The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast

Rewiring Attention: Movement, Sensory & Brain-Based Strategies for ADHD

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/
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Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast
Share with a parent who needs encouragement today
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No One Else I'd Rather Be: A Mother's Memoir of Raising a Daughter with ADHD

Host: Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent CoachGuest: Aimee Kaufman, author of No One Else I’d Rather Be: Loving a Daughter with ADHD for Who She Is
Episode Overview
In this profoundly moving conversation, Kate sits down with author and parent Aimee Kaufman to talk about her memoir and the 10-year journey to her daughter’s ADHD diagnosis. Aimee shares the hard moments, misunderstandings, criticism, school challenges, and the hope that carried her family forward: unconditional love, advocacy, and support that matched her daughter’s needs over time.
If you’re a parent who feels overwhelmed, second-guessed, or unsure how to keep leading with love during tough seasons, Aimee’s story will encourage and steady you.
What We Talk About (Highlights)
A long road to clarity: Why it took 10 years to get an ADHD diagnosis—and what finally helped.
When behavior says “I can’t,” not “I won’t”: How Aimee learned to interpret her daughter’s words and actions.
Unconditional love in the messy middle: Loving firmly and fully when emotions run high.
School Support That Actually Helps: 504 Accommodations, When They’re Ignored, and How to Advocate.
Medication as one tool (not the only one): The trial-and-error reality and finding the right fit over time.
Siblings & family dynamics: Moving from rivalry and rupture to healing and closeness.
Parent grounding: How Aimee stayed steady—community, practical support, and protecting her own well-being.
A hopeful ending: From crisis to connection—college, career, marriage, and a growing family.
Resources & Links
Aimee Kaufman’s Book: No One Else I’d Rather Be: Loving a Daughter with ADHD for Who She Is — https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/No-One-Else-Id-Rather-Be/Aimee-Kaufman/9781647428280
About Your Host, Kate
I’m Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach, author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD, and host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. It’s honestly my pleasure to help you understand ADHD more deeply—because every child with ADHD is unique, and so are their strengths and struggles.
🌐 Find me: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com
📘 Free Download: Get the first 3 chapters of my book—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 this episode with a parent who needs encouragement today
Thank you for listening.
 

How Parents of ADHD Kids Can Be Supportive vs. Rescuers

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

Supporting an ADHD Child with Anxiety — with Kristen McNeely, LMFT & BCBA

Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of Kate's book for FREE here:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters
      -----------------------------------------------------------
My guest today is Kristen McNeely, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Kristen serves as a Behavior Specialist in a local school district and runs a private practice where she supports parents of children navigating behavior challenges and anxiety.
I invited Kristen to the podcast to unpack a big topic: how parents can support children who have both ADHD and anxiety—a combination that often gets misunderstood or overlooked.
You can learn more about Kristen and her work at 👉 www.kristenmcneely.com
In this episode, we explore:
What anxiety looks like in a child with ADHD
Strategies to help anxious ADHD kids start and complete tasks
How to support academic demands without increasing anxiety
What to do when your school district isn’t offering support
How to navigate social-emotional challenges in school
What to do when school refusal starts showing up
How to build emotional coping skills and motivation
Kristen’s words of wisdom for parenting through it all
This episode is brought to you by Kate at  ADHDKidsCanThrive.com 💛Please listen, share, and let us know what resonates with you!

Navigating Neurodiversity in Early Childhood Education: Insights and Strategies

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

Transitioning Young Adults with ADHD to Independence Without Them Feeling Lost with Greg Burnham

Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of my book for FREE here: here:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters
 
In this episode, Kate Brownfield sits down with Greg Burnham, MS, LMFT, and clinical director at Gembaboise.com, to discuss how alternative paths like gap programs can help young adults build confidence, develop life skills, and create a future that truly fits them.
Greg shares valuable knowledge on the different levels of "stuckness" young adults experience, the role parents play in this journey, and how to foster independence without forcing a rigid path. If you're a parent looking for alternative ways to support your child’s transition into adulthood, this episode is full of actionable advice.
Expect to Learn: 
How can you recognize when a young adult is “stuck” and what level of support they need?
Traditional college paths aren’t the best fit for every neurodivergent young adult.
The benefits of gap programs in building confidence, independence, and real-world skills.
How parents can guide their child’s journey without unintentionally holding them back.
Focusing on the process, rather than just the outcome, leads to long-term success.
In Today’s Episode:
[01:17] - Meet Greg Burnham
[02:13] - What is a gap year?
[04:56] - How parents can help (or hinder) their child’s path to independence.
[07:41] - Why ADHD young adults struggle with life after high school and how to support them.
[13:26] - Identifying different levels of "stuckness" and knowing when intervention is needed.
[18:05] - What to do if your child fails in college and why it’s not the end of the world.
[20:09] - How gap programs provide structure and support.
[23:36] - Understanding the costs and insurance options.
[25:36] - How Gemba Boise helps young adults build confidence, independence, and community.
[28:12] - Why personalized paths lead to sustainable growth.
Connect with Greg Burnham:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gburnham/
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

Punishment Fails ADHD Kids, and This Pool Metaphor Fixes Emotional Chaos with Dr. Tamara Rosier

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

How ADHD is Leading Thousands of Teens into Crime and Prison with Sarah Templeton

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, host Kate Brownfield speaks with Sarah Templeton, a UK-based ADHD therapist, author, and advocate. Sarah shares her powerful journey of being diagnosed with ADHD at 51 and how it led her to advocate for young offenders with undiagnosed ADHD. She explains deeply the ADHD to prison pipeline, the impact of undiagnosed conditions, and why early intervention is critical.
Sarah is a fierce advocate for ADHD awareness in the criminal justice system, working to change policies at the highest levels. Her latest book, How Not to Damage Your ADHD Adolescent, provides vital knowledge for parents to guide their teens toward a positive future. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone with ADHD, this episode is packed with eye opening discussions on ADHD’s role in impulsivity, addiction, self-esteem, and crime.
Expect to Learn: 
How undiagnosed ADHD contributes to criminal behavior and addiction.
The importance of early ADHD diagnosis and medication in preventing trouble.
The link between ADHD, impulsivity, and the criminal justice system.
Why the right environment, support, and activities can steer ADHD teens in the right direction.
How parents can advocate for their ADHD teens and prevent negative outcomes.
In today’s Episode:
[01:24] - Introduction
[02:36] - Sarah’s late ADHD diagnosis & her work in prisons
[05:38] - What’s the difference in how the traits are used in society
[09:08] - Sarah’s new book
[11:48] - How impulsivity leads to legal trouble for ADHD teens
[19:14] - The ADHD to prison pipeline: Understanding the risks 
[22:09] - Drugs, alcohol, and self-medication in ADHD individuals
[26:08] - ADHD and increased health risks, including heart disease
[32:09] - Why the criminal justice system fails to recognize ADHD
[40:54] - The role of teachers in identifying ADHD early
[46:47] - Final advice for parents:
[51:06] - Closing thoughts & key takeaways
Connect with Sarah Templeton:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-templeton-headstuff-adhd/?originalSubdomain=uk
Website: https://www.headstuffadhdtherapy.co.uk/ 
Book: https://www.amazon.com/HOW-DAMAGE-YOUR-ADHD-ADOLESCENT/dp/1739958837 
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

How ADHD Sensory Issues Create Picky Eaters and What Parents Must Do with Judy Delaware

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

Why Executive Dysfunction Makes Learning Hard for ADHD Kids. How to Help It with Michelle McKeon

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, host Kate Brownfield sits down with Michelle McKeon, an ADHD parent coach, executive functioning coach, and academic coach for children, young adults, and parents. In this episode, they discuss how executive functioning impacts kids in math and writing, making learning more challenging. Michelle, an executive function coach, shares her journey and practical strategies to help parents support their children in building essential skills, reducing frustration, and finding academic success.
Michelle McKeon is a certified executive functioning and ADHD coach based in Danville, California. She specializes in helping children, young adults, and parents develop essential learning strategies to navigate ADHD related challenges in school and daily life. With a strong focus on academic coaching, emotional regulation, and executive skills development, Michelle empowers families with actionable techniques to improve learning outcomes.
 Expect to Learn
 The connection between executive functioning and academic struggles in math and writing
 How working memory, organization, and emotional regulation impact learning
 Practical strategies to support children with ADHD in math and homework
 How to help kids with writing structure and overcoming overwhelm
 The role of ChatGPT and AI tools in assisting students with executive function challenges
Episode Chapters & Timestamps
[01:40] - Introduction to Michelle McKeon
[02:53] - Michelle’s Personal Journey
[05:58] - Why Math is Difficult for ADHD Kids 
[08:11] - Homework Struggles & Parental Support
[11:12] - Helping Older Kids in Math 
[14:10] - Challenges with Writing & ADHD 
[16:18] -The Role of AI & ChatGPT in Learning
[19:33] - Signs Your Child Needs Extra Support
[23:05] - Final Thoughts & Advice for Parents 
[24:36] - Conclusion
Connect with Michelle McKeon:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-mckeon-m-s-acc-cacp-50898825b/ 
Website: https://atriumacademics.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
Subscribe now and share your thoughts in the comments below!#ADHD #ExecutiveFunctioning #ParentingTips #ADHDSupport #MathStruggles #WritingSkills #AcademicCoaching #ADHDEducation