Decoding ADHD in Children: Early Diagnosis, Leveraging Strengths
Release Date: 05/02/2024
Beyond the Stereotypes of Autism and Neurodiversity
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 247, Emily Kircher-Morris welcomes Dr. Megan Anna Neff to explore the complexities of neurodiversity, and the societal stereotypes that affect their lives. They talk about the challenges of diagnosis, the nuances of misdiagnosis, particularly the overlap between conditions like autism and borderline personality disorder, and the significance of self-awareness and acceptance in the journey of neurodivergent individuals. They discuss the phenomenon of autistic burnout, its implications, the challenges in clinical training regarding autism and ADHD, and inherent inequities that exist...
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Challenging What We Know About Autism and PDA
Neurodiversity Podcast
Dr. Donna Henderson joins Emily Kircher-Morris to talk about the changes in the assessment process for autism, the importance of empowering therapists to diagnose autism, and the need for equity in masking. Their conversation also explores the double empathy problem and the challenges of balancing unmasking with the needs of neurodiverse individuals in educational settings. They also discuss the PDA profile and its place within the autism spectrum. That’s all waiting for you on episode 246. This is a reprise of an earlier chat. Takeaways The assessment process for autism is evolving, with...
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What Neurodivergent People Need to Know About Joining the Military
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 245, Emily talks with Dr. Brandi Walker, a retired Army clinical psychologist, about her experience as a psychologist in the military and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. They talk about her journey of transitioning from a fuel handler to a psychologist, and when and how she developed an interest in ADHD. There are policies and limitations for recruits with ADHD or autism, and they talk about the implications, along with the waiver process that’s involved. Dr. Walker talks about the experiences of neurodivergent military members, and they have solid advice for...
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You Can’t Cut Corners on Executive Function Skills
Neurodiversity Podcast
On this episode, Emily Kircher-Morris and Carrie Bonnett discuss the intricacies of executive functioning, its significance in academic and life success, and the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals. They explore strategies for improving executive functioning skills, the importance of emotional regulation, and the need for educators to understand and support students struggling with these skills. Emily and Carrie also talk about the importance of motivation, making invisible tasks visible, and the journey of learning and adapting strategies to enhance executive functioning. That’s...
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Am I the Impostor Among Us?
Neurodiversity Podcast
There’s a nagging feeling most of us experience from time to time, that tells us maybe we’ve fooled everyone. We shouldn’t have been placed in a certain position, or we’re not qualified to take on a project. On episode 243 we revisit a talk with Lindsay Lee, the author of a study about impostorism. Why do we experience it? What can we do to tamp it down? Check out the webinar we hosted earlier this week! You’ll find great information that will help make your classroom or school a place where all students can thrive. If you like the webinar, we’d love to have you as a member...
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Strengths-based Supports in the Neurodiversity Ecosystem
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 242, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Dr. Matt Zakreski about the importance of neurodiversity-affirming practices in therapy, and how intersection of giftedness and neurodiversity emphasizes the importance of neurodiversity-affirming practices in therapy, the significance of understanding twice exceptionality, and the role of diagnosis in accessing resources. Dr. Zakreski advocates for equity in supporting neurodivergent individuals and encourages listeners to pursue their passions and find supportive communities. Takeaways Giftedness can be met with resistance in traditional...
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Advocating for Neurodivergent Kids at School
Neurodiversity Podcast
School is back in session in many parts of the world, which is the time when struggles often begin to surface. On episode 241, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Amanda Morin about the complexities of advocating for neurodivergent children, including utilizing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and the services they require. They explore the qualification process for IEPs, the importance of understanding behavior as communication, and the distinction between medical and educational diagnoses. The conversation emphasizes the need for advocacy, and the importance of tailored support for each...
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A Guide to School Counseling In a Neurodiverse World
Neurodiversity Podcast
In episode 240, Emily Kircher-Morris chats with Brandon Gernux, an elementary school counselor from Santa Ana, California, and the 2024 Orange County Elementary School Counselor of the Year. Emily and Brandon dive into the importance of neurodiversity-affirming support in schools, sharing insights on how schools are slowly evolving to meet the needs of neurodivergent learners. They discuss the critical role school counselors play, particularly in addressing the challenges of camouflaging and masking, which can significantly impact students' social development and personal satisfaction. They...
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Autistic Voices: Bridging the Communication Gap
Neurodiversity Podcast
Miscommunication between autistic and non-autistic individuals can lead to painful misunderstandings and strained relationships. In this episode, we talk to Jaime A. Heidel, author of 'What Did I Do Wrong? An Accessible Guide to Preventing Traumatic Misunderstandings Between You and Your Autistic Loved One.' Emily and Jaime discuss the common communication barriers between autistic and non-autistic people, the importance of listening to autistic voices, and the need for effective communication to prevent trauma. They talk about the need for specificity in communication, and the impact of...
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Improving Math Education for Neurodivergent Learners
Neurodiversity Podcast
On episode 238, Emily Kircher-Morris talks with Lindsay Kapek and Katie Tabari about the challenges neurodivergent students face in learning math. The conversation explores strategies for creating inclusive math classrooms that foster confidence and support for all students, regardless of their neurodivergence, and they talk about the importance of understanding individual learning styles. They also discuss using low floor, high ceiling tasks and three-act tasks to engage students and promote problem-solving skills. If you’re a teacher, or if you have kids in school, this is an episode you...
info_outlineToday we’re tackling the challenge of decoding ADHD in children. Emily Kircher-Morris chats with Drs. Yael Rothman and Katia Fredriksen about the cultural and socioeconomic factors that influence the diagnosis, the disparities in diagnosis rates among different racial and ethnic groups, and the impact of stigma. They also explore the benefits of early diagnosis and intervention, and of recognizing and leveraging the strengths often inherent in ADHD. They touch on a host of other subjects as well, on episode 223.
Takeaways
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Cultural and socioeconomic factors influence the diagnosis and management of ADHD in children, leading to disparities in diagnosis rates among different racial and ethnic groups.
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Early diagnosis and intervention are beneficial for children with ADHD, as it helps with de-stigmatization, self-esteem, and self-advocacy.
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ADHD individuals have unique strengths, such as creative thinking, hyperfocus, and resilience, which can be leveraged for success.
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Having conversations with children about their diagnosis is important for their understanding and self-acceptance.
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Parents should take time to process information, ask questions, and prioritize their own mental health throughout the diagnosis and management process.
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Because you asked, the music at the end is Claude Debussy’s Clair de Lune.
Dr. Katia Fredriksen and Dr. Yael Rothman are pediatric neuropsychologists at a private practice, where they complete assessments with children and adolescents with a wide range of conditions that impact learning, behavior, and/or socioemotional functioning. They recently published the first book of their Different Thinkers series, designed to provide elementary-age children with a resource to understand their diagnosis, manage the associated difficulties, and appreciate the many strengths that come along with their profiles. Their first book, Different Thinkers: ADHD, focuses on the diagnosis of ADHD.
Dr. Fredriksen trained at Princeton University and the University of Massachusetts Boston. She lives with her family in Arlington, Virginia. Dr. Rothman trained at the University of Michigan and Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology. She lives with her family in Washington, D.C.
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