In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton chats with adolescent care counselor Matt Casada about how parents can better understand and support adolescents - especially those dealing with ADHD and executive function challenges. Matt explains why emotional regulation and a sense of safety are essential for attention, breaks down attachment styles and "zones of regulation," and offers practical strategies like sensory resets, visual checklists, and structured homework rhythms. He also highlights common but often missed teen struggles and shares simple daily habits that help kids feel seen, supported, and valued. WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/5_AtqCaFTN4 Learn More: https://www.lumencounselingorlando.com Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J5lH_I4MglmFFb4evVDVG66jYgvsj4Dw/view?usp=sharing

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TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Matt's Journey into Counseling 05:41 Daily Life as a Counselor and Educator 09:03 Working with Teens & Neurodiversity 13:13 Understanding ADHD & Regulatory Relationships 18:55 Assessing Regulation & Zones of Regulation 24:06 Parenting Approaches & Modeling Regulation 29:35 Attachment Theory Simplified 33:54 Attunement vs. Accommodating in Parenting 36:14 Executive Function Explained 44:17 Developing Executive Function Skills 53:30 Challenges Teens Face & Subtle Issues 56:00 Mental Health Conversations for Parents 57:44 Parenting Worries & Focusing on What Matters 01:00:03 Starting Counseling & Setting Expectations 01:01:48 Trends in Adolescent Mental Health 01:08:05 Final Thoughts & Finding Help

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