All Aboard ADHD

How can exercise positively impact ADHD symptoms in children? In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD Podcast, Claire meets with Dr Shu-Shih (Stone) Hsieh to discuss ADHD and exercise. Dr Stone is a senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology at Kingston University. Stone's ActiGamer research at BREAD Lab focuses on the effects of exercise on cognition and ADHD symptoms in school aged-children. Dr Stone Hseih kicks off with some insights into the many wide-ranging benefits of exercise for children with ADHD, including improvements in connection, attention and multitasking, alongside a reduction anxiety, stress and depressive symptoms. He and Claire also discuss the brain mechanisms involved in the positive effects of exercise and the differences between traditional forms of exercise vs multi-component exercise. Due to constant changes in the environment, multi-component exercise - such as such as football, tennis or basketball - can be more beneficial for children with ADHD, due to the compound effects on fitness, attention, and multitasking.  To ensure they consistently engage and experience the longer-term benefits, Dr Stone highlights the importance of diversifying exercise choices for children with ADHD and ensuring they find activities they enjoy. He also shares some fascinating results from studies into ADHD and exercise, for example using an EEG to study brain activity during and after exercise in children with ADHD. His aim is to understand whether exercise could be offered as a complementary treatment strategy for children with ADHD. Finally Dr Stone introduces the exciting new potential of "exergaming", which combines video games with physical activity, showing promising results in improving attention and fitness. To find out more about Dr Stone and his work, head to:  Kingston University - Dr Stone Hsieh BREAD Lab Kingston Healthy body—Healthy mind? Does exercise benefit people with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder? By Dr Stone Hsieh The effects of acute aerobic exercise on inhibitory control and resting state heart rate variability in children with ADHD. By Dr Stone Hseih. Dr Stone also has an ongoing study on the effects of physical activity and EEG on Executive Function children with ADHD. If you’re interested in participating, you can sign up here 

Will ADHD medication help my child, or dull their spark? In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Professor Samuele Cortese for a comprehensive exploration of ADHD medications and how they work, so that parents listening can make informed decisions for themselves and their children. Professor Samuele Cortese, MD, PhD is currently Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of Southampton and Honorary Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for Solent NHS Trust. Professor Cortese’s main research interests are in neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on ADHD. Professor Samuele Cortese begins by explaining the different types and mechanisms of ADHD medications, which are broadly divided into stimulants (e.g. methylphenidate) and non-stimulants (e.g. atomoxetine). Whilst both types of medication affect neurotransmitters like dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain, they operate differently. Many parents worry about dulling their child’s spark if they go down the medication route, so Professor Samuele also shares some insight into which medications are more effective and why. In his research, he shares that 70-80% of children respond well to stimulants, while non-stimulants may help the remaining 20-30%. He also describes how medication can actually be personalised to the child, not only by type but also by release formation e.g. slow release throughout the day. Interestingly, only 20-22% of children continue treatment after a year, so Professor Samuele also explains what challenges children and parents can face when it comes to adhering to a medication routine. He also explains some potential common side effects and how they can best be managed. Claire and Professor Samuele also touch on the long-term effects of medication - with long-term studies showing benefits such as a reduction in mortality rate and improved quality of life. Overall Claire and Professor Samuele stress what a deeply personal choice medication is, and through this episode aim to support parents and their children to make the right decision for them. This epsiode is a must-listen for parents weighing up the pros and cons of medication for their child with ADHD.

What happens when you throw out the parenting rule book? In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by parent guest Mark Allen - a former stand-up comedian who juggles working in IT, with being a writer, podcaster, and dad to three neurodivergent children, who have a combination of diagnoses including ADHD, Autism and PDA.  Mark describes himself as an “undiagnosed neurotypical”, who navigates the competing needs of his family with humour and insight, which he channels into his podcast Neuroshambles, where he chats with guests about the lighter side of parenting neurodivergent children, including an episode with Claire. Mark kicks off by describing how differently ADHD presents in his children, with Jay's early signs of ADHD manifesting as a need to move constantly, whereas Otto’s distractibility and inattentiveness provide challenges in terms of planning daily activities. Mark also shares some insight into how difficult it is to distinguish between ADHD and autism in his children, and the different pathways their family took to get diagnoses for their children. Mark speaks of the relief and understanding that came with the diagnoses, allowing them to better understand and support their children. He also shares some wonderful examples of how accommodations such as movement breaks and sensory-seeking activities support his children to learn and regulate themselves. Claire and Mark also discuss the positive impact of allowing children to be themselves and how it can boost their self-esteem. In fact, Mark advises other parents to ditch the parenting rulebook altogether, along with their expectations of neurotypical children. He shares his own experience of how changing their approach to meal times has reduced stress and increased happiness for their family. He also shares a lovely take on his children's unique character and energy, particularly their strong opinions and eccentricity - fedoras and all! This is a must-listen for any parent navigating the day-to-day challenges of raising neurodivergent children, particularly the dads! The Journey into S.E.N.D Fatherhood: Fathers Beyond Limits book: https://amzn.eu/d/iT1fOTM?sfnsn=scwspwa Neuroshambles Podcast (Claire’s episode): https://open.spotify.com/episode/3JTYK9U0KUGSb2u18lKk6f?si=N2x-hFQaQEGI06k7SLAJfA

What does burnout look like in ADHD children and teenagers? In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Dr Samantha Hiew to discuss the signs, causes, and prevention of ADHD burnout in children and teenagers. Sam - a highly sought-after neurodiversity keynote speaker and trainer - founded ADHD girls at the age of 40, after a decade of existential anxiety living with undiagnosed ADHD. Sam seeks to humanise neurodiversity, bridging the empathy gap between those who are neurodivergent and neurotypical to foster a sense of connection, understanding, and belonging Claire and Sam begin by discussing what causes burnout: typically various sources of long-term stress, sensory overload, and social and academic pressures. Sam also shares some insight into Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) and how this can play a part in triggering burnout. They then go on to discuss the symptoms parents can look out for in their children, for example, emotional challenges, sleep issues, and defiant behavior.  Understanding and recognising burnout in our ADHD children and teenagers is key to prevention, so Sam shares some great examples of how we as parents can work to better support our kids to avoid burnout. For instance, creating supportive routines, ensuring the right kind of nutrition, and supporting our children's self-esteem. For children and teenagers already experiencing burnout, Sam emphasises how crucial rest and self-care are as tools. Sam also highlights the importance of self-compassion and the need for a holistic approach, including school adjustments and support from a trusted adult. She also sheds light on the significance of recognising and addressing burnout early, to ensure we support our children to avoid long-term mental and physical health issues. Finally, Sam encourages parents to seek support via community and the right resources, so that they feel less alone in their journey - of course, that is the whole ethos of this podcast! This episode is a must-listen for parents of children and teenagers with ADHD who want to get ahead of burnout and learn practical strategies to support their kids. Links to articles mentioned in the episode: ADDitude article - https://www.additudemag.com/grow-up-already-why-it-takes-so-long-to-mature/  ADHD Embrace - https://adhdembrace.org/teaching-pupils-with-adhd//1000  To find out more about Samantha and her work, head to: https://samanthahiew.com/ 

What are the best practical strategies to support our children with ADHD and help them flourish in the classroom? In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Jamie Gilbert, Assistant Head Teacher of a school for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs.  Jamie (aka Mr G) has been teaching SEMH children for over 10 years and works with amazing children with a range of neurodivergent conditions, such as ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia. During lockdown, Jamie created social media channels @mrgteacher on Tiktok and Instagram, which showcase and raise awareness of teaching neurodivergent children, and has now amassed a huge following of almost 1.3 million and counting.  In this episode Claire and Jamie discuss the different ways we can build trust and foster positive relationships with ADHD children - and the amazing benefits of doing so for children and adults alike.  Jamie speaks about his surprising route into teaching and his rapid career progression, due to his unique ability to relate to children with severe social, emotional, and mental health challenges. He goes on to share what inspired him to begin sharing his teaching techniques on TikTok and how his first viral video led to a huge social media following.  Along with some fantastic practical examples, Jamie shares his approach to creating a safe, secure learning environment that successfully ‘unlocks’ hyperfocus for his students with ADHD. For example, using strategies like breathing exercises to support emotional regulation, shuffle dancing to channel hyperactivity, moving breaks for self-regulation, and tailoring lessons to his students' interests. He also highlights the importance of teaching children about their ADHD so they can understand themselves and their needs. Jamie also shares the highly effective PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy) which adults can use to better understand the underlying reasons for ADHD kids’ behaviour, plus the importance of having a safe space in the classroom for students to self-regulate. As he is currently on his own ADHD diagnosis journey, Jamie also shares some insights into the challenges of waiting for an NHS assessment and the benefits of the ‘Right to choose’ pathway to speed up a diagnosis. This episode is a must-listen for parents looking for practical - and fun - strategies to better understand and support their children with ADHD. To find out more about Jamie and his work, head to:  https://www.instagram.com/mrgteacher/?hl=en https://www.tiktok.com/@mrgteacher

How do you balance providing your neurodivergent children with the right support, whilst empowering them to make their own decisions? In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Hester Grainger - a former TV and BBC Radio presenter, certified ADHD coach, and mum of two neurodivergent teenagers who were diagnosed with autism in 2019 and then with ADHD in 2020. Hester speaks honestly and openly about her journey raising children with ADHD and autism, managing life as a neurodivergent parent, and her own journey with ADHD having been diagnosed later in life at 43. Their conversation provides a refreshingly positive look at ADHD traits, showing how deeply understanding and advocating for neurodivergence can have a huge impact on parents and children alike.  Hester shares the early signs of ADHD in her children that only became apparent during their lockdown homeschooling experience, which led to their diagnoses - and her own! She also reflects on how her children's true selves emerged during their assessments, showing behaviors they typically masked in school where they had mainly been viewed as ‘compliant children’. Hester highlights some of the challenges she faced getting the right school support in place for her children, and the benefits of home education for her daughter in particular.  Claire and Hester discuss how they balance providing their neurodivergent children with the right support, whilst empowering them to make their own decisions. Hester describes her own approach of giving them a safety net, with a ‘loving push’ to try new things and learn from their experiences. She stresses the importance of taking the time to understand our children’s individual needs, encouraging them to advocate for themselves, showing them empathy - and throwing in a bit of humour when needed!  Finally, Hester shares her experience of finding support from other parents who faced similar challenges and the importance of connecting with people who "get you." She advises parents of neurodivergent children to find their own supportive communities and to work on a loving yet firm approach to parenting, to help children build their resilience and self-awareness.  To find out more about Hester and her work, head to: perfectlyautistic.co.uk perfectlyadhd.co.uk To buy tickets for Hester’s ADHD Unmasked tour, head to: https://www.mapletreeentertainment.com/currently-touring/ADHD+Unmasked/36/summary/

Did you know 40% of children suffer from sleep issues, which rises to 70-80% for neurodivergent children? In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Fay Smith - a Children’s Sleep Consultant and Co-owner of The Little Dreams Franchise. Fay and her business partner Jenna share an intense passion for the importance of sleep and its role in health and wellbeing, not only for children but also for their parents. As members of the British Sleep Society and the British Paediatric Sleep Society, along with the Association of Professional Sleep Consultants, they pride themselves on their evidence-based practice. Fay and Claire discuss the importance of sleep for all children, but particularly those who are neurodivergent - not to mention the importance for their parents! Fay explains what causes sleep issues for neurodivergent kids, describing the intricate role of melatonin and circadian rhythms in sleep regulation, along with sharing some fascinating insight into why sleep can suddenly become an issue for teenagers.  She also suggests some practical strategies parents can adopt to support their children to get a better night’s sleep, such as minimising screen time before bed, engaging in calming activities to decompress, and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine.  As well as delving into the use of weighted blankets, prompted by new research published at the end of 2023, which explored whether weighted blankets positively affect sleep and everyday activities for individuals with ADHD and/or ASD. Fay finishes by sharing a success story of a child with ADHD who improved sleep quality and reduced symptoms using her methods, whose name listeners might just recognise!  If you or your ADHD child are desperate for some simple, effective ways to banish bedtime battles and ensure everyone gets a better night’s sleep, this episode is a must-listen! To find out more about Fay and her work, or if you are experiencing problems with your child’s sleep, you can find your nearest Little Dreams sleep consultant here: Baby and Child Sleep Consultant Services | Little Dreams (littledreamsconsulting.com) Resources mentioned in the episode: ‘Sleepy snacks’ blog:  Sleepy Snack - Little Dreams Consulting Links to Weighted Blanket studies: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7AASd0LNV8/?igsh=a3A5NzlkOWFqcWNs https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34184958/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36824380/

What is compassionate inquiry and how can it help us better support our children with ADHD (and ourselves!)? In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Caroline Hanson, Conscious Parenting Therapist and mum to 4 delightfully neurodivergent children aged 12 to 22. Caroline shares her story of emerging from a rigid, strict, overbearing parenting style inherited from her own emotionally challenged childhood into something much more open, approachable, compassionate and tender. Through the study of yoga, meditation, conscious parenting approaches and Gabor Maté’s psychotherapeutic model - Compassionate Inquiry - Caroline found the support she needed to become the conscious parent she wanted to be. Caroline reflects on her journey into meditation and self-inquiry, which led her to better understand her own needs, and make the shift from traditional parenting to conscious parenting. Caroline and Claire discuss the need to support children as they are and, as parents, to focus on the emotional responses behind a child's behavior rather than the behavior itself. Caroline describes some of the challenges she faced with her own children entering their teenage years and her sense of feeling lost, unable to reach for a blueprint for parenting her neurodivergent children. She also introduces the beautiful concept of "along-sidedness", where parents focus on providing their children with unconditional support, rather than rushing in to fix their problems. Claire and Caroline also talk about the need for self-compassion as a parent of neurodivergent children, both for themselves as individuals, and as someone who is ultimately modeling self-care for their children. They discuss the importance of prioritising the parent-child relationship rather than focusing on external outcomes and the massively positive impact Conscious Parenting can have on a child’s learning, confidence, self-esteem, and success in the future. This episode is a must-listen for parents of ADHD children who are looking for a calmer, kinder and more supportive way to do parenting, allowing them to tune into the magnificence and wonder of their children and celebrate their unique qualities. To find out more about Caroline and her work, head to: https://www.loveparentlove.co.uk 

How can we celebrate neurodiversity, rather than just viewing it as a disability? In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Kirsti Nicole Hadley - Brand Consultant, Neurodiversity Advocate and mum to a child with ADHD. Kirsti has worked with hundreds of household names, and as well as a cross-party parliamentary advisor. She is credited with playing an integral role in reframing the narrative around neurodivergence, and recently contributed to BBC Radio 4 Woman's Hour live studio debate about the SEND system: Is the SEND system working for children with special educational needs and disabilities? After a lifetime of feeling misunderstood, Kirsti finally received a life-changing diagnosis of ADHD with autistic traits and dyscalculia, following her son's diagnoses of ADHD, autism, and OCD in 2021.  In this episode, she describes some of the early signs of ADHD and autism in her son, as well as the parallels with her own undiagnosed traits - describing the common experience of "familial blindness" (in the absence of a diagnosis, parents believe their children are just similar them in terms of personality). Kirsti shares how it was these resemblances with her son’s traits that delayed the initial identification of her son's conditions.  She and her son have been on a journey ever since - both learning and unlearning - including the tough challenge of navigating 1.5 years of emotional-based school avoidance in an education system that wasn't built for neurodivergent minds.  Kirsti shares some insight into how to frame assessment experiences positively for your child along with why being confident and excited for them is key to accepting their own diagnosis. She also provides some helpful strategies for managing school avoidance, so listen closely if you experience school refusal with your own child! Claire and Kirsti discuss the importance of self-care as parents of neurodivergent kids and the massive impact finding a community of like-minded parents can have for those who are also on this journey. Kirsti offers many messages of hope and positivity in this episode, including the power we can tap into when we acknowledge and celebrate neurodiversity, rather than just viewing it as a disability.  To find out more about Kirsti and her work, head to: https://www.sendreformengland.com/ https://www.instagram.com/futurpwrgang/?hl=en https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m0022ss7

What is a SENCO and how do they support children with ADHD? Do you need a diagnosis for your child in order for them to access special provisions in school? What is an ECHP and when is it needed? In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, all your SEN questions will be answered - and more! Claire is joined by Lauren Lambert - a current serving school SENCO and mother to two neurodivergent children.  Lauren has worked across a range of schools on the south coast from infant to sixth form over her 20-year career as a teacher and has a wealth of first-hand experience in how schools can support children with ADHD, and the challenges faced by reduction in education budgets. Claire and Lauren discuss the educational tensions in providing the right support for pupils with special educational needs and how parents can best navigate school systems. Lauren gives comprehensive overviews of: - what a SENCO does and how they work with children within a school - the SEND code of practice and how it governs what provisions are available to children with special educational needs - the benefits of getting a diagnosis for your child with regards to their support at school - the importance of the ‘assess plan do review’ cycle to monitor your child’s progress once provisions are in place - how EHCPs work, when they are needed and the process to get one set up Lauren emphasises the necessity of a ‘needs-led’ approach that is individual to the child, rather than putting them into categories by diagnosis. She also shares some fascinating insight into common difficulties for children with ADHD, along with examples of strategies to support them in their learning - including both short-term interventions and longer-term strategies they can take with them into their adult life. This episode is a must-listen for parents embarking on their ADHD journey to better understand how they can work with schools to ensure the best outcomes for their children. Please note this episode was recorded prior to the 2024 general election when the Conservative Government was still in power. Here are links to resources discussed in this episode that you may find helpful: IPSEA: https://www.ipsea.org.uk/ ADHD UK: https://adhduk.co.uk/ Goblin Tools: https://goblin.tools/ Find your local SENDIASS: https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/about-us-0/networks/information-advice-and-support-services-network/find-your-local-ias-service   Research paper into educational experiences for children with ADHD by Dr Abigail Russell: https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-health-and-life-sciences/children-with-adhd-face-cycle-of-negative-experiences-in-their-early-school-years/   Children’s Commissioner calls for radical rehaul of the SEND system: https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk/news/commissioner-calls-for-radical-rehaul-of-the-send-system/

In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD Podcast, Claire is joined by expert guest Professor, Stephen Scott to discuss ADHD treatments and why parenting matters. Stephen is a Professor of Child Health and Behaviour at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King's College London, and the Director of the National Academy for Parenting Research. He is also a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at the Maudsley Hospital, where he specializes in ADHD and challenging behaviour. Stephen's research specialises in the most effective ways to help children be happier and better adjusted, and as the author of the best selling textbook Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stephen literally wrote the book.  Claire and Stephen discuss what is really behind the recent increase in ADHD diagnoses and why proper assessment and medication are so important for children with ADHD. Stephen shares some fascinating insight into the power of stimulant medication and how they can significantly improve symptoms, whilst also dispelling myths about certain medications being addictive. Stephen and Claire also highlight the need for a holistic approach to treatment, such as taking a positive parenting approach. Scott shares some fantastic tips for parents of ADHD children, including clear communication of expectations and immediate positive reinforcement when we spot our children doing something well. He also introduces his Parenting Matters online course, which helps more parents support their children with behaviour and emotional issues Professor Stephen shares a message of hope for parents of ADHD children, reassuring us that with proper support, ADHD children can thrive and lead happy, fulfilling lives. To find out more about Professor Stephen and his work, head to https://parentingmatters.co.uk/ https://www.kcl.ac.uk/people/stephen-scott https://slam.nhs.uk/experts/?consultant=234&letter=S To buy a copy of his book, head here: Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 3rd Edition https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Ahg0IWnyDPpKwIrrogOis?si=CGtdsp-vRZCJuJz-FOf-hg&t=6506

How do you talk about ADHD with your child? In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Emily Snape - a mum to 3 children, one of whom has ADHD. Emily is a children's author and illustrator, working with young people celebrating and supporting their amazing, creative neurodivergent minds.  Emily shares her personal experiences as a parent of a child with ADHD, inspiring her wonderful book "My Amazing ADHD Brain." Emily’s book provides an age-appropriate resource, giving parents a helpful starting point to have conversations with their children about their ADHD brain. Claire shares an incredible example of doing just this with her own daughter, resulting in a beautiful moment of connection between them. Emily first noticed signs of her son struggling in Year 6, including challenges with friendships and taking SATs, culminating in him refusing to go to school. Claire and Emily go on to discuss their experiences of getting a diagnosis for their children and how, despite concerns about ‘labeling’, ultimately it was beneficial not just to help their children understand their brain, but as parents, to be able to educate others around them about ADHD. Emily highlights how her own experience with diagnosis inspired her to write her book, which focuses on educating children about their brains, provides tips for navigating challenges, and encourages children to embrace their strengths. Emily shares some of the helpful accommodations her son could access in secondary school once he had a diagnosis, such as having a pass to go out of the classroom if he was feeling overwhelmed or fidgety. She also shares some of the challenges of advocating for her son but ultimately how she believes we should focus on ADHD strengths rather than challenges.  Emily and Claire also discuss the impact of emotional dysregulation on ADHD children, which is often missed by schools. Emily shares some fantastic advice for teachers and parents alike to help ADHD children when they are dysregulated, supporting them to learn how to regulate their own emotions as they grow up, and supporting them to ‘own’ their ADHD. To find out more about Emily and her work, you can find out her latest publishing news on Instagram at @emily_snape_illustrator or to buy a copy of book head here; https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Amazing-ADHD-Brain-Thriving/dp/183799126X

Why is there such a large disconnect between the research and practice with adopted children? In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD Podcast, Claire is joined by expert guest, Dr Mark Kennedy to discuss the link between early adversity and ADHD in adopted children. Dr Mark is a Senior Lecturer program lead and a researcher on the English and Romanian adoptees study at King's College London. His PhD focused on modern applications of attachment theory and his postdoctoral work has focused on the developmental outcomes of extreme early adversity, including ADHD, neurodevelopmental disorders, attachment, and mental health.  Mark and Claire begin by looking at connections between early adversity and ADHD in adopted children. Mark highlights how misdiagnosis of ADHD can often occur due to assumptions about attachment issues that stem from studies carried out in the 1980s and 1990s. He goes on to shed light on some of the more recent research and the incorrect assumptions that have led to an under-diagnosis of ADHD and over-diagnosis of attachment issues. For example, children who have a history of issues such as institutional deprivation have a much higher likelihood of having ADHD than people without those experiences. Mark also shares some fascinating insight from research studies on the adult outcomes of children with ADHD symptoms in childhood, stressing the importance of early intervention to ensure better outcomes for adopted children. Shockingly, the rates of unemployment were 88% in one study, alongside outcomes such as higher rates of mental health problems and lower rates of educational attainment. However, with the right information, alongside evidence-based treatment or support options, outcomes can be significantly better. One of Mark’s driving forces is raising awareness of ADHD and supporting adoptive parents with good-quality information. Therefore Mark created the King's College London “Understanding ADHD, Current Research and Practice” MOOC (massive online open course) accredited by the CPD. You can undertake this course for free to learn more about ADHD, including symptoms, the latest research, and treatment. So far, over 114,000 people have enrolled for the course designed to help change attitudes around ADHD.To learn more about the course head to: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/understanding-adhd

What does it mean to be a ‘good mum’ to a child with ADHD? In this All Aboard ADHD podcast episode Claire is joined by Dr Tom Nicholson, to talk about the lived experiences of parents, particularly the mums of children with ADHD. Tom is a lecturer at Northumbria University, a neurodiversity and mental health specialist, and keynote speaker specializing in ADHD, mental health, neurodiversity, and neuroinclusion. Tom was diagnosed with ADHD at five years old, experienced an extremely traumatic educational journey due to the lack of awareness, and has since made it his mission to improve the knowledge and skills of as many people as possible so that no other child goes through what he did. Claire and Tom discuss the significant emotional toll on parents of children with ADHD during the diagnostic process, with mothers bearing the brunt of societal expectations. They also highlight the importance of improving support for mothers and their children, particularly post-diagnosis where many feel ‘diagnosed and dumped’. Tom shares some fascinating and very relatable insights from his research into mothers of ADHD children, particularly some of the personality types that have emerged. For example, the “good, heroic or valiant mother” who does everything she can to prove it’s not her fault her child is being assessed for ADHD. Tom also sheds light on some of the ways fathers are often marginalized and excluded from the healthcare system, beginning right from the first night when they are often sent home from the hospital. This continues throughout the postpartum period, manifesting in marked differences between how healthcare professionals communicate with both parents. Finally, Tom and Claire discuss the need to recognize and validate the experiences of both mothers and fathers, to ensure better support overall for them and their children. To find out more about Tom’s work, head to: https://www.drtomnicholson.com/ To read about Tom’s work on the ADHD mother, head to: https://www.drtomnicholson.com/blogs/the-adhd-mother

In this episode, Claire is joined by parent guest, Sarah Dixon. Sarah is a mother of two girls, aged 10 and 12, both of whom are dyslexic and have ADHD. Her husband has also been identified with ADHD. In this episode, Sarah shares her journey from the realisation her children thought differently, through the identification stage to where they are now.  Sarah begins by sharing how ADHD became obvious in her firstborn, who she assumed was just energetic - even in the womb! However by age 8, differences from her peers began to emerge, for example still not being able to read and struggling to concentrate. Sarah admits she knew little about ADHD before her child’s diagnosis, sparking initial reactions of shock, denial, and protectiveness. Sarah and Claire share insights around ADHD medication and its impact on their children's learning and behaviour. Sarah shares how a conversation with a psychiatrist helped her understand how differently ADHD medication works vs something like anti-depressants and ultimately, how that helped her feel more comfortable about her daughter trying it. They also stress the importance of early identification for neurodivergent children in schools, to access the right support and accommodations, as well as taking some time to celebrate the array of unique strengths and abilities their children with ADHD possess.  Sarah leads a local school support group for parents of neurodivergent children and has recently become a director and trustee of the Accessible Learning Foundation (ALF) - a new charitable organisation focusing on early identification and support of those with neurodivergent conditions within the education, justice and business sectors. To find out more about the Accessible Learning Foundation head here: https://www.accessiblelearningfoundation.org/

ADHD in girls - how differently does it present? In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Pippa Simou, expert guest psychologist and specialist ADHD coach. Pippa and Claire explore the surprising gender disparities in ADHD, and how much more challenging it can be to diagnose girls to ensure they access the support they need. Pippa also busts some myths around how ADHD is perceived vs what is going on in a child’s brain, with boys tending to externalise symptoms whilst girls tend to internalise them. Pippa goes on to share some important insights on the unique challenges faced by teenage girls with ADHD, including the complex interplay between perfectionism, rejection, and exhaustion, stressing the importance of early intervention and tailoring strategies to each girl's needs and circumstances. Claire and Pippa also discuss the risks to teenage girls in particular and the importance of understanding ADHD differences, to avoid heightened anxiety and self-criticism but also more serious issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts. Recognizing and addressing these issues early on can help protect our teenage girls whilst supporting their mental health and well-being, so Pippa also shares some key strategies for parents to support themselves and support their children, for example, favouring positive reinforcement and rewards rather than punishments. She shares some examples of the impact of her work, such as working with a typically high-achieving girl who felt pressure to excel but was eventually able to learn to accept "good enough" and prioritise self-care.  This is a must-listen for parents of ADHD girls, particularly if they have been diagnosed with ADHD themselves. To find out more about Pippa and her work, head to:  https://www.theadd-vantage.co.uk/pippas-blog/

Could ADHD be your child’s superpower?  Claire is joined by Soli Lazarus in the latest episode of All Aboard ADHD, to bust some myths around ADHD in children and share some of the incredible strengths our ADHD children possess. Soli is a former teacher with 30 years of experience, culminating her career as a SENCO in a large primary school in London. Her adult son has ADHD and she has a number one best-selling book ‘ADHD Is Our Superpower’, aimed at empowering young people to see themselves positively. Claire and Soli discuss what we can do to better support and advocate for our children with ADHD to succeed in school and in life. They share how awareness of ADHD is gradually improving in society, but in many instances, we are still fighting the ‘naughty boy’ stigma. Soli believes that everyone from teachers to GPs, Judges to the police force, everyone needs training on what ADHD really is and that we should be 'loud and proud' about ADHD, to challenge the negative stereotypes and narratives. Soli shares her own experience of her son being diagnosed in the 1990s at age 8, when no one was talking about ADHD and there was a distinct lack of awareness and education around ADHD. With a big shift in resources available to parents and children today, Claire and Soli discuss how we can help our children recognise their unique skills and strengths and empower them to advocate for themselves in different situations. Soli also advises parents to throw away the 'traditional parenting handbook’, sharing some important insight around positive reinforcement for ADHD children and the huge impact it can have on their self-esteem. To find out more about Soli and her work busting stigmas and supporting parents and children, visit: https://soli-lazarus.com/tag/together-stronger/ hthttps://soli-lazarus.com/tag/together Her book is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1787757307?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_dp_ZEFH33S8JYN5SMZ2AK9S

In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Georgina Fuller - a freelance journalist, speaker, guest lecturer and mother of three, two of whom are neurodivergent. Georgina writes regularly for The Telegraph, Daily Mail and The I Paper, but has written for everyone from Take a Break to Tatler. She specialises in writing about lifestyle, women, and work. Georgina’s middle child is diagnosed with autism and ADHD, her eldest was diagnosed with ADHD last year and Georgina herself is self-diagnosed with ADHD, mainly through recognising all the patterns in two out of three of her children, as well as the genetic links to the traits of her late mother and biological father. Georgina shares her diagnosis journey with her children, along with her experience of beginning to see ADHD traits in herself - even seeing similarities in school reports from her own childhood. For example, comments such as “doing the bare minimum” “consistently inconsistent” and “easily distracted”. Although Georgina hasn’t had an official diagnosis, through immersing herself in the world of ADHD through books, podcasts and talks, she has been able to put her own ‘reasonable adjustments’ in place to help her function.  Georgina describes the early signs of ADHD traits in her children, ranging from less obvious to very obvious, with her eldest managing well at school and only finding things challenging in the teenage years, in contrast to a very ‘textbook’ hyperactive presentation of her middle child. Georgina also shares some of the accommodations that have been helpful at school, for example movement breaks and extra time for exams.  Claire and Georgina discuss some of the damaging stereotypes and narratives surrounding ADHD in the media, the importance of having conversations to raise awareness, and also how crucial early diagnosis can be to ensure children have the best possible opportunities to thrive. Georgina also opens up about her experience of feeling judged by her friends due to her children’s diagnoses, the stigma around self-diagnosis, and how she has had to challenge some of her own preconceptions of ADHD as part of her journey. Finally, Georgina shares a message of hope for parents of ADHD children in terms of the impact diagnosis has had on her parenting, leading to her becoming more compassionate and understanding with her children, but also in terms of them being able to better understand themselves and their strengths.  Georgina and Claire finish up by discussing the importance of community and finding other parents on a similar journey who you can share your experience with. To find out more about Georgina and her work, explore some of her articles below: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/wellbeing/mental-health/adhd-experts-separate-fact-from-fiction/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/health-fitness/parenting/children/questions-for-parents-with-autistic-child/ https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/no-were-not-all-on-the-spectrum-my-son-has-autism-and-i-hate-when-neurotypical-people-think-they-get-it-2705861 https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/adhd-making-me-better-job-test-find-out-2311663 https://www.theguardian.com/global/2020/feb/03/autism-to-adhd-thinking-differently-about-recruitment

In this episode, Claire is joined by Leanne Maskell ​​to answer the all-important question: What is ADHD coaching? Leanne is an ADHD Coach, Author, and Activist, having presented to the World Health Organization on improving global access to support for ADHD. Previously working in mental health and disability law, Leanne set up ADHD Works to empower as many people as possible to learn about how to make ADHD work for them through courses, talks, and coaching. After being diagnosed with ADHD at age 25, Leanne published 4 books, including her latest book 'ADHD Works at Work' &‘ ADHD: an A to Z’, as featured on Sky News. Leanne shares her own experience of diagnosis, after which she felt ‘diagnosed and dumped’, with no support available to help her understand what ADHD meant for her. Leanne eventually sought help from an ADHD coach who helped her 'work with her brain rather than against it’, ultimately inspiring Leanne to train as an ADHD coach herself with the ADDCA. Leanne shares some insight into her own style of coaching and now as a teacher of other coaches, especially the importance of kindness and being able to meet the client where they’re at. Claire and Leanne discuss what makes ADHD coaching different and the benefits coaching can bring for ADHDers - not least having space to speak to someone who gets it and allows you to unmask and be yourself. Leanne shares some of her experiences starting out as an ADHD coach and coaching teenagers, which was rewarding but understandably challenging! Through this experience, Leanne learned the importance of letting people come to their own conclusions and find their own solutions through coaching. She also shares a heartfelt message for parents of ND children and her reasons for recommending parents to get ADHD coaching rather than or as well as their children, partly due to adults having more agency over their own lives but also to help them work through the shame and blame of parenting. If you are considering ADHD coaching for yourself or your child, Leanne shares some helpful tips to support you to find the right coach and to consider why you want coaching and what you want to get out of it. This episode is a must-listen for parents of ADHD children wanting to understand how coaching could provide valuable support for themselves and their family. Find out more about Leanne’s work training ADHD coaches through her organisation ADHD works here: https://www.adhdworks.info/  Check out her books ADHD: An A to Z and ADHD Works at Work here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ADHD-Works-Work-Leanne-Maskell/dp/B0CK9SY59C https://www.amazon.co.uk/ADHD-Z-Figuring-Out-Step/dp/1839973854

Did you know that 97% of children excluded from Primary School have a special educational need? And for children who end up in the youth justice system it is 80%? In this episode, Claire is joined by The Rt Hon Matt Hancock, who has represented West Suffolk as Member of Parliament since 2010, to talk about his campaign for the early identification for neurodiverse conditions in schools. This episode was recorded the same day the Neurodivergent Screening and Teacher Training Bill was read and passed in parliament - a huge step forward in better supporting our children in schools, improving job prospects for the next generation, and reducing populations in young offenders institutes and prisons. Matt shares his own story with dyslexia - struggling to articulate himself through the written word throughout school but only receiving a diagnosis at university, where he was fortunate enough to get support and ‘re-learn’ to read and write to support his natural ability to ‘think in pictures’. He also describes a ‘tragic and comic’ mistake early in his career due to a very unfortunate typo! Matt spent the first 20 years of his career hiding his dyslexia and feeling a huge sense of shame, but after explaining some of his coping strategies to a new member of staff, he talks about the moment that prompted him to open up about being dyslexic. With a ‘phenomenal’ response to his decision to go public (including a surprise message from a former member of the House of Lords!), Matt was spurred on to further the neurodiversity agenda, setting up the Accessible Learning Foundation and then taking The Dyslexia Screening bill to parliament.  Whilst some progress has been made and Neurodiversity Condition training is now included in teacher training, Matt doesn’t believe this goes far enough and rejects the notion that labels are negative for children or provide an excuse for poor teaching and poor educational outcomes. Matt argues that better data on children’s differences will help them access teaching that works better for them, supported by screening that can take just 30 minutes and provide an indication of a potential condition. Following lots of positive, constructive feedback from people advocating for ADHD, Autism, and Dyscalculia, Matt has now widened out the original Dyslexia Screening bill to include all Neurodiverse conditions. Matt talks about how simple this screening can be to put in place, with major developments in screeners for all conditions and AI potentially being a huge driver of development. With this data, schools will be able to respond to the needs of each child. Many schools are successfully doing this work already. Matt and Claire discuss the importance of campaigning to ensure this bill stays on the government agenda and the impact that early identification will have on children in schools but also the knock-on effect on improving job prospects and reducing populations in young offender institutes and prisons. Matt also shares a message of hope for parents who may currently be navigating the SEN system and how screening can be hugely helpful in providing support through that process. He also shares some key actions you can take to support this bill and the wider initiative.  To find out more about ALF: https://www.accessiblelearningfoundation.org/  To donate to Matt’s Justgiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Matt-ALF Download a template to write to your local MP here: https://www.allaboardadhd.com/blog/neurodivergent-conditions-bill-template-mp-letter