ADHD Experts Podcast

Dave Anderson, a senior psychologist at the ADHD and Behavior Disorder Center, shares insights on creating a balanced summer for kids with ADHD. He emphasizes setting clear behavioral boundaries to promote fun and structure. Anderson offers strategies for managing screen time and enhancing offline activities. He discusses how structured routines can help teens juggle jobs and leisure while fostering friendships through planned social engagements. Parents will find tips on supporting emotional regulation and building essential life skills.

Sharon Saline, a clinical psychologist and award-winning author, shares insights on helping teens cope with rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) often linked to ADHD. She explains how RSD can amplify emotional outbursts and the importance of proactive family communication. The discussion highlights the role of perfectionism and social media in fostering feelings of inadequacy and anxiety. Saline offers practical strategies for parents to support their teens, emphasizing self-acceptance and emotional resilience.

Roberto Olivardia, a clinical psychologist at Harvard Medical School specializing in ADHD, shares fascinating insights on how music positively affects the ADHD brain. He discusses the specific areas of the brain activated by music and how it can enhance focus, emotional regulation, and motivation. Olivardia highlights the importance of personalized music choices and even delves into the effects of binaural beats. Listeners will gain practical strategies for integrating music into their daily routines to improve concentration and emotional well-being.

In this engaging session, clinical psychologist Sharon Saline shares her expertise in managing ADHD challenges. She tackles audience questions about emotional regulation, offering practical strategies for parents and individuals. Topics include managing stress during life transitions, enhancing productivity at home versus work, and fostering intrinsic motivation. Saline also addresses social anxiety, providing actionable tips for overcoming isolation and improving engagement, all while emphasizing the importance of self-esteem and supportive dialogue.

Dr. Jessica Eccles, a researcher at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, delves into the fascinating links between joint hypermobility and neurodivergent conditions like ADHD and autism. She highlights how physical symptoms often accompany these conditions, shedding light on chronic pain and anxiety. The discussion covers the importance of a holistic healthcare approach, exploring how diet and exercise can aid recovery. Dr. Eccles also addresses the need for better training in the medical community regarding these connections for improved diagnosis and treatment.

Diane Miller, a clinical psychologist specializing in adult ADHD and racial identity, discusses the unique challenges faced by Black women with ADHD, particularly around rejection sensitivity and double-masking. She explores how societal pressures and cultural identity complicate their mental health. Practical solutions for self-advocacy, authentic self-expression, and navigating burnout are highlighted. Miller emphasizes the importance of culturally competent support and open communication to foster emotional safety in personal and professional relationships.

Paul Mitrani, M.D., a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Child Mind Institute, shares insights on how puberty influences behavior and mental health in teens with ADHD. He discusses the hormonal differences between boys and girls during adolescence and their impact on emotional regulation. The conversation includes strategies for parents to maintain strong relationships with their teens and navigates the challenges of adjusting ADHD medications as hormones fluctuate. Mitrani emphasizes the importance of communication and validation to foster resilience during this critical period.

Amy Marlow-MaCoy, a Licensed Professional Counselor and author of The Gaslighting Recovery Workbook, delves into the effects of emotionally immature and narcissistic parenting. She discusses how toxic messages shape children's self-perceptions and the lingering scars from such experiences. The conversation offers practical self-care techniques, the importance of setting boundaries, and transforming negative self-talk for healing. Amy emphasizes breaking intergenerational trauma to foster healthier relationships and emotional resilience.

Amy Marschall, a licensed psychologist and neurodiversity advocate, dives into the complexities of AuDHD burnout and the pressures of masking in neurodivergent individuals. She explains how masking leads to significant stress and exhaustion, differentiating it from depression. Amy shares key strategies for identifying burnout warning signs and recovering from them. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of acceptance, self-advocacy, and finding supportive environments for neurodivergent families, fostering understanding within the community.

Sharon Saline, a clinical psychologist and author, dives into a live Q&A session tackling ADHD-related questions. She discusses the unique time management struggles faced by teens, offering personalized strategies for academic and job contexts. The conversation also explores the impact of rejection on adult friendships, emphasizing self-approval and boundaries. Saline provides insights on overcoming perfectionism in children and highlights the importance of motivation and self-care for individuals with ADHD. Listeners are encouraged to embrace authenticity and nurture their needs.