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Stop Saying This to Neurodivergent Kids (It Contributes to Depression)

THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

Release Date: 07/16/2025

FREE RESOURCE to Increase Understanding & Support for Autistic & ADHD Students show art FREE RESOURCE to Increase Understanding & Support for Autistic & ADHD Students

THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

Welcome to The Autism ADHD Podcast! I'm thrilled that you joined me. My name is Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist. Today, we are talking about the FREE "Get to Know My Child Snapshot" - a one-page fillable pdf that takes less than 5-minutes to complete.  Decrease anxiety Prevent misunderstandings about behavior Highlight strengths and interests Set a child up for success with teachers, coaches, tutors, sitters, therapists, doctors, etc. Get your FREE "Get To Know My Child Snapshot" ⭐️  ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING...

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Telling My Parents, Telling My Parents, "I'm Autistic": Masking, Sensory Needs & Validation

THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

Hey friends—today I’m getting personal. I share what it was like to tell my dad and mom about my autism diagnosis at 50, how internalized ableism whispered “you’re not autistic enough,” and why believing kids is one of the most powerful ways to lower anxiety. We talk masking that looked like “success,” sensory differences that shaped my days, the “my regular” story (Hi, Dairy Queen), and the moment validation turned fear into relief. If you’re a parent, therapist, educator—or navigating your own neurodivergent identity—this one’s for you. What you’ll learn How...

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THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

Ever asked an autistic and/or adhd child to do something “simple” and they had a meltdown or shutdown? Does it seem like they'll do anything to avoid? In this episode, I'm breaking down the reasons behind the avoidance and I'll introduce you to The Doable Approach. It's my practical, neurodiversity-affirming approach that helps kids feel safe, understood, and capable. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✅ Why avoidance isn’t refusal ✅ The “invisible stacked blocks” that lead to meltdowns and shutdowns ✅ Practical ways to make tasks and time feel doable ✅ How to support mental...

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From Academic Struggles to Social Challenges: Understanding & Supporting Processing Speed Differences show art From Academic Struggles to Social Challenges: Understanding & Supporting Processing Speed Differences

THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

Ever wonder why it takes three hours to do 20 minutes of homework? Or why they freeze up when you ask them to get dressed? Join me, Holly Blanc Moses, and special guest, Leila Beikmohomadi, as we take a deep dive into processing speed differences in ADHD and autistic children and teens. We also share our lived experience with processing speed differences!  What Parents, Therapists & Educators Will Learn: What processing speed actually is (hint: it's not about intelligence) How slower processing speed shows up at home and school Why anxiety makes processing speed even slower The...

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The Hidden Executive Function That Affects Everything from Math to Meltdowns in Autistic and ADHD Kids show art The Hidden Executive Function That Affects Everything from Math to Meltdowns in Autistic and ADHD Kids

THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

Does your child, student or client constantly forgetting what you just said? Struggling to follow directions, stay organized, or complete schoolwork? You’re not alone — and it’s not a behavior problem. It may be lower working memory. In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I breaks down what working memory really is, why it’s often misunderstood, and how it impacts everything from transitions to conversations to homework.  Most importantly — you'll walk away with compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming strategies that actually help at home, in the classroom, and beyond. ...

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The Social Skill That Protects the Mental Health of Autistic & ADHD Kids show art The Social Skill That Protects the Mental Health of Autistic & ADHD Kids

THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

When your neurodivergent child, client or student faces social rejection, how do you protect their self-worth while still helping them grow? Join Dr. Daniel Wendler and me, Holly Blanc Moses, for game-changing mindset shifts that support mental health. This isn't about lowering expectations or avoiding social situations. It's about teaching kids to measure success by how authentically they show up, not by other people's responses. We discuss why this approach actually leads to better social connections AND stronger mental health. Whether your child, client, or student is struggling with...

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Stop Saying This to Neurodivergent Kids (It Contributes to Depression) show art Stop Saying This to Neurodivergent Kids (It Contributes to Depression)

THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

At 50 years old, I still feel physically sick when I hear these two words. My throat closes up, my chest tightens, and I'm instantly transported back to being that confused, overwhelmed neurodivergent kid who could never seem to get things right. Those words? "Should be." In this vulnerable and eye-opening episode, I share how "should be" thinking is accidentally creating mental health crises in our ADHD and autistic children - and what to do instead. Whether you are a parent, therapist or educator, you're going to gain valuable insights on how to better support neurodivergent kids:)...

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Why Neurodivergent Kids Stay in Their Comfort Zone & How to Help Them Step Out show art Why Neurodivergent Kids Stay in Their Comfort Zone & How to Help Them Step Out

THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

Welcome to The Autism ADHD Podcast. I'm glad you joined me today because my guest, Reid Miles, host of "Inside the Asperger's Studio," and I are talking about why it's so hard to move outside our comfort zone. We are also discussing how to move outside the zone with more comfort and confidence. Some of the topics we are covering are:  Why forcing neurodivergent kids out of their comfort zone backfires The real reason behind the "I don't want to" responses How to use "starter sentences" to understand your child's fears The anchor person strategy for building confidence Small, doable steps...

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Hold On Tight: 5 Must Know Tips For Parenting Neurodivergent Children show art Hold On Tight: 5 Must Know Tips For Parenting Neurodivergent Children

THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

I'm honored to interview Jan Stewart, author of "Hold on Tight." In today's episode, she shares her powerful journey raising two neurodivergent children and provides five essential tips that every parent of ADHD and autistic kids needs to hear. Jan's wisdom comes from decades of advocacy, partnership-building, and learning to trust her instincts while navigating systems that often misunderstand our children. After you take a listen, please share:) Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist ⭐️ ⭐️ Get your FREE BEHAVIOR DETECTIVE GUIDE  To support...

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Reactive to Regulated: How Neurodivergent Moms Can Stay Calm In The Chaos & Avoid Burnout show art Reactive to Regulated: How Neurodivergent Moms Can Stay Calm In The Chaos & Avoid Burnout

THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Kate Moryoussef, host of the award-winning ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, to discuss the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent mothers. Both diagnosed in their 40s, Kate and I share authentic insights about self-acceptance, burnout prevention, and how to be the calm anchor for our families. Key Topics Discussed The grief and relief that comes with a late ADHD diagnosis Why self-compassion must come before self-acceptance Recognizing the subtle signs of approaching burnout How ADHD presents differently across life stages and hormonal changes...

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More Episodes

At 50 years old, I still feel physically sick when I hear these two words. My throat closes up, my chest tightens, and I'm instantly transported back to being that confused, overwhelmed neurodivergent kid who could never seem to get things right.

Those words? "Should be."

In this vulnerable and eye-opening episode, I share how "should be" thinking is accidentally creating mental health crises in our ADHD and autistic children - and what to do instead.

Whether you are a parent, therapist or educator, you're going to gain valuable insights on how to better support neurodivergent kids:)

Sincerely,

Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist

⭐️ Get your FREE GET TO KNOW MY CHILD SNAPSHOT

Set your child up for success by providing essential information at a glance! This one-page snapshot takes less than 5 minutes to complete and helps anyone supporting your child, including camp counselors, coaches, teachers, therapists, sitters, and more.

Parents click here

⭐️ Click here for free resources, trainings, and continuing education- 

⭐️ Get your FREE BEHAVIOR DETECTIVE GUIDE 

To support neurodivergent children and teens, we need to understand their unique needs and honor their experiences. The Behavior Detective Guide breaks down information to help identify barriers and patterns, leading to neurodiversity affirming approaches. 

Parents click here 
Therapists click here 
Educators click here 

⭐️ Get your FREE SOCIAL SUCCESS GUIDE 

Social interaction can be confusing and anxiety-provoking for neurodivergent children and teens. The Social Success Guide provides practical strategies to support social confidence and authenticity. 

Parents click here 
Therapists click here
Educators click here

⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION 

Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here

⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A 

Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents click here for your masterclasses 

❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:) 

➡️ Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents 
➡️ Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals 

❤️ Thanks for sharing this episode and supporting The Autism ADHD Podcast!