The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast

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

Episode Summary Licensed clinical social worker Ryan Wexelblatt (“ADHD Dude”) shares a practical, skills-first playbook for parents: coach over correct, step into calm parental authority, and build real-world social skills through practice, not lectures. We cover when CBT actually helps ADHD kids, why consistent home routines beat reminders, and how to create momentum without shame or power struggles. GuestRyan Wexelblatt, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified School Social Worker, and founder of ADHDDude.com. Ryan trains parents to help their children build skills, improve behavior, and feel better about themselves. He’s also a father to a son with ADHD and learning differences. Episode OverviewMost families are working hard but on the wrong levers. Ryan explains how parent-led coaching, clear expectations, and warm authority transform everyday friction points (mornings, transitions, homework). We dig into timing CBT so it sticks, designing social practice that isn’t awkward or punitive, and shifting from “try harder” to “build the skill.” Goal: fewer battles, more progress, and a kid who sees themselves as capable. What We Talk About (Highlights) Coach > correct: teach the skill, don’t repeat the reminder Parental authority: firm + kind (clear expectations, consistent follow-through) CBT timing: works best after regulation and core skills are in place Social growth through reps: real contexts, short practices, no lectures Routines that reduce conflict: prompts, transitions, and predictable scaffolds Common parent pain points—and what to do instead of “try harder” Inside ADHD Dude Camp: structure, community, and practical wins Ryan’s words of wisdom for exhausted parents Resources & Links ADHDDude: https://adhddude.com/ About Your HostKate 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 DownloadGet the first three chapters of How We Roll free: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast Share with a parent who needs encouragement today Leave a quick rating/review—it helps other 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

Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of the book for FREE here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters In this episode of ADHD Kids Can Thrive, host Kate Brownfield speaks with Dr. Tamara Rosier, an ADHD expert, coach, and author, about parenting children with ADHD and how ADHD affects family dynamics. Dr. Rosier shares her knowledge from her book "You, Me, and Our ADHD Family", immersing into the emotional challenges, parenting strategies, and key mindset shifts needed to create a healthier family environment. From dealing with big emotions to setting boundaries and building resilience, this conversation is packed with valuable guidance for parents dealing with the ADHD journey. Expect to Learn: Why punishments and rewards don’t work for children with ADHD and what does. The "Pool Metaphor" for handling emotional outbursts effectively. How to debrief with your child after a meltdown to teach accountability and resilience. Strategies for avoiding parent burnout while raising ADHD children. The importance of focusing on character development over daily struggles. In Today’s Episode: [00:39] - Welcome & Introduction to Guest, Dr. Tamara Rosier [02:47] - Why Dr. Rosier Wrote "You, Me, and Our ADHD Family" [03:42] - How ADHD Traits Impact Family Dynamics [06:27] - Why Parents Must Understand Their Own ADHD First [10:37] - Managing Big Emotions & Defiant Behaviors in ADHD Kids [12:42] - The "Pool Metaphor" for Emotional Regulation [16:31] - How to Keep ADHD Kids Safe During Emotional Outbursts [22:13] - Do Consequences Work? What ADHD Kids Actually Learn [26:03] - Preventing Parent Burnout & Managing Energy Levels [28:05] - Focusing on Character Development Over Perfection [32:12] - Final Reflections Connect with Dr. Tamara Rosier: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-rosier-phd/ Books 1: https://www.amazon.com/Your-Brains-Not-Broken-Strategies/dp/0800739426 Book 2: https://www.amazon.com/You-Our-ADHD-Family-Relationships/dp/0800745353 Website: https://adhdcenterofwestmichigan.com/ Follow your Host Kate Brownfield LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-wedlock-brownfield-b0b139 Follow the ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast on: Website: http://www.adhdkidscanthrive.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Adhdkidscanthrive Email: adhdkidscanthrive@yahoo.com

Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of the book for FREE here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters In this episode, Kate Brownfield interviews Judy Delaware, a pediatric occupational therapist, feeding specialist, and co-founder of Feeding Littles, along with Julie Abrams, an occupational therapist and ADHD parent coach. They examine the challenges of picky eating in children with ADHD, how neurodiversity impacts eating habits, and practical strategies for helping children build a healthier relationship with food. Judy shares her expertise on how early intervention, sensory sensitivities, and parental modeling influence children’s eating behaviors. They also discuss mealtime routines, strategies for expanding food variety, and when to seek professional help. Whether you’re a parent struggling with mealtime battles or looking for evidence based strategies to help your child overcome food aversions, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Expect to Learn: How picky eating and ADHD are connected. The role of sensory sensitivities and rigid thinking in food choices. How early intervention and parental modeling impact eating habits. Strategies to introduce new foods without resistance. When to seek help from an occupational therapist or feeding specialist. How to make mealtimes less stressful for children and parents. In today’s Episode: [01:44] - Meet Judy Delaware and Julie Abrams [03:07] - What is picky eating? Defining the basics [03:49] - How common is picky eating among neurodiverse children? [05:18] - The importance of early intervention in feeding challenges [07:07] - How parental modeling impacts a child’s eating habits [09:42] - Mealtime power struggles: Should parents push or let go? [12:20] - The difference between picky eating vs. selective eating disorder [14:44] - How ADHD medications affect appetite and eating patterns [18:14] - Preventing after school hunger crashes [20:08] - How to tell if a child’s nutrition is a serious concern [24:01] - Helpful resources for parents & screening tools [26:04] - Avoiding mealtime conflicts and stress [30:31] - Screen time during meals [34:09] - Fun food exposure games to expand a child’s diet [40:14] - Can teenagers and adults still improve their eating habits? [43:06] - Judy’s book, Feeding Littles Lunches, and how it helps parents Connect with Judy Delaware: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-delaware-otrl-clc-clipp-9011012a/ Books 1: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Littles-Lunches-No-Stress-Everyone/dp/0593797450 Book 2: https://www.amazon.com/Feeding-Littles-Beyond-Baby-Led-Weaning-Friendly-Recipes/dp/0593419243 Website: https://feedinglittles.com/ Connect with Julie Abrams: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-abrams-536a03154/ Follow your Host Kate Brownfield LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-wedlock-brownfield-b0b139 Follow the ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast on: Website: http://www.adhdkidscanthrive.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Adhdkidscanthrive Email: adhdkidscanthrive@yahoo.com #ADHD #PickyEating #FeedingLittles #Parenting #ChildNutrition #MindfulEating #SensoryProcessing #FeedingTherapy #Neurodiversity

Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of the book for FREE here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters------------------------------------------------------------------ In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, host Kate Brownfield welcomes Dr. Damon Korb, a developmental and behavioral pediatrician, founder of the Center for Developing Minds, and author of Raising an Organized Child. Dr. Korb shares his expertise on executive functioning, ADHD, and how parents can foster organization, planning, and time management skills in their children. He also introduces OrganizedStudent.com, an online tool designed to help students build executive function skills through structured lessons. Whether your child struggles with time management, organization, motivation, or emotional regulation, this episode provides practical findings and science-backed strategies to support their growth. 📚 Expect to Learn ✅ Why ADHD Kids Struggle with Organization – The science behind executive function delays.✅ Building Executive Function Skills – A step-by-step approach for parents.✅ Time Management & Motivation Hacks – Teaching kids to plan ahead and stay engaged.✅ The Power of Struggle – Why letting kids work through challenges is essential.✅ Screen Time & ADHD – How digital habits impact attention and brain development. ⏳ Episode Breakdown with Timestamps ⏳ [00:01:31] - Introduction to Dr. Damon Korb [00:02:55] - Why ADHD Kids Struggle with Organization [00:04:48] - Introducing OrganizedStudent.com – A Tool for Students [00:06:51] - The Parent’s Role in Building Executive Function Skills [00:11:16] - Time Management Strategies for ADHD Kids [00:14:30] - Keeping ADHD Kids Motivated Without Battles [00:18:30] - Handling Anxiety, Meltdowns & Emotional Dysregulation [00:27:31] - The Impact of Screen Time on Executive Functioning [00:30:55] - Final Advice & Where to Find Dr. Korb’s Resources Connect with our guest Dr. Damon Korb: 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damon-korb-5152ba8/ 🌍Website: https://www.devminds.com/ 👉Online Tool to build skills in students: Home | Organized Students Follow the ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast on: 👉 Join Parent Support Group: Sign up for details here 👉 Website: http://www.adhdkidscanthrive.com/ 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Adhdkidscanthrive 🔗 Subscribe now and share your thoughts in the comments below!#ADHDKids #HealthAdvocacy #ParentingTips #Neurodiversity #adhdkidscanthrive

Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of the book for FREE here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters----------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode, Kate Brownfield from The ADHD Kids Can Thrive interviews Julie Abrams, an occupational therapist (OT) specializing in neurodiverse children and an ADHD parent coach based in Colorado. Julie brings her expertise in sensory systems to shed light on how sensory challenges manifest in children with ADHD and autism, offering parents actionable strategies to support their kids' development. Julie Abrams discusses the foundational role of a child's sensory system in everyday activities like being a student, a friend, and just being a child. She breaks down the tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems, explains how sensory-seeking and sensory-avoiding behaviors present, and provides practical tips for creating sensory-friendly routines at home. Whether you're navigating a recent diagnosis or just curious about supporting your child's sensory needs, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Julie Abrams is an occupational therapist for neurodiverse children and an ADHD parent coach with over 20 years of experience. Based in Colorado, Julie specializes in helping families understand and manage sensory processing challenges in children with ADHD and autism. Her work focuses on improving fine and gross motor skills, attention, and social engagement, empowering both children and their parents to thrive. 📚 Expect to Learn ✔ The role of occupational therapy (OT) in supporting children with ADHD and autism. ✔ How sensory systems—tactile, vestibular, and proprioceptive—impact a child’s daily life. ✔ Signs that your child may have sensory processing challenges and when to seek professional help. ✔ Practical strategies for managing sensory-seeking and sensory-avoiding behaviors at home. ✔ How to build a "sensory diet" to support your child's regulation and focus throughout the day. ⏳ Episode Breakdown with Timestamps ⏳ 📌[00:01:42] – Introduction to Julie Abrams 📌[00:02:24] – What is Occupational Therapy (OT) and how it helps ADHD kids 📌[00:05:22] – Understanding the sensory system 📌[00:08:16] – sensory challenges with ADHD kids and autism. 📌[00:09:26] – Teaching parents to understand and support their child’s sensory needs. 📌[00:9:50] – The impact of sensory misperceptions on learning and behavior. 📌[00:14:34] – Can sensory systems be strengthened over time? 📌[00:19:47] – Building a sensory diet 📌[00:24:34] – When to seek professional OT support and what to expect in therapy 📌[00:27:07] – The importance of seasonal adjustments in sensory routines 📌[00:29:43] – Advocating for movement and sensory breaks in school settings. 📌[00:31:30] – Final advice for parents raising neurodiverse children Connect with our Guest Julie Abrams:👉 Website:https://www.julieabramsot.com/ Follow the ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast on: 👉 Join Parent Support Group: Sign up for details here 👉 Website: http://www.adhdkidscanthrive.com/ 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Adhdkidscanthrive

Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of the book for FREE here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters----------------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode, host Kate Brownfield sits down with Dr. Christie Rogers-Larke, founder and clinical director of Outside of the Box Therapy in South Carolina. Dr. Christie shares her journey growing up with ADHD, her observations as a therapist, and the inspiration behind her children's book, The ADHD Porcupine and the Bunny. Diagnosed with ADHD in college, Dr. Christie uses her personal experiences and professional expertise to support neurodiverse children and their families. Through practical advice, real-life examples, and the heart-touching story of her book, she emphasizes the importance of understanding, compassion, and recognizing the unique strengths of individuals with ADHD. This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and caregivers looking to support neurodiverse children better and help them thrive in their own way. 📚 Expect to Learn How to reframe oppositional behavior as a form of communication. Strategies for navigating emotional regulation and motivating neurodiverse children. The importance of focusing on a child's strengths rather than their challenges. How to build flexibility and structure in parenting without losing balance. Insights from The ADHD Porcupine and the Bunny and its approach to resilience. ⏳ Episode Breakdown with Timestamps ⏳ [00:03:25] - Dr. Christie’s ADHD Journey[00:06:57] - The Inspiration Behind the Book[00:08:46] - Parenting Strategies [00:10:46] - The Bunny’s Role in the Story: [00:13:06] - Understanding Oppositional Behaviors[00:15:05] - Social Media & ADHD Awareness[00:17:35] - Final Words of Wisdom[00:20:32] - Conclusion Connect with our Guest Dr. Christie Rogers- Larke👉 Visit her website: https://www.outsideoftheboxtherapy.com/ 👉 Her Book, “The ADHD Porcupine and the Bunny”, is available on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0DFTZ6BWP Follow Host Kate Brownfield at the ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast on: 👉 Join Parent Support Group: Sign up for details here 👉 Website: http://www.adhdkidscanthrive.com/👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Adhdkidscanthrive 🔗 Follow ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast now and share your thoughts in the comments below!