All Aboard ADHD

Claire Quigley Ward
  • 4.8 (17)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY
All Aboard ADHD

All Aboard ADHD is a podcast for all parents and caregivers navigating the world of ADHD and keen to support their child with ADHD. Join us on a journey of exploration and education about ADHD, inviting all parents of children with ADHD, and those interested in learning more about it, to come on board. With guest experts and parents of ADHD children sharing their own experiences, whether you’re at the beginning of this journey asking: ‘what now?’ or you’ve trodden this path for a while asking: ‘what next?’... we’re here for you.

  1. Burnout in Children and Teenagers

    13 DEC

    Burnout in Children and Teenagers

    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/

    39 min
  2. Teaching ADHD kids

    29 NOV

    Teaching ADHD kids

    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

    54 min
  3. Hester Grainger - My Parenting Story

    15 NOV

    Hester Grainger - My Parenting Story

    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/

    37 min
  4. ADHD & Bedtime Battles

    1 NOV

    ADHD & Bedtime Battles

    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/

    37 min
  5. Compassionate ADHD Parenting

    18 OCT

    Compassionate ADHD Parenting

    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

    40 min
  6. Kirsti Nicole Hadley - My Parenting Story

    4 OCT

    Kirsti Nicole Hadley - My Parenting Story

    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

    51 min
  7. SEN at School

    20 SEPT

    SEN at School

    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/

    1 hr
  8. Treating and Parenting ADHD

    6 SEPT

    Treating and Parenting ADHD

    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

    32 min
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4.8
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

All Aboard ADHD is a podcast for all parents and caregivers navigating the world of ADHD and keen to support their child with ADHD. Join us on a journey of exploration and education about ADHD, inviting all parents of children with ADHD, and those interested in learning more about it, to come on board. With guest experts and parents of ADHD children sharing their own experiences, whether you’re at the beginning of this journey asking: ‘what now?’ or you’ve trodden this path for a while asking: ‘what next?’... we’re here for you.

Information

  • Creator
    Claire Quigley Ward
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Claire Quigley Ward
  • Show Website
    All Aboard ADHD

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