In this episode of Conversations with Kristi, Kristi is joined by Sharon Collon - ADHD educator, coach, speaker, and founder of The Functional Family - for an honest and practical conversation about neurodiversity, online safety, learning differences, and what actually helps families thrive. Sharon is also host of the ADHD Families Podcast, where she supports parents navigating life with ADHD and other neurodivergent profiles. Having supported tens of thousands of families, Sharon’s work focuses on turning overwhelming information into clear, doable strategies. Together, Kristi and Sharon unpack what parents are truly crying out for - not more theory, not more labels - but practical tools that make everyday life easier. This episode weaves together neurodiversity, digital safety, emotional regulation, learning styles, rejection sensitivity, impulsivity, and body safety education - highlighting how prevention and support must be adapted for how children actually process the world. This is not a conversation about fear.It’s about understanding how your child’s brain works - and meeting them there. What This Episode Explores 1. The Reality of an ADHD Diagnosis Sharon shares her own journey of receiving her son’s diagnosis - including the overwhelm of being handed outdated information and left to figure it out alone. She explains why families don’t need more generic ADHD content online - they need: Clear, practical strategies Real-world application Emotional validation Support that reduces shame, not increases it 2. Processing Modalities: Why Talking Isn’t Always Enough Sharon explains that children process information in different ways, including: Conceptual (needing to understand why) Auditory Visual Verbal processing Emotional Intuitive Tactile (hands-on learners) When parents rely only on talking, many children simply don’t absorb the message - especially neurodivergent children. This becomes particularly important when teaching: Body safety Consent Online safety Social boundaries Risk awareness Kristi shares how role play - not just verbal instruction - helped her daughter internalise body safety rules. Sharon reinforces the importance of repetition and experiential learning over lecture-style conversations. 3. Online Safety, Gaming & Neurodivergence Kristi and Sharon have a grounded conversation about what’s actually happening in online spaces — especially for neurodivergent kids. They explore: Impulsivity and posting without thinking Dopamine-driven reward pathways How predators exploit attention and validation Difficulty reading social cues Why online interactions can feel safer than playground dynamics The very real impact of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) Sharon strongly encourages parents to understand RSD - explaining that for many children with ADHD, rejection can feel like physical pain. Rather than banning technology outright, Sharon recommends: Curiosity over confrontation Coaching conversations (not interrogation) Moving gaming into shared spaces Researching games before approving them Using tools like Common Sense Media to review age-appropriateness Understanding that shame shuts down learning This episode reframes tech supervision as relationship-based guidance - not surveillance. 4. Social Skills & Emotional Safety Sharon explains that social skills are not intuitive for everyone - and many adults would benefit from explicit social skills training. They discuss: Why some children miss subtle social cues Why gaming environments can feel predictable and therefore safer The need for explicit teaching rather than assumption The importance of consent-based connection (including hugs) Regulation before conversation Kristi highlights something powerful: sometimes children - and adults - need a hug before they can process words. Key Themes Covered ADHD and late diagnosis Practical strategies over theory Processing modalities and learning differences Role play vs verbal instruction Repetition and retention Body safety education Online grooming risks Impulsivity and dopamine reward systems Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) Social skills development Curiosity-based parenting Regulation before correction Consent in everyday parenting moments Why This Conversation Matters Many parents feel: Overwhelmed Behind Outpaced by technology Unsure how to adapt for neurodivergent children This episode reminds us: Children don’t need perfect parents.They need informed, regulated adults who are willing to adjust their approach. When we understand how a child processes information, we can teach safety, boundaries, and skills in ways that actually stick. Prevention doesn’t start with fear.It starts with connection, repetition, and knowing your child’s brain. About Sharon Collon Sharon Collon is an ADHD educator, family coach, speaker, and founder of The Functional Family. She supports parents to move from confusion and overwhelm to clarity and confidence through evidence-informed, practical strategies. She is also the host of the ADHD Families Podcast, where she explores neurodiversity, regulation, parenting tools, and family wellbeing. Her work focuses on helping families: Understand ADHD beyond stereotypes Develop regulation skills Strengthen communication Build practical systems at home Support emotional and social development Create Your Family’s ADHD Roadmap – FREE Coaching WeekOne clear, tailored plan for your familyhttps://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/roadmap The ADHD Family Questhttps://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/questwaitlist The ADHD Families Podcasthttps://www.thefunctionalfamily.com/podcast Practical Support & Resources If this episode has raised questions about neurodiversity, safety education, or regulation, Kristi provides trauma-informed education and tools for families. 🔗 Explore resources:👉 www.kristimcvee.com Resources include: Body safety education Consent and protective behaviours tools Trauma-informed parenting guidance Support for calm disclosure conversations Support Services (Australia) If you or someone in your family needs support: Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au Kids Helpline – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services.
