SHINING WITH ADHD

#217: Early Signs of ADHD: What to Look for and Where to Start

The Childhood Collective

4/15/2026

SUMMARY

Early signs of ADHD can show up long before a formal diagnosis, leaving many parents wondering what’s typical and what might need more support. In this episode, we talk through common early challenges like frequent tantrums, sleep struggles, and difficulties across home and school, and how they may connect to ADHD. We also walk through what to do if your child is too young for a diagnosis or you’re unsure whether to pursue an evaluation. You’ll leave with practical strategies you can start using right away, because you don’t have to wait for a diagnosis to begin supporting your child.

MEET OUR TEAM

We are Lori, Mallory, and Katie. Lori and Mallory are child psychologists, and Katie is a speech language pathologist. Most importantly, we are moms, just like you. After working with families over a combined total of 40 years, we saw a need to provide ongoing support and education to parents raising children with ADHD.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #217 Transcript

Episode #126: Say Less (no really!) and Other Tips to Support Your Child With ADHD

The Printables Shop

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Hungryroot

Hungryroot offers “good-for-you groceries and simple recipes.” We have loved having one less thing to worry about when it comes to raising kids. For 40% off your first box, click the link below and use CHILDHOOD40 in all caps to get the discount.

Hungryroot

Time Timer

We can’t have your attention and not mention Time Timer. This amazing tool helps with activity transitions, independence, and building executive function skills. Head to and use the code TCC to get a site-wide discount.

Time Timer

Creating Calm Course

Creating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!

Creating Calm Course

SHINING WITH ADHD

#216: ADHD Sensory Issues in Kids: Real Solutions for Mealtime and Getting Dressed

The Childhood Collective

4/1/2026

SUMMARY

ADHD sensory issues in kids can show up in everyday moments like getting dressed or sitting down to eat, which can leave parents feeling stuck and confused. In this episode, we’re joined by occupational therapist Madeha Ayub to break down what’s really going on with food and clothing challenges in a way that actually makes sense. She helps us understand the “why” behind these struggles so we can respond with more confidence and less frustration. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to support your child whether your biggest challenge is with feeding, clothing, or both!

MEET MADEHA AYUB

Madeha Ayub is a pediatric occupational therapist with eight years of experience in school-based and home health settings. A passionate advocate for sensory-friendly environments, she was inspired by her own sensory-sensitive daughter to create The Sensory Support Series, helping parents better understand and support their children’s sensory needs. Through her social media presence, Madeha continues to dedicate her platform to guiding parents, teachers, and fellow pediatric therapists in understanding and supporting children’s sensory needs so they can thrive in their daily lives.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #216 Transcript

Seeds for Special Needs Website

Seeds for Special Needs Instagram

The Sensory Support Book Series

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Creating Calm Course

Creating Calm is a video-based course that will teach you simple, step-by-step strategies to help you parent a happy and independent child with ADHD (ages 4-12 years old). Whenever and wherever you have an internet connection. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!

Creating Calm Course

Hungryroot

Hungryroot offers “good-for-you groceries and simple recipes.” We have loved having one less thing to worry about when it comes to raising kids. For 40% off your first box, click the link below and use CHILDHOOD40 in all caps to get the discount.

Hungryroot

Climbing Products for Kids with ADHD

Calling all parents with energizer bunnies! With ADHD kids, the energy can be super fun and also super challenging at times. We have to be very thoughtful about giving our kids opportunities to run, climb, and move their bodies. We asked for your best climbing ideas, and you came through with amazing recommendations! We took all of your climbing favorites and compiled them into a list to share with you.

Climbing Products

SHINING WITH ADHD

#215: ADHD School Advocacy: When You’ve Tried Everything and Nothing Is Working

The Childhood Collective

3/18/2026

SUMMARY

If you’ve already done the meetings, asked for evaluations, followed the usual steps, and still feel like you’re hitting a wall, this episode is for you. ADHD school advocacy can feel exhausting and emotional when you’re trying so hard to get your child the support they need. As professionals (and moms) who have guided hundreds of families through complex school situations, we’re sharing what we’ve seen work when the typical routes haven’t moved the needle. You don’t have to keep spinning your wheels, and you don’t have to figure out the next steps alone.

LINKS + RESOURCES

Episode #215 Transcript

Episode #137: ADHD at School: The One Thing Every Parent NEEDS to Know

Episode #161: Back to School - You've Got This!

Episode #165: 504 Plan vs. IEP: Which One Does My ADHD Child Need?

Shining at School Course

The Childhood Collective Instagram

Have a question or want to share some thoughts? Shoot us an email at hello@thechildhoodcollective.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Shining at School

Shining at School is a video-based course that will teach you how to help your child with ADHD go from surviving to thriving at school for elementary and middle schoolers. On your own time. At your own pace. Use the code PODCAST for 10% off!

Shining at School Course

Hungryroot

Hungryroot offers “good-for-you groceries and simple recipes.” We have loved having one less thing to worry about when it comes to raising kids. For 40% off your first box, click the link below and use CHILDHOOD40 in all caps to get the discount.

Hungryroot

Board Games for Kids with ADHD

Board games are a natural way to help kids build their executive functioning and cooperation skills. When we polled the community about your favorite board games for kids with ADHD, you gave us hundreds of ideas! We narrowed them down to the games that got the most votes, and sorted them by age. Check out our top recommendations for board games for kids with ADHD, and let us know how it goes.

Board Games for Kids with ADHD