

The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast
Kate Brownfield
Join Kate, ADHD Parent Coach, Author, and host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, as she interviews experts and advocates in ADHD for parents who are raising a child with ADHD. She explores many different ADHD-related aspects for parents to consider along their journey to create a better life for their child and family. Learn more at https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 29, 2025 • 36min
Rewiring Attention: Movement, Sensory & Brain-Based Strategies for ADHD
Host: Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach
Guest: Dr. Rebecca Jackson, a brain health expert, board-certified cognitive specialist, and former chiropractor known for her work at Brain Balance. She focuses on how sensory, motor, and cognitive development shape attention, executive function, and emotional regulation. She’s the author of Back on Track.
Episode Overview
Host Kate Brownfield interviews Dr. Rebecca Jackson about a brain-based approach to supporting children with ADHD. They discuss how developmental gaps in sensory-motor systems, movement, and nutrition impact attention, executive function, and emotional regulation, and how targeted, non-medication interventions can lead to lasting change.
Listeners will learn practical takeaways, including the importance of intentional movement and sensory stimulation, better nutrition, and using assessments to identify developmental gaps, so parents can set their children up to thrive in school and life.
What We Talk About (Highlights)
Why ADHD is more than attention: uneven development across systems (sensory, motor, cognitive)
Bottom-up vs. top-down: building brain readiness before piling on strategies
Movement as medicine: heart-rate spikes, balance/coordination, and frequent micro-breaks
Emotional regulation: maturing sensory pathways (sight, sound, touch) to raise the “tolerance threshold”
Nutrition basics: reducing inflammation/“brain fog,” protein-forward breakfasts, whole-food swaps
Screens with intention: how entertainment time crowds out sensory-motor input
Getting started: assessments that identify strengths and measurable developmental gaps
Resources & Links
Dr. Rebecca Jackson's Book: Back on Track https://drrebeccajackson.com/
About Your Host, Kate
I’m Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach, author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD, and host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. It’s honestly my pleasure to help you understand ADHD more deeply—because every child with ADHD is unique, and so are their strengths and struggles.
🌐 Find me: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com
📘 Free Download: Get the first 3 chapters of my book—free—https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters
🤝 Need support? Schedule a free consultation https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/appointment/
Enjoyed this episode?
Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast
Share this episode with a parent who needs encouragement today
Thank you for listening.

Sep 22, 2025 • 35min
No One Else I'd Rather Be: A Mother's Memoir of Raising a Daughter with ADHD
Host: Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach
Guest: Aimee Kaufman, author of No One Else I’d Rather Be: Loving a Daughter with ADHD for Who She Is
Episode Overview
In this profoundly moving conversation, Kate sits down with author and parent Aimee Kaufman to talk about her memoir and the 10-year journey to her daughter’s ADHD diagnosis. Aimee shares the hard moments, misunderstandings, criticism, school challenges, and the hope that carried her family forward: unconditional love, advocacy, and support that matched her daughter’s needs over time.
If you’re a parent who feels overwhelmed, second-guessed, or unsure how to keep leading with love during tough seasons, Aimee’s story will encourage and steady you.
What We Talk About (Highlights)
A long road to clarity: Why it took 10 years to get an ADHD diagnosis—and what finally helped.
When behavior says “I can’t,” not “I won’t”: How Aimee learned to interpret her daughter’s words and actions.
Unconditional love in the messy middle: Loving firmly and fully when emotions run high.
School Support That Actually Helps: 504 Accommodations, When They’re Ignored, and How to Advocate.
Medication as one tool (not the only one): The trial-and-error reality and finding the right fit over time.
Siblings & family dynamics: Moving from rivalry and rupture to healing and closeness.
Parent grounding: How Aimee stayed steady—community, practical support, and protecting her own well-being.
A hopeful ending: From crisis to connection—college, career, marriage, and a growing family.
Resources & Links
Aimee Kaufman’s Book: No One Else I’d Rather Be: Loving a Daughter with ADHD for Who She Is — https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/No-One-Else-Id-Rather-Be/Aimee-Kaufman/9781647428280
About Your Host, Kate
I’m Kate Brownfield, Certified Whole Person & ADHD Parent Coach, author of How We Roll: A Parent’s Journey Raising a Child with ADHD, and host of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast. It’s honestly my pleasure to help you understand ADHD more deeply—because every child with ADHD is unique, and so are their strengths and struggles.
🌐 Find me: ADHDKidsCanThrive.com
📘 Free Download: Get the first 3 chapters of my book—free—https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters
🤝 Need support? Schedule a free consultation https://adhdkidscanthrive.com/appointment/
Enjoyed this episode?
Subscribe to The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast
Share this episode with a parent who needs encouragement today
Thank you for listening.

Jul 14, 2025 • 27min
How Parents of ADHD Kids Can Be Supportive vs. Rescuers
Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of my book for FREE here:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters
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My guest is Ryan Wexelblatt of ADHDDude.com. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified School Social Worker, and ADHD Certified Clinical Services Provider. Ryan trains parents to help their children build skills, improve behavior, and, most importantly, feel better about themselves. He is also a Father to a son with ADHD & learning differences.
Ryan created ADHD Dude because he realized that most families of kids with ADHD were getting ineffective help, losing valuable time, and spending a lot of money with little results.
Learn more at https://adhddude.com/
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Topics covered in this episode:
-Ryan’s personal story of work and parenting
- Greatest pain points for parents of ADHD kids
- How can parents work with their ADHD child?
- At what stage does CBT work for an ADHD child?
- How can parents step into their parental authority?
- How does ADHD affect kids socially?
- ADHD Dude Camp
- Ryan’s words of wisdom for parents of ADHD kids.
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Newsletter Sign up at https://www.adhdkidscanthrive.com/
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Thank you for listening!
#adhd
#adhdkid
#adhdparent
#adhdparentsupport
#adhdsupport
#adhddude

Jun 25, 2025 • 30min
Supporting an ADHD Child with Anxiety — with Kristen McNeely, LMFT & BCBA
Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of Kate's book for FREE here:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters
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My guest today is Kristen McNeely, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst. Kristen serves as a Behavior Specialist in a local school district and runs a private practice where she supports parents of children navigating behavior challenges and anxiety.
I invited Kristen to the podcast to unpack a big topic: how parents can support children who have both ADHD and anxiety—a combination that often gets misunderstood or overlooked.
You can learn more about Kristen and her work at 👉 www.kristenmcneely.com
In this episode, we explore:
What anxiety looks like in a child with ADHD
Strategies to help anxious ADHD kids start and complete tasks
How to support academic demands without increasing anxiety
What to do when your school district isn’t offering support
How to navigate social-emotional challenges in school
What to do when school refusal starts showing up
How to build emotional coping skills and motivation
Kristen’s words of wisdom for parenting through it all
This episode is brought to you by Kate at ADHDKidsCanThrive.com 💛
Please listen, share, and let us know what resonates with you!

Apr 28, 2025 • 32min
Navigating Neurodiversity in Early Childhood Education: Insights and Strategies
Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of my book for FREE here:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters
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Join host Kate Brownfield from ADHDKidsCanThrive.com in an enlightening conversation with Cassie Korbfort, MSEd, a Child Development Specialist and early childhood special education expert at the Center for Developing Minds (Devminds.com). This episode delves into the complexities of raising and educating neurodiverse children in preschool and elementary settings. Discover valuable insights into how parents can effectively advocate for their children, the importance of teamwork with educators, and the impact of external factors like COVID and screen time on child development.
Kate and Cassie discuss common challenges parents face, such as handling behavioral issues in school, addressing the stigma attached to neurodiversity, and the significance of allowing children to overcome small challenges for long-term success. This episode serves as a helpful guide for parents aiming to support their children's unique learning needs while fostering an environment of growth and resilience both at home and in school.
Thank you for listening!
Connect with Cassie Korbfort:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassie-korbfort-145193203/
Connect with Kate of ADHD Kids Can Thrive:
Website: http://www.adhdkidscanthrive.com/
#adhd
#adhdkid
#adhdparent
#adhdkidscanthrive
#adhdparentsupport
#adhdsupport
#specialed
#parenting
#ADHDkidhealth
#brainhealth
#anxiety
#depression
#learningdisabilities
#dyslexia
#executivefunctioning
#neurodiverse
#ADHDchild

Apr 7, 2025 • 30min
Transitioning Young Adults with ADHD to Independence Without Them Feeling Lost with Greg Burnham
Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of my book for FREE here: here:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters
In this episode, Kate Brownfield sits down with Greg Burnham, MS, LMFT, and clinical director at Gembaboise.com, to discuss how alternative paths like gap programs can help young adults build confidence, develop life skills, and create a future that truly fits them.
Greg shares valuable knowledge on the different levels of "stuckness" young adults experience, the role parents play in this journey, and how to foster independence without forcing a rigid path. If you're a parent looking for alternative ways to support your child’s transition into adulthood, this episode is full of actionable advice.
Expect to Learn:
How can you recognize when a young adult is “stuck” and what level of support they need?
Traditional college paths aren’t the best fit for every neurodivergent young adult.
The benefits of gap programs in building confidence, independence, and real-world skills.
How parents can guide their child’s journey without unintentionally holding them back.
Focusing on the process, rather than just the outcome, leads to long-term success.
In Today’s Episode:
[01:17] - Meet Greg Burnham
[02:13] - What is a gap year?
[04:56] - How parents can help (or hinder) their child’s path to independence.
[07:41] - Why ADHD young adults struggle with life after high school and how to support them.
[13:26] - Identifying different levels of "stuckness" and knowing when intervention is needed.
[18:05] - What to do if your child fails in college and why it’s not the end of the world.
[20:09] - How gap programs provide structure and support.
[23:36] - Understanding the costs and insurance options.
[25:36] - How Gemba Boise helps young adults build confidence, independence, and community.
[28:12] - Why personalized paths lead to sustainable growth.
Connect with Greg Burnham:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gburnham/
Follow your Host Kate Brownfield:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-wedlock-brownfield-b0b139
Follow the ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast on:
Website: http://www.adhdkidscanthrive.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Adhdkidscanthrive
Email: adhdkidscanthrive@yahoo.com

Mar 31, 2025 • 33min
Punishment Fails ADHD Kids, and This Pool Metaphor Fixes Emotional Chaos with Dr. Tamara Rosier
Dr. Tamara Rosier, an ADHD expert and author, dives into the complexities of parenting children with ADHD. She reveals why traditional punishments fail and introduces her effective 'Pool Metaphor' for managing emotional outbursts. The discussion highlights the importance of debriefing with kids post-meltdown to foster accountability and resilience. Dr. Rosier also shares strategies to prevent parent burnout and emphasizes prioritizing character development over daily struggles, transforming challenges into growth opportunities for families.

Mar 24, 2025 • 51min
How ADHD is Leading Thousands of Teens into Crime and Prison with Sarah Templeton
Learn kind and practical tips to support your ADHD child by downloading the First 3 Chapters of the book for FREE here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/On1ABRH/first3chapters
In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive, host Kate Brownfield speaks with Sarah Templeton, a UK-based ADHD therapist, author, and advocate. Sarah shares her powerful journey of being diagnosed with ADHD at 51 and how it led her to advocate for young offenders with undiagnosed ADHD. She explains deeply the ADHD to prison pipeline, the impact of undiagnosed conditions, and why early intervention is critical.
Sarah is a fierce advocate for ADHD awareness in the criminal justice system, working to change policies at the highest levels. Her latest book, How Not to Damage Your ADHD Adolescent, provides vital knowledge for parents to guide their teens toward a positive future. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone with ADHD, this episode is packed with eye opening discussions on ADHD’s role in impulsivity, addiction, self-esteem, and crime.
Expect to Learn:
How undiagnosed ADHD contributes to criminal behavior and addiction.
The importance of early ADHD diagnosis and medication in preventing trouble.
The link between ADHD, impulsivity, and the criminal justice system.
Why the right environment, support, and activities can steer ADHD teens in the right direction.
How parents can advocate for their ADHD teens and prevent negative outcomes.
In today’s Episode:
[01:24] - Introduction
[02:36] - Sarah’s late ADHD diagnosis & her work in prisons
[05:38] - What’s the difference in how the traits are used in society
[09:08] - Sarah’s new book
[11:48] - How impulsivity leads to legal trouble for ADHD teens
[19:14] - The ADHD to prison pipeline: Understanding the risks
[22:09] - Drugs, alcohol, and self-medication in ADHD individuals
[26:08] - ADHD and increased health risks, including heart disease
[32:09] - Why the criminal justice system fails to recognize ADHD
[40:54] - The role of teachers in identifying ADHD early
[46:47] - Final advice for parents:
[51:06] - Closing thoughts & key takeaways
Connect with Sarah Templeton:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-templeton-headstuff-adhd/?originalSubdomain=uk
Website: https://www.headstuffadhdtherapy.co.uk/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/HOW-DAMAGE-YOUR-ADHD-ADOLESCENT/dp/1739958837
Follow your Host Kate Brownfield
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-wedlock-brownfield-b0b139
Follow the ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast on:
Website: http://www.adhdkidscanthrive.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Adhdkidscanthrive
Email: adhdkidscanthrive@yahoo.com

Mar 17, 2025 • 45min
How ADHD Sensory Issues Create Picky Eaters and What Parents Must Do with Judy Delaware
In this discussion, pediatric occupational therapist Judy Delaware and ADHD parent coach Julie Abrams delve into the intriguing connection between ADHD and picky eating. They highlight how sensory sensitivities and rigid thinking complicate children's eating habits. Judy shares effective strategies like early intervention and parental modeling to help kids form healthier relationships with food. They also stress the importance of family dynamics and support, providing actionable tips for parents to ease mealtime tensions and introduce dietary variety.

Mar 10, 2025 • 25min
Why Executive Dysfunction Makes Learning Hard for ADHD Kids. How to Help It with Michelle McKeon
In this engaging discussion, ADHD parent coach Michelle McKeon shares her expertise on how executive dysfunction affects children, particularly in math and writing. With a focus on practical strategies, she guides parents on building essential skills to combat frustration and foster academic success. Michelle also emphasizes the role of working memory, organization, and emotional regulation in learning challenges. She provides insights into balancing technology use with skill development, ensuring kids thrive despite their obstacles.