All Aboard ADHD

What role do kindness and self-compassion play in navigating a late diagnosis?In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by the wonderful Alyssa Kyria, better known to millions as The Funny Mummy @thefunnymummyuk. As an actress, comedian, and content creator, Alyssa has built a massive following through her hilarious and honest takes on motherhood, but behind the viral sketches was a lifetime of feeling "different."Diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 45, Alyssa opens up about the grief of a late diagnosis, and how she is now using her experience to shape a more positive path for her own child.They discuss:🕒 Diagnosis at 45: Alyssa’s introduction to ADHD was a friend suggesting she should look into it. She shares the complex mix of relief and grief that comes with a late diagnosis, and reflects on the decades spent "masking" and trying to be the person she thought she was supposed to be.🌪️ The Hormonal Shift: The "perfect storm" of perimenopause and ADHD. Alyssa shares how fluctuating hormones made her symptoms feel louder and harder to manage, eventually leading her to seek an official diagnosis🧒 Childhood experiences and bullying: Alyssa shares openly about her experiences of bullying and rejection sensitivity, and how they deeply affected her self-perception.♀️Gender and ADHD: Alyssa shares how societal expectations, and the pressure to put others' needs first, have impacted her experience with ADHD as a woman, only now “unravelling” a lifetime of people-pleasing tendencies.🤱 Parenting the Next Generation: The "lifelong project" of raising a child. Alyssa and Claire discuss the healing power of being able to tell our children "I understand" and helping them find the things they find easy and wonderful.🎭 Comedy as a Coping Mechanism: How Alyssa’s ADHD traits of quick wit and "too-muchness" became the foundation for a successful career in acting and comedy, turning what felt like a "weakness" into a massive strength.🌱 Self-Compassion: Moving away from the narrative of being "lazy" or "broken" and embracing the reality of a brain that simply processes the world with more intensity and creativity.This conversation is a warm, witty, and deeply validating look at the female ADHD experience. It’s for anyone who has ever felt like they were "too much" or wondered why life felt harder for them than everyone else.Further resources and links:Find Alyssa on Instagram @thefunnymummyuk ADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

What is the hidden cost for girls and women of masking their ADHD and appearing to be “fine”?In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Ana-Maria Butura, a research associate at King’s College London who has led the most comprehensive qualitative study on ADHD masking to date.For many girls and women, an ADHD diagnosis doesn't come until adulthood, not because the traits didn't exist, but because they were hidden behind a carefully constructed "mask." Together, Claire and Ana-Maria pull back the curtain on what’s really going on for women and girls who appear to be "coping" while struggling deeply beneath the surface.They discuss:⚡ What masking is and why we mask. Masking is not just something we do consciously, but can also develop as a complex survival strategy where we learn to suppress, or compensate for ADHD traits, to meet social expectations.🧠 Why girls can often present as calm, organised, or high-achieving on the outside, while experiencing a chaotic "volcano" of thoughts and sensory overload on the inside.🎭 The difference between masking in ADHD vs autism. Where autistic masking is driven more by camouflaging and trying to "blend in" socially, whilst ADHD masking is driven more by feeling the need to hide executive functioning gaps and hyperactivity.💥Why what we see as parents can differ from what teachers see at school, with girls learning to ‘perform’ carefully at school to avoid punishment, which can lead to emotional explosions at home.📉 How the ability to mask often leads to girls being overlooked by teachers and doctors, or being misdiagnosed with anxiety or depression because the "typical" ADHD hyperactivity traits aren’t as visible.🥀 The devastating cost of long-term masking, including chronic exhaustion, burnout, loss of identity, and the feeling that "if people liked the mask, they wouldn't like the real me."🗣️The action we can take to better support our ADHD girls, including listening to their self-reports, continuing to advocate for their needs in school, plus how to provide as many outlets as possible for their pent-up energy.🤝 How we can move towards authenticity creating "neuro-inclusive" safe spaces where women and girls feel safe to drop the mask, plus why communication and openness are the only ways to build a supportive "village".Whether you are a woman who has recently discovered your own ADHD, or a parent wondering why your daughter seems "fine" at school but collapses at home, this episode offers a profound and validating look at the hidden struggle of the female ADHD experience.Further resources and links:Follow Ana on Instagram: @unmaskingADHDADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

Why does GCSE revision feel such a challenge for teenagers with ADHD, and how can parents support them without the process turning into a battle?In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Sarah Kennett, an ADHD coach, former head of science, and founder of Science Cafe. Sarah brings a unique dual perspective to this conversation: professional expertise as a long-term educator and lived experience of someone who was once the teen who couldn’t revise. Together, Sarah and Claire unpack what’s going on for ADHD brains during exam season and offer parents practical, neuro-affirming strategies that they can put into place with their teens.Claire and Sarah discuss the common pitfalls of traditional study methods and why "just sitting down and reading" is often a recipe for shutdown, rather than success. They discuss:Executive functioning overload and why revision can be a "perfect storm" for ADHD brains, requiring planning, prioritising, and memory all at onceThe ADHD "Sticky Note" Memory and how ADHD students often lose information "mid-process" during an exam due to working memory challengesThe difference between activation and motivation, understanding that struggling to start is rarely about not caring, but often a challenge with task initiationHow to use dopamine as a study tool, for example providing quick wins and interest-led learning, which can fuel the brain’s reward systemIncorporating movement and the power of "human photocopying," standing desks, and audio revision for kids who think better when they’re activeHow to create a retrieval practice by revisiting information "little and often" which helps teens build long-term confidence and resilienceUnderstanding the decompression gap - why jumping straight into revision after school can lead to burnout and how to prioritise nervous system regulation firstWhether your teenager is approaching their mocks, or you're planning ahead for GCSE season, this episode is packed with validation and creative tools to help your child show what they know without the mountain of stress.Further resources and links:Learn more about Sarah Kennett: https://www.science-cafe.co.uk/Download Sarah’s Free Revision Guide: https://www.freeguide.sciencecafe.co.uk/Follow Sarah on Instagram: @science_cafe_ukADHD coaching and Resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

What happens when you finally understand your ADHD and how can that insight reshape how you see your past, your work, and your parenting?In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Emma Sayle, one of the UK’s leading female entrepreneurs and founder of the global female empowerment brand Killing Kittens, which now has over 200,000 members with events across the globe. Diagnosed with ADHD in her early 30s, Emma shares her personal story of growing up undiagnosed, building multiple businesses, and parenting three neurodivergent children, all while learning to understand her own ADHD brain.Emma reflects honestly on how receiving an ADHD diagnosis helped her reframe decades of lived experience, from school and relationships to risk-taking, ambition, and burnout. She explores the cost of masking, the pressure placed on high-achieving women, and how traits once labelled “too much” have become core strengths in her adult life.Together, Claire and Emma explore:What led to Emma’s ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, and how finally having an explanation reshaped her understanding of herselfHow reflecting on childhood and school experiences through an ADHD lens brought clarity, compassion, and perspectiveWhy ADHD in girls and women is so often missed, and how gendered expectations influenced how Emma was perceivedThe ADHD challenges Emma experienced growing up that later became strengths in leadership, creativity, and entrepreneurshipHow stimulation-seeking, future-focused thinking, and high energy shaped Emma’s career path and business successWhy environment plays a crucial role in focus, wellbeing, and balance, often more than motivation or disciplineHow understanding her own ADHD has transformed the way Emma parents her children, particularly around empathy and connectionA reassuring message for parents navigating the ADHD journey, especially those wishing they had answers soonerThis episode is candid, reflective, and deeply reassuring, offering hope to parents and adults who are still making sense of their own ADHD story, while navigating the responsibility of raising neurodivergent children.Learn more about Emma Sayle and her work:Killing Kittens: https://www.killingkittens.comThe Sisterhood: https://www.thesisterhood.co.ukTo order a copy of the book Unstoppable by Design which features chapters on both Emma and Claire’s ADHD stories: https://amzn.to/4qa0t2nADHD coaching and resources from Claire:https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok:@allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

How can understanding ADHD later in life reshape everything you thought you knew about yourself, your struggles, your creativity, and the choices that shaped your past?In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Pearl Lowe - designer, author, former musician, and creator of the beloved Faded Glamour interiors books. Known for her distinctive vintage aesthetic and her ability to transform spaces with character and soul, Pearl opens up about an entirely different kind of transformation: receiving an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood and finally making sense of a lifetime of intensity, sensitivity, and creative chaos.Pearl shares her journey from growing up as an undiagnosed neurodivergent child in the 70s and 80s, to navigating the music industry, addiction, motherhood, and years of living at full speed, all without understanding her neurodivergence. Her diagnosis brought clarity, compassion, and a new way of relating to herself, her environment, and her family.Together, Claire and Pearl explore:How Pearl’s ADHD diagnosis in midlife helped her make sense of her childhood, her emotional world, and the overwhelm she experienced navigating school, relationships, and early fameThe impact of growing up as an undiagnosed neurodivergent girl including the masking, misinterpretation, and lack of understanding that shaped her self-beliefWhy environment played a central role in Pearl’s history of addiction, along with how “changing her playground” became a turning point in her recovery and wellbeingThe deep connection between ADHD and creativity, and how Pearl’s impulsivity, imagination, and sensitivity became the foundation of her design and interiors careerThe challenges she faced as a young person that have now become her greatest strengths as an adult, particularly intuition, emotional depth, and a vivid creative visionWhat moving from London to Somerset, and later back to the city, taught her about nervous system regulation, identity, and finding the right pace of lifeHow understanding her neurodivergence has changed the way she parents, connects with her children, and interprets their emotional needsThe message of hope she wants every parent on the ADHD journey to hear, especially those wishing they could see into their child’s futureThis is a beautifully honest, warm, and inspiring conversation about creativity, chaos, self-understanding, and learning to rewrite your story with kindness.Further resources and linksPearl Lowe’s books: • Faded Glamour in the City: https://amzn.to/4oFiZyp • All That Glitters: https://amzn.to/4pANN3R • Faded Glamour by the Sea: https://amzn.to/4puzNJ0 • Faded Glamour: Inspirational Interiors: https://amzn.to/43Vt56JLearn more about Pearl: https://pearllowe.co.ukADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their personal experience and professional expertise. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

Why does rejection feel so much more intense for people with ADHD and what can we do about it?In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Dr Alex Conner, an ADHD coach, scientist, author, and co-host of The ADHD Adults Podcast, to unpack one of the most painful and often misunderstood experiences within ADHD, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD).Dr Conner combines his lived experience as an adult with ADHD, his academic background in neuroscience, and his practical work training ADHD coaches to shed light on why RSD can be so overwhelming and what helps when it hits. He is also co-author of ADHD Unpacked and co-founder of the charity ADHD Adult UK, dedicated to evidence-based education and advocacy.Together, Claire and Alex explore:What rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) really is and why it’s not an official diagnosis, yet feels profoundly real for so many people with ADHDHow emotional dysregulation connects to RSD and why the ADHD brain can amplify feelings of criticism, rejection, or embarrassmentThe debate around whether RSD is biological, learned, or both and what current science suggestsThe connection between RSD, social anxiety, and hypervigilance, and how to tell them apartThe ways RSD shows up differently in adults and children from people-pleasing to withdrawal and how parents can help children build autonomy and resilienceWhy communication, self-awareness, and emotional acceptance are essential in managing rejection sensitivityThe practical strategies that actually help from CBT and ADHD-informed therapy to “making no an option,” reframing, and creating supportive environmentsWhether you experience RSD yourself or see your child struggle with it, this episode offers science-based clarity, compassion, and real-world strategies to help make those moments of rejection feel a little less defining.Further resources and links:ADHD Unpacked by Dr Alex Conner and Professor James Brown: https://amzn.to/482BlUQThe ADHD Adults Podcast hosted by Dr Alex Conner and Professor James Brown: https://theadhdadults.uk/ADHD Adult UK: adhdadult.ukFocus Mag evidence-based magazine for adults with ADHD: focusmag.ukADHD Coaching Academy: https://www.theadhdcoachingacademy.com/ ADHD coaching and resources from Claire: allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

What does it really mean to treat ADHD through a “whole person” lens and how can parents support their children’s brains and bodies, not just their symptoms?In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by consultant child psychiatrist Dr Richard Fry who specialises in integrative psychiatry, an approach that brings together physical, psychological, genetic, and environmental factors to understand each child as a whole person.After years working within the NHS, Dr Fry now helps families explore how nutrition, metabolism, genetics, sleep, stress, and lifestyle all contribute to emotional and cognitive health. His work focuses on supporting brain function and wellbeing holistically, while minimising exclusive reliance on medication.Together, Claire and Dr Fry explore what it means to look beyond the ADHD label and uncover the “why” behind a child’s challenges including:What integrative psychiatry is and how it expands on traditional approaches to child mental healthHow nutrition, sleep, and gut health can influence ADHD symptoms and overall brain functionThe role of stress, cortisol, and “nervous system up-regulation” in children’s behaviour and attentionWhy micronutrients such as magnesium and zinc can make a difference for emotional regulation and focusHow genetics act as a “template, not a fate,” shaping how each child responds to nutrients and medicationPractical ways to combine medical and holistic strategies for better long-term outcomesWhy connection, enjoyment, and small daily wins are just as vital as any treatment planWhether your child is newly diagnosed, already on medication, or you’re just beginning to explore a more holistic path, this conversation offers clarity, curiosity, and compassion for parents wanting to support their child’s ADHD in a whole-person way.Further resources and links:Learn more about Dr Richard Fry’s integrative practice: https://drfry.org.uk/The Brain Brilliance Book by Lucinda Miller with foreword by Dr Richard FryADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDFollow Richard on Instagram @drrichardfryThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

Why do ADHD struggles like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and sensitivity often feel overwhelming and how can they be transformed into strengths?In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Rosie Turner, certified ADHD coach specialising in sports and wellness, yoga and pilates instructor, and host of the ADHD Untangled podcast. Rosie has dedicated her life to supporting the ADHD community in rewriting their story of struggle into strength.Rosie shares her powerful personal story from navigating addiction, impulsive decisions, and self-doubt, to finding yoga, ADHD coaching, and community as life-changing sources of healing and hope.This inspiring conversation covers:Rosie’s ADHD diagnosis journey and the relief, grief, and curiosity that followedHow impulsivity and hyperactivity once led to chaos but now fuel her creativity, coaching, and teachingThe role of sensitivity and empathy as powerful tools in her work with clientsWhy focusing on strengths, rather than weaknesses, can transform self-esteem and outcomes for children with ADHDHow environment and role models shape whether ADHD traits show up as struggles or strengthsThe life-changing impact of yoga as a form of movement, meditation, and nervous system regulation for ADHD brainsThe importance of authentic teaching and finding the right style, environment, or teacher when exploring yoga and wellness practicesHow retreats, coaching, and community create momentum and lasting transformation for people with ADHDA message of hope for parents: why failure is part of growth, why every child’s path looks different, and why it’s never too late to reframe the ADHD storyRosie’s honesty and insight offer reassurance for parents, carers, and adults with ADHD alike - the very traits that cause the biggest struggles can, in the right environment, become our greatest strengths.Further resources and links:Rosie’s podcast: ADHD Untangled on SpotifyLearn more about Rosie’s coaching, yoga, and retreats at untangledco.comFollow Rosie on Instagram: @coachrosieturnerADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

In this episode, Claire is joined by specialist education, equality, and public law barrister Alice de Coverley to tackle a difficult but crucial topic: school exclusions for children with ADHD and your legal rights. Alice is also a trustee for the charity Neurodiversity in Law and was named the Legal 500 ESG 2024 Disability & Neurodiversity Bar Champion of the Year. She co-authored the book A Practical Guide to the Law of School Exclusions.Alice and Claire's discussion provides invaluable advice for parents, covering:⚖️ The legal definition of a school exclusion, plus the difference between fixed-term and permanent exclusions⚖️ How state schools and private schools are governed by different legal frameworks when it comes to exclusion. The Equality Act applies in both cases - often a key piece of law in exclusion cases involving children with disabilities.⚖️ Why children with special educational needs or disabilities, particularly ADHD, are more likely to be at risk of exclusion, plus insight into how ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, emotional dysregulation, and distractibility can often be viewed solely as "behavioural problems" by schools. ⚖️ How school exclusions, especially at a young age, lead to a profound feeling of rejection from adults and can be incredibly damaging to a child's self-esteem and mental health in the long term.⚖️ Why exclusion should be a last resort, plus your legal rights under the Equality Act, and why schools are legally required to look at the context behind the behaviour, plus make reasonable adjustments in the lead-up to any disciplinary action for a child with a disability.⚖️The potential impact of children starting titration for ADHD medication and how parents can work with schools during this process to minimise the risk of exclusion.⚖️ The steps to take when a school makes the decision to exclude, including requesting written reasons, gathering relevant documentation (e.g. a recent diagnosis), being aware of the 15 day window to submit your appeal to an Independent Review Panel (IRP), and crucially, the right to ask for a Special Educational Needs (SEN) expert to attend the panel for free. This expert provides an objective view on how your child's SEN is relevant to the exclusion and can be an incredibly useful resource that not many parents are aware of.Whether you're battling your first exclusion or feeling exhausted by repeated challenges, this episode is a must-listen for parents or carers facing exclusion of their child from school, and is packed with practical advice as well as a reassuring look at your legal rights as part of this process.This episode was recorded on 11th July 2025.Further resources for free legal advice and support are available as follows:BBC article quoted in the episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c784ezdmnp4oThe School Exclusion Project - a free legal support service for parents https://www.schoolexclusionproject.com/ Just for Kids https://www.justforkidslaw.org/contact-usThe School Inclusion project - https://gardencourtchambers.co.uk/event/launch-event-the-school-inclusion-project/ Alice’s book "A Practical Guide to the Law of School Exclusions" https://www.amazon.co.uk/Practical-Guide-Relation-School-Exclusions/dp/1912687518 The first-tier tribunal offers a fast-tracked process for disability discrimination claims related to permanent exclusions https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/652f92d46b6fbf000db75872/SEND4_0423_access.pdf The views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and/or personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

What are some of the most common co-existing conditions that exist alongside ADHD, and how can parents identify them in their children?Join Claire and expert guest Professor James Brown in this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast to understand which conditions most commonly co-exist with ADHD and crucially, why that might be. Professor James is a biomedical scientist, ADHD coach, the co-founder of ADHD Adult UK, and one of the creators of the ADHD adults podcast. Diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood, James brings both academic expertise and personal insight to his work. He is also the co-author of ADHD Unpacked, which provides a practical and honest guide to understanding ADHD in everyday life.Professor James begins by giving some examples of what a co-existing (or co-morbid) condition might look like in children with ADHD, for instance, anxiety disorders, dyspraxia, dyslexia, autism, and mood disorders. Incredibly, 60-70% of children with ADHD will have at least one co-existing condition, with 40% having two or more. Despite the prevalence of co-existing conditions, Professor James sheds light on the challenges around diagnosis, due to overlapping symptoms and the limitations of current diagnostic tools, stressing the need for a more holistic approach to diagnosing neurodivergent conditions.Together they dive deep into some of the fascinating biological and social factors behind ADHD and co-existing conditions, including key insight into how ADHD and mood disorders impact the brain, plus the potential role of inflammation, where research is still very much emerging. Professor James also explains the challenges of diagnosing ADHD in children with other conditions like dyslexia, encouraging a "yes and" mindset in the diagnosis process, rather than “either or.” With the right knowledge, parents are better able to advocate for their children and improve their understanding of ADHD, so Claire and Professor James discuss the need for a more inclusive and accepting understanding of neurodivergent conditions, reducing the shame and stigma around difference. Finally, Professor James emphasises the need to consider multiple domains of a child's life, including sleep, socialisation, and emotional control to ensure the right diagnosis. He also encourages parents to trust their gut and seek deeper understanding if they feel their child is not getting the right support. He and Claire also explore some of the lesser-known conditions that can co-exist with ADHD, such as sensory processing differences, demand avoidance, social anxiety and addiction.This episode is a must-listen for parents looking to understand and support their children with ADHD, especially where they suspect one or more co-occurring conditions.To find out more about Professor James and his work, head to: https://jbhd.uk/ You can find out more about his charity here: https://www.adhdadult.uk/To order a copy of his book - ADHD Unpacked - head to: https://amzn.to/482BlUQ To listen to his podcast The ADHD Adults head to: https://open.spotify.com/show/2oYZwGakl7shJFG0lJ8JMt The views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and/or personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

How do we best support our ADHD kids with explosive behaviour?In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by expert guest Sarah Ockwell-Smith to discuss ADHD and explosive behaviours. Sarah is a well-known parenting expert and author who writes about the psychology and science of parenting. She specialises in gentle parenting - a movement she is often credited as founding - and “childism”, which is the unconscious discrimination of children in society. Sarah is the mother of four young adults, including a son with ADHD. She has ADHD and autism herself. Her latest book, "Raising Attention" is a compassionate, evidence-informed, and deeply personal guide for anybody who has or works with children with ADHD and explosive behaviours.Sarah begins by defining the term ‘explosive behavior’, which can be anything from verbal aggression to physical actions, and how it relates to ADHD. She describes what drives explosive behaviour and what is going on for children on the inside in those moments. Whilst not all children with ADHD exhibit explosive behavior, and the term is not limited to children with ADHD, it can pose significant challenges, particularly at school. Claire and Sarah discuss the term ‘naughty’ and how it can keep children stuck in the "cycle of shame," where they feel useless and shamed, leading to more explosive behavior. Sarah also provides a challenge to the ethos of “all behaviour is communication”, highlighting the role of brain development as another potential driver of children’s behaviour, preferring to say "all behaviour has a reason".They go on to discuss the challenges of parenting and the importance of focusing on the child's well-being and long-term development, rather than compliance. Sarah provides some insight into the benefits of understanding your child’s triggers and capabilities. She also shares some practical strategies for parents to help them manage tricky situations, particularly when out in public, along with the importance of repairing and reconnecting with your child after a meltdown.Finally, Sarah shares her viewpoint on how schools can better support children with ADHD. Whilst many teachers understand the needs of neurodivergent children they are often limited by the educational system itself. Sarah encourages parents to celebrate small successes with their ADHD kids and to accept them as they are, rather than trying to change them.If you are looking for practical strategies to better support your ADHD child with explosive behaviour, this episode is a must-listen!You can order a copy of Sarah’s brand new book “Raising Attention” (release date 3rd July 2025):https://amzn.eu/d/0iAyXhzTo find out more about Sarah and her work:https://sarahockwell-smith.com/To follow Sarah on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/sarahockwellsmithThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and/or personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

Why is emotional regulation more challenging for children with ADHD - and how can we help our kids cope better with their emotions?In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by expert guest Dr Alessio Bellato to discuss the fascinating link between ADHD and emotional regulation. Dr Alessio is a Lecturer in Child and Adolescent Mental Health at the University of Southampton and a Psychologist with expertise in Child Psychiatry and Psychology. Whilst it is not part of the official DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for ADHD, emotional regulation can pose a significant challenge for children with ADHD and of course, parents too. In this episode, Claire and Dr Alessio discuss how emotional regulation develops. Rather than something we are born with, it is a skill we learn as we develop, and social acceptance plays a key role. Dr Alessio also touches on the difference between emotional reactivity and regulation and how different regions of the brain handle these processes in children with ADHDDr Alessio also describes some of the emotional dysregulation challenges for children with ADHD - for example, increased reactivity and sensitivity, difficulties with challenging behaviour like bullying, plus the challenges of managing teacher and parent expectations as they transition from primary to secondary school. He provides some interesting insight into Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) and the impact of real and perceived rejection on emotional regulation, for example, if children feel excluded from a friend group, rejected by a potential partner in their teens, or for a job. Dr Alessio describes how “putting rejection into context” and discussing the consequences of potential rejection with children can help them interpret it and better cope with it as they grow up.Claire and Dr Alessio go on to describe how we can learn to regulate our emotions with healthy coping strategies, providing insight into what happens in the brain when we react to stress and why babies cry so much. He also explains how emotional regulation is first something we rely on our caregivers for, and how we eventually learn to regulate our nervous system as we grow up. Finally, they discuss the different options to support emotional dysregulation in ADHD children. Dr Alessio shares some fascinating findings from a meta-analysis (as yet unpublished as of May 2025) on different interventions, showing that medication, behavioural therapies, coaching, and also exercise can be helpful to support children in regulating their emotions. He also describes how medication and other interventions can work in harmony to create better outcomes for people with ADHD, by “calming our mind and also our body”. Dr Alessio also invites parents to reflect on their own emotional regulation and the behaviours they model for their children as a result, emphasising the impact of speaking openly about your feelings with your children, particularly during big life transitions.This episode is a must-listen for parents looking to understand emotional regulation and reactivity in their ADHD children, and how best to support their kids to cope better with their feelings.To find out more about Alessio and his work, head to:https://telegraph.co.uk/gift/757cfcff3a168b76https://www.olihelp.com/post/emotional-regulation-and-adhd-how-can-we-better-manage-our-emotionsTo read other relevant papers on emotional regulation and dysregulation:https://www.jaacap.org/article/S0890-8567(24)00304-6/fulltexthttps://www.mdpi.com/2076-3425/14/5/453https://www.jaacap.org/article/S0890-8567(23)00075-8/fulltexthttps://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jcv2.12148