In this episode of ADHD Mom Docs, we explore how parents can effectively collaborate with schools to support children with ADHD and autism through various educational plans, legal accommodations, and classroom strategies. Our guest, Sheryl Ferguson, a district special education leader and parent of a child with autism and ADHD, shares expert insights on navigating the complex support system in education.

Key topics:

Remember: Persistent communication, early intervention, and trusting educators are key to supporting your child's learning journey. Keep advocating and collaborating for the least restrictive, most supportive environment possible.

In this first ever Stories of Hope episode with parents, you will hear a wonderful and inspiring story how Mitch and Sarah Kelly navigated their journey parenting a child with autism and ADHD, and how their experiences led to founding the Aiden Project to support other families. This episode provides practical insights on early intervention, advocacy, and building strong support networks.

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Join us as we explore the importance of neuro-affirming care with Rachel Feldman, a licensed clinical social worker and neuro-affirming psychotherapist specializing in supporting autistic, ADHD, and PDA individuals. Discover practical guidance on understanding neurodiversity, navigating diagnoses, and fostering acceptance and self-advocacy from early childhood through adulthood.

In this episode:

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Note: This episode emphasizes the importance of affirming neurodiversity, understanding individual traits, and supporting emotional well-being—cornerstones of neuroaffirming care.

This episode explores the complex relationship between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD, including how to identify overlapping symptoms, diagnostic challenges, and helpful resources. Hosted by Dr. Nerissa Bauer and Dr. Jennifer Dilts, this discussion aims to equip parents and caregivers with insights for better understanding and supporting neurodiverse children during Autism Awareness Month.

Discover clear explanations about how ADHD medications work, their long-term effects, and how to navigate treatment options as expert child psychiatrist Dr. Ujjwal Ramtekkar talk with the ADHD Mom Docs. Whether you're a parent considering medication or just curious about ADHD treatments, this episode provides valuable, research-backed insights.

In this episode:

Note: This episode emphasizes that medication is just one part of a holistic approach and highlights the importance of ongoing communication with healthcare providers to ensure optimal care for children with ADHD and co-occurring conditions. Also information contained in this episode is not a replacement for talking to your child's pediatrician or prescriber.

He is currently seeing telehealth patients in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri, West Virginia, Colorado and California.

In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Mysogland, a licensed social worker and trauma specialist, joins us to explore the complex relationship between ADHD and trauma, how parents and clinicians can better support children through therapy, and the importance of family-centered approaches. Whether you're a parent, educator, or mental health professional, you'll gain practical insights into assessment, intervention, and fostering resilience.

Key topics covered:

This episode emphasizes that understanding your child’s unique needs, asking thoughtful questions, and fostering collaborative communication with professionals are key components in supporting children with ADHD and trauma. Remember—building a supportive environment and trusting relationships can make all the difference.

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The episode highlights parents' anecdotes in response to several questions we posed to our listener community and patients. Families were able to respond to any or all question prompts. We received so many responses that we are recording this in two parts and plan to do this every so often as we believe real life stories can make a huge impact --especially when it comes to living with ADHD. In this episode we will be sharing responses to two questions (How has getting a diagnosis of ADHD been helpful? and What is the best thing about having ADHD?)

Many families have lots of questions and may worry about whether to pursue a diagnosis or what impact that would have on their child if their child does in fact have ADHD. Listen in as we share what our listeners and patients' families sent in --some may surprise you, others may be things you might not have thought of before. We hope that sharing these will inspire you to take the next step.

If you are so inspired to send in YOUR responses to the questions we posed to families, please reach out by email, DM or if you are already a member in our parenting community, submit them through our FREE band app group.

Question prompts: 

In this episode we share responses to Question prompt 1 and 2. Part two will focus on prompts 3 and 4. However we welcome submissions year round as we plan to share responses on air in future episodes. You can let us know if you allow us to use your first name or "from a parent." 

This episode is being released during the Podcasthon week (March 14-20) when the ADHD Mom Docs are releasing an episode to support a non-profit charity that aligns with our mission of disseminating education about ADHD that is high quality, backed by science with families in mind. With this episode, we wanted to support our friends at Understood.org, an organization knowing for dependable, practical and high-yield resources. Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help them continue this work, donate at https://www.understood.org/en/donate

In this episode, we explore how parents can effectively choose and work with therapists to support their child's skill development and emotional well-being. We discuss practical tips, different types of therapy, and how to find the right fit for your family.

We go into things such as:

-How to identify your specific goals for therapy based on your child's needs (anxiety, trauma, skills)

-Questions to ask when selecting a mental health therapist, including experience with ADHD and treatment approach

-Overview of evidence-based therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

This episode provides an overview to empower parents in navigating mental health services for children with ADHD, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches and active participation.

In this episode, Dr. Nerissa Bauer and Dr Jennifer Dilts host Cindy Goldrich, a certified ADHD coach, mental health counselor and founder of PTS Coaching, to discuss strategies for managing power struggles and enhancing executive function skills in children with ADHD. Cindy emphasizes understanding the unique needs of each child, focusing on connection rather than control, and the importance of parents modeling executive function skills by verbalizing their thought processes. The conversation also touches on the challenges parents face in shifting their mindset, the role of schools in supporting children with ADHD, and the importance of collaboration between parents and educators. Cindy offers practical tips for parents to improve their relationship with their children and highlights the significance of being curious and understanding rather than judgmental.

The episode addresses common concerns among parents about their children's ability to swallow pills, especially in the context of ADHD medication. Dr. Dilts and Dr. Bauer discuss various strategies and resources to help children learn this skill, emphasizing that it is teachable and can be approached in a stress-free manner. They share personal anecdotes and practical tips, such as starting with small candies like sprinkles and gradually increasing the size, using fun and engaging methods to practice. The conversation also highlights alternative medication forms like liquids, chewables, and sprinkle capsules for children who struggle with pills. The doctors stress the importance of keeping the process positive and patient, ensuring that children feel comfortable and supported throughout.

Dr Dilts's 2 favorite pill swallowing resources:

From Dr Bauer: Bonnie Kaplan’s SNACK lab and pill swallowing techniques https://www.ohsu.edu/school-of-medicine/snack-lab/instructional-videos-swallowing-pills