Dr. Ned Hallowell's "ADHD Explained" offers a comprehensive guide to understanding attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The book explores the various aspects of ADHD, including its neurological basis, common symptoms, and effective treatment strategies. Hallowell emphasizes the importance of recognizing ADHD's unique strengths and challenges, promoting a positive and empowering approach to managing the condition. The book provides practical advice for individuals with ADHD, their families, and educators, offering strategies for improving focus, organization, and emotional regulation. It also addresses common misconceptions about ADHD and advocates for a compassionate and understanding approach to supporting those affected.
WARNING: This episode contains discussions of youth bullying and suicide.
What does it mean to transform heartbreak into hope? For Tony and Cassi Bellezza, the loss of their son Anthony was not the end of his story—it was the beginning of a mission. Anthony, a vibrant and compassionate child who lived with ADHD, inspired those around him with his unique ability to see the world through a lens of kindness. But his journey wasn’t without challenges: navigating school accommodations, transitioning between educational systems, facing bullying, and finding outlets for his passions.
In this episode of The ADHD Podcast, hosts Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright sit down with Tony and Cassi to explore the roots of Anthony’s Way - The Road to Kindness, the non-profit they founded to honor their son. They discuss how Anthony’s struggle—and his empathy—became the foundation for a program designed to help children and teens with ADHD not just survive, but thrive.
From the challenges of private school 504 plans to the life-changing impact of extracurricular activities, Tony and Cassi share personal stories of advocacy, resilience, and the profound importance of kindness. They also dive into the organization’s innovative Holistic Care Model, their Kindness Scholarship program, and the transformative power of community support.
This is a conversation about ADHD, yes—but it’s also about legacy. It’s about how one family took their pain and turned it into a movement. And it’s a reminder that kindness isn’t just a value—it’s a roadmap to something greater.
Links & Notes
- (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast
- (02:31) - Anthony's Way—The Road to Kindness
★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★
Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast