
S19 Ep1: SAM THOMPSON 'ADHD isn’t a problem to fix: Sam Thompson on diagnosis, labels and learning to understand our kids
From The Netmums Podcast by Netmums
June 9, 2026 · 49 min · Season 19 · Episode 1
About this episode
Sam Thompson discusses his ADHD diagnosis and offers insights on understanding and supporting neurodivergent children.
This week on The Netmums Podcast, Louise Burke and JB Gill are joined by TV presenter, podcaster and ADHD UK ambassador Sam Thompson for an honest conversation about ADHD and autism, and why understanding our children matters more than ever. Sam was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 30 after years of feeling different, overwhelmed and misunderstood. In this episode, he opens up about the relief of finally understanding how his brain works, why he spent years believing he was simply the ‘naughty kid’, and how that diagnosis helped him forgive himself for struggles he'd carried since childhood. Drawing on insights from his new book, You, Me and ADHD , Sam shares practical advice for parents navigating ADHD at home, from handling big emotions and meltdowns to helping children recognise their strengths and build confidence. Together, Louise, JB and Sam explore how ADHD can show up in everyday family life, why behaviour is often communication, and how parents can move from frustration to understanding. In this episode: The hidden impact of labels like ‘naughty’, ‘lazy’ and ‘disruptive’ What ADHD actually looks like beyond the stereotypes How to support children through overwhelm…
People in this episode
Hosts: Louise Burke, JB Gill
Guest: Sam Thompson
Topics covered
- ADHD
- autism
- parenting
- understanding children
- neurodiversity
- emotional support
Keywords
- ADHD
- autism
- parenting advice
- emotional support
- neurodiversity
- child development
- big emotions
- meltdowns
- understanding behavior
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: ADHD UK
Books & works: You, Me and ADHD
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