About this episode

The episode discusses self-advocacy and belonging for neurodivergent teens and young adults, featuring insights from Riley Mulcahy.

ADHD, dyslexia, learning differences, school struggles, and feeling different can leave neurodivergent kids questioning where they fit and parents wondering how to help them build confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging. What helps a child move from struggling to truly believing in themselves? In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, ADHD Parent Coach Kate Brownfield, ACC, talks with Riley Mulcahy, founder and executive director of The Riley Project, about dyslexia, neurodivergence, belonging, self-advocacy, and helping kids who learn differently find their voice and understand their strengths. Riley shares his own journey from significant early learning challenges to graduating college with honors in English. Riley explains the difference between simply fitting in and truly belonging, why neurodivergent kids need opportunities to hear the experiences of others like them, and how parents can gradually help children develop self-advocacy skills as they grow. Kate and Riley also discuss IEPs and 504 plans, school support, learning differences, strengths-based parenting, and why behavior is often communication. You’ll also hear thoughtful insights on the…

People in this episode

Host: Kate Brownfield

Guest: Riley Mulcahy

Topics covered

• ADHD
• dyslexia
• self-advocacy
• neurodivergence
• belonging
• parenting

Keywords

• ADHD
• dyslexia
• neurodivergent
• self-advocacy
• belonging
• learning differences
• IEPs
• 504 plans
• parenting

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Riley Project

More episodes of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast

• The Boy with the Butterfly Mind: A Family’s Journey Through ADHD · September 7, 2026 · 30 min
• ADHD and the Wall of Awful: Why Kids Get Stuck and How Parents Can Help · August 31, 2026 · 30 min
• ADHD and Academic Pressure: Are We Raising Successful Kids or Stressed-Out Kids? with Dr. Denise Pope · August 17, 2026 · 32 min
• ADHD and Sleep: Practical Strategies for Neurodivergent Kids with Dr. Melisa Moore · August 3, 2026 · 40 min
• ADHD Parent Training: What If Your Child Isn’t the First One Who Needs to Change? · July 27, 2026 · 15 min

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