ADHD Experts Podcast

Christina Danko, a clinical psychologist and associate professor, enlightens listeners on the unique challenges parents with ADHD face. She shares neurodivergent-specific tools tailored for both moms and dads, highlighting personalized strategies that can ease parenting stress. Learn how to foster positive relationships with children, manage forgetfulness, and prioritize self-care. Christina also emphasizes the importance of emotional coaching and structured routines, ensuring that families thrive together in their ADHD journey.

A powerhouse panel of experts discuss the distinct challenges women face with ADHD. Ellen Littman sheds light on the historical biases in diagnosis, while Andrea Chronis-Tuscano emphasizes the need for tailored treatment approaches. Lotta Borg Skoglund explores hormonal influences on symptoms across a woman's life. Diane Miller addresses the unique obstacles Black women encounter, and Maggie Sibley advocates for greater awareness of women's mental health needs. Together, they highlight the importance of community support and ongoing research.

In this discussion, psychiatrist James Kustow delves into the surprising links between ADHD and inflammatory conditions like allergies and autoimmunity. He reveals how neuroinflammation could affect mental health and highlights the significance of connective tissue disorders. Kustow emphasizes the impact of estrogen on ADHD symptoms in women and shares dietary strategies to support gut health and ADHD management. This engaging conversation frames ADHD as a complex interplay of mental and physical health factors, advocating for a holistic approach.

In this discussion, Dr. Sarah Cheyette, an ADHD specialist and author, dives deep into the complex relationship between caffeine and ADHD. She highlights how caffeine can act as a natural stimulant, potentially improving focus but also presenting risks like sleep disruption and increased heart rate. The conversation explores individual responses to caffeine, including its calming effects for some and potential mood crashes for others. Dr. Cheyette also addresses practical tips for mindful consumption and headache management related to caffeine.

Sharon Saline, a clinical psychologist and author, shares her expertise on parenting resistant tweens and teens with ADHD. She discusses the emotional complexities of adolescent development and offers strategies to promote cooperation rather than conflict. Saline emphasizes compassionate approaches to understanding defiance and enhancing self-esteem. She also highlights the crucial role of adults in providing support and fostering resilience, making this a must-listen for parents navigating the challenges of ADHD during adolescence.

Carolyn Jeppsen, CEO and co-founder of Broad Futures, sheds light on the potential of gap years for neurodivergent students. She discusses how these breaks can foster self-discovery and emotional readiness, making the transition to college smoother. The conversation dives into both the benefits, like enhanced employability and personal development, and challenges, such as maintaining structure and managing concerns about academic skill loss. Carolyn also shares practical strategies for navigating gap years while retaining scholarship eligibility.

In this engaging discussion, J.J. Sandra Kooij, a leading expert in the realm of ADHD and sleep disorders, sheds light on the intricate relationship between these two conditions. She explains how sleep loss can hinder concentration, mood, and memory while exploring effective treatments like light therapy and melatonin. The conversation delves into the unique sleep challenges faced by adolescents with ADHD and the impact of hormonal changes on women's mental health. Practical tips for improving sleep hygiene are also shared, making this a must-listen for those affected.

Diann Wingert, an ADHD and neurodiversity coach for entrepreneurs and former psychotherapist, dives into the challenges and strengths of neurodivergent female entrepreneurs. She highlights how risk tolerance and creativity can drive success but also discusses issues like rejection sensitivity and perfectionism. Diann offers practical strategies for goal-setting, delegation, and building supportive communities, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance. Plus, learn why hiring virtual assistants can be a game-changer for enhancing productivity!

Jeffrey Bernstein, Ph.D., a seasoned psychologist and author, shares invaluable insights into managing defiance in children, particularly those with ADHD. He discusses the underlying causes of oppositional defiance and offers practical tools for caregivers to restore peace. Emphasizing empathy, emotional regulation, and non-controlling communication, Bernstein highlights strategies for transforming conflict into cooperation. His advice empowers parents to foster emotional awareness and resilience while navigating the complexities of raising defiant children.

Timothy E. Wilens, M.D., Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital, shares insights on ADHD in teenagers. He discusses the impacts of delayed brain development and the associated risks of risky behavior. Wilens emphasizes the importance of scaffolding and structure for teens and challenges common misconceptions around medication use. He also covers how hormones affect ADHD and offers guidance on promoting academic achievement despite these hurdles.