We are the ADHD Family

Mark Smeets
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Semimonthly

We are the ADHD Family is our family's journey with ADHD, Autism, Advocacy and more.

  1. 09/19/2025

    Self Care

    It has been a while since I've uploaded an episode but family, the summer has gotten in the way. I share a tip about self care when things get difficult and wanted to pass on. Please rate our show 5 stars so people can find us! #mentalhealth #anxiety #adhdproblems #depression #adhdlife#mentalhealthawareness #neurodiversity #adhdsupport #dyslexia #adhdparenting #Autistic#neurodivergent #parenting #ptsd #love #adultadhd #adhdmom #adhddad Find The Show Itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/we-are-the-adhd-family/id1678369137 Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wearetheadhdfamily Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheADHDFamily/ Contact: WeAreTheADHDFamily@shaw.ca Love and Kindness Project Foundation ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loveandkindnessproject.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out the free resource on their main page! Owen’s YouTube Channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DangerMaxSupreme

    8 min

  2. 12/27/2024

    Episode 50 - A Christmas Story

    In the previous episode I talked about a really special moment when my son picked up a book and read for the first time on his own. For Christmas, my wife has a tradition where we buy the kids something Christmas related, PJ’s or a book and out of the blue, Owen again began reading the book. It was my wife’s first time seeing him do this. I started recording it and wanted to share the moment. One thing that was really funny is that every time there was a “…” (ellipse), he kept saying “dot dot dot” or he’d say “exclamation point” each time one would appear in the book; he’s a ham. Please rate our show 5 stars so people can find us! 00:00:00.00 Kids Say Hello 00:05:00.00 Find Us 00:13:01.45 ADHD Life 01:49:00.00 A Christmas Story 12:58:12.40 Thank You #mentalhealth #anxiety #adhdproblems #depression #adhdlife #mentalhealthawareness #neurodiversity #adhdsupport #dyslexia #adhdparenting #neurodivergent #parenting #ptsd #love #adultadhd #adhdmom #adhddad Find The Show Itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/we-are-the-adhd-family/id1678369137 Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wearetheadhdfamily Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheADHDFamily/ Contact: WeAreTheADHDFamily@shaw.ca Love and Kindness Project Foundation ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loveandkindnessproject.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out the free resource on their main page! Owen’s YouTube Channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DangerMaxSupreme

    14 min
  3. The Second Half - Complete - Our Family Story to Diagnosis

    12/26/2024 ·  Bonus

    The Second Half - Complete - Our Family Story to Diagnosis

    It’s time to tell you the rest of our family’s story. This was our experience in the system as we attempted to get Owen diagnosed the first time. You will hear about the barriers we hit and the successes we had and why things took another 5 years. This is a complete episode   Feel free to leave a comment, on the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheADHDFamily/   Contact: WeAreTheADHDFamily@shaw.ca #adhd #autism #mentalhealth #anxiety #adhdawareness #adhdproblems #depression #autismawareness #adhdlife #mentalhealthawareness #neurodiversity #adhdsupport #dyslexia #adhdparenting #adhdbrain #neurodivergent #parenting #ptsd #adhdwomen #adhdisreal #downsyndrome #love #adultadhd #adhdmom #adhddad Disclaimers The opinions expressed by the host and guests are not associated with any employer or organization unless otherwise stated. Any medical information on this site and podcast is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not create any patient-physician relationship and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. The show, host and its guests expressly disclaim responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site or show. By visiting this site you agree to the these terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by the show host. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter this site.   Copyright @2023 Song: New West Music: Written and performed by Mark Smeets

    1h 11m

  4. 12/26/2024

    Episode 25 - The Advocateurs - Melissa Madison - Full

    My guest this week on the We are the ADHD Family is Advocateur Melissa Madison.   With over 15 years of experience, Melissa is a dedicated and enthusiastic educational leader who has held many diverse roles in both the Surrey School District and the Greater Victoria School District.    Melissa was Owen’s grade 2 teacher and one of the first that believed in what my wife and I were seeing.   Our conversation centers around parents and teachers advocating for kids. There are plenty of practical tips throughout. I also share my experience of being held back a grade and how that didn’t help me at all.   I’ve split the episode into 5 parts: Episode 20: July 17 Episode 21: July 24 Episode 22: July 31 Episode 23: August 7 Episode 24: August 14 Episode 25: August 14 – Full Length Episode   Feel free to leave a comment, on the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheADHDFamily/ Contact: WeAreTheADHDFamily@shaw.ca #adhdlife, #mentalhealthawareness, , #adhdsupport, #dyslexia, #adhdparenting, #adhdbrain, #neurodivergent, #parenting, #ptsd, #adhdwomen, #adhdisreal, #downsyndrome, #love, #adultadhd, #adhdmom, #adhddad

    2h 23m

  5. 12/26/2024

    Episode 28 - The Advocateurs - Mary, Tana and Jeff (Full)

    I posted some questions to social media about the theme of my last show (when you disclose a diagnosis) and I spoke to 3 parents that had some strong feelings and experiences. It’s time to hear the stories of Mary, Tana and Jeff. The questions I asked: 1) When you tell someone, your child has a disability, do you use specific terminology, do you just say disability, or does it depend on the situation? 2) What do you do when someone replies in a way that shocks you? 3) What are the responses that you’ve received? 4) How many people have tried to “fix” your child or you with ideas, remedies etc... 5) Have you ever had anyone declare that they don’t know how to respond? 6) What do you want people to know about your child? 7) What do you want people to say when you disclose? Please rate our show 5 stars so people can find us! Feel free to leave a comment, on the Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheADHDFamily/ Contact: WeAreTheADHDFamily@shaw.ca #adhd #autism #mentalhealth #anxiety #adhdawareness #adhdproblems #depression #autismawareness #adhdlife #mentalhealthawareness #neurodiversity #adhdsupport #dyslexia #adhdparenting #adhdbrain #neurodivergent #parenting #ptsd #adhdwomen #adhdisreal #downsyndrome #love #adultadhd #adhdmom #adhddad  00:00:00.00 Kids Say Hello 00:04:21.70 Love and Kindness Sponsor Ad 00:17:12.40 Help Line and Time Code 00:36:00.00 Help Line Numbers 01:14:00.00 Land Acknowledgment 01:24:00.00 Show Theme 02:05:12.40 A Funny Story 02:42:00.00 Introduction 05:22:00.00 About Mary 05:52:00.00 Does Mary use specific terminology? 06:52:00.00 Why Mary uses certain phrases 08:46:00.00 How do you handle shocking phrases/ignorance 09:47:00.00 Do people try to "fix" your child? 12:32:00.00 Kindness Break 13:04:00.00 Has anyone declared that they don't know how to respond? 14:04:00.00 What do you want to hear people say when you disclose? 15:54:00.00 Tell me about your son 17:46:18.60 My child is awesome because they are unique 18:48:00.00 Mary's Final Thoughts 19:38:00.00 Kindness Break 20:14:00.00 About Tana 21:22:00.00 Does Tana use specific terminology? 21:56:00.00 How do you handle shocking phrases/ignorance 22:52:00.00 What responses have you gotten? 24:08:00.00 Is a lack of acknowledgement off putting? 24:56:00.00 Acronym Clarification 25:10:00.00 Do people try to "fix" your child? 27:20:00.00 Has anyone declared that they don't know how to respond? 28:06:00.00 What makes your kids amazing? 32:24:00.00 What do you want to hear people say when you disclose? 33:28:00.00 About Jeff 34:06:00.00 Does Jeff use specific terminology? 36:50:00.00 How do you handle shocking phrases/ignorance 42:34:00.00 Do people try to "fix" your child? 43:48:00.00 Handling "Free Parenting Advice" 46:32:00.00 Has anyone declared that they don't know how to respond? 49:06:00.00 What do you want to hear people say when you disclose? 50:52:00.00 Jeff's Love and Kindness Tip 52:20:00.00 Jeff's Bonus Tip 53:14:00.00 Jeff's Final Thoughts 53:40:00.00 Signing Off

    56 min

  6. 12/26/2024

    Episode 31 (Video) - A Presentation on Sensory Friendly Swim Times

    This is the Video Version! On September 6th, I made a presentation to the City of Surrey to start a pilot project to bring in regularly scheduled sensory swim times. I’ve spent the past few months working to put this together. I have received a ton of support from parents and advocacy groups plus Government officials in the Federal and Provincial Government and the Business Improvement Associations. The video version of this will have the slideshow. #ADHD #Autism #neurodiversity 🧠 00:00:00.00 Kids Say Hello 00:04:21.70 Love and Kindness Sponsor Ad 00:17:12.40 Help Line and Time Code 00:36:00.00 Help Line Numbers 01:14:00.00 Land Acknowledgment 01:24:00.00 Show Theme 02:05:12.40 Intro Funny 02:13:18.60 Episode Intro 04:56:00.00 Slide 1 - About my Family 05:42:00.00 Slide 2 - 3 asks 06:40:00.00 Slide 3 - Supporters 07:08:05.06 Slide 4 - Reframe Disabilities 08:17:24.48 Slide 5 - When we are accessible 08:33:21.07 Slide 6 - What is out there now 09:37:07.02 Slide 7 - awareness and dialogue 10:36:12.19 Slide 8 - Barriers 11:40:24.48 Slide 9 - The Pilot 12:27:12.50 Slide 10 - reasonable schedule 13:26:11.18 Slide 11 - Solutions List 15:00:07.07 Slide 12 - Visual Schedule 15:25:09.69 Slide 13 - Signs 16:43:02.51 Slide 14 - Slide Left Blank 17:26:24.46 Slide 15 - Ask 2 - update to affirming language 18:48:09.69 Slide 16 - Ask 3 19:06:09.17 Slide 17 - Final 19:20:20.20 Kenzie says thank you 19:22:19.45 My Thank you and Asks 20:08:01.64 Opinions Find us here Facebook ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheADHDFamily/⁠⁠⁠   Love and Kindness Project Foundation ⁠⁠⁠https://loveandkindnessproject.org/⁠⁠⁠ Check out the free resource on their main page! Owen’s YouTube Channel ⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DangerMaxSupreme⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠#adhd⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#autism⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#mentalhealth⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#anxiety⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#adhdawareness⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#adhdproblems⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#depression⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#autismawareness⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#adhdlife⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#mentalhealthawareness⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#neurodiversity⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#adhdsupport⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#dyslexia⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#adhdparenting⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#adhdbrain⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#neurodivergent⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#parenting⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#ptsd⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#adhdwomen⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#adhdisreal⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#downsyndrome⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#love⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#adultadhd⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#adhdmom⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠#adhddad⁠

    21 min
  7. Bonus - Asking Kids Questions

    12/26/2024 ·  Bonus

    Bonus - Asking Kids Questions

    Bonus - Episode 2 Despite the ridiculous amount of things I should be doing right now, I’m bored. I decided to ask the kids some questions. I hope this brings a smile to your face. Theme Song "New West": Written and Performed by Mark Smeets

    16 min

  8. 12/26/2024

    Episode 34 - Karyn Ross - Full

    Today's guest on today's episode of We are the ADHD Family is Karyn Ross. Karyn Ross is on a mission to Help People Create a Better, Kinder World. An artist, internationally acclaimed speaker, award-winning author, consultant, coach and practitioner, Karyn travels the globe teaching people her unique system of combining creativity, continuous improvement, and kindness to make a better world. Karyn is also a friend to our family, an amazing advocate for bringing kindness into every aspect she does. Please rate our show 5 stars so people can find us! Subscribers get early access. [Time Code] 00:00:00.00 Kids Say Hello 00:04:21.70 Love and Kindness Sponsor Ad 00:17:12.40 Help Line and Time Code 00:36:00.00 Help Line Numbers 01:14:00.00 Land Acknowledgment 01:24:00.00 Show Theme 02:05:12.40 Intro Funny 02:26:18.60 Episode Intro 04:50:12.40 About Karyn 08:08:00.00 A word about the Process Improvement Community 10:20:00.00 Karyn Growing Up 13:46:00.00 Did kindness come naturally or was this taught? 17:00:00.00 Kindness Break 17:24:00.00 Rising above bullies 22:58:00.00 Kindness is a choice - Karyn's Family Past 28:34:00.00 Mark's Family History with War 31:16:00.00 Karyn's First Book and how it came to be 36:34:00.00 How Mark experienced Kindness 39:10:00.00 Kindness is about action 41:16:00.00 Open Ears, Open Mind, Open Heart 45:34:00.00 How Mark's Brain Thinks 47:48:00.00 How Karyn's Brain Thinks 51:00:00.00 Intentional Pause takes practice 53:20:00.00 Kindness is about a safe space 57:28:00.00 Kindness isn't hard work it is a different kind of work 03:34:00.00 Sign Off 03:54:00.00 Kenzie says thank you 03:57:12.40 My Thank you and Asks Find The Show Itunes https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/we-are-the-adhd-family/id1678369137 Spotify https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wearetheadhdfamily #ADHD #Autism #neurodiversity 🧠 #adhdawareness #autismawareness Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WeAreTheADHDFamily/ Contact: WeAreTheADHDFamily@shaw.ca Love and Kindness Project Foundation ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://loveandkindnessproject.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out the free resource on their main page! ADHD Advocacy Society of BC https://www.adhdbcsociety.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ADHDAdvocacyBC Owen’s YouTube Channel ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DangerMaxSupreme #mentalhealth #anxiety #adhdproblems #depression #adhdlife #mentalhealthawareness #neurodiversity #adhdsupport #dyslexia #adhdparenting #neurodivergent #parenting #ptsd #love #adultadhd #adhdmom #adhddad Disclaimers The opinions expressed by the host and guests are not associated with any employer or organization unless otherwise stated. Any medical information on this site and podcast is provided as an information resource only. Copyright @2023 Song: New West Music: Written and performed by Mark Smeets

    1h 6m
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About

We are the ADHD Family is our family's journey with ADHD, Autism, Advocacy and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Mark Smeets
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    104
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Mark Smeets
  • Show Website
    We are the ADHD Family