Launching Forward With Autism and ADHD : Helping students and parents turn Austism and ADHD Into Thier Superpower

Laila Alieh - ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students
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Welcome to the podcast with Laila Alieh – Coach, Tutor, and Former NASA Engineer – on a mission to help students unlock the full potential of Autism and ADHD. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia in college, Laila overcame challenges with focus, reading, and test anxiety to earn engineering degrees from Purdue and Portland State – and ultimately land her dream job at NASA. Years after pursuing the stars, Laila later had a son and discovered at a very young age that her son has autism. Not accepting failure as an option her an her husband decided to take matters in thier own hands and help thier son and share the journey along the way. Whats her greatest passion? Helping the next generation thrive with Autism and ADHD and embrace it as a true superpower. Each episode offers practical, science-backed, and holistic strategies to support focus, motivation, mindset, and parenting. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, you’ll discover tools to foster confidence in and out of the classroom. Laila brings a unique blend of personal experience, academic achievement, and professional expertise. She specializes in working with students of all learning styles, blending high-level coaching with evidence-based tutoring and nutritional guidance. She also holds a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and is a certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner. If you’re ready to reframe Autism and ADHD as a strength, empower yourself or your child, and build lasting confidence – this podcast is for you.

  1. JAN 7

    Ep54: How to Help a Child With ADHD Get Organized

    In this episode, Laila Alieh breaks down her go-to strategies for helping kids with ADHD get organized—especially during busy seasons like the back-to-school rush. With personal insight and tried-and-true client tips, Laila shares what really works when overwhelm sets in, routines slip, and you just need something simple and effective. In this episode, you’ll hear: • Learn how to build a sustainable routine for mornings, homework, chores, and bedtime • Discover visual cues and organization systems that support focus • Explore Laila’s brain dump and task breakdown method for stress-free planning • Understand how movement-based workspace zones can improve productivity • Hear how simple rewards and praise can motivate follow-through in both kids and adults CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH: Instagram: @lailaaliehEmail: Laila@lailaalieh.comSign up for my monthly newsletter Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com.  To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

    7 min

  2. 12/09/2025

    Navigating Life with Autism: A New Chapter in Our Podcast

    This podcast episode serves as a poignant and personal disclosure regarding my family's recent experiences with the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in my son. On October 3rd, 2024, a phone call fundamentally altered the trajectory of our lives, revealing not only the challenges we would face but also the unique strengths inherent in my son's condition. I have felt compelled to share this aspect of my life, which I have kept private for over a year, and it has prompted a significant reorientation of the podcast's focus. Henceforth, the podcast will be known as "Launching Forward with Autism and ADHD," reflecting our family's journey as we navigate the complexities of raising a child with autism alongside my own experiences with ADHD. I aim to utilize this platform to illuminate our path, explore effective strategies, and foster a deeper understanding of neurodiversity, as I believe it is imperative to share this narrative with our audience. CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH: Instagram: @lailaaliehEmail: Laila@lailaalieh.comSign up for my monthly newsletter Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. She is also sharing her journey as an Autism mom. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com.  To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila. Takeaways: The podcast episode serves as a personal update regarding the speaker's family situation. It reveals that the speaker's son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder last October. The speaker expresses a desire to use the podcast platform to discuss both ADHD and autism. The speaker emphasizes the importance of viewing autism positively, referring to it as a superpower. The podcast will be renamed to reflect the inclusion of autism in its discussions. The speaker intends to share their family's unique approaches to supporting their son's communication needs. In a deeply personal narrative, the host unveils a significant transformation in her family life following the diagnosis of her son with Autism Spectrum Disorder. This episode serves as a poignant update, wherein the host reflects on the emotional journey she has embarked upon, marked by the challenges and revelations that have come with understanding her son’s unique needs. The relocation of her family to Germany is presented as a strategic choice, not only for her husband’s professional commitments but also in pursuit of enhanced support systems for their son. This dual motivation emphasizes the complexities faced by families dealing with neurodiversity and the lengths to which they go to ensure proper care and resources. The episode further delves into the host’s perspective on autism, as she eloquently reframes the narrative surrounding the diagnosis. By referring to autism as a 'superpower,' she seeks to illuminate the extraordinary gifts that can accompany this condition. This reframing is significant in challenging societal perceptions, fostering a more nuanced understanding of neurodiversity. The host candidly discusses her son’s behaviors that led to the diagnosis, including his minimal response to social cues and diminishing eye contact, while simultaneously...

    5 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    Ep53: How to Help a Child with ADHD in School

    In this episode Laila Alieh tackles one of the most common questions she gets from parents: How can I help my ADHD child succeed at school? Whether school has just started or you’re already deep in the homework trenches, Laila shares five actionable strategies to make school smoother, more structured, and more supportive for both you and your child. In this episode, you’ll hear: • Learn why routines and smooth transitions are foundational for focus • Explore the power of visual aids like planners, color coding, and checklists • Discover how movement and active learning support attention and brain development • Understand how to communicate effectively with teachers and advocate for your child • Get ideas for using praise and rewards to build motivation and confidence • Hear bonus tips for accommodations, distraction reduction, and clear task breakdowns CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH: Instagram: @lailaaliehEmail: Laila@lailaalieh.comSign up for my monthly newsletter Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com.  To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

    11 min

  4. 11/05/2025

    Ep52: What Should I Eat When I have ADHD To Help Me Focus?

    In this episode, Laila Alieh dives into one of her favorite topics: nutrition for focus. If you’ve ever wondered what foods actually support better brain function when you or your child has ADHD, this is your go-to guide. Laila explains how food can fuel your executive functioning and help transform ADHD into a superpower with practical suggestions you can start using today. In this episode, you’ll hear: • Learn how food affects focus, mood, and executive functioning • Discover the role of lean protein in boosting dopamine and energy • Understand the difference between complex vs. simple carbohydrates • Explore the power of healthy fats for long-lasting brain function • Get practical ideas for adding leafy greens and antioxidant-rich fruits • Hear why food is medicine and how to “prescribe” yourself the right meals CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH: Instagram: @lailaaliehEmail: Laila@lailaalieh.comSign up for my monthly newsletter Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com.  To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

    8 min

  5. 10/01/2025

    Ep51: Can ADHD Get Worse with Stress?

    In this highly requested episode of Launching Forward with ADHD, Laila Alieh answers a question so many parents ask: “Can ADHD symptoms get worse with stress?” Backed by trusted resources and her own lived experience, Laila breaks down exactly how stress impacts executive functioning and what you can do right now to support yourself or your child. From holistic lifestyle tweaks to community support, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating ADHD in high-stress seasons. In this episode, you’ll hear: • Learn how stress directly impacts ADHD symptoms and executive function • Discover how to identify and manage specific stress triggers • Explore daily stress-relief tools like breathing, movement, and mindfulness • Understand the importance of holistic lifestyle shifts like nutrition and exercise • Hear why professional support can make a big difference • Get inspired to build a community that supports sustainable change CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH: Instagram: @lailaaliehEmail: Laila@lailaalieh.comSign up for my monthly newsletter Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com.  To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

    8 min

  6. 09/03/2025

    Ep50: 8 Ways to Center Yourself When You’re Overwlemed by Your ADHD Child

    In this heartfelt episode of Launching Forward with ADHD, Laila Alieh shares eight compassionate and research-backed strategies for parents who feel overwhelmed while raising a child with ADHD. Speaking from personal experience and professional insight, Laila offers practical ways to reconnect with yourself, manage stress, and stay grounded so you can show up fully for your child. In this episode, you’ll hear: • Explore the power of self-care and how it refuels your parenting energy • Learn simple mindfulness practices to help you stay present and calm • Discover how reframing thoughts can shift your emotional response • Understand the role of routine and structure in reducing overwhelm • Hear why finding the right support system matters • Get clear on setting boundaries your child can understand and follow • Embrace patience, understanding, and positivity—even in tough moments CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH: Instagram: @lailaaliehEmail: Laila@lailaalieh.comSign up for my monthly newsletter Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com.  To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

    8 min

  7. 08/06/2025

    Ep49: How to Organize a Kid’s Room with ADHD

    In this episode, Laila Alieh shares practical, compassionate strategies for helping children with ADHD maintain an organized bedroom while highlighting the parent’s crucial role in modeling and maintaining the system. With her signature blend of personal insight and professional experience, Laila walks listeners through actionable tips that reduce overwhelm, support executive functioning, and foster a more peaceful home environment. In this episode, you’ll hear: • Discover why modeling organization is essential to teaching it • Learn how to break a child’s room into clear, functional zones • Understand the power of visible storage and how to use it effectively • Hear how limiting choices reduces decision fatigue and supports focus • Explore simple daily and weekly reset routines for lasting habits • Get creative ideas for making clean-up fun and rewarding CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH: Instagram: @lailaaliehEmail: Laila@lailaalieh.comSign up for my monthly newsletter Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com.  To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

    10 min

  8. 07/02/2025

    Ep48: How Routines Help Children with ADHD

    In this episode of Launching Forward with ADHD, I dive into the powerful impact of routines on children (and adults) with ADHD. I break down why routines are essential for managing executive functioning challenges, reducing stress, and improving focus, all backed by research and real-life experience. I also share how implementing routines helped improve my marriage, parenting, and overall ADHD management—and how you can do the same at home. Whether you're a parent of a child with ADHD or navigating it yourself, this episode is filled with practical tools and encouragement to build structure that sticks. What you’ll learn: How routines improve executive functioning skills in kids with ADHDWhy structure is key for cognitive function, focus, and emotional regulationThe connection between morning and nighttime routinesHow routines reduce decision fatigue and impulsive behaviorsWays routines can strengthen family relationships and reduce stressThe link between better routines and improved sleep and independenceReal-life examples of how routines transformed my marriage and parentingHow to model routine-building as a parent with ADHDEncouragement to start small and build consistency over time CONNECT WITH LAILA ALIEH: Instagram: @lailaaliehEmail: Laila@lailaalieh.comSign up for my monthly newsletter Laila is an ADHD Coach and Tutor for Students, ready to help people of all ages reach for the stars and discover their full potential. To learn more about Laila, or to inquire about working with her, visit www.LailaAlieh.com.  To inquire about being a guest on the podcast, submit a topic, or ask a question for a future episode, please email Laila.

    10 min
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About

Welcome to the podcast with Laila Alieh – Coach, Tutor, and Former NASA Engineer – on a mission to help students unlock the full potential of Autism and ADHD. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia in college, Laila overcame challenges with focus, reading, and test anxiety to earn engineering degrees from Purdue and Portland State – and ultimately land her dream job at NASA. Years after pursuing the stars, Laila later had a son and discovered at a very young age that her son has autism. Not accepting failure as an option her an her husband decided to take matters in thier own hands and help thier son and share the journey along the way. Whats her greatest passion? Helping the next generation thrive with Autism and ADHD and embrace it as a true superpower. Each episode offers practical, science-backed, and holistic strategies to support focus, motivation, mindset, and parenting. Whether you’re a student, parent, or educator, you’ll discover tools to foster confidence in and out of the classroom. Laila brings a unique blend of personal experience, academic achievement, and professional expertise. She specializes in working with students of all learning styles, blending high-level coaching with evidence-based tutoring and nutritional guidance. She also holds a Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, and is a certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner. If you’re ready to reframe Autism and ADHD as a strength, empower yourself or your child, and build lasting confidence – this podcast is for you.

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