Why Executive Dysfunction Makes Learning Hard for ADHD Kids. How to Help It with Michelle McKeon

Mar 10, 2025

In this engaging discussion, ADHD parent coach Michelle McKeon shares her expertise on how executive dysfunction affects children, particularly in math and writing. With a focus on practical strategies, she guides parents on building essential skills to combat frustration and foster academic success. Michelle also emphasizes the role of working memory, organization, and emotional regulation in learning challenges. She provides insights into balancing technology use with skill development, ensuring kids thrive despite their obstacles.

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ANECDOTE

Michelle's Personal Coaching Journey

Michelle McKeon was inspired to become an executive functioning and ADHD coach due to her son's early struggles with executive functioning.
She realized traditional teaching methods didn't work for kids with ADHD and decided to deeply understand executive functioning to better help them.

INSIGHT

Executive Dysfunction in Math

Math challenges for ADHD kids arise from the complex executive function demands like working memory and organization.
The issue is often not math ability but executive dysfunction that obstructs their skills from shining.

ADVICE

Make Homework Fun

Gamify homework and make learning math fun, especially for younger kids, to keep them engaged.
Use physical activities like trampoline jumping or games to pair with math tasks.

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Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of the book for FREE here: https://bit.ly/first_3_chapters

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In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive, host Kate Brownfield sits down with Michelle McKeon, an ADHD parent coach, executive functioning coach, and academic coach for children, young adults, and parents. In this episode, they discuss how executive functioning impacts kids in math and writing, making learning more challenging. Michelle, an executive function coach, shares her journey and practical strategies to help parents support their children in building essential skills, reducing frustration, and finding academic success.

Michelle McKeon is a certified executive functioning and ADHD coach based in Danville, California. She specializes in helping children, young adults, and parents develop essential learning strategies to navigate ADHD related challenges in school and daily life. With a strong focus on academic coaching, emotional regulation, and executive skills development, Michelle empowers families with actionable techniques to improve learning outcomes.

Expect to Learn

The connection between executive functioning and academic struggles in math and writing
How working memory, organization, and emotional regulation impact learning
Practical strategies to support children with ADHD in math and homework
How to help kids with writing structure and overcoming overwhelm
The role of ChatGPT and AI tools in assisting students with executive function challenges

Episode Chapters & Timestamps

[01:40] - Introduction to Michelle McKeon

[02:53] - Michelle’s Personal Journey

[05:58] - Why Math is Difficult for ADHD Kids

[08:11] - Homework Struggles & Parental Support

[11:12] - Helping Older Kids in Math

[14:10] - Challenges with Writing & ADHD

[16:18] -The Role of AI & ChatGPT in Learning

[19:33] - Signs Your Child Needs Extra Support

[23:05] - Final Thoughts & Advice for Parents

[24:36] - Conclusion

Connect with Michelle McKeon:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-mckeon-m-s-acc-cacp-50898825b/

Website: https://atriumacademics.com/

Follow your Host Kate Brownfield:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-wedlock-brownfield-b0b139

Follow the ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast on:

Website: http://www.adhdkidscanthrive.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Adhdkidscanthrive

Email: adhdkidscanthrive@yahoo.com

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