Some days it feels like you need a medical degree just to parent a neurodivergent kid. The waitlists, the myths, the pressure to ‘get it right’ — it can all become overwhelming fast. In this episode, child psychiatrist Dr Mimi Xu finally gives mums clear, compassionate answers about ADHD meds for kids, without judgement or jargon.

💡 What We Cover

• Why ADHD medication is never a one-size-fits-all decision.
• When to see a paediatrician vs a psychiatrist — and why access is so broken.
• The truth behind ‘zombie kids’, personality changes, growth, appetite and sleep.
• What’s actually happening in the afternoon crash (and how to survive it).
• ADHD + Autism: does it change the medication conversation?
• What parents can do while they wait on endless public and private waitlists.

💭This Episode Is For You If…

• You feel scared of meds, scared of not trying meds, or stuck between two parents who disagree.
• You’re drowning in the 3pm–6pm chaos when everyone’s meds (including yours) have worn off.
• You’re exhausted from uncertainty, judgement or mixed messages from professionals.
• You want clarity without shame, pressure or clinical coldness.
• You’re parenting a neurodivergent child and just need someone to explain things like a human.

🧠 Resources & Helpful Tools

📌ADHD Screening & Support

Child ADHD Parent/Self-Test

A good starting point for parents wondering whether ADHD traits are showing up at home or school.

🔗 https://form.jotform.com/251610961002444

📌Medication-Specific Guides

A Guide to ADHD Medication

Perfect fit for this episode — covers stimulants, non-stimulants, side effects, appetite, sleep, titration and what’s expectedin the early weeks.

🔗 https://adhdmums.com.au/product/a-guide-to-adhd-medication/

📌Related ADHD Mums Medication Episodes

Stimulants vs Non-Stimulants – Solo Episode (S2E40)

Jane’s clear breakdown of how different medications work and how they often feel in real life.

🔗 https://adhdmums.com.au/podcast_episode/episode-40-adhd-medication- stimulants-vs-non-stimulants-solo-episode-with-jane-mcfadden/

What Happens If You Don’t Have ADHD & Take ADHD Meds (S2E47)

Important context for safety, myths, and co-parent disagreements.

🔗 https://adhdmums.com.au/podcast_episode/episode-47-what-happens-if-you-take-adhd-medication-without-adhd-solo-episode-with-jane-mcfadden/

📝 About Dr Mimi Xu

Dr Mimi Xu — Website (General Info + Resources)

🔗 IG Account - https://www.instagram.com/drmimixu/

🔗 https://www.child-psychiatrist.com.au/

Lionheart Clinic

🔗 IG Account - https://www.instagram.com/lionheartclinic_au/

Mimi’s telehealth child & adolescent psychiatry clinic supporting kids and families across NSW, ACT and beyond.

🔗 https://www.lionheartclinic.com.au

Child & Adolescent Resource Mental Health Library

An evidence-based resource library curated by Dr Mimi Xu — perfect for parents wanting reliable information without the panic headlines.

🔗 https://www.child-psychiatrist.com.au/

🎧Listen Now

Spotify | Apple | adhdmums.com.au

Mentioned in this episode:

🎁ADHD MUMS PROGRAM LINK🎄

Four short audios.

Xmas: Sign Up Link