Autistic and ADHD Kids Parenting Strategies: Every Brain is Different

Samantha Foote, Lauren Ross
  • 5.0 (30)
  • PARENTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Every Brain is Different, the podcast designed for parents raising kids with Autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse conditions. Discover practical parenting strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories that highlight the strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals. Join us to connect with a supportive community of parents, gain tools to help your child thrive, and celebrate the unique ways every brain works. If you're looking for inspiration, effective parenting strategies, or simply a sense of connection, tune into Every Brain is Different and join a community that truly understands. Website: www.everybrainisdifferent.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent TikTok: www.tiktok.com/everybrainsidifferent YouTube: www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

  1. 4D AGO

    Is Medication Right for Your Autistic/ADHD Child? | Ep. 156

    In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about one of the most common and controversial questions parents ask when raising neurodivergent kids: whether children with ADHD, anxiety, or executive functioning challenges should take medication. They discuss why medication decisions can feel so heavy for parents and emphasize that every brain is different, so what works for one child may not work for another. Samantha and Lauren explain how medication can sometimes help regulate an overwhelmed nervous system and act as a “pattern interrupter,” allowing kids to better learn coping, emotional regulation, and executive functioning skills.  They also talk honestly about the downsides, including potential side effects and the trial-and-error process of finding the right medication and dosage. Throughout the conversation, they remind parents that medication is not a magic fix and should be viewed as one tool in a larger toolbox that also includes supportive parenting, environmental supports, therapy, and skill-building. Ultimately, the goal is not to tell parents what decision to make, but to help them feel informed and confident as they work with medical professionals to choose what’s best for their child.   00:00 Introduction 02:00 Why Parents Ask About Medication and Why One Medication Doesn’t Work for Everyone 03:05 Medication Shame: Why Taking Medication Isn’t the “Easy Way Out” 05:00 Nervous System Overwhelm in Neurodivergent Kids + A Child’s “Quiet Brain” Moment 08:05 Pros of Medication: Nervous System Regulation and Skill Building 09:00 Improved Quality of Life: Focus, Less Anxiety, and Fewer Meltdowns 10:05 Breaking the Shame Cycle from Constant Negative Feedback 12:00 Medication Isn’t Risk-Free: Trial and Error and Possible Side Effects 14:25 Finding the Right Medication and Dosage Can Take Time 16:00 Medication Isn’t a Magic Fix: Kids Still Need Skills and Support 17:05 Medication Raises the Threshold So Kids Can Handle Life 19:00 No Right Answer: Some Kids Benefit from Medication, Some Don’t 20:00 Parenting Confidence: Making Decisions Without Outside Pressure 21:55 Final Thoughts   Register for the Summit: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/summit   Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

    23 min
  2. How Does Connection Change Behavior for Autistic and ADHD Kids? | Ep. 155

    MAR 2

    How Does Connection Change Behavior for Autistic and ADHD Kids? | Ep. 155

    Samantha and Lauren share Samantha’s experience competing for Mrs. Idaho to encourage parents, especially those raising neurodivergent kids, not to feel guilty for doing something for themselves with the right support. They then discuss choosing “real connection” with a child over society’s idea of “right connection,” emphasizing that behavior improves when children feel connected, safe, and understood, and that a dysregulated nervous system can’t learn or be reasoned with. They explain how typical expectations like eye contact, loud praise, adult-led conversation, or insisting on “proper” responses can backfire, and encourage observing needs (hunger, tiredness, overstimulation, anxiety, masking) before correcting. They suggest supporting regulation through reduced demands, co-regulation, sensory-aware environments, predictability, and joining a child’s interests, and invite listeners to a free Parenting the Child You Have online summit on March 13.   Register for the Summit: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/summit Connect with Samantha: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/   00:00 Welcome and Hosts 00:07 Samantha’s Pageant Story 00:28 Self-Care Without Guilt 02:20 Pageant Connections and Confidence 03:59 Real Connection vs Right Connection 05:00 Connection Before Correction 06:34 Why Safety Comes First 08:01 When Typical Connection Backfires 10:53 Check Basic Needs First 12:55 Body Clues and Misreads 15:17 Co-Regulation Over Consequences 16:18 Create a Supportive Environment 17:54 Predictability and Shared Interests 19:52 Join Their World in Practice 22:49 Trial and Error Mindset 23:38 Parenting Summit Invitation 24:59 Register and Closing   Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

    25 min
  3. Is It Normal to Grieve After Your Child’s Autism or ADHD Diagnosis? | Ep. 154 with Suzanne Jabour

    FEB 23

    Is It Normal to Grieve After Your Child’s Autism or ADHD Diagnosis? | Ep. 154 with Suzanne Jabour

    Samantha and Lauren welcome certified grief educator and coach Suzanne Jabour to the podcast to discuss grief beyond bereavement, particularly the grief parents may feel after a child’s diagnosis. They explore how grieving the loss of an imagined future does not reflect a lack of love for a child, and how acknowledging emotions can help parents more fully accept and support their kids. Suzanne shares her perspective that diagnoses and labels can be embraced as practical tools to access educational and government systems, resources, and advocacy leverage, even when the label may evolve over time; she also describes her own experience advocating for her son Ben’s needs in school and the importance of being emotionally clear when entering challenging meetings like IEPs. Suzanne offers strategies for moving through ongoing and situational grief, including allowing “hot mess” moments, using a feelings wheel to name nuanced emotions so they can move, finding spaces to be witnessed, and preparing emotionally before difficult conversations to show up empowered. They also discuss the ongoing grief parents feel when neurodivergent children are excluded or mistreated, and Suzanne suggests balancing vigilance with intentionally noticing “glimmers” or micro-joys, small moments of acceptance and safety.   00:00 Introduction 00:48 Why This Episode: Grief After a Diagnosis (Not Just Death) 02:40 Grieving the ‘Expected’ Life Helps You Show Up for Your Child 05:21 Accepting the Diagnosis: Using Labels to Access Support 09:47 Staying Open to Possibility While Parenting Differently 11:51 How to Move Through Diagnosis Grief: Name the Feelings 14:16 Advocacy & IEP Meetings: Regulating Emotions to Go ‘Mama Bear’ 17:20 Ongoing Daily Grief: When the World Mistreats Your Kid 20:26 Glimmers & Micro-Joys: Balancing the Negativity Bias 22:20 Resources, Where to Find Suzanne, and Final Takeaways 24:12 Fun Question + Hosts’ Highlights, Summit Invite & Wrap-Up   Sign up for the Summit: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/summit Join the Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership   Connect with Suzanne! https://www.suzannejabour.com http://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-jabour https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneJabour   Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

    30 min
  4. How Can Clothing Support Emotional Regulation in Kids? | Ep. 153

    FEB 16

    How Can Clothing Support Emotional Regulation in Kids? | Ep. 153

    In this episode, Samantha and Lauren discuss strategies for parenting neurodivergent children, particularly focusing on issues related to clothing. They share personal anecdotes and emphasize the importance of giving children autonomy over their clothing choices. This can help build their identity, confidence, and ability to navigate the world more successfully. Samantha and Lauren provide practical tips such as buying multiples of favorite clothing items, prioritizing sensory comfort over aesthetics, and involving kids in the shopping process while managing their overwhelm with choices. They also advocate for allowing children to wear unconventional outfits as a way to foster self-expression and emotional regulation.   00:00 Introduction 00:41 Solidarity for Struggling Parents + A PDA Morning Story 02:12 Clothing Beyond Sensory: Identity, Autonomy & Confidence 04:13 Let Them Choose: Regulation, Confidence & Less People-Pleasing 05:50 When Choices Overwhelm: Shopping Strategies That Work 07:54 Sensory Checklists, Repeat Outfits & Buying Duplicates 09:29 Autonomy & Self-Advocacy: Dress for the Nervous System 11:27 Declutter Without Guilt: Keep What Works, Donate the Rest 13:51 Parent Takeaways: Outfit Routines, Comfort First, Acceptance 17:25 Reflection Questions + Share Wild Outfits + Summit Invite   Register for the Summit: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/summit   Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

    20 min
  5. Why Do Neurodivergent Kids Ignore New Clothes? | Ep. 152

    FEB 9

    Why Do Neurodivergent Kids Ignore New Clothes? | Ep. 152

    In this episode, Samantha and Lauren talk about the patterns of clothing preferences in children with autism and ADHD. They discuss common scenarios where children suddenly favor previously ignored clothes and share insights from an occupational therapist on managing these behaviors. The conversation encompasses practical strategies from other parents, the importance of sensory safety, and the impact of new clothing on a child's nervous system. Emphasizing the need for comfort over social expectations, they address the pressures parents face and offer solutions for creating a stress-free clothing environment for neurodivergent children.   00:00 Introduction 00:40 Clothing Choices for Neurodivergent Kids 03:14 Strategies for Encouraging Kids to Wear New Clothes 06:10 Understanding Sensory Sensitivities 06:56 Personal Experiences and Reflections 08:30 Balancing Comfort and Social Expectations 17:17 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics 18:19 Invitation to the Summit Join the Summit! https://everybrainisdifferent.com/   Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

    20 min
  6. Can Simple Sensory Inputs Interrupt an Anxiety Spiral? (Featuring our Guest: Ryan Miele and Turbobo!) | Ep. 151

    FEB 2

    Can Simple Sensory Inputs Interrupt an Anxiety Spiral? (Featuring our Guest: Ryan Miele and Turbobo!) | Ep. 151

    Samantha and Lauren talk with Ryan Miele, the creator of the Tubrbobo Relief. Ryan describes how Turbobo features five clinically-proven elements to reduce anxiety by targeting physiological symptoms, including a weighted body, fidget tail, tactile ear patches, and customizable sensory inserts. The conversation highlights the product's success in over 400 schools across the US and positive testimonials, such as its calming effect on students. He also emphasizes the importance of using stress-relief tools proactively and shares insights into his foundational research, mentorship experiences, and how Turbobo can help individuals of all ages find calmness and focus in their daily lives.   00:00 Introduction 00:40 Meet Our Special Guest: Ryan Miele 01:11 The Inspiration Behind Turbobo 03:04 How Turbobo Helps with Anxiety 05:58 Success Stories and Testimonials 07:36 The Science and Research Behind Turbobo 11:29 Tips for Managing Anxiety 13:29 Where to Find Turbobo and Final Thoughts 16:41 Closing Remarks and Personal Reflections   Get the Turbobo: www.Turbobo.co Follow Ryan: www.instagram.com/TurboboRelief   Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

    21 min
  7. Shoving the Shoulds We Carry as Neurodivergent Parents with Jessica Frew | Ep. 150

    JAN 26

    Shoving the Shoulds We Carry as Neurodivergent Parents with Jessica Frew | Ep. 150

    Jessica Frew is back with her book, 'Shove Your Shoulds,' focusing on the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent parents. Samantha, Lauren, and Jessica discuss the emotional struggles of navigating family dynamics and the societal expectations of parenting. Jessica introduces the concept of 'mini grief' and the importance of acknowledging and processing these emotions without guilt. Emphasizing the need to release unhelpful stories and pressures, she encourages parents to let relationships develop naturally and on their own terms, fostering a safe and empowering environment for their children. Jessica also highlights the significance of redefining success and happiness for both parents and children, breaking away from conditional programming and societal benchmarks. She reassures parents that they are doing enough and underscores the importance of grace, love, and acceptance, both for themselves and their children.   00:00 Introduction 00:37 Extended Conversation with Jessica Fru 00:51 Struggles of Neurodivergent Parents 01:52 Understanding and Accepting Grief 03:42 Releasing Expectations and Stories 06:02 Real-Life Examples of Relationships 08:10 Letting Relationships Blossom Naturally 15:02 Final Thoughts and Encouragement   Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership Connect with Jessica: https://www.instagram.com/heyjessicafrew/ Get the book: https://shoveyourshoulds.com/freebook   Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

    17 min
  8. Being Specific with Dr. Temple Grandin (Ep. 64 Rerun) | Ep. 149

    JAN 19

    Being Specific with Dr. Temple Grandin (Ep. 64 Rerun) | Ep. 149

    Dr. Temple Grandin is a renowned animal behaviorist, autism advocate, and professor of animal science at Colorado State University. Diagnosed with autism at a young age, she has used her unique perspective to revolutionize livestock handling systems, designing humane facilities that are used worldwide. Dr. Grandin is also a best-selling author and a leading voice in the neurodiversity movement, advocating for early interventions and supportive environments for individuals on the autism spectrum. Her groundbreaking work has earned her numerous accolades, including being named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. A sought-after speaker, she inspires countless people with her story of turning what others saw as challenges into her greatest strengths.   Join the Neurodivergent Parenting Community: https://www.everybrainisdifferent.com/membership   Connect with Samantha Foote! Website: https://everybrainisdifferent.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

    56 min
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Welcome to Every Brain is Different, the podcast designed for parents raising kids with Autism, ADHD, and other neurodiverse conditions. Discover practical parenting strategies, expert insights, and real-life stories that highlight the strengths and challenges of neurodivergent individuals. Join us to connect with a supportive community of parents, gain tools to help your child thrive, and celebrate the unique ways every brain works. If you're looking for inspiration, effective parenting strategies, or simply a sense of connection, tune into Every Brain is Different and join a community that truly understands. Website: www.everybrainisdifferent.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/everybrainisdifferent TikTok: www.tiktok.com/everybrainsidifferent YouTube: www.youtube.com/@everybrainisdifferent

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