New Research on the ADHD Brain: What I'm Updating in My Teaching
A May 2026 PNAS study of over 11,000 children and 26,000 MRI scans found that the long‑standing claim of a 30 percent, 2‑3‑year cortical maturation delay in ADHD disappears when sex‑based brain development differences are accounted for. The earlier “years behind” narrative was likely a statistical artifact driven by the higher proportion of boys in ADHD samples. While the structural delay evidence is now questionable, extensive functional, cognitive and neurotransmitter research still confirms executive‑function deficits in ADHD. The author will revise teaching materials to drop the precise delay figure and focus on the broader developmental timeline.
Why Camp Can Be so Hard for Kids with ADHD
Parents often worry whether camp will be a safe, enjoyable experience for children with ADHD. The article, based on an interview with psychotherapist Dan Selmer, explains that camp’s unstructured, socially intense, and transition‑heavy environment aligns with the core challenges of...
What Actually Helps Kids with ADHD - and Why So Many Strategies Fall Short
A recent webinar attracted over 2,000 educators, therapists, and coaches seeking deeper insight into how ADHD and executive function affect learning and behavior. The presenter highlighted that most professionals receive little formal training on these neurological differences, leading to ineffective,...
What Actually Happens to Kids with ADHD - and Why Most Strategies Fall Short
The post explains that ADHD challenges stem from underdeveloped executive‑function skills, not laziness, and that this neuro‑developmental gap shows up differently at home and in school. Because most adults lack a brain‑based perspective, common strategies—charts, timers, reward systems—often fail to...
What Schools Are Required to Do for Students with ADHD (But Often Don’t)
The U.S. Department of Education’s 2016 Dear Colleague Letter clarifies that public schools must evaluate any student suspected of ADHD, regardless of grades or crisis. Eligibility for a 504 plan hinges on functional impact—how ADHD interferes with executive‑function tasks such as...
Why Your Child Doesn’t Want Your Advice (Even When They Come to You)
The post explains why pre‑teens and teens often reject parental advice even after sharing a problem. It argues that children are usually looking to process emotions rather than receive solutions, especially those with ADHD or executive‑function challenges. The author recommends...
Why Caffeine Isn’t a Substitute for ADHD Medication (And Why That’s Okay)
The article argues that caffeine cannot replace prescription stimulants for ADHD because its effects are fleeting and unpredictable. Stimulant medications such as methylphenidate and amphetamines target dopamine and norepinephrine pathways, providing steady symptom control, whereas caffeine merely blocks adenosine receptors....
Talking to Your Child About ADHD Medication
The post guides parents on how to discuss ADHD medication with children of any age, emphasizing that ADHD is a neurobiological condition, not a character flaw. It recommends starting conversations with age‑appropriate explanations of the brain before introducing medication as...
What We're Missing in ADHD Treatment
An article by a mental‑health expert published in Psychotherapy Networker argues that current ADHD treatment focuses too narrowly on symptoms, medication, and behavior management. The author highlights a gap: essential developmental skills such as emotional regulation, executive function, motivation, and...
Using Declarative Language with Kids with ADHD: When Fewer Demands Create More Change
Using declarative language—neutral observations instead of direct commands—helps children with ADHD feel less pressured and improves their ability to process information. The approach, popularized by speech‑language pathologist Linda Murphy, lowers cognitive demand, supports working memory, and fosters emotional regulation. Parents...
Using Stories to Support ADHD Brains
Manal, an ADHD coach and late‑diagnosed adult, released *All Aboard the ADHD Brain Train: First Day Frenzy* to teach executive‑function skills through story. The children’s book follows characters Lola, Boogie and Sam, illustrating emotional regulation, working‑memory gaps and internal chaos...