It’s back-to-school season… which means the emails, the phone calls, and the “your child is struggling” meetings are about to roll in. And if you’ve got an ADHD kiddo, or even a suspected ADHD kiddo, this season can feel like diagnosis season on steroids.

Recently, one of our Chaos Crew got a little offended when I called it “ADHD diagnosis season” on social media. And listen, I’m not here to water down the chaos or rebrand myself into Pinterest-perfect parenting. But I am here to talk about what’s really going down this time of year—and why so many parents (myself included once upon a time) completely miss the signs before school starts shining a blinding spotlight on them.

In this episode, I’m breaking down:

• The ADHD symptoms I missed before my kiddo started school (meltdowns, outbursts, social struggles, and all the in-between).
• The red flags teachers are trained to spot—and why you might get “that” call or email in the next few weeks.
• Why this season feels overwhelming (hint: it’s not just you).
• And how to make sense of it all without losing your mind in the carpool line.

Grab your coffee, babe. You’re gonna need it for this one.

👉 Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Taking Charge of ADHD by Dr. Russell Barkley 
• Mindful Parenting for ADHD by Dr. Mark Bertin 

If this episode felt like a lifeline, share it with your favorite mom-friend drowning in school emails. And if you’re new here—welcome to the Chaos Crew.

This Month’s Sponsors:

✨PTS Coaching 

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💊 NeuroNeeds

A science-backed supplement line created by Dr. Richard Boles, a geneticist and ADHD dad who walked this exact road. These all-natural formulas were developed to support focus, mood, and brain health—and they helped his own son transition off stimulants and thrive in college. So if you’ve ever wished you had a scientist in your back pocket, this is it. 

Resources:

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📧 Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at chaosandcaffeinepodcast@gmail.com.

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