THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

The Small Language Shifts That Protect the Mental Health of Neurodivergent Kids What if some of the most common words we use with autistic and ADHD children are actually creating confusion, shame, masking and self-doubt? Words like: • Respectful • Responsible • Pay attention • Motivated • Trustworthy • Nice • Confident and on and on Most of us use these words every day without thinking twice. But for many neurodivergent children and teens, these words can feel vague, confusing, and impossible to understand. When children don't know exactly what is expected of them, they aren't learning the skill we hope to teach. Instead, they may begin to believe they are constantly getting things wrong. Over time, that misunderstanding can impact mental health, learning, and relationships. In this episode, I'm covering why and how commonly used words cause damage and how small shifts in communication can create more clarity, connection, safety, and understanding. In this episode, you'll discover: ✔ Why vague language creates confusion for autistic and ADHD children ✔ How words like "respectful," "responsible," and "motivated" can unintentionally hurt neurodivergent children ✔ The connection between communication, mental health, and emotional safety ✔ What many neurodivergent children are actually trying to communicate ✔ Specific language shifts that improve cooperation and understanding Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, psychologist, or someone who supports neurodivergent children and teens, this episode will help you communicate in ways that foster understanding instead of confusion and connection instead of shame. Because the goal isn't to make neurodivergent kids guess what we mean. The goal is to help them feel safe, understood, capable, and supported. If this episode resonates with you, please share it with another parent, educator, therapist, or psychologist who supports autistic and ADHD children and teens:) Thanks for joining me for this episode, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist Check out these resources! The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95 What's Inside: 📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers 🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive 🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs 🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches 💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis 🌟 3 Detailed Student Examples With Individualized Accommodations Plus: ✅ An example of each accommodation ✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need ✅ Free helpful education resources Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95 ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here ➡️ Educators click here Join me in my Facebook Groups! ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here Learn about my private practice - North Carolina Center for Autism and ADHD 🙋🏻‍♀️ Join me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. Thank you:) About Holly Blanc Moses: Holly Blanc Moses is an AuDHD psychologist with 28 years of experience. She is a speaker, consultant, continuing education provider, and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV, and parent masterclasses. About The Podcast The Autism ADHD Podcast is for parents and professionals who want a neurodiversity-affirming approach to supporting autistic and ADHD children and teens — with a focus on emotional regulation, executive functioning, mental health, and connection.

This episode is deeply personal. Today, I'm sharing a part of my story that I've hidden for a very long time. Elizabeth Le Forest is walking with me through painful topics such as anxiety, perfectionism, chronic illness, masking, people pleasing, burnout, and what happens when a neurodivergent person spends their life trying to prove they are worthy of love, belonging, and support. For years, I wore a heavy mask. I learned to push through it all with a smile Rejection Exhaustion Pain. Fear. Overwhelm. I learned to disconnect from my body and my needs because somewhere along the way, I absorbed the message that who I naturally was wasn't "acceptable." So I kept trying to prove that I wasn't: "lazy" "bad" "selfish" "annoying" "weird" "stupid" "a brat" "dramatic" I spent years chasing scraps of approval, hoping that if I achieved enough… helped enough… worked hard enough… pushed through enough… maybe I'd finally be "good enough." Meanwhile, my body was breaking down. I pushed myself far beyond my limits and it almost killed me This conversation is vulnerable, emotional, and honest. If you are parenting an autistic or ADHD child… if you support neurodivergent kids and teens professionally… or if you are a neurodivergent adult who has spent your life trying to prove you are enough… I need you to hear this: Autistic and neurodivergent children need to be deeply loved, supported, protected, and reminded of their value exactly as they are because they are growing up in a world that constantly tells them they are wrong. Too sensitive. Too emotional. Too loud. Too weird Too annoying and on and on Children absorb those messages. And when they spend years believing they have to earn love and belonging by masking, overachieving, people pleasing, and ignoring their own needs, the cost is dangerous You do not have to destroy yourself to prove your value. You were never supposed to spend your life chasing scraps of approval. And I hope this episode reminds you that your needs matter too. You are valuable. You always have been and you always will be. ❤️ Holly, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist P.S. I've got more goodness for you! 🥁🥁🥁🥁 The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95 What's Inside: 📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers 🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive 🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs 🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches 💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis Plus: ✅ An example of each accommodation ✅ 3 detailed cases along with accommodations ✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need ✅ Free helpful education resources Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95 ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here ➡️ Educators click here Join me in my Facebook Groups! ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here Learn about my private practice - North Carolina Center for Autism and ADHD 🙋🏻‍♀️ Join me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. Thank you:) Thanks to Elizabeth Le Forest for interviewing me for this important episode! Elizabeth only has a few 1:1 spots available for her Sacred Creatrix program. This program is for neurodivergent women who are healers, creatives or moms. Inside this dedicated container, clients get the high-level, customized support to heal and expand their nervous system so they finally feel safe enough to be fully present in their body, show up as their most vibrantly authentic self, and shift into sustainable alignment in every area of their life. Click here to learn about the program! About Holly Blanc Moses: Holly Blanc Moses is an AuDHD psychologist with 28 years of experience. She is a speaker, consultant, continuing education provider, and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV, and parent masterclasses. About The Podcast The Autism ADHD Podcast is for parents and professionals who want a neurodiversity-affirming approach to supporting autistic and ADHD children and teens — with a focus on emotional regulation, executive functioning, mental health, and connection.

I want to start with something I say to burned-out moms — and I mean it every single time I say it: Your burnout makes sense. Not the kind of "makes sense" that's just being nice. The kind that means there is a real, biological, neurological explanation for why you feel the way you feel. And it started long before you became a mom. That's a nervous system that was already running on empty — and finally hit its limit. In this episode, I'm joined by Elizabeth LeForest — AuDHD somatic coach, trauma-informed practitioner, and someone who has lived this from the inside out. We go deep, and parts of this conversation hit very close to home for me personally. What we talk about in this episode: Why neurodivergent moms are often already at their nervous system limit before motherhood even begins What the burnout cycle actually looks like for neurodivergent women The cascade effect: how chronic nervous system activation starts to affect your physical health, and why so many neurodivergent women end up with chronic illness, POTS, GI issues, fatigue, and pain that nobody can fully explain Why co-regulation with your autistic or ADHD child is nearly impossible when you've never experienced it yourself — and what to do about it The brain-body disconnect: why so many neurodivergent women stop trusting their bodies from a very young age — and what healing that actually looks like The intergenerational piece — why we end up saying the same things to our kids that were said to us, even when we desperately don't want to, and how to change the default setting Why anxiety in neurodivergent women is often a symptom of nervous system dysfunction — not a life sentence — and what Elizabeth sees happen when the nervous system actually heals What "rest and digest" is supposed to feel like — and why so many of us have never actually experienced it What happens to unprocessed emotions in your body, and why closing them changes everything — including your memory, your energy, and your mental load Why this work is in service to your child This episode is for you if: You're a mom of autistic or ADHD kids who is burned out, exhausted, and wondering why nothing you try ever feels like enough You grew up neurodivergent — diagnosed or not — and were taught to push through, minimize your experience, and put everyone else first You're a therapist or counselor supporting neurodivergent families, and you want to understand what's really happening in the nervous systems of the moms you work with You've been told you have anxiety, depression, or chronic illness — and something in you has always wondered if there's more to the story Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist P.S. I've got more goodness for you! 🥁🥁🥁🥁 The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95 What's Inside: 📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers 🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive 🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs 🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches 💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis Plus: ✅ An example of each accommodation ✅ 3 detailed cases along with accommodations ✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need ✅ Free helpful education resources Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95 ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here ➡️ Educators click here Join me in my Facebook Groups! ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here Learn about my private practice - North Carolina Center for Autism and ADHD 🙋🏻‍♀️ Join me on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. Thank you:) About Holly Blanc Moses: Holly Blanc Moses is an AuDHD psychologist with 28 years of experience. She is a speaker, consultant, continuing education provider, and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV, and parent masterclasses. About Elizabeth LeForest: Elizabeth LeForest is an AuDHD somatic coach and trauma-informed practitioner who supports neurodivergent women navigating anxiety, burnout, and chronic illness. Her work blends lived experience with a nervous system-centered approach designed specifically for neurodivergent women who are ready to stop surviving and start building lives that actually work for them. If you are interested in working with Elizabeth, you can contact her here.

When adults tell autistic or ADHD children to be more accountable — to take more responsibility, to stop making excuses, admit when they're wrong — I understand exactly where that's coming from. The fear underneath it is real. The exhaustion is real. But here's what I also know: when we demand accountability and responsibility through shame, we're not teaching our neurodivergent kids anything. We're just making them feel bad about who they are. In this episode, I'm getting honest about something most of us don't talk about — the massive gap between what parents mean when they say "accountability" and what their autistic or ADHD child actually hears. And I'm going to show you what real accountability looks like for neurodivergent kids. It doesn't involve a giant, heavy bag of shame and blame. It involves understanding, curiosity, and problem solving — together. I've been the parent standing in front of my child saying, "You need to take responsibility." I thought I was teaching him something essential. What I was actually doing was handing him a bag of garbage and calling it a life lesson. This episode is for every parent and teacher who has done the same. And for every therapist working with autistic and adhd children and their families. In this episode, you'll learn: Why demanding accountability from autistic and ADHD kids often backfires — and what's actually happening when a child "refuses to take responsibility." The garbage bag metaphor: what happens when shame and blame get passed back and forth between parent and child — and how to put it down Real examples and what actually helped 5 ways to teach real accountability without shame, including how to separate the action from the person, how to use curiosity instead of blame, and how to teach missing skills without saying "you should know this by now." Why "I forgot" and "she was bothering me" are not excuses — they're a child trying to communicate What happens to neurodivergent kids who grow up in a shame-based accountability culture — and why it matters How to repair it when you've already shamed your child in the name of responsibility (because you will, and have I) What therapists need to ask when a parent says their child needs to be more accountable This episode is for you if: You're a parent of an autistic child and/or ADHD child who struggles with responsibility, follow-through, or "making excuses." You're a therapist, school counselor, or psychologist supporting neurodivergent children and their families You grew up being told you made excuses — and it still weighs on you. Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist P.S. I've got more goodness for you! 🥁🥁🥁🥁 MORE Great information for you! The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95 What's Inside: 📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers 🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive 🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs 🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches 💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis Plus: ✅ An example of each accommodation ✅ 3 detailed cases along with accommodations ✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need ✅ Free helpful education resources Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95 ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here ➡️ Educators click here Thank you for your advocacy! After you get your guide, you can also access these free resources below:) ⬇️ 🌟 Get your FREE "Get To Know My Child Snapshot" Parents click here Therapists click here Educators click here ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents, click here for your masterclasses ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:) Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals Subscribe, Support & Share 📱 Follow: @theautismadhdpodcast on Instagram and Facebook 📺 Come on over to YouTube and check out Autism ADHD TV with Holly Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. Thank you:) About Holly Blanc Moses Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent psychologist, speaker, consultant, continuing education provider, and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV, and parent masterclasses.

Why are morning routines and bedtime routines so hard for ADHD and autistic kids? If your mornings feel chaotic… If bedtime turns into battles… If you've tried "sleep hygiene," reward charts, reminders, and it still falls apart… This episode is for you. In this conversation, I sit down with occupational therapist Dr. Peyton Gemmell to talk about why routines are especially difficult for neurodivergent kids and teens — and what actually helps. Here's what I need you to hear: It's not laziness. It's not defiance. It's executive functioning, sensory processing, transitions, and overwhelm. We break down: • Why morning chaos happens in ADHD and autistic children • How executive functioning impacts routines • Why traditional sleep hygiene advice often isn't enough • The role of sensory regulation in bedtime struggles • How to identify which part of the routine is actually hard • Simple, practical systems that reduce overwhelm (including a powerful visual basket strategy) • How to reduce shame while building real-life skills We also talk about something parents don't hear enough: The same routine will not work forever. Neurodivergent brains need toolkits — not rigid systems. Whether you're a parent, therapist, educator, or a neurodivergent adult trying to build sustainable routines, this episode offers practical, compassionate strategies rooted in neurodiversity-affirming care. If you're tired of feeling frustrated before 8am… If you want to support your child without increasing shame… If you're ready for systems that actually make sense… Press play. Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist P.S. I've got more goodness for you! 🥁🥁🥁🥁 MORE Great information for you! The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95 What's Inside: 📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers 🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive 🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs 🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches 💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis Plus: ✅ An example of each accommodation ✅ 3 detailed cases along with accommodations ✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need ✅ Free helpful education resources Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95 ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here ➡️ Educators click here Thank you for your advocacy! After you get your guide, you can also access these free resources below:) ⬇️ 🌟 Get your FREE "Get To Know My Child Snapshot" Parents click here, Therapists click here, Educators click here ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents, click here for your masterclasses ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:) Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals Subscribe, Support & Share 📱 Follow: @theautismadhdpodcast on Instagram and Facebook 📺 Come on over to YouTube and check out Autism ADHD TV with Holly Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. Thank you:) About Holly Blanc Moses Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent psychologist, speaker, consultant, continuing education provider, and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV, and parent masterclasses. About Peyton Gemmell Dr. Peyton Gemmell is an occupational therapist and founder of Light Minded OT, where she specializes in supporting teen girls and women with ADHD. She supports clients in strengthening executive functioning skills, navigate sensory processing differences, and build sustainable daily routines. Her work focuses on practical skill development and environmental modification to reduce overwhelm and improve participation in school, home, and community life. Peyton is passionate about helping teen show up the way they want and need to in day to day life.

When I was in first grade, I had a plan for Valentine's Day. A very thoughtful, very Holly plan. Every classmate was getting a Valentine. But not every classmate was getting the same coin taped inside. There were the quarter kids. The dime kids. The nickel kids. The penny kids. And one classmate got nothing. My teacher was not happy. My parents were not happy. And not one single adult that day asked me why I did it. That part — the part where no one asked — is what this episode is really about. In this episode, I talk about: ▸ The full story of the Valentine's Day coin system (and why, at seven years old, it made complete sense to me) ▸ What actually happens in a child's nervous system and sense of self when adults skip curiosity and go straight to correction ▸ Why neurodivergent kids stop explaining themselves — and what we accidentally teach them when we don't listen ▸ The one thing I wish an adult had said to me that day — and how you can say it to the kids in your life ▸ A direct challenge: How do YOU want to show up in the next hard moment? This episode is for parents, therapists, and educators who want to be the person an autistic and adhd child actually feels safe with. The one who asks before they assume. The one who listens before they correct. It's also for anyone who grew up being the kid that no one asked. You'll know who you are. 🥁🥁🥁🥁 MORE Great information for you! The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95 What's Inside: 📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers 🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive 🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs 🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches 💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis Plus: ✅ An example of each accommodation ✅ 3 detailed cases along with accommodations ✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need ✅ Free helpful education resources Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95 ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here ➡️ Educators click here Thank you for your advocacy! After you get your guide, you can also access these free resources below:) ⬇️ 🌟 Get your FREE "Get To Know My Child Snapshot" Parents click here, Therapists click here, Educators click here ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents, click here for your masterclasses ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:) Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals Subscribe, Support & Share 📱 Follow: @theautismadhdpodcast on Instagram and Facebook 📺 Come on over to YouTube and check out Autism ADHD TV with Holly Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. Thank you:) About Holly Blanc Moses Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent psychologist, speaker, consultant, continuing education provider, and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV, and parent masterclasses.

We use the word friend all the time—at school, at home, on the playground. "Line up, friends." "We don't hit our friends." "That's my friend from work." It sounds warm and inclusive, and it's almost always said with good intentions. But for many autistic and ADHD children, language is taken literally. When we tell them everyone is their friend, they believe us. And then they expect those people to act like friends—to include them, play with them, and treat them kindly. When that doesn't happen, the confusion can turn into hurt, self-blame, anxiety, and even depression. In this episode, I break down why overusing the word friend can be especially harmful for neurodivergent children—and how it can unintentionally teach them to ignore their own experiences or accept mistreatment. I share real-life examples from classrooms, playgrounds, and therapy spaces, including what happens when a child asks, "Are you my friend?" and the answer doesn't match the actions. We'll talk about: *Why autistic and ADHD children often take friendship language literally *How some children are bullied through "pretend friendship." *Why teaching actions of a friend is more helpful than using labels *How to help children notice when friendship behaviors change and know who to go to for help *A simple visual circles model that teaches self-friendship, boundaries, and different levels of connection *Why we need to be cautious with questions like "Who's your best friend?" *How society's message that "more friends = more value" can deeply harm neurodivergent kids *And why being a good friend to yourself is just as important as having friends around you I also share examples from my own adult friendships to show that real friendship doesn't look one way—and that closeness, frequency, and intensity can all vary and still be meaningful. If you're a parent, educator, or mental health professional supporting autistic or ADHD children, this episode offers a compassionate reframe and practical language shifts that can reduce confusion, protect emotional safety, and support healthier relationships. Because being precise with our language doesn't make kids less kind—it makes them safer. And safety is where real connection begins. 🎧 If you find this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with a parent, therapist or teacher, and leaving a 5-star review so more people can find the podcast. The more people we can reach, the more neurodivergent children we can help:) 🥁🥁🥁🥁 MORE Great information for you! The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95 What's Inside: 📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers 🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive 🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs 🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches 💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis Plus: ✅ An example of each accommodation ✅ 3 detailed cases along with accommodations ✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need ✅ Free helpful education resources Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95 ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here ➡️ Educators click here Thank you for your advocacy! After you get your guide, you can also access these free resources below:) ⬇️ 🌟 Get your FREE "Get To Know My Child Snapshot" Parents click here, Therapists click here, Educators click here ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents, click here for your masterclasses ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:) Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals Subscribe, Support & Share 📱 Follow: @theautismadhdpodcast on Instagram and Facebook 📺 Come on over to YouTube and check out Autism ADHD TV with Holly Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. About Holly Blanc Moses Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent psychologist, speaker, consultant, continuing education provider, and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV, and parent masterclasses.

https://www.youtube.com/@autismadhdtvwithhollySensory experiences shape how neurodivergent kids feel, think, and show up in the world — and when those experiences are overwhelming, confusing, or dismissed, the emotional toll can be enormous. In today's rebroadcast, Holly Blanc Moses (AuDHD therapist, evaluator, and mom) gets deeply personal, sharing powerful stories from her own childhood and adulthood that reveal what sensory differences really feel like from the inside. From the "sock struggle" to being pushed into a pool, to finally standing under a waterfall at 50 years old—Holly opens the door to understanding sensory experiences in a way that is validating, compassionate, and unforgettable. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode will help you see big reactions, meltdowns, refusals, or "sensitivities" through an entirely new lens: ✨ One rooted in sensory distress, not misbehavior. ✨ One grounded in emotional safety, not compliance. ✨ One that teaches us to believe kids—even when we don't fully understand. Because when we understand sensory needs, we understand the child. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What sensory overload actually feels like for many autistic and ADHD individuals Why sensory distress often leads to emotional dysregulation or meltdowns How invalidation ("You're being dramatic") impacts long-term emotional wellbeing Why believing kids' sensory experiences improves trust, attachment, and regulation Holly's personal sensory stories (you may see your child or client in them!) Who This Episode Is For: ✔ Parents of autistic & ADHD children ✔ Mental health therapists ✔ Educators, school staff, and support professionals ✔ Anyone who wants to better understand sensory differences and emotional regulation If you've ever wondered, "Why does this tiny thing create such a big reaction?" — this episode will give you the clarity and compassion you've been searching for. 🥁🥁🥁🥁 MORE Great information for you! The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95 What's Inside: 📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers 🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive 🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs 🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches 💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis Plus: ✅ An example of each accommodation ✅ 3 detailed cases along with accommodations ✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need ✅ Free helpful education resources Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95 ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here ➡️ Educators click here You are going to LOVE this guide! Thank you for your advocacy! After you get your guide, you can also access these free resources below:) ⬇️ 🌟 Get your FREE "Get To Know My Child Snapshot" Parents click here, Therapists click here, Educators click here ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents, click here for your masterclasses ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:) Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals Subscribe, Support & Share 📱 Follow: @theautismadhdpodcast on Instagram and Facebook 📺 Come on over to YouTube and check out Autism ADHD TV with Holly Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. About Holly Blanc Moses Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent psychologist, speaker, consultant, continuing education provider, and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV, and parent masterclasses.

If you've ever thought, "Why don't they just do what I say?" or "They need to be more motivated," this episode will completely change how you support autistic and adhd children. In this episode, you'll learn: What motivation actually is (cognitively speaking) and how it relies on executive functioning The specific executive functions that impact motivation How executive functioning challenges lead to anxiety and depression when kids are blamed instead of supported Real case examples of what "unmotivated" looks like from the outside—and what's really happening on the inside 13 practical, neurodiversity-affirming strategies you can use TODAY to actually help neurodivergent kids succeed. I'm so excited for you to listen to this episode:) 🥁🥁🥁🥁 BIG BIG NEWS!!! GET 50% off The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide What's Inside: 📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers 🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive 🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs 🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches 💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis Plus: ✅ An example of each accommodation ✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need ✅ Free helpful education resources Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $13.98! ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here ➡️ Educators click here You are going to LOVE this guide! Thank you for your advocacy! After you get your guide, you can also access these free resources below:) ⬇️ 🌟 Get your FREE "Get To Know My Child Snapshot" Parents click here Therapists click here Educators click here ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents, click here for your masterclasses ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:) Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals Subscribe, Support & Share 📱 Follow: @theautismadhdpodcast on Instagram and Facebook 📺 Come on over to YouTube and check out Autism ADHD TV with Holly Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. About Holly Blanc Moses Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent psychologist, speaker, consultant, continuing education provider and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV and parent masterclasses. Check out resources mentioned in this episode! Flown Outshool Time Timer A great Tedtalk about approaching activities and skills in 10 minute increments.

Welcome to The Autism ADHD Podcast! I'm thrilled that you joined me. My name is Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist. Today, we are talking about the FREE "Get to Know My Child Snapshot" - a one-page fillable pdf that takes less than 5-minutes to complete. Decrease anxiety Prevent misunderstandings about behavior Highlight strengths and interests Set a child up for success with teachers, coaches, tutors, sitters, therapists, doctors, etc. Get your FREE "Get To Know My Child Snapshot" Parents click here Therapists click here Educators click here ⭐️ Click here for free resources, trainings, and continuing education- ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents, click here for your masterclasses ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:) Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals Subscribe, Support & Share 📱 Follow: @theautismadhdpodcast on Instagram and Facebook 📺 Come on over to YouTube and check out Autism ADHD TV with Holly Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. About Holly Blanc Moses Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent psychologist, speaker, consultant, continuing education provider and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV and parent masterclasses.

Ever asked an autistic and/or adhd child to do something "simple" and they had a meltdown or shutdown? Does it seem like they'll do anything to avoid? In this episode, I'm breaking down the reasons behind the avoidance and I'll introduce you to The Doable Approach. It's my practical, neurodiversity-affirming approach that helps kids feel safe, understood, and capable. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why avoidance isn't refusal ✅ The "invisible stacked blocks" that lead to meltdowns and shutdowns ✅ Practical ways to make tasks and time feel doable ✅ How to support mental health and increase confidence 🌟 This shift decreases anxiety, increases self-awareness and emotional regulation, and makes the impossible possible. Please take a listen and share:) ⭐️ Get your FREE GET TO KNOW MY CHILD SNAPSHOT Set your child up for success by providing essential information at a glance! This one-page snapshot takes less than 5 minutes to complete and helps anyone supporting your child, including camp counselors, coaches, teachers, therapists, sitters, and more. Parents click here ⭐️ Click here for free resources, trainings, and continuing education- ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents, click here for your masterclasses ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:) Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals Subscribe, Support & Share 📱 Follow: @theautismadhdpodcast on Instagram and Facebook 📺 Come on over to YouTube and check out Autism ADHD TV with Holly Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. About Holly Blanc Moses Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent psychologist, speaker, consultant, continuing education provider and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV and parent masterclasses.

Does your child, student or client constantly forgetting what you just said? Struggling to follow directions, stay organized, or complete schoolwork? You're not alone — and it's not a behavior problem. It may be lower working memory. In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I breaks down what working memory really is, why it's often misunderstood, and how it impacts everything from transitions to conversations to homework. Most importantly — you'll walk away with compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming strategies that actually help at home, in the classroom, and beyond. You'll Learn: What working memory is and why it's so important How working memory fits into executive functioning Everyday examples of low working memory (and why they're so frustrating) Why stress makes working memory even harder Components of the Working Memory How to support kids with low working memory at home and school Practical strategies that reduce overwhelm ⭐️ Get your FREE GET TO KNOW MY CHILD SNAPSHOT Set your child up for success by providing essential information at a glance! This one-page snapshot takes less than 5 minutes to complete and helps anyone supporting your child, including camp counselors, coaches, teachers, therapists, sitters, and more. Parents click here ⭐️ Click here for free resources, trainings, and continuing education- ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents, click here for your masterclasses ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:) Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals Subscribe & Support 📺 Watch on: YouTube 📱 Follow: @theautismadhdpodcast on Instagram and Facebook Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. About Holly Blanc Moses Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent psychologist, speaker, consultant, continuing education provider and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV and parent masterclasses.