Fresh Take: Michael McLeod on ADHD and Executive Function

Kids (and adults) with ADHD don't actually have a deficit of attention. Today, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is more properly understood as a deficit of executive function— and as this week's guest ⁠Michael McLeod⁠, founder of GrowNOW ADHD and author of ⁠THE EXECUTIVE FUNCTION PLAYBOOK⁠, explains, executive function means a whole lot more than a messy backpack.

To help kids with ADHD succeed, Michael argues, parents need to help children strengthen the internal skills that lead to lifelong independence. In this interview, drawing from his decades of experience working with families whose kids are growing up with ADHD, Michael explains his four-pillar framework for developing executive functioning skills: self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, and self-evaluation.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How self-awareness and "time blindness" can affect daily life when you have ADHD

• Why novel experiences are crucial opportunities for kids with ADHD

• How exposure to screens intensifies ADHD symptoms

• Why negative attention feels great to the ADHD brain

• How to support ADHD kids without lowering expectations for their capability

Here's where you can find Michael:

• www. grownowadhd.com
• @grownowADHD on IG, FB, and YouTube
• Buy THE EXECUTIVE FUNCTION PLAYBOOK: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9781394309153
• Buy the accompanying workbook: https://bookshop.org/a/12099/9781394364589

What Fresh Hell is co-hosted by Amy Wilson and Margaret Ables.

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