My guest is Dr. Katja Fredriksen, a reputed pediatric neuropsychologist and the co-author of the informative new book Different Thinkers: ADHD. Her book aims to clarify the ambiguity around ADHD for both children and adults, offering practical coping strategies while celebrating their potential.

In this illuminating conversation, we dissect the intricacies of ADHD—an often-observed neurodevelopmental condition in children. Dr. Fredriksson guides us through various challenges: recognizing symptoms, difficulties in diagnosing ADHD, especially in girls, and the influence of digital screens on ADHD. She further highlights the importance of understanding the exclusive developmental traits of children with ADHD and how early identification can foster a healthy mindset and address self-deprecating beliefs.

We then explore the inspiration behind 'Different Thinkers: ADHD.' The book hopes to embolden children with ADHD, equipping them with knowledge about their unique cognition and honoring their distinct ways of thinking. Don't miss out on this insightful episode loaded with valuable insights for your ADHD journey.

This episode further illuminates the experiences of children with ADHD and underscores the need to empathize with their unique worldviews. It suggests coping mechanisms, emphasizes recognizing their strengths, and discusses the transformative power of child-friendly resources to encourage discussions about neurodiversity.

It underscores children's need for self-advocacy, teaching them to stand up for themselves, fostering self-esteem, and enabling them to navigate social and academic landscapes successfully. This episode celebrates the positive traits of ADHD, including augmented creativity and innovation.

Parents and caregivers are advised to acknowledge their child's developmental stage and abilities. This encourages compassion and patience. Moreover, the episode extols the critical role of self-care for parents and caregivers—indispensable to their wellness and critical for their ability to care for and nurture their children effectively.

More on Different Thinkers: ADHD by Dr. Fredriksen and Dr. Rothman: https://www.boystownpress.org/different-thinkers-adhd-softcover/

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Topics covered in this episode:

• What is ADHD, and how is it diagnosed?
• What to do when suspicious of ADHD but school isn’t on board yet?
• Is ADHD being overdiagnosed?
• Why are girls so tricky to diagnose?
• How can a child be a part of the process of diagnosis?
• Why write a children’s book?
• What are the strengths of ADHD?
• Dr. Katja Fredriksen's words of wisdom for parents.

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Thank you for listening!

#adhd

#adhdkid

#adhdparent

#adhdkidscanthrive

#adhdparentsupport

#adhdsupport

#specialed

#parenting

#ADHDkidhealth

#brainhealth

#anxiety

#depression

#learningdisabilities

#dyslexia

#executivefunctioning

#dyslexic

My guest is Dr. Mark Bertin, an acclaimed developmental-behavioral pediatrician, assistant professor at New York Medical College, and author specializing in ADHD management. We delve into the world of ADHD, breaking down its complexities and how integrating mindfulness can transform the lives of families grappling with it.

Dr. Bertin extensively elaborates on the concept of ADHD as a developmental delay in managing daily life skills such as attention, organization, planning, time management, emotion, and effort. He reaffirms the effectiveness of mindfulness and self-compassion in managing ADHD-related stress and building resilience.

Taking a closer look at mindfulness, we explore how being fully present can help parents and children navigate the hurdles that come with ADHD. With mindfulness, parents can become more patient, responsive, and resilient, improving both their own well-being and their child's behavior.

We consider the complexities of modern life and school pressures, discussing how a mindful parenting approach can significantly enhance family life. Focusing on the importance of balancing our inherent negativity bias with gratitude and mindfulness, Dr. Bertin shares insights on elevating our general happiness amidst our digital age distractions.

As we delve deeper into the trials of parents dealing with ADHD, we examine societal pressures, misunderstandings, and the value of incorporating self-compassion into mindfulness practice. Self-compassion can improve our overall well-being, change our interactions with others, and boost our persistence and patience.

Finally, Dr. Bertin advocates for parents to prioritize their needs, be it through mindfulness practices or daily activities that maintain sanity. Parents need to be patient, resilient, and mindful in navigating the unique challenges imposed by ADHD.

More on Dr. Mark Bertin: https://developmentaldoctor.com/

Dr. Bertin’s Mindfullness Resources: https://developmentaldoctor.com/mindfulness-resources/

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Topics covered in this episode:

• What is mindfulness?
• What is it about ADHD that makes life for parents more stressful?
• How can you be mindful in a fast-moving world?
• What are the types of mindful practices?
• What is a self-compassion practice?
• Dr. Bertin’s words of wisdom for parents?

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Thank you for listening!

#adhd

#adhdkid

#adhdparent

#adhdkidscanthrive

#adhdparentsupport

#adhdsupport

#specialed

#parenting

#ADHDkidhealth

#brainhealth

#anxiety

#depression

#learningdisabilities

#dyslexia

#executivefunctioning

#dyslexic

My guest is Nathan Clarkson, a celebrated actor, best-selling author, and filmmaker who takes us through his remarkable life journey. Nathan, best known for his vivid creativity and a member of the esteemed Clarkson family, grew up facing numerous hurdles that included ADHD, OCD, anxiety, and learning disabilities. His thought-provoking experiences form the basis of the best-selling book "Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and The Mom Who Loved Him," a collaborative effort with his proud mother, Sally Clarkson.

Nathan details his journey from feeling out of place as a youth to a self-assured adult. The discourse underscores the paramount role of parents in providing for physical needs, engaging in meaningful conversations, demonstrating compassion, and showering unconditional love.

Nathan's story serves as a beacon of hope to everyone dealing with mental health and learning challenges. It underscores the possibility of a resilient, fulfilling life filled with self-love, acceptance, and overall wellness.

"Different: The Story of an Outside-the-Box Kid and Mom Who Loved Him" is Nathan and his mother's joint effort to narrate their inspiring tale of perseverance. His story is significant for individuals feeling out of place, indicating hope and strength in unconventional journeys.

Nathan emphasizes his deep sense of spirituality and its pivotal role in his resilience. He credits his belief in a purposeful divine design for his strength, making it his anchor in uncertain times.

Coming into his own as a thriving adult in the creative industry, Nathan delights in his roles as an actor, filmmaker, and writer, bearing testament to his inspiring journey. He concludes the episode with practical tips for parents and educators on appreciating and enhancing the uniqueness of children with ADHD.

Join Nathan to explore the beauty in uniqueness, the strength in accepting one's self, and the power in erasing societal molds to reveal our true selves.

More on Nathan Clarkson: https://www.instagram.com/nathanjclarkson/

Link to his book “Different” on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3PZbK5J

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Topics covered in this episode:

• Nathan Clarkson gives us some history on the type of kid he was growing up.
• Why did he write the book with his Mom about his journey?
• The arc of his life from a child to a young adult?
• How does Nate’s spiritual life play a role in his own resiliency?
• What Nate is doing now as an adult?
• What are Nathan’s words of wisdom for kids and/or parents who feel like out-of-the-box kids?

—------

Stay connected to Kate at ADHD Kids Can Thrive: ADHD Kids Can Thrive Sign Up

—------

Thank you for listening!

#adhd

#adhdkid

#adhdparent

#adhdkidscanthrive

#adhdparentsupport

#adhdsupport

#specialed

#parenting

#ADHDkidhealth

#brainhealth

#anxiety

#depression

#learningdisabilities

#dyslexia

#executivefunctioning

#dyslexic