The ADHD Parenting Podcast
The ADHD Parenting Podcast provides practical, evidence-informed strategies for parents of children and teens with ADHD. Hosted by Ryan Wexelblatt, LCSW, and Mike McLeod, SLP, the show covers topics like behavior improvement, emotional regulation, executive function, and school success. Each episode aims to reduce conflict, strengthen routines, and help kids build independence and confidence.
Episodes
ADHD Medication: What Parents Need to Know | Part 1
Ryan & Mike take on ADHD kids' medication based on research and doctors, not social media. They cover untreated ADHD risks, debunk the psychiatrist myth, and put decisions with parents and prescribers.Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.comFind Ryan @ www.adhddude.com{{chapters}}[00:00:00] Start[00:01:05] Why Parents Get Confused About Medication[00:03:40] T
Debunking Four ADHD Parenting Myths
Ryan and Mike take on four of the loudest myths in Facebook ADHD parenting groups: pharmacogenetic ("cheek swab") testing for medication selection, the idea that every ADHD child needs one-to-one talk therapy, the "everything is sensory" framing, and rejection sensitive dysphoria as a discrete diagnosis. For each one, they walk through what the actual research and clinical prac
Stop Lowering The Bar. Why High Expectations Are The Most Loving Thing For ADHD Kids
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Mike and Ryan tackle a provocative but critical topic: why high expectations are the most loving thing you can do for a child with ADHD. They respond to a listener’s experience in which an effective classroom point system—backed by decades of research—was canceled after other parents of children with ADHD complained. Mike and Ryan break down the
Why ADHD Kids Struggle with Reading and Writing
In this episode, Ryan and Mike explore the real reason children with ADHD struggle with reading comprehension and written expression—working memory issues, not laziness or oppositional behavior. They explain the role of nonverbal working memory (mental movies) and verbal working memory (inner voice) , share key research findings, and offer practical strategies to support children at home and schoo
ADHD Kids and Consequences – What the Research Says
In this episode, Ryan and Mike take on one of the most hotly debated topics in the ADHD parenting space: do kids with ADHD actually need consequences? Social media influencers say no — just connection, co-regulation, and emotional validation. Ryan and Mike push back hard with decades of research showing the opposite: ADHD is a disorder of performance, not knowledge, meaning behavior is governed by
Stepping Into Your Parental Authority
Today's episode is a re-release of Episode 43, because the message is just that important.In this episode of The ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan Wexelblatt and Mike McLeod explore what it means to “step into your parental authority.” Drawing from research and clinical experience, they discuss how authoritative parenting—balancing warmth with structure—helps children with ADHD develop self-r
Answering Parents' Questions
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, Mike and Ryan answer several listener questions about common challenges parents face when raising children with ADHD. They discuss why some children struggle to initiate friendships despite wanting them, the role of social anxiety and executive functioning in social behavior, and why screen time can reinforce avoidance of real-world interaction. The h
What New Research Says About Screen Time & ADHD (And Why Online Advice Gets It Wrong)
In this episode, Ryan and Mike discuss how screen time impacts the executive functioning skills already delayed in kids with ADHD — things like impulse control, attention shifting, and cognitive flexibility. They challenge the popular online messaging that frames screens as "social" or "regulating" for neurodivergent kids, arguing that these messages make parents feel better but don't actually bui
The Executive Function Playbook
In this episode, Mike and Ryan walk through the core questions parents often ask about independence, responsibility, and executive functioning in kids with ADHD—using the framework developed in Mike’s recent book and workbook.Rather than focusing on behavior management or short-term strategies, the conversation centers on how internal skills develop over time and how parents can support that devel
Answering Parents' Questions
In this listener Q&A episode, Ryan and Mike tackle some of the most challenging real-life situations parents of kids with ADHD face at home. From bedtime anxiety that spirals into nightly meltdowns, to medication concerns around mood changes and irritability, to constant attention-seeking and dysregulation at home, this episode focuses on what’s really driving these behaviors—and how well-inte
Debunking Four Common ADHD Parenting Myths
In this episode of the Mike and Ryan break down four widespread myths about ADHD that continue to circulate on social media, in parent groups, and even in professional settings. Using research-based evidence and clinical experience, they explain what’s accurate, what’s not, and why these misconceptions can be unhelpful for families.Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on
The Best Treatments For ADHD Kids, Based on Evidence
This episode breaks down the major misconceptions about ADHD treatment and clarifies what decades of research, major clinical guidelines, and leading experts actually recommend. Ryan and Mike explain why weekly talk therapy is not an evidence-based treatment for ADHD, why parent training and environmental structure are consistently shown to improve outcomes, and how parents can make informed decis
Your Child Is Not Your Co-Parent | part 2
This is part 2 of "Your Child Is Not Your Co-Parent". Ryan and Mike continue examining why popular “gentle” and heavy emotional-validation parenting approaches often backfire for kids with ADHD. They break down the research, explain the leadership needs of ADHD brains, and outline why overtalking, overprocessing, and overnegotiating increase dysregulation rather than calming it.Find Mike
Your Child Is Not Your Co-Parent | part 1
In this first half of a two-part episode, Ryan and Mike break down why many modern parenting approaches—especially those centered on constant negotiation and seeking a child’s input for every decision—backfire for kids with ADHD. They outline how clear leadership, predictable structure, and authoritative (not authoritarian) parenting create emotional safety, reduce conflict, and support executive
When Love and Empathy Turn into Disabling
Today's episode is a re-release of episode 23. I wanted to bring this episode back because it gets to the core of what Mike and I are always trying to teach: helping kids with ADHD move from dependence to independence. This conversation started with a powerful listener comment about how “doing everything out of love” can actually leave kids feeling helpless and incapable. That story stuck with me—
Answering Parents' Questions
The ADHD Parenting Podcast returns with another episode to address real-life questions from parents about managing ADHD. Topics include handling therapeutic classroom recommendations, navigating the challenges of a political climate for a curious preteen, managing prompt dependency in routines such as eating and showering, and dealing with lying and exaggeration. They provide practical advice on e
Stepping Into Your Parental Authority
In this episode of The ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan Wexelblatt and Mike McLeod explore what it means to “step into your parental authority.” Drawing from research and clinical experience, they discuss how authoritative parenting—balancing warmth with structure—helps children with ADHD develop self-regulation, emotional safety, and independence. The hosts challenge social media’s rebranding o
Parent Coaching Session with the Father of a 14-Year-Old
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, Ryan sits down with the father of Rick, a 14-year-old navigating ADHD in the context of a blended family. The conversation explores the challenges of co-parenting across two households with different structures, managing dad guilt while maintaining boundaries, and helping a teen feel both supported and heard. They discuss practical strategies like fro
Answering Parents' Questions
Join Mike and Ryan as they tackle listener questions on the ADHD Parenting Podcast. This episode covers practical advice for managing neighborhood conflicts, setting boundaries for young adults with ADHD, and supporting children's reading preferences. Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IGFind Ryan @ www.adhddude.com &
Answering Listener Questions
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Michael tackle pressing questions from parents navigating the complexities of raising children with ADHD. How can parents motivate their kids to engage in home therapy exercises without resorting to rewards or threats? What strategies can help a child manage emotional outbursts during sports, especially when medication wears off? As the
The Hidden Heartbreak of Teen ADHD: A Real Story
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike tackle a question about the complex challenges faced by a high school boy with ADHD, as highlighted in a heartfelt email from a concerned parent. How can parents effectively support their children in navigating emotional intensity and social skills? What role does rejection sensitivity play in their relationships? As they explore t
How Neurodiverse Parenting Content Can Harm Your Child
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike look at the troubling impact of misleading neurodiverse parenting content on social media. Are parents unknowingly harming their children by accepting the notion that their child's identity is solely defined by their diagnosis? As they explore the fine line between support and disempowerment, Ryan and Mike provide actionable st
Raising Resilient Kids with ADHD: 4 Parenting Shifts That Break the Fragility Cycle
In this enlightening episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike challenge the conventional approach to parenting children with ADHD. They explore the critical shift from treating kids as fragile to fostering anti-fragility—can children truly thrive through challenges? Discover the importance of building frustration tolerance and setting high expectations while maintaining empathy.
Why Social Struggles Follow Kids With ADHD-And What Actually Helps
Ryan coaches the parents of nine-year-old Cobe, who is grappling with social challenges linked to ADHD. They look into the impact of medication on social skills and explore whether anxiety plays a role in Kobe's reluctance to form friendships. Can black-and-white thinking hinder his social development? As they discuss strategies for fostering social skills and preparing for the transition to middl
Tips for Parenting an ADHD Child when You Have ADHD Yourself
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike offer six tips for parenting a child with ADHD while navigating their own ADHD challenges. How can parents shift from a fixed mindset to embrace growth? What strategies can help combat all-or-nothing thinking that often leads to frustration? They explore the importance of accountability and the necessity of taking breaks for self-c
ADHD, Screens, and Structure: Coaching a Parent of an 11-Year-Old to Set Limits and Build Real-World Skills
Listen in on a coaching call between Ryan and the father of Scott, an 11-year-old who is increasingly glued to screens. Dad is raising concerns about his son's social development and interests. How can parents effectively set healthy screen time boundaries without constant battles? What strategies can help Scott transition from screen dependency to exploring new hobbies? Discover how to shift
Answering Listeners' Questions
In this engaging mailbag episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike tackle pressing listener questions about parenting children with ADHD. How can parents help their prompt-dependent child become more independent with daily tasks? What are the pros and cons of homeschooling for a child who is thriving in school? And what types of screen time should be limited for kids, especially t
Top Tips for a Successful Summer with your ADHD Child
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike dive into their top six tips for a successful summer with ADHD children. How can parents create a structured environment that fosters executive functioning skills? What are the best strategies for managing screen time and ensuring face-to-face socialization? They also explore the importance of independent experiences away from home
Parent Coaching Session for Jimmy, age 10
This episode features a real coaching call conducted by Ryan. He engages with Melissa, the mother of 10-year-old Jimmy, who faces challenges with ADHD and emotional regulation. They delve into the complexities of managing disrespectful language and impulsive behavior at home and school. How can parents effectively address everyday rudeness without escalating tensions? What strategies can help Jimm
How Screens Impact ADHD Kids: Expert Insights from Dr. Alison Yeung
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, Mike welcomes Dr. Alison Yeung, a family doctor from Ontario, Canada, who shares her insights on the alarming rise of screen addiction among children with ADHD. What are the hidden dangers of screens that parents might not be aware of? How can families navigate the challenges of technology while fostering healthier habits? Dr. Yeung discusses her four
Answering Listeners' Questions (#3)
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike tackle pressing listener questions about managing ADHD in children. How can parents effectively communicate with grandparents about screen time limits? What strategies can help a withdrawn child reconnect with friends? They delve into the complexities of using declarative language and the importance of understanding time for kids w
Top 4 Tips for Fathers of ADHD Kids
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike offer their top four tips for fathers of children with ADHD. They explore the critical understanding that ADHD is not a character flaw but a developmental delay—how can this knowledge transform a father's approach to parenting? They also discuss the importance of sharing daily routines and engaging in non-screen-based activities wi
ADHD Kids & Sibling Relationships
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike tackle the complexities of sibling relationships in families with ADHD. How can parents effectively manage sibling conflict without escalating tensions? What strategies can help redirect negative attention-seeking behaviors? They explore the importance of creating structured environments and setting realistic expectations for sibli
Top 4 Do's and Don'ts with Your ADHD Child's School
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike delve into the essential do's and don'ts for navigating the school environment with children who have ADHD. What are the pitfalls parents often fall into when dealing with teachers? How can parents foster self-advocacy skills in their children to promote independence? As they share their extensive experiences in education, they rev
Answering Listeners' Questions (#2)
Ryan & Mike tackle another batch of questions directly from parents like you! If you would like your question answered on a future episode, please leave and rating or review on Apple Podcasts. Grab a screen capture of your review and email it, along with your question to: theadhdparentingpodcast@gmail.comPlease include your child's age and medication regimen if that is applicable to the questi
Anxiety and School Avoidance with Kristen McNeely, LMFT
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Michael dive deep into the complex issues of school refusal and anxiety, particularly in children with ADHD. Joined by expert Kristen McNeely, they explore the critical differences between school avoidance and school refusal—what triggers these behaviors, and how can parents effectively respond? Are well-meaning accommodations actually
When Adults Step Back, Kids Step Up with Lenore Skenazy
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Michael engage in a thought-provoking discussion with special guest Lenore Skenazy, founder of Let Grow. They explore the critical importance of free play and independence for children, particularly those with ADHD.Find Let Grow @ www.letgrow.orgFind Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IGFind
A Comment All Parents Need To Hear
In this episode, Mike & Ryan discuss an insighful comment left by a parent on a video from Ryan's channel about moving kids from "prompt dependence" to independence. Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IGFind Ryan @ www.adhddude.com & on Youtube[00:00:00] Start[00:02:30] Executive functioning skills developme
Parent Training and Executive Function Coaching
This episode gets into the critical topic of parent training as the recommended treatment for children with ADHD, and how this compares with executive function coaching. Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IGFind Ryan @ www.adhddude.com & on Youtube[00:00:00] Start[00:00:50] Parent training for ADHD treatment.
Family Accommodation in Famillies of ADHD Kids
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Mike get into the often misunderstood concept of family accommodation. What happens when parents unintentionally reinforce their child's inflexibility and anxiety? Can accommodating behaviors actually make things worse for both the child and the family dynamic? As they explore practical strategies to reduce these accommodations, they po
ADHD Kids & Screen Use with The Screentime Consultant
In this episode of the ADHD Parenting Podcast, hosts Ryan and Michael engage in a thought-provoking discussion with guest Emily Cherkin, the Screentime Consultant. They delve into the paradox of technology in education—does it truly enhance learning, or is it hindering essential skills? As schools increasingly rely on devices like Chromebooks, how can parents navigate the challenges of screen time
Independence Therapy and "the 4 Ds" with Dr. Camilo Ortiz
In this episode, hosts Ryan and Michael engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Camilo Ortiz, the creator of Independence Therapy. They explore the alarming rise of anxiety in children and the surprising role of parental overprotection. What are the hidden dangers of micromanaging kids? Can fostering independence actually reduce anxiety? As they delve into the innovative approach of Inde
18. Prioritizing Long Term Goals For Your ADHD Child
Ryan and Mike discuss the critical topic of prioritizing long-term goals for children with ADHD. They explore the challenges of time blindness and the importance of fostering self-awareness and accountability in young adults. Are parents inadvertently over-accommodating their children, and how does this impact their future independence? What practical strategies can parents implement to ensure the
17. Top 10 Tips For A Successful School Year
Ryan and Michael discuss their top tips for a successful school year for children with ADHD. They cover the importance of not tainting the parent-child relationship over homework, the benefits of enlisting supporters, and the significance of letting children communicate with their teachers independently. They also touch on the impact of written agendas, setting limits on Chromebook usage, and the
16. Diagnoses, Labels, and Classifications with Dr. Katie Davis
The ADHD Guys welcome their very first guest on the podcast, Dr. Katie Davis, to discuss the difference between diagnoses, labels, and educational classifications. They get into the confusion surrounding these terms and explore the impact of social media on parenting kids with ADHD. Find Katie @ www.drkatiedavis.com and her SubstackFind Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on
15. Concerning Trends on Neurodiverse Parenting Social Media
In this episode, Ryan and Michael dive into concerning trends in parenting social media, uncovering misinformation and pseudoscience that may be impacting families. They discuss topics like the rise of ADHD influencers, the dangers of self-diagnosing, and the controversial idea that screens help kids self-regulate. Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IG
14. The Three Areas of Executive Functioning - Home, School, Social
In this episode of the ADHD Guys podcast, hosts Ryan and Michael discuss the three zones of executive functioning: home, school, and social. They challenge the traditional view of executive functioning, exploring the internal skills that are often overlooked. Listen to uncover the secrets behind successful executive function development and the impact on a child's overall success.Find Mike @
13. Learned Helplessness And ADHD Kids
In this episode, Ryan and Michael take on the complex topic of learned helplessness in children with ADHD. They explore how this behavior is developed, the impact it has on a child's independence and self-esteem, and the dangers of enabling it. Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IGFind Ryan @ www.adhddude.com & on Yout
12. How ADHD Kids Use "Noise" & How To Respond
Join Ryan and Mike as they talk about children's use of "noise", exploring how kids with ADHD often resort to complaining and negative talk to avoid tasks. They discuss the fine line between validating feelings and reinforcing negative behavior, touching on the importance of not giving attention to noise. How can parents navigate emotional manipulation and help their children develop resiliency? T
11. Answering Listeners' Questions (#1)
Join Ryan & Mike for the first mailbag episode where they directly answer YOUR questions! This round they explore topics such as managing inattentiveness in social settings, handling lying behaviors, and addressing aggression towards siblings. Are screens impacting behavior? How can parents navigate grumpy phases effectively? And what does it truly mean to be neurodiversity affirming? Tune in
10. Social Perspective Taking
In this episode, Ryan and Michael delve into the intricate world of social perspective taking, uncovering the crucial role it plays in social interactions. They explore the misunderstood concept of social executive functioning, shedding light on why perspective taking is a foundational skill. Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IGFind Ryan @ www.adhddude.com
9. Step into Parental Authority to Manage ADHD Behaviors
Stop trying to partner with your kids in parenting! In this episode, Ryan and Michael delve into the concept of authoritative parenting, challenging the idea of children masking their true selves due to ADHD. They explore the importance of pushing children out of their comfort zones and discuss practical strategies for effective parenting. What are the three key parenting rules shared by a pediatr
8. ADHD Kids, Social Skills & Social Executive Functioning
In this episode, hosts Ryan and Michael delve into the intricate world of social executive functioning skills in children with ADHD. They explore the difference between social skills and social executive function skills, highlighting the challenges faced by kids with ADHD in social interactions. With a focus on perspective taking and cognitive flexibility, the hosts provide insights into how paren
7. A Missing Perspective - The Lack of Male Practitioners
The ADHD Guys podcast hosts, Ryan and Michael, delve into the lack of men in the mental health and speech language pathology fields, discussing the challenges and implications of this imbalance. They explore the impact on boys' social development, highlighting the importance of natural social interactions over structured groups.
Find Mike @ www.grownowadhd.com & on IG
Fin
6. How to Handle Emotional Dysregulation in ADHD Kids
In this episode of the ADHD Guys podcast, hosts Ryan and Michael delve into the crucial topic of emotional dysregulation in kids with ADHD. They challenge traditional views on executive functioning, emphasizing the importance of self-regulation and cognitive flexibility. How can parents navigate emotional outbursts without falling into the trap of parental accommodation? What strategies can help c
5. The ADHD Comfort Zone & Building True Resilience
This episode delves into the challenges parents face in pushing their children out of their comfort zones. They explore the concept of the "ADHD comfort zone" and discuss the importance of exposing kids to new experiences to build resilience. How can parents navigate emotional manipulation and noise from their children? What strategies can be employed to help kids develop self-awareness
4. A Screen Debate: Is Screen Use An Addictive Behavior?
Hosts Ryan and Michael debate the controversial topic of screen use in children with ADHD, and whether it should be treated like an addiction. They explore the impact of screens on the developing brain, discussing the correlation between ADHD and addiction. Are screens truly addictive, or is it just compulsive use? How do screens affect executive functioning skills and social interactions? Tune in
3. Evidence-Based ADHD Treatment: What Really Works for Kids
In this episode, hosts Ryan and Michael delve into the world of evidence-based treatment recommendations for kids with ADHD. They explore the common misconceptions surrounding therapy and coaching for children with ADHD, questioning the effectiveness of traditional approaches like cognitive training and social skills groups. Are these methods truly helping children make real-world progress, or are
2. The Truth About The Rise in Late Autism Diagnoses
In this episode, hosts Ryan and Michael delve into the rising trend of late autism diagnoses and the implications for parents and children. They question the surge in inaccurate diagnoses and discuss the importance of looking beyond labels to focus on a child's unique needs and potential. What is behind professionals teaching fragility and how does that impact children's development? How c
1. Dissolving ADHD Misconceptions & The Power Of Parent Coaching
In this episode of the ADHD Guys podcast, hosts Ryan and Michael delve into the misconceptions surrounding ADHD evaluations and treatments. They challenge outdated recommendations and emphasize the importance of parent coaching in strengthening executive functions. Do therapy and social skills groups really help kids with ADHD? How can parents navigate the overwhelming evaluation process to ensure
Trailer
The ADHD Guys Podcast is coming soon! We'll be dropping 5 full episodes on Launch Day - Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Then you can expect a new episode 2x/per month, dropping every other Wednesday. Subscribe now to get the latest episodes as they drop.
Recommended
1001raah | هزار و یک راه
1001 Sherlock Holmes Stories & The Best of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
1001 Songs That Make You Want To Die
100 Famous Dogs
100 Greatest Action Movies
#100MasterCoaches with Mel Leow, MCC
100 Sad Songs
100 With The Hunter's
10-41: A UCSO Podcast
108.3 WGKSRADIO DEEP HOUSE PARTY
10 at a Time
10Fold Founders
