHD medication, we break down what decades of research actually show, why untreated ADHD carries its own risks, and what every parent should know before making medication decisions. If you've ever worried about stimulants and substance abuse for your child, this episode is for you.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. We’ve spent decades supporting thousands of families navigating ADHD. And we’re also moms: some of us raising kids with ADHD and some of us navigating it ourselves… which means we understand both the science and the real-life moments that don’t make it into textbooks.

LINKS & RESOURCES

Episode 223 (part 1 of medication series)

Free ADHD Treatment Guide

Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Email us at: hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ADHD medication and brain development is a topic that raises a lot of big questions for parents. In part 1 of our medication series, we explore what the research says about whether stimulant medication may support healthy brain development in childhood, and what can happen when ADHD symptoms go unsupported over time. If you’ve ever wondered whether medication could help your child in ways that go beyond focus and school performance, this episode will give you a thoughtful, balanced place to start.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. We’ve spent decades supporting thousands of families navigating ADHD. And we’re also moms: some of us raising kids with ADHD and some of us navigating it ourselves… which means we understand both the science and the real-life moments that don’t make it into textbooks.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Free ADHD Treatment Guide

Have a question or want to share your thoughts? Email us at: hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ADHD and screen time can be one of the most challenging topics for families to navigate. In this episode, executive function coach Mike McLeod shares the signs that screens may be interfering with your child's independence, motivation, and executive function development. We also discuss how patterns of parent attention can unintentionally reinforce challenging behaviors and what families can do instead. Whether you're questioning your family's technology habits or looking for practical ways to support executive function skills, this episode offers a perspective that may challenge some of your assumptions.

MEET MIKE MCLEOD

Michael established GrowNOW ADHD in 2016, building upon his Internal Skills Executive Function Strengthening Model. With over 20 years of experience and a Master’s from Lehman College, his mission is to improve the quality of life for young people and families dealing with ADHD and executive function challenges. Mike is an Award-Winning Keynote Speaker, Professional Development Trainer, and has presented his model nationwide and internationally, specializing in ADHD, Executive Functioning, Social Executive Functioning, and Parent Coaching. He also co-hosts the ADHD Parenting Podcast and is the author of The Executive Function Playbook and The Executive Function Playbook In Action.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #222 Transcript

Episode #142: The Key to Executive Functioning: Internal Skills for Kids with ADHD with Mike McLeod

GrowNOW ADHD Website

GrowNOW ADHD Instagram

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Let’s talk about bedwetting and ADHD. Many parents worry that their child should have outgrown bedwetting by now, but nighttime accidents are often linked to factors beyond a child's control. In this episode, we unpack the strong connection between ADHD and bedwetting, explain why it happens, and when additional medical may be needed. We also share practical tools that can support success at home while protecting your child's confidence and self-esteem.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. We’ve spent decades supporting thousands of families navigating ADHD. And we’re also moms: some of us raising kids with ADHD and some of us navigating it ourselves… which means we understand both the science and the real-life moments that don’t make it into textbooks.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #221 Transcript

Printables Shop

Bedwetting Alarm

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Traveling with ADHD kids can feel like a mix of magical memories, unexpected meltdowns, forgotten chargers, and “why did we think this was a good idea?” moments. In this episode, podcast host and mom Jessica Shaw shares honest stories and practical strategies for traveling with ADHD kids with a little less stress and a lot less pressure. We talk about managing expectations, handling overwhelm, preparing for transitions, and letting go of the idea of the “perfect” vacation. If family trips have ever left you more exhausted than refreshed, this episode will help you laugh, reset, and feel more prepared for the chaos.

MEET JESSICA SHAW

Jessica Shaw is an award-winning journalist and radio host whose work has appeared in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, and Vanity Fair, and more. She’s also the proud mom of two teens who think differently, and the host of the new podcast Everyone Gets a Juice Box, a space where parents connect over the challenges and triumphs of raising neurodivergent kids.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #220 Transcript

Everyone Gets a Juice Box Podcast

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Summer can be a powerful time to help kids with ADHD feel capable, confident, and useful, not just “kept busy.” In this episode of Shining with ADHD, we are diving into real-life ideas to help your child see themselves as capable contributors. This episode is for parents who want their child to end the summer feeling proud of what they can do, not defeated by another set of expectations or 1,000 complaints of, "I'm bored!!". If you’re looking for a different approach to summer success for kids with ADHD, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. We’ve spent decades supporting thousands of families navigating ADHD. And we’re also moms: some of us raising kids with ADHD and some of us navigating it ourselves… which means we understand both the science and the real-life moments that don’t make it into textbooks.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #219 Transcript

Creating Calm Course

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ADHD mom support can feel hard to find, especially when you’re overwhelmed and it seems like no one else "gets it". In this deep episode, we’re talking with Patricia Sung from Motherhood in ADHD about why so many moms feel isolated and what *actually* helps you start building real connection. Patricia shares honest insights about putting yourself out there, even when it feels uncomfortable or vulnerable. If you’ve ever felt like you are the only one struggling, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone... and give you simple ways to start finding your people.

MEET PATRICIA SUNG

Patricia Sung is an ADHD Coach for Moms who have ADHD. She supports mamas world-wide through her Top 5 Parenting Podcast with 1M+ downloads, Motherhood in ADHD. Her ADHD coaching focuses on ending the cycle of overwhelm and burnout, and building systems you actually like to make ADHD motherhood easier.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #218 Transcript

Motherhood in ADHD Website

Motherhood in ADHD Instagram

ADHD in Women Common Symptoms Checklist

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Early signs of ADHD can show up long before a formal diagnosis, leaving many parents wondering what’s typical and what might need more support. In this episode, we talk through common early challenges like frequent tantrums, sleep struggles, and difficulties across home and school, and how they may connect to ADHD. We also walk through what to do if your child is too young for a diagnosis or you’re unsure whether to pursue an evaluation. You’ll leave with practical strategies you can start using right away, because you don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to begin supporting your child.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. We’ve spent decades supporting thousands of families navigating ADHD. And we’re also moms: some of us raising kids with ADHD and some of us navigating it ourselves… which means we understand both the science and the real-life moments that don’t make it into textbooks.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #217 Transcript

Episode #126: Say Less (no really!) and Other Tips to Support Your Child With ADHD

The Printables Shop

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ADHD sensory issues in kids can show up in everyday moments like getting dressed or sitting down to eat, which can leave parents feeling stuck and confused. In this episode, we’re joined by occupational therapist Madeha Ayub to break down what’s really going on with food and clothing challenges in a way that actually makes sense. She helps us understand the “why” behind these struggles so we can respond with more confidence and less frustration. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to support your child whether your biggest challenge is with feeding, clothing, or both!

MEET MADEHA AYUB

Madeha Ayub is a pediatric occupational therapist with eight years of experience in school-based and home health settings. A passionate advocate for sensory-friendly environments, she was inspired by her own sensory-sensitive daughter to create The Sensory Support Series, helping parents better understand and support their children’s sensory needs. Through her social media presence, Madeha continues to dedicate her platform to guiding parents, teachers, and fellow pediatric therapists in understanding and supporting children’s sensory needs so they can thrive in their daily lives.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #216 Transcript

Seeds for Special Needs Website

Seeds for Special Needs Instagram

The Sensory Support Book Series

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

If you’ve already done the meetings, asked for evaluations, followed the usual steps, and still feel like you’re hitting a wall, this episode is for you. ADHD school advocacy can feel exhausting and emotional when you’re trying so hard to get your child the support they need. As professionals (and moms) who have guided hundreds of families through complex school situations, we’re sharing what we’ve seen work when the typical routes haven’t moved the needle. You don’t have to keep spinning your wheels, and you don’t have to figure out the next steps alone.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. We’ve spent decades supporting thousands of families navigating ADHD. And we’re also moms: some of us raising kids with ADHD and some of us navigating it ourselves… which means we understand both the science and the real-life moments that don’t make it into textbooks.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #215 Transcript

Episode #137: ADHD at School: The One Thing Every Parent NEEDS to Know

Episode #161: Back to School - You've Got This!

Episode #165: 504 Plan vs. IEP: Which One Does My ADHD Child Need?

Shining at School Course

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ADHD in middle school can feel like the "perfect storm." If you’re navigating this season and wondering why homework, organization, and the fight for independence suddenly feel harder, this episode is for you. We’re joined by executive function expert Jessi Dall, former teacher and owner of Sophos Academics, to share practical, realistic strategies that actually help. You’ll walk away with clearer expectations, doable tools, and reassurance that you’re not behind, you’re just parenting through a tough stage (and we are right there with you!).

MEET JESSI DALL

Jessi Dall is a wife, mom of three, and founder of Sophos Speech and Academics in Phoenix, Arizona. After teaching in public and private schools, she launched Sophos in 2008 with a family-centered vision that has grown into a million-dollar business serving thousands of families. With over 20 years of experience, Jessi leads a compassionate team providing speech therapy, occupational therapy, dyslexia intervention, customized homeschooling, and executive function coaching.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #214 Transcript

Sophos Speech & Academics - mention “Childhood Collective Podcast Discount” to receive 50% off their comprehensive Executive Function Diagnostic and Customized Consultation (that’s a $400 value!)

Sophos Speech & Academics Instagram

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

ADHD and sports can be an amazing opportunity for confidence and connection, but they can also bring big emotions, frustration, and a lot of tough parenting decisions. In this listener Q&A episode, we answer your questions about ADHD and sports, including how to support your child when they lose, when quitting might actually be the right choice, and whether to talk to the coach about an ADHD diagnosis. We break down how executive functioning, emotional regulation, and social skills show up on the field, not because kids aren’t trying, but because their brains work differently. If you’re navigating ADHD and sports and want practical tools that protect your child’s confidence and your relationship, this episode is for you.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. We’ve spent decades supporting thousands of families navigating ADHD. And we’re also moms: some of us raising kids with ADHD and some of us navigating it ourselves… which means we understand both the science and the real-life moments that don’t make it into textbooks.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #213 Transcript

Episode #164: Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and ADHD with Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart

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Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

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We are talking with Penny Williams, host of the Beautifully Complex podcast, about ADHD and self-esteem. Penny vulnerably shares how her own social anxiety once made her overly critical, driven by a need for her kids to look “put together” as a reflection of her. We explore how letting go of others’ opinions can be a powerful turning point, especially for parents raising kids with ADHD and autism. Penny introduces the authenticity mirror and offers practical ways to reflect acceptance, confidence, and pride back to your child so they can feel good about who they truly are.

MEET PENNY WILLIAMS

Penny Williams is a behavior and parenting coach, author, and educator who supports families raising neurodivergent kids, including those with ADHD, autism, and anxiety. Through her science-informed, compassion-centered SIGNAL Parenting™ framework, she helps parents understand what behavior is communicating and respond with connection instead of punishment.

Penny is the award-winning author of Boy Without Instructions, host of the Beautifully Complex Podcast with over 5 million downloads, and founder of the Regulated Kids Project. Her work has been featured in leading parenting and neurodiversity publications.

At the heart of Penny’s work is one powerful belief: Behavior isn’t the problem — it’s the signal.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #212 Transcript

Penny's Website

Beautifully Complex Podcast

Penny's Instagram

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Shining at School gives you the tools to come to school meetings prepared. So you can get your child the testing, plan, and accommodations they need to thrive in the classroom. https://thechildhoodcollective.com/adhd-at-school (use code PODCAST for a discount!) Check out Zenimal, one of our favorite tools to help kids with ADHD fall asleep faster, calm big emotions, and manage anxiety. http://zenimals.com/TCHC25 (Use the code TCHC25 for a discount!)

Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy