Is Medication Right for Your Autistic/ADHD Child? | Ep. 156

About this episode

Samantha and Lauren discuss the complexities of medication for neurodivergent children, emphasizing that every child's needs are unique.

In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about one of the most common and controversial questions parents ask when raising neurodivergent kids: whether children with ADHD, anxiety, or executive functioning challenges should take medication. They discuss why medication decisions can feel so heavy for parents and emphasize that every brain is different, so what works for one child may not work for another. Samantha and Lauren explain how medication can sometimes help regulate an overwhelmed nervous system and act as a “pattern interrupter,” allowing kids to better learn coping, emotional regulation, and executive functioning skills. They also talk honestly about the downsides, including potential side effects and the trial-and-error process of finding the right medication and dosage. Throughout the conversation, they remind parents that medication is not a magic fix and should be viewed as one tool in a larger toolbox that also includes supportive parenting, environmental supports, therapy, and skill-building. Ultimately, the goal is not to tell parents what decision to make, but to help them feel informed and confident as they work with medical professionals to choose what’s best…

People in this episode

Hosts: Samantha Foote, Lauren Ross

Topics covered

• medication
• neurodivergent kids
• ADHD
• autism
• parenting strategies
• emotional regulation
• executive functioning

Keywords

• medication
• ADHD
• autism
• parenting
• emotional regulation
• executive functioning
• neurodiversity
• side effects
• therapy
• supportive parenting

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