ADHD with Ryan Wexelblatt the ADHD Dude

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Approximately 3-10% of children have ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder). Many of them — the majority, in fact — are boys.

Today’s guest, Ryan Wexelblatt (aka ADHD Dude) describes ADHD as “an executive function developmental delay.” What that means: In all humans, the brain’s prefrontal cortex (or “frontal lobe”) acts as the operating system for the brain. It controls impulses, understand time and helps us weigh the potential consequences of our actions. In kids who have ADHD, the prefrontal cortex is about 30% behind the rest of the brain, developmentally. So, a 12 year old with ADHD may well act and behave more like a typical 9 year old.

The frontal lobe is the home of our “brain coach,” that internal voice that gives us feedback and suggestions throughout the day. When he explains ADHD to kids, Ryan tells them, “the volume on your brain coach is turned down a little.”

Unfortunately for many boys (and their families), a lot of people still misunderstand ADHD. Making matter worse is the fact that “school is not designed with the male brain in mind,” as Ryan says. On top of that, many people consider ADHD a mental health issue, not a learning disorder. That conceptualization makes things harder for our boys, who face social stigma and internal shame. Often, their parents are judged as well; too often, educators and others consider ADHD a “character flaw” or the result of poor parenting.

The answer, however, is not to ignore or deny any professional or educator who suggests your son might have ADHD. “We’re talking about how your son’s learning and social relationships may be impacted,” Ryan says. If a professional sees signs of ADHD in your child, it’s almost always a good idea to have your child evaluated holistically.

In this episode, Jen, Janet & Ryan discuss:

The 3 subtypes (different presentations) of ADHD
The link between ADHD and executive function
Why kids with ADHD struggle with time management — & giving attention to tasks that don’t interest them
How ADHD affects adults, children & families
Differentiating “typical boy behavior” from ADHD
How ADHD affects learning
ADHD’s effect on emotional regulation
Social learning challenges related to attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
How to help children w ADHD develop perspective-taking skills
Should intellectually advanced but socially immature boys start school, or wait a year?
Misdiagnosis of ADHD
Explaining ADHD to kids
ADHD diagnosis
Other conditions that cause ADHD-like symptoms
Connections between ADHD & depression, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder and more
To medicate or not medicate?
Making decisions about ADHD treatment

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