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ADHD is one of the most common concerns parents bring up—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. What does ADHD really mean? How is it diagnosed? And what actually helps kids who struggle with focus, organization, or impulsivity?

In this episode of Your Child Is Normal, Dr. Jessica Hochman sits down with ADHD specialist Shirley Hershko, who brings both professional expertise and personal experience as a parent of children with ADHD. Together, they explore:

• What ADHD looks like in the brain (and why dopamine plays such a big role)
• Why girls are often missed or misdiagnosed
• How to think about diagnosis when symptoms feel “subjective”
• Medication vs. non-medication options—what parents should know
• Practical behavioral tools and environmental supports for kids
• How to reframe ADHD as not just a challenge, but also a source of creativity, empathy, and resilience

Resources & Apps Mentioned in This Episode:

• Google Calendar
  – for scheduling and time management
• Trello
  – for visual task management and organization
• MyHomework
  – homework planning app to keep assignments on track

Book & Website:

• ADHD Is Our Superpower: The Amazing Talents and Skills Behind the Symptoms by Dr. Shirley Hershko
  
  
• Learn more at drshirleyhershko.com

Whether you’re just starting to wonder if your child may have ADHD or you’re already navigating daily life with it, this conversation is full of insight and reassurance.

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditi...

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Dr. Navidi is a GI psychologist and on this episode, he discusses the connection between GI disorders and psychology in children. Dr. Navidi explains that many GI issues in children, often fall under disorders of gut-brain interaction. He emphasizes the effectiveness of treatments like clinical hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) over traditional dietary changes like the FODMAP diet. Dr. Navidi also discusses the potential side effects of restrictive diets and the potential benefit of positive expectancy and mindfulness techniques in managing GI disorders. The episode offers a potential effective treatment for children experiencing chronic stomach pain.

Dr Ali Navidi is a licensed clinical psychologist and the co-founder of GI Psychology, a clinic dedicated to helping children and adults with . His expertise lies in disorders of gut-brain interaction, where he works with children experiencing functional abdominal pain, IBS, constipation, and other GI-related concerns, helping families find safe and effective alternatives to restrictive diets.

You can learn more about his work at www.gipsychology.com

00:00 Introduction and Topic Overview

00:10 Meet Dr. Ali Navidi: GI Psychologist

00:16 Understanding Gut-Brain Interaction

00:47 Tiny Health: At-Home Microbiome Testing

01:30 Starting the Conversation with Dr. Navidi

02:42 Common GI Disorders in Children

03:11 Dr. Navidi's Journey into GI Psychology

05:14 Effective Treatments for GI Disorders

08:16 The Role of Diet in GI Disorders

12:54 The Brain-Gut Axis Explained

15:42 Hypnotherapy and Psychological Tools

19:56 Telehealth and Hypnosis Success

22:12 Challenges in Treating Difficult Patients

22:46 Integrating Hypnosis and CBT

23:23 Understanding Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

24:09 Addressing Patient Concerns with CBT

25:47 Meditation and Breathing Techniques

30:03 The Power of Positive Expectancy

35:32 Collaborative Approach in Treatment

36:55 Normalizing Tummy Complaints in Children

40:30 Accessing GI Psychology Services

43:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

.

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditi...

Send us a text

In this podcast episode, a pediatric gastroenterologist, Pediatric GI expert Dr. Victoria Martin joins me to demystify milk intolerance in babies—what FPIAP and cow’s milk protein intolerance really mean, why these diagnoses are tricky, and how families can find practical, evidence-based solutions.shares her expertise on milk intolerances in infants.

Dr. Martin emphasizes the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers, addressing misconceptions about milk allergies, and the potential benefits of early allergen exposure. Additionally, Dr. Martin and the host discuss the role of lactose intolerance, and nutritional considerations for infants.

Dr. Victoria (Tori) Martin is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Co-Director of the Pediatric Gastroenterology Section of the Food Allergy Center at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, and Associate Program Director of the MGHfC Pediatric GI Fellowship. Her research focuses on early-life GI health, food antigens, and the infant microbiome.

Key takeaways

• “Lactose intolerance” is not a typical infant diagnosis; infant concerns are usually protein related.
• Microscopic stool blood alone has limits—treat the baby, not just the test.
• For breastfed infants with visible blood and discomfort, consider short, targeted milk-protein elimination, then a re-challenge in ~1 month to confirm diagnosis and avoid unnecessary long-term restriction.
• Hypoallergenic formulas are an option; prioritize growth, feeding comfort, and family well-being.
• Early, safe introduction of other allergens (e.g., peanut, egg) should still proceed on schedule unless otherwise directed by your clinician.

Your Child is Normal is the trusted podcast for parents, pediatricians, and child health experts who want smart, nuanced conversations about raising healthy, resilient kids. Hosted by Dr. Jessica Hochman — a board-certified practicing pediatrician — the show combines evidence-based medicine, expert interviews, and real-world parenting advice to help listeners navigate everything from sleep struggles to mental health, nutrition, screen time, and more.

Follow Dr Jessica Hochman:
Instagram: @AskDrJessica and Tiktok @askdrjessica
YouTube channel: Ask Dr Jessica

If you are interested in placing an ad on Your Child Is Normal click here or fill out our interest form.

-For a plant-based, USDA Organic certified vitamin supplement, check out : Llama Naturals Vitamin and use discount code: DRJESSICA20

-To test your child's microbiome and get recommendations, check out:
Tiny Health using code: DRJESSICA

The information presented in Ask Dr Jessica is for general educational purposes only. She does not diagnose medical conditi...