Parenting with Impact

EP199: Relatable Social Skills for Kids with ADHD with Ryan Wexelblatt

Jan 29, 2025

Ryan Wexelblatt, known as the ADHD Dude, is a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years in special education, specializing in strategies for kids with ADHD. He discusses empowering resilience by encouraging children to tolerate discomfort without over-accommodation. The conversation emphasizes fostering independence through visual aids and patience, while also addressing the importance of social skills training. Wexelblatt highlights the communal support necessary for raising children, reminding us that a village truly helps in nurturing their potential.

26:04

Episode guests

Ryan Wexelblatt

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Parents should foster emotional development by acknowledging feelings while avoiding over-accommodation, promoting resilience and emotional regulation in children with ADHD.

Encouraging a growth mindset enables children to embrace challenges and develop independence, helping them transition from prompt dependence to self-sufficiency.

Deep dives

Understanding Children's Emotions

It's important to teach children that experiencing emotions like anger or sadness is perfectly acceptable, but acting destructively or being mean is not. Parents should acknowledge their children's feelings without over-explaining or over-accommodating, which can lead to unhealthy dependencies. For example, while it’s okay for a child to express frustration over dinner choices, the parent is not obliged to cater to every desire, reinforcing the idea of resilience. This balance helps children learn to manage their emotions in a healthy way, promoting their emotional development.

Intro

3min

Empowering Resilience in ADHD Parenting

9min

Understanding Emotions and Fostering Independence in Children

3min

Fostering Independence in Children with ADHD

5min

Navigating Parenting Challenges for Children with ADHD

4min

The Village Concept in Raising Children

2min

Raising kids with ADHD can be a journey filled with unique challenges and incredible growth opportunities. In this episode, we dive into a dynamic and insightful conversation with Ryan Wexelblatt, widely known as the ADHD Dude. We’ll uncover powerful strategies to help parents guide their children with ADHD toward greater independence and resilience. From cultivating a growth mindset to tackling social and executive function hurdles, this episode equips parents with practical tools to empower their kids to flourish.

Don’t miss this episode with Ryan Wexelblatt and discover effective ways to support your child’s development and unlock their full potential.

Here is what to expect on this week’s show:

How parents can foster resilience by avoiding over-accommodation
Insights into the concept of “anti-fragility” and why kids are more resilient than we think
Practical strategies to transition kids from prompt dependence to independence
The importance of fostering social executive function skills and the role of unstructured play
Why skill development is inconsistent and how parents can support progress over time

About Ryan Wexelblatt
Ryan Wexelblatt, known as the ADHD Dude, is a licensed clinical social worker, ADHD-certified provider, and founder of ADHD Dude. With 20+ years in special education, he specializes in practical, evidence-based strategies for children and teens managing ADHD. A father to a child with ADHD, he offers both professional expertise and personal insight. Based in Philadelphia, Ryan contributes to ADDitude Magazine and CHADD, speaks at the International Conference on ADHD, co-hosts the ADHD Guys Podcast, and reaches families worldwide through his ADHD Dude YouTube channel.

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