How Does Connection Change Behavior for Autistic and ADHD Kids? | Ep. 155
From Autistic and ADHD Kids Parenting Strategies: Every Brain is Different by Samantha Foote, Lauren Ross
March 2, 2026 · 25 min · Episode 155
About this episode
Samantha and Lauren discuss the importance of real connection in improving behavior for autistic and ADHD kids, sharing personal experiences and practical strategies for parents.
Samantha and Lauren share Samantha’s experience competing for Mrs. Idaho to encourage parents, especially those raising neurodivergent kids, not to feel guilty for doing something for themselves with the right support. They then discuss choosing “real connection” with a child over society’s idea of “right connection,” emphasizing that behavior improves when children feel connected, safe, and understood, and that a dysregulated nervous system can’t learn or be reasoned with. They explain how typical expectations like eye contact, loud praise, adult-led conversation, or insisting on “proper” responses can backfire, and encourage observing needs (hunger, tiredness, overstimulation, anxiety, masking) before correcting. They suggest supporting regulation through reduced demands, co-regulation, sensory-aware environments, predictability, and joining a child’s interests, and invite listeners to a free Parenting the Child You Have online summit on March 13.
People in this episode
Hosts: Samantha Foote, Lauren Ross
Topics covered
- connection
- behavior
- neurodivergent kids
- parenting strategies
- emotional regulation
- support
Keywords
- autistic kids
- ADHD
- parenting
- behavior improvement
- emotional safety
- dysregulated nervous system
- co-regulation
- sensory-aware environments
Mentioned in this episode
Places: Idaho
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