The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast 1KHO 680: ADHD Hope | MiKe McLeod, The Executive Function Playbook in Action
Jan 15, 2026
Mike McLeod, founder of GrowNOW ADHD and author of The Executive Function Playbook, shares practical strategies for managing ADHD. He emphasizes that ADHD is a self-regulation issue, not an information one, and explains why lecturing can worsen behavior. Mike discusses the importance of using less language in parenting, hands-on tools for building self-regulation, and unique activities like video self-monitoring journals. He also highlights a family grit-building challenge to foster resilience and real-life social skills, emphasizing the value of shared experiences over screens.
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ADHD Is A Self-Regulation Disorder
- ADHD is primarily a self-regulation and emotion disorder, not just attention or discipline problems.
- Weaknesses in verbal and nonverbal working memory explain impulsivity and present-focused behavior.
Teach Ready vs Not Ready
- Use the "Ready / Not Ready" exercise to teach kids to recognize and signal dysregulation without lectures.
- Give space for brain breaks and respond only when the child visibly shows they're ready.
Motivation Is Future Emotion Forecasting
- Motivation depends on the ability to emotionally forecast a future self and future feelings.
- Strengthening future-oriented imagery increases willingness to do boring but necessary tasks.
