The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast

Episode Summary
OCD vs. anxiety in kids, ERP treatment, and co-regulation for families. Dr. Tamar Chansky explains how to tell OCD from general anxiety, where it overlaps with ADHD, and how parents can lower fear, connect first, and coach skills that stick. We cover PANS/PANDAS (sudden-onset OCD after infections), when to seek medical evaluation, and first-line care like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) plus hopeful long-term outcomes and “tune-ups” during new life stages.
Guest
Dr. Tamar Chansky, founder of the Children’s and Adult Center for OCD and Anxiety, author of Freeing Your Child from Negative Thinking, Freeing Your Child from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Freeing Yourself from Anxiety. She’s known for translating evidence-based care into clear, compassionate strategies families can use right away.
Episode Overview
Parents often confuse anxiety (“what-ifs,” future worry) with OCD (intrusive thoughts + compulsions). Dr. Chansky clarifies the difference and shows how naming patterns as “OCD-normal” separates the child from the disorder and lowers shame. You’ll learn why parent nervous-system regulation is step one, how ERP works through stepwise “courage challenges,” when medication may help (especially with co-occurring depression in teens), and how to approach PANS/PANDAS: treat medical triggers first, then layer CBT/ERP as needed. Bottom line: pediatric OCD is highly treatable, and families can expect progress plus occasional “tune-ups” during transitions.
What We Talk About (Highlights)
Language that helps: call patterns “OCD-normal,” separate child from disorder; connect → then problem-solve
Anxiety vs. OCD: anxiety = “what-ifs”; OCD = intrusive thoughts + compulsions (“superstition on steroids”)
Emotional regulation: parent down-regulation enables child co-regulation
PANS/PANDAS: sudden spikes after infections (e.g., strep/Lyme/post-viral); treat medical cause first; add CBT/ERP later
First-line care for pediatric OCD: ERP with stepwise “courage challenges”; meds not first-line for most kids, may help some—especially teens with depression
Parent power: Coaching parent responses can rival direct child therapy
Outlook: highly treatable; skills + neuroplastic change; periodic “tune-ups” during new stages (“last-yearing it”)
Resources & Links
Dr. Tamar Chansky & books: https://tamarchansky.com/
PANDAS Physicians Network: https://www.pandasppn.org/practitioners/
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—it helps other ADHD families find the show

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

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.
 

In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, Kate Brownfield, ACC, talks with licensed clinical social worker Ryan Wexelblatt, known as ADHD Dude, about how parents can help children with ADHD build stronger executive-function, behavioral, and social skills through clear expectations, consistent routines, real-world practice, and calm parental authority.
Ryan explains why children with ADHD often need skills to be taught and practiced rather than being told to “try harder.” Kate and Ryan discuss how parents can shift from correcting behavior to coaching skills, when CBT may help children with ADHD, why social skills are built through experience rather than lectures, and how predictable structure can reduce conflict around homework, mornings, transitions, and follow-through.
In This Episode
Why repeated reminders often do not build executive-function skills
How parents can coach skills instead of constantly correcting behavior
What calm, confident parental authority can look like
When CBT may be useful for children with ADHD
Why social skills develop through real-life practice
How routines and clear expectations can reduce family conflict
How to help a child with ADHD experience themselves as increasingly capable
About Ryan Wexelblatt
Ryan Wexelblatt, LCSW, ADHD-CCSP, is a licensed clinical social worker, certified school social worker, and founder of ADHD Dude. His work focuses on helping parents support children with ADHD through practical skill-building, clear expectations, and parent-led approaches.
Learn more about Ryan at:https://adhddude.com/
Need ADHD Parent Coaching for Your Family?
Listening to ADHD strategies is one thing. Figuring out what actually applies to your child and your family is another.
Anchor Your ADHD Family offers ongoing ADHD parent support, a monthly recorded class, community, and live parent coaching where you can bring your own questions, challenges, and family situations.
Learn more or join Anchor Your ADHD Family at:https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/
For parents who want more individualized support, Kate also offers private ADHD parent coaching.
Free ADHD Parent Reset
Download The ADHD Parent Reset: 7 Things to Do Differently When What You’re Trying Isn’t Working:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/IUVgRZz
About Kate Brownfield
Kate Brownfield, ACC, is an ICF Associate Certified Coach and Certified ADHD & Executive Function Parent Coach, author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey of Raising a Child with ADHD, and host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. She helps parents better understand what may be driving their child’s struggles and find practical ways to respond with more clarity, confidence, and connection.
If this episode helped you, subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, share it with another parent, and leave a rating or review to help more ADHD families find the show.

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
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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!

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
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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
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#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 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

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 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

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