ADHD Essentials

I'm at the 2019 Annual International Conference on ADHD!  Each day, I'll be grabbing someone to do a quick, unedited reflection on the conference.  Today, I grabbed five someones!  Check it out!   Guest Links: René Brooks Black Girl Lost Keys Dusty Chipura ADHDusty Dani Donovan adhddd.com   ADHD Essentials Links: Learn about & Register for the The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups  Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com Join Our Facebook Community 

SPECIAL DOUBLE-SIZED 100th EPISODE! Today, we’re talking to me!  A while back, my friend Cameron Gott shared an interesting idea with me for the 100th Episode of the ADHD Essentials Podcast.  He wanted to flip the script, and interview me about what I learned over the course of doing 100 episodes.  Then, the boys, Nathan and Gavin, found out about it, got all excited for the 100th episode, and said they wanted to get in on the fun, too.   So, in today’s episode, we have a double shot of interviews. First, Cameron interviews me about my journey to 100 episodes, and then in a flip of episode 96, my kids interview me about the things I do, and what it’s like to be in our family.  The two interviews are separated by a celebratory blast from a noisemaker!  (It was the boys' idea, I swear.) Upcoming Events: November 4th - 7th The PARENTING AUTISM SUMMIT!  (It's useful for ADHD parents, too!)  Register at the link provided.   November 21 from 7pm to 9pm The first live episode of ADHD Essentials at the Commonwealth Learning Center in Needham, MA!  RSVP at info@commlearn.com.     ADHD Essentials Links: Learn about & Register for the The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups  Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com Join Our Facebook Community 

NOTE:  THE AUDIO ON THIS EPISODE DOESN'T SEEM TO WORK.  I'M TRYING TO GET IT FIXED. Today, it's just me.  With an eye toward the future, I give you an update on episode 100 (which drops tomorrow), and beyond!  Then I share some thoughts on fear and parenting as it relates to the judgement of others, and what "They" think.  I hope you enjoy it. Upcoming Events: November 4th - 7th The PARENTING AUTISM SUMMIT!  (It's useful for ADHD parents, too!)  Register at the link provided.   November 21 from 7pm to 9pm The first live episode of ADHD Essentials at the Commonwealth Learning Center in Needham, MA!  RSVP at info@commlearn.com.     ADHD Essentials Links: Learn about & Register for the The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups  Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com Join Our Facebook Community    

Today, we’re talking to Penny Williams of Parenting ADHD and Autism.  Penny is a luminary in the field of ADHD and Autism.  Her son’s ADHD diagnosis sent her on a journey from needing help to providing it.  She’s written four award-winning books on the subject, and offers services like mom retreats, and coaching for parents in need.  It was an pleasure to talk to her, and I’m very glad we’ve connected. REGISTER FOR THE PARENTING AUTISM SUMMIT!   (IT'S USEFUL FOR ADHD PARENTS, TOO!) In today’s episode, we talk about Penny’s journey as the mom of an ADHD son, the importance of parent mindset and how it can affect the emotional well-being of our homes, gaps between ability and output, and being a survivor.   RSVP for the Upcoming Live Podcast Episode at info@commlearn.com.   Guest Links: Learn more about Penny's work at https://parentingadhdandautism.com. Register for Penny's Parenting Autism Summit. ADHD Essentials Links: Learn about & Register for the The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups  Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com Join Our Facebook Community    

Today, we’re talking to my friend, Lysa Miller.  Lysa is amazing.  She’s a single mom with ADHD of kids with ADHD.  She has started and runs multiple businesses, including 3 Media Web, the company responsible for my website, and a women’s networking group in Central Massachusetts. Oh, and she’s also a client. In today’s episode, Lysa opens up about her life with ADHD, and shares the lessons she’s leanred along the way.  We discuss the importance of having a good morning, useful tech tools for managing our lives, teaching our kids by giving them jobs we struggle with, the struggles of supporting our kids when we have ADHD, too, and the power of looking for help.   RSVP for the Upcoming Live Podcast Episode at info@commlearn.com.   Guest Links: Learn about Lysa's Web Design and Digital Marketing Agency at http://www.3mediaweb.com   Find out about Lysa's Women's Networking Group at http://www.metrowestwomen.com Check out her upcoming women focused sales summit http://www.salesempowermentsummit.com Email Lysa at lysa@3mediaweb.com ADHD Essentials Links: Learn about & Register for the The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups  Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com Join Our Facebook Community    

When I told my sons that I was going to be posting two bonus episodes during the month of October, the get really excited and told me they wanted to be interviewed for one of them.  So, in today's episode, we're talking to my kids, Nathan and Gavin. The boys and I talk about their thoughts on school, hobbies, adventures, and being a Mahan.  I hope you enjoy this window into our family.   ADHD Essentials Links: Learn about & Register for the The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups  Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com Join Our Facebook Community

Today, we’re talking to Jeanette G. of “Excuse My ADHD”.  Jeanette is a mom who is harnessing the power of podcasting to chronicle her journey with ADHD. In today’s episode, Jeanette’s shares a bit about her life as an ADHD mom.  We discuss navigating parental guilt, her interview of a member of Scottish Parliament, the bias toward childhood ADHD, the connections between ADHD and compassion, and what it takes to follow through on our goals. Guest Links: Learn more about Jeanette G and her podcast, Excuse My ADHD. Check out the videos of Daniel Johnson, MSP speaking to Scottish Parliament about ADHD that was mentioned by Jeanette.   Video 1  (38.50) Video 2  (8.15) ADHD Essentials Links: Learn about & Register for the The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups  Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com Join Our Facebook Community    

Today, we’re talking to Beth Dinelli and Alex Fortuna of the Commonwealth Learning Center.  The Commonwealth Learning Center supports kids with learning disabilities through specialized, one-to-one instruction.  Beth is the director of Commonwealth Learning Center in Danvers, MA, and Alex is the director of Commonwealth Learning Center in Needham, MA. LAST DAY TO REGISTER for The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups!   In today’s episode, we’re talking about the intersection of reading and ADHD.   Alex, Beth and I look at the various elements that going into reading, from very basic foundational elements, to more sophisticated ones.  We also discuss multiple reading disorders, dyslexia among them, and ways parents can help their kids read better, and more. Sign-Up for October's ADHD reWired Live Q&A!! SPECIAL NOTE:  The audio on this one is a little static-y and click-y.  I apologize in advance.  We did what we could to clean it up, but some of it is still there.  BONUS SPECIAL NOTE:  In order to celebrate ADHD Awareness month, and to get to 100 episodes before the upcoming ADHD Conference November 7ththrough the 10th, I will be posting two bonus episodes during the month of October.  So keep your eye out for them.   Guest Links: Learn more about the work of the Commonwealth Learning Center. ADHD Essentials Links: Learn about & Register for the The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups  Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com Join Our Facebook Community    

It’s that time of year again.  The leaves are turning, acorns litter the ground, the air is becoming chilly.  It’s the season of pumpkin spice!  It’s been around for years now, but it seems like people are still out of their minds about it.   Why?  Why is pumpkin spice so exciting for so many people? Because it’s a special event. It adds an interesting twist to ordinary, commonplace things - like coffee, pancakes and muffins.  And, it’s only available for a little while.  What does this have to do with ADHD? The ADHD brain loves unique experiences and reward.  Pumpkin spice, because of it’s limited timeframe, is a unique experience. And for some, the unique flavor it adds to their food is a reward. People with ADHD need a little “pumpkin spice” every now and then to help motivate them. It adds an interesting twist to an activity that has become boring and uninteresting.   Register For & Learn About The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups! How to Use “Pumpkin Spice” Best used to manage unique challenges or when the ADHD person is stuck Make sure it is a positive reward. Make sure it is unique. Make sure it has a limited in time frame. Communicate clearly that it will not happen again soon. The pumpkin spice approach to motivation works best when unique challenges arise.  It can be very helpful when people with ADHD go through a period of increased difficulty with motivation or productivity. Just like coffee shops and bakeries keep coming up with new uses for Autumn’s favorite flavoring, there are no limits to how pumpkin spice approach to motivation can be used.  I’ve shared a few examples.  Please let me know how you apply it.  I’d love to hear from you. RSVP for the ADHD reWired Live Q&A  Tuesday, October 8th!  1:30pm Eastern / 10:30am Pacific!    

Today, we’re talking to Danielle Frisby.  Danielle is the mother of a son with ADHD, and a Social Impact Event Coordinator.   Her company,  “UnBoxing Change” provides a voice to communities through membership driven engagement activity and involvement. In today’s episode, Danielle shares with us how being an event planner has informed the way she approaches motherhood, including - why we should look at meals as events, the importance of dates, times and locations, finding the good no matter what, and figuring out ways to help our kids feel safe so they can have hard conversations with us.  And, she shares her son Jordan’s Ending Essentials to conclude the show. Register For & Learn About The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups!   Guest Links: Learn more about Danielle and her work with UnBoxing Change on Instagram (@unboxingchange) Facebook email:  Unboxingchange@gmail.com UnBoxing Change Mission: UnBoxing Change believes that​ ​Community​ i​ s the secret. UnBoxing Change was created to tackle the most pressing problems people face on the planet. We believe that​ ​“Community”​ ​is the key to solving these problems and that we, as members of this mission, are the agents of change that we all seek. UnBoxing Change understands that we are all responsible for our piece of the mission. From the Homeless to the Hungry; To the Left behind and the Forgotten-UnBoxing Change provides a voice to communities through membership-driven engagement activity and involvement. ADHD Essentials Links: Learn about & Register for the The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups  Check out the ADHD Essentials Homepage Contact Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com Join Our Facebook Community