The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast

When a child with ADHD struggles with emotional outbursts, anxiety, or everyday demands, how do we know what's ADHD, what's stress, and when overwhelm may be playing a larger role? Kate Brownfield talks with Dr. Aimie Apigian, double board-certified physician and author of The Biology of Trauma, about the connection between ADHD, chronic stress, trauma, and emotional dysregulation in children and parents. They explore why some children shut down or become easily overwhelmed, how disorganization can reflect deeper struggles, and why understanding what's beneath a child's behavior can help parents respond with more compassion and connection. Dr. Aimie also shares how parents can recognize their child's limits, reduce overwhelm patterns, and build a greater sense of safety and resilience at home. Learn more about Dr. Aimie Apigian and her work:https://www.biologyoftrauma.com/ ADHD parent coaching and resources with Kate Brownfield:https://adhdkidscanthrive.com

What if anxiety isn’t always something we need to get rid of? In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, Kate Brownfield talks with Dr. Tracy Foose, a board-certified psychiatrist, Associate Professor at the UCSF School of Medicine, and former Director of the UCSF Anxiety Disorders Program. Dr. Foose helps parents understand fear and anxiety differently: as uncomfortable but protective emotions that can carry important information. Kate and Dr. Foose explore how parents can better understand anxiety in kids and teens, respond without becoming consumed by the anxiety themselves, and help children build a healthier relationship with fear rather than simply trying to make it disappear. Dr. Foose has spent more than 15 years studying and treating anxiety and continues to teach about fear and anxiety at UCSF School of Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Tracy Foose:https://www.drfoose.com ADHD parent coaching with Kate Brownfield:https://adhdkidscanthrive.com Free ADHD Parent Reset:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/IUVgRZz

Episode Summary A brain-based roadmap for ADHD beyond “attention.” Dr. Rebecca Jackson explains how sensory, motor, and cognitive development shape attention, executive function, and emotional regulation, and how targeted, non-medication interventions (movement, sensory input, nutrition) can build lasting change. We cover bottom-up readiness before top-down strategies, practical daily routines, and assessments that reveal measurable gaps, enabling parents to help kids thrive at school and in life. Guest Dr. Rebecca Jackson, brain health expert, board-certified cognitive specialist, and former chiropractor known for her work at Brain Balance, is the author of Back on Track. She focuses on how sensory-motor development underpins attention, executive function, and emotion regulation, translating neuroscience into everyday tools for families. Episode Overview ADHD often reflects uneven development across systems—not just lapses in focus. Dr. Jackson walks through a bottom-up approach: strengthen sensory pathways and motor control first, then layer academics and behavior strategies. You’ll learn why movement is medicine (heart-rate spikes, balance, coordination), how sensory inputs raise a child’s tolerance threshold, and what nutrition tweaks (protein-forward mornings, whole-food swaps, lower inflammation) can do. We also discuss screen use with intention and how to start with assessments that identify strengths and track progress. What We Talk About (Highlights) ADHD is more than attention: sensory, motor, and cognitive systems develop unevenly Bottom-up vs. top-down: build brain readiness before piling on strategies Movement as medicine: heart-rate spikes, balance/coordination, frequent micro-breaks Emotional regulation: mature sensory pathways (sight, sound, touch) to raise tolerance Nutrition basics: reduce inflammation/“brain fog,” protein-first breakfasts, whole-food swaps Screens with intention: entertainment time can crowd out sensory-motor input Getting started: assessments that reveal strengths and measurable developmental gaps Resources & Links Dr. Rebecca Jackson’s book, Back on Track: https://drrebeccajackson.com/ 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, as it helps other ADHD families find the show

In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, Kate Brownfield, ACC, talks with licensed clinical social worker Ryan Wexelblatt, known as ADHD Dude, about how parents can help children with ADHD build stronger executive-function, behavioral, and social skills through clear expectations, consistent routines, real-world practice, and calm parental authority. Ryan explains why children with ADHD often need skills to be taught and practiced rather than being told to “try harder.” Kate and Ryan discuss how parents can shift from correcting behavior to coaching skills, when CBT may help children with ADHD, why social skills are built through experience rather than lectures, and how predictable structure can reduce conflict around homework, mornings, transitions, and follow-through. In This Episode Why repeated reminders often do not build executive-function skills How parents can coach skills instead of constantly correcting behavior What calm, confident parental authority can look like When CBT may be useful for children with ADHD Why social skills develop through real-life practice How routines and clear expectations can reduce family conflict How to help a child with ADHD experience themselves as increasingly capable About Ryan Wexelblatt Ryan Wexelblatt, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP, is a licensed clinical social worker, certified school social worker, and founder of ADHD Dude. His work focuses on helping parents support children with ADHD through practical skill-building, clear expectations, and parent-led approaches. Learn more about Ryan at:https://adhddude.com/ Need ADHD Parent Coaching for Your Family? Listening to ADHD strategies is one thing. Figuring out what actually applies to your child and your family is another. Anchor Your ADHD Family offers ongoing ADHD parent support, a monthly recorded class, community, and live parent coaching where you can bring your own questions, challenges, and family situations. Learn more or join Anchor Your ADHD Family at:https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/ For parents who want more individualized support, Kate also offers private ADHD parent coaching. Free ADHD Parent Reset Download The ADHD Parent Reset: 7 Things to Do Differently When What You’re Trying Isn’t Working: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/IUVgRZz About Kate Brownfield Kate Brownfield, ACC, is an ICF Associate Certified Coach and Certified ADHD & Executive Function Parent Coach, author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey of Raising a Child with ADHD, and host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. She helps parents better understand what may be driving their child’s struggles and find practical ways to respond with more clarity, confidence, and connection. If this episode helped you, subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, share it with another parent, and leave a rating or review to help more ADHD families find the show.

Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of my book for FREE here:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters ----------------------------------------------------------- Join host Kate Brownfield from ADHDKidsCanThrive.com in an enlightening conversation with Cassie Korbfort, MSEd, a Child Development Specialist and early childhood special education expert at the Center for Developing Minds (Devminds.com). This episode delves into the complexities of raising and educating neurodiverse children in preschool and elementary settings. Discover valuable insights into how parents can effectively advocate for their children, the importance of teamwork with educators, and the impact of external factors like COVID and screen time on child development. Kate and Cassie discuss common challenges parents face, such as handling behavioral issues in school, addressing the stigma attached to neurodiversity, and the significance of allowing children to overcome small challenges for long-term success. This episode serves as a helpful guide for parents aiming to support their children's unique learning needs while fostering an environment of growth and resilience both at home and in school. Thank you for listening! Connect with Cassie Korbfort: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-korbfort-145193203/ Connect with Kate of ADHD Kids Can Thrive: Website: http://www.adhdkidscanthrive.com/ #adhd #adhdkid #adhdparent #adhdkidscanthrive #adhdparentsupport #adhdsupport #specialed #parenting #ADHDkidhealth #brainhealth #anxiety #depression #learningdisabilities #dyslexia #executivefunctioning #neurodiverse #ADHDchild