What if the key to helping your ADHD child wasn't just medication—but a combination of unexpected interventions backed by cutting-edge research? In this episode, Dr. Brian Bradford returns from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) national conference in Chicago with game-changing research findings that every parent and teacher needs to hear.

From why twice-weekly therapy sessions outperform weekly appointments to the surprising connection between tonsillectomies and ADHD symptom improvement, this episode breaks down the latest scientific discoveries in a way that's actually useful for your daily life.

What You'll Learn

• Revolutionary Executive Function Training (3:55)
• The Sleep-ADHD Connection You're Missing (9:59)
• 504 Plans: What's Actually Working (12:14)
• Teachers Need Support Too (18:24)
• Surprising Animal Therapy Research (26:08)
• When ADHD Runs in Families (22:37)

Key Takeaways

✓ Start executive function training early (3rd-5th grade is optimal) for lifelong organizational skills

✓ Prioritize sleep assessment before assuming all symptoms are ADHD-related—sleep apnea could be creating "super ADHD"

✓ Advocate confidently for 504 plans—they're legally required, and knowing what works helps you push for effective accommodations

✓ Build partnerships with teachers who love your child but lack training and resources

✓ Consider animal-assisted therapy as a complementary intervention with growing research support

✓ Remember: ADHD is highly hereditary—understanding your own executive function challenges helps you support your child better

Resources Mentioned

• Holiplay Summit (free): holiplaysummit.com
  • Apryl's session: "From Road Trips to Red Eyes" - ADHD travel hacks for the holidays
• Dr. Gallagher's Organizational Skills Training Program (for 3rd-5th graders)
• CHAD ADHD Conference (Kansas City, upcoming)
• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Orange Journal (October 2025) for full research papers
• CHAD Magazine - recent article on early intervention benefits

Research Highlighted

• Rush University: Executive function training efficacy study
• University of Missouri School of Medicine: 504 plan accommodation survey
• Skagit Regional Health, Washington: Tonsillectomy and ADHD outcomes
• Cambridge University, UK: Teacher relationship study with 155 participants
• Harvard Medical School: Familial ADHD risk markers
• Tel Aviv University & McGill University: Daytime sleepiness and executive function
• Rowan Virtua School of Medicine: Animal-assisted therapy meta-analysis

Special Announcement

Join Apryl Bradford at the FREE Hiloplay Summit next week for her session on ADHD-friendly travel strategies just in time for the holidays. Get your free ticket at holiplaysummit.com.

Connect With Raising ADHD

https://www.instagram.com/raisingadhd_org/

Note: This episode references research presented at the 2025 AACAP conference. For complete study details, consult the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's Orange Journal, October 2025 edition.

Episode Credits

Hosts: Apryl Bradford (Former Teacher & ADHD Mom) and Dr. Brian Bradford (Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist)

Episode Length: 32:44

Release Date: 10/29/25