The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast 1KHO 664: Screens Make Dreams and Talents Die | Mike McLeod, The Executive Function Playbook
Dec 30, 2025
In this conversation, Mike McLeod, an author and clinician specializing in executive function and ADHD, shares insights from his work, including the GrowNow model. He reframes ADHD as an executive function developmental delay and highlights the vital role of working memory. Mike warns against the dangers of screens, linking them to diminished imagination and reading skills, while advocating for visuals over verbal prompts to encourage action in kids. He emphasizes building independence in children, challenging common misconceptions about parenting and ADHD.
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ADHD Is An Executive Function Delay
- ADHD is best understood as an executive-function developmental delay rather than an attention disorder.
- Executive functions predict life success more than IQ or grades.
Working Memory Builds The 'Mental Movies'
- Nonverbal working memory builds mental movies of past and future (hindsight and foresight).
- Verbal working memory is internal self-talk that motivates action toward those images.
Use Visual Prompts Instead Of Lectures
- Replace verbal prompting with visual prompts like photos of a clean room or homework setup.
- Hang the images and point to them to fuel nonverbal working memory and reduce arguments.