65: Consequences of Untreated ADHD

SHOW SUMMARY: This is a two part interview series...it was just SO GOOD! If you didn’t listen to the first part go back to Episode 66 first! In Part 2 (Episode 67), Dr. Maya Kumar continues our discussion of the intersection of ADHD and eating disorders, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in managing ADHD. She highlights the signs of disordered eating, the complexities of eating disorders, and the critical role parents play in addressing these issues. The conversation provides valuable insights into how caregivers can navigate discussions about body image and the importance of early intervention. In this conversation, Dr. Maya Kumar discusses the complexities of parenting children with eating disorders, particularly in the context of ADHD. She emphasizes the emotional challenges faced by parents, the intersection of ADHD and eating disorders, and the importance of managing medication while maintaining healthy eating habits. Dr. Kumar provides practical strategies for encouraging children to eat, the significance of setting boundaries, and the need for compassionate parenting. The discussion also addresses how to navigate concerns about weight and health without stigmatizing children, highlighting the impact of weight stigma on mental health and eating behaviors. SHOW NOTES: Make sure to follow us on social media (Instagram) @ADHDMomDocs you can send us a DM with a question or suggestions for future episodes! Or send us an email at [email protected] We'd love to hear from you! Join our ADHD Sleuths 2.0 Membership community and get more support! Get members only audio episodes, group coaching sessions, get our archive of past parenting book club audio companions! We have a private group in the Band app so you can interact with other members. Learn more here: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/join-adhd-sleuths Sign up for $15/month and cancel anytime Check out our guest's bio: https://pediatrics.ucsd.edu/divisions/adolescent-young-adult-medicine/faculty/maya-kumar-md.html ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Are eating disorders related to ADHD? https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4777329/ ADHD Eating disorders from our friends at Understood.org: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-eating-disorders

SHOW SUMMARY: This is a two part interview series...it was just SO GOOD! In Part 1 (Episode 66), Dr. Maya Kumar discusses the intersection of ADHD and eating disorders, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in managing ADHD. She highlights the signs of disordered eating, the complexities of eating disorders, and the critical role parents play in addressing these issues. The conversation provides valuable insights into how caregivers can navigate discussions about body image and the importance of early intervention. In this conversation, Dr. Maya Kumar discusses the complexities of parenting children with eating disorders, particularly in the context of ADHD. She emphasizes the emotional challenges faced by parents, the intersection of ADHD and eating disorders, and the importance of managing medication while maintaining healthy eating habits. Dr. Kumar provides practical strategies for encouraging children to eat, the significance of setting boundaries, and the need for compassionate parenting. The discussion also addresses how to navigate concerns about weight and health without stigmatizing children, highlighting the impact of weight stigma on mental health and eating behaviors. SHOW NOTES: Make sure to follow us on social media (Instagram) @ADHDMomDocs you can send us a DM with a question or suggestions for future episodes! Or send us an email at [email protected] We'd love to hear from you! Join our ADHD Sleuths 2.0 Membership community and get more support! Get members only audio episodes, group coaching sessions, get our archive of past parenting book club audio companions! We have a private group in the Band app so you can interact with other members. Learn more here: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/join-adhd-sleuths  Sign up for $15/month and cancel anytime Check out our guest's bio: https://pediatrics.ucsd.edu/divisions/adolescent-young-adult-medicine/faculty/maya-kumar-md.html  ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:  Are eating disorders related to ADHD? https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4777329/ ADHD and eating disorders from our friends at Understood.org: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/adhd-eating-disorders

SHOW SUMMARY: Untreated ADHD: What the evidence says about waiting to treat Dr. Nerissa Bauer and Dr. Jennifer Dilts break down the real-world costs of untreated ADHD, from school and behavior challenges to long-term health, safety, and relationship outcomes. They also explain why waiting can feel emotionally safer for parents, and why that instinct does not always match the evidence. This conversation is especially useful for parents weighing treatment decisions, and for families who want a clearer, less guilt-filled understanding of what the ADHD care plan can look like across childhood and into adulthood. SHOW NOTES: Make sure to follow us on social media (Instagram) @ADHDMomDocs you can send us a DM with a question or suggestions for future episodes! Or send us an email at [email protected] We'd love to hear from you! Join our ADHD Sleuths 2.0 Membership community and get more support! Get members only audio episodes, group coaching sessions, get our archive of past parenting book club audio companions! We have a private group in the Band app so you can interact with other members. Learn more here: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/join-adhd-sleuths  Sign up for $15/month and cancel anytime The studies: Adults with ADHD Live Shorter Lives than Those without a Diagnosis, a new study finds: https://www.npr.org/sections/shots-health-news/2025/01/23/nx-s1-5272801/adhd-research-shorter-life-expectancy-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder Childhood ADHD Tied to Higher Risk of Physical Health Problems by Midlife: https://www.insideprecisionmedicine.com/topics/patient-care/childhood-adhd-tied-to-higher-risk-of-physical-health-problems-by-midlife/ Psychologist Barkley says life expectancy slashed in worse cases for those with ADHD: https://www.ajmc.com/view/psychologist-barkley-says-life-expectancy-slashed-in-worst-cases-for-those-with-adhd?rel=0 and https://www.ajmc.com/view/psychologist-barkley-says-life-expectancy-slashed-in-worst-cases-for-those-with-adhd ADHD Medication linked to reduced risk of suicide, drug abuse, transport accidents and criminal behaviour: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1094219 Why Early ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment Save Lives: https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1094219 We Demand Attention on Understanding Why Co-morbid Conditions like Anxiety and Depression Uniquely Impact Women with ADHD: https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-comorbidity-research-women/ Resources of the Week: “11 Evidence-Based Facts About ADHD” https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/adhd-facts-research-findings/ The Truth about ADHD and addiction: https://www.additudemag.com/the-truth-about-adhd-and-addiction/

SHOW SUMMARY: In this interview, Dr. Jennifer Dilts and Dr. Nerissa Bauer talk with Sarah Kesty, an executive function and ADHD coach, author, speaker, and founder of Brain Tools School. Sarah shares practical ways parents can communicate with teachers and schools, especially when executive functioning challenges are showing up more clearly in the fall. The conversation centers on collaboration, specificity, and self-advocacy. Parents will come away with concrete language, timing tips, and a calmer approach to school communication that helps protect the parent-school relationship while still advocating strongly for their child. Key topics Sarah shares how she first became interested in executive functioning through teaching special day classes and an autism training that introduced her to the concept. The group discusses why October and November are especially hard for kids with ADHD as demands rise and energy drops. Sarah explains the gap between a child’s capacity and the school’s expectations, especially when adults mistakenly interpret executive dysfunction as laziness or lack of effort. Parents are encouraged to respond to frustration by identifying the missing executive function skill instead of jumping straight to shame-based language. Sarah recommends meeting kids’ “mammal needs” first, including hydration, rest, novelty, and other capacity-building supports. The conversation covers how to help children practice self-advocacy at school in a neutral, age-appropriate way. Sarah suggests that by junior and senior year, parents should shift into more of a consultant role while teens practice speaking for themselves. The panel talks through how to handle a teacher who does not believe in ADHD, including when to involve school leadership. Sarah offers ways to get more useful teacher feedback by asking specific questions instead of broad ones like “How is my child doing?” The discussion closes with the idea that teacher ratings and parent ratings often differ because school provides structure, masking, and peer modeling that can temporarily support ADHD symptoms. SHOW NOTES: Make sure to follow us on social media (Instagram) @ADHDMomDocs you can send us a DM with a question or suggestions for future episodes! Or send us an email at [email protected] We'd love to hear from you! Join our ADHD Sleuths 2.0 Membership community and get more support! Get members only audio episodes, group coaching sessions, get our archive of past parenting book club audio companions! We have a private group in the Band app so you can interact with other members. Learn more here: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/join-adhd-sleuths  Sign up for $15/month and cancel anytime Connect with our guest, Sarah Kesty! Check out her website! https://www.sarahkesty.com/ Listen to her podcast, Executive Function Podcast: https://www.sarahkesty.com/executive-function-podcast Here is the link to Brain Tools School: https://braintoolsschool.sarahkesty.com/ Connect with Sarah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/braintoolscoaching/ Connect with Sarah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/executivefunctionpodcast Check out Sarah's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/SarahKesty Link to Sarah’s Back to School Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wjHj7oKMLsqdLPNyTREnLm63igoteOLpuvkasais__M/copy

SHOW SUMMARY: ADHD Changes as Kids Grow Older: Medication Dosing and Teen Buy-In This episode explores how ADHD evolves from childhood into the teen years—and why treatment may need to evolve, too. Dr. Ujjwal Ramtekkar explains how to think through medication changes, respond when a teen says they do not need medication, and consider safety, driving, and everyday functioning alongside school performance. Dr. Ramtekkar, a Harvard-trained, double board-certified psychiatrist and nationally recognized expert in ADHD, pediatric sleep, and child mental health, joins Dr. Jennifer Dilts and Dr. Nerissa Bauer for a practical conversation grounded in real-world care. Key topics ADHD can change shape with age. Hyperactivity may become less obvious, while inattention, impulsivity, procrastination, and executive-function challenges stand out more. Growing demands can make ADHD seem worse. Middle school, high school, and beyond bring more responsibilities, sometimes faster than executive-function skills develop. Medication dosing isn’t based on weight alone. Clinicians consider benefit, side effects, duration, and timing; a child doesn’t automatically need a higher dose as they grow. Coverage matters beyond school hours. Homework, sports, driving, and evening routines may influence medication timing or formulation. Get specific when medication “isn’t working.” First identify the concern—such as homework delays, missed instructions, or driving safety—before deciding what needs to change. Teen resistance may be about autonomy. Identity, privacy, and feeling controlled can play a role. Asking what the teen wants to make easier can open a more productive conversation. Try a shared, measurable experiment. A two-week “detective experiment” with clear goals can help families assess medication’s impact without turning treatment into a power struggle. Distinguish forgetting from refusing. Unused medication may point to an adherence challenge, not necessarily a deliberate decision to stop. Keep safety and monitoring in view. The discussion covers untreated ADHD risks as well as monitoring growth, appetite, blood pressure, and cardiac symptoms. Focus on functioning. Dr. Ramtekkar’s guiding principle: “More skills and less pills.”  SHOW NOTES: Make sure to follow us on social media (Instagram) @ADHDMomDocs you can send us a DM with a question or suggestions for future episodes! Or send us an email at [email protected] We'd love to hear from you! Join our ADHD Sleuths 2.0 Membership community and get even more time with Dr Bauer and Dr Dilts! Get extra podcast episodes, group coaching sessions, participate in our exclusive book club with audio companions and extra expert recorded episodes with guests from medicine, psychology, coaching, education and more! We have a private group in the Band app so you can interact with other members. Learn more here: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/join-adhd-sleuths  Sign up for $15/month and cancel anytime Connect with Dr Ujjwal Ramtekkar!  His Website: https://www.aurohealthllc.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/auro_health Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Auro-Health-Premier-Personalized-Psychiatry/61583832685137/?_rdc=1&_rdr Book a consultation: https://www.aurohealthllc.com/appointment

SHOW SUMMARY: Hank’s ADHD story will change how you think about diagnosis, medication, and support If you have a child or teen with ADHD, or your teen is heading into college in a few years, this conversation hits hard in the best way. Hank shares what it really looks like to grow up with ADHD, figure out what his brain needs, and learn how to advocate for himself without turning ADHD into either a shame story or an excuse. Dr. Nerissa Bauer and Dr. Jennifer Dilts unpack Hank’s lived experience as a powerful Stories of Hope episode for ADHD Awareness Month. From the first grade classroom clues to the jump from high school structure into college independence, Hank explains why structure, movement, and a cognitive outlet matter so much, and why “you just have to start somewhere” may be the most practical advice of all. You’ll hear Hank get real about: The early signs that adults noticed before he did Why medication felt unnecessary at first, and what changed his mind How different doses and formulations became part of the journey Why ADHD can look different across siblings, even in the same family The role of a parent who is both supportive and honest How to ask for accommodations in college and why documentation matters early He also shares the tools that keep him steady now, including visual scheduling, a pill box, calendar reminders, a time timer, journaling, and building a life with enough physical and social outlet to avoid burnout. If you have ever wondered whether ADHD means something is wrong with you, this episode offers a grounded, hopeful answer: it doesn’t. Dr. Bauer and Dr. Dilts bring the clinician and parent perspective, but Hank’s voice is what makes this one stick. His story is especially meaningful for boys and young men who need to hear ADHD explained by someone living it, and for parents trying to strike that delicate balance between support, accountability, and trust. Essential listening if you want a practical, honest, and encouraging conversation that can spark real discussion with your child, teen, or young adult.   SHOW NOTES: Make sure to follow us on social media (Instagram) @ADHDMomDocs you can send us a DM with a question or suggestions for future episodes! Or send us an email at [email protected] We'd love to hear from you! Join our ADHD Sleuths 2.0 Membership community and get even more time with Dr Bauer and Dr Dilts! Get extra podcast episodes, group coaching sessions, participate in our exclusive book club with audio companions and extra expert recorded episodes with guests from medicine, psychology, coaching, education and more! We have a private group in the Band app so you can interact with other members. Learn more here: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/join-adhd-sleuths  Sign up for $15/month and cancel anytime

SHOW SUMMARY: Nature-Based Therapy, and Helping Kids with ADHD Build Confidence This episode explores a different approach to therapy for kids and teens who may not want to sit and talk in a traditional setting. Dr. Jennifer Dilts and Dr. Nerissa Bauer talk with Laura Weaver, a licensed mental health therapist, about nature-based therapy, mindfulness, and her BRAVE framework for helping clients build self-understanding and resilience. Laura brings years of experience across schools, community mental health, nonprofits, and private practice, and she shares practical ways to support people with ADHD, anxiety, and life transitions. The conversation centers on what helps clients feel safer, more regulated, and more willing to engage. SHOW NOTES: Make sure to follow us on social media (Instagram) @ADHDMomDocs, you can send us a DM with a question or suggestions for future episodes! Or send us an email at [email protected] We'd love to hear from you! Join our ADHD Sleuths 2.0 Membership community and get even more time with Dr Bauer and Dr Dilts! Get extra podcast episodes, group coaching sessions, participate in our exclusive book club with audio companions and extra expert recorded episodes with guests from medicine, psychology, coaching, education and more! We have a private group in the Band app so you can interact with other members. Learn more here: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/join-adhd-sleuths  Sign up for $15/month and cancel anytime Connect with our guest, Laura Weaver: https://sierracounseling.us/  Resources to Learn More! AAP policy statement on the crucial role of recess released 5/11/26: https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/doi/10.1542/peds.2026-077025/207527/The-Crucial-Role-of-Recess-in-School-Policy?autologincheck=redirected  HealthyChildren.org article: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/school/Pages/why-school-recess-matters-for-kids-of-all-ages-AAP-policy-explained.aspx  Kristen Neff: https://self-compassion.org/  Insight Timer app: https://insighttimer.com/

SHOW SUMMARY: Needle phobia is not just a childhood phase - it can shape health decisions for decades. Dr. Jody Thomas of the Meg Foundation joins the ADHD Mom Docs to talk to parents and providers how to turn panic into calm with simple, evidence-based strategies that actually work. Dr. Thomas, a pain psychologist, Stanford-trained expert in pediatric pain, and founder and CEO of the Meg Foundation, breaks down why pain is so often misunderstood and why the old “just hold them still” approach can create more fear, not less. Alongside Dr. Jennifer Dilts and Dr. Nerissa Bauer, she shares the real-world tools families can use before a vaccine, blood draw, or procedure to make the experience less traumatic for everyone involved. You'll discover: Why telling kids about a shot too late makes anxiety worse How numbing cream, comfort positioning, breathing, distraction, and vibration can change the entire experience Why parents' own stress can predict a child’s distress How the Meg Foundation’s free poke plan helps kids, teens, and caregivers prepare together Dr. Thomas and Dr. Dilts explain how the Meg Foundation’s tool to create a "poke plain", pain myths and facts resources, give kids more control, more confidence, and more relief. If you parent a child with ADHD, care for a needle-averse kid, or want better answers for pain that keeps coming back, this episode is packed with practical takeaways you can use right away. Essential listening for families who want more calm, less struggle, and a smarter way to approach pain. SHOW NOTES: Make sure to follow us on social media (Instagram) @ADHDMomDocs you can send us a DM with a question or suggestions for future episodes! Or send us an email at [email protected] We'd love to hear from you! Join our ADHD Sleuths 2.0 Membership community and get even more time with Dr Bauer and Dr Dilts! Get extra podcast episodes, group coaching sessions, participate in our exclusive book club with audio companions and extra expert recorded episodes with guests from medicine, psychology, coaching, education and more! We have a private group in the Band app so you can interact with other members. Learn more here: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/join-adhd-sleuths  Sign up for $15/month and cancel anytime Connect with our guest and explore the Meg Foundation website and all its great resources: Website: megfoundationforpain.org IG:@megfoundationforpain And parents, don't fear...we will be having Dr Thomas back for a SECOND episode coming in a few short weeks!

SHOW SUMMARY: Why executive function is experience based and why screen access matters. This conversation with Michael McLeod of Grow Now ADHD focuses on what executive functioning really is, why so many kids become prompt dependent, and how parents can support independence without over-prompting. Michael explains why he believes delaying internet access is one of the most effective ways to protect attention, motivation, and social development. We also cover his four pillars of executive functioning, what his coaching model looks like in practice, and why real world experiences matter more than worksheets or lectures.  SHOW NOTES: Make sure to follow us on social media (Instagram) @ADHDMomDocs you can send us a DM with a question or suggestions for future episodes! Or send us an email at [email protected] We'd love to hear from you! Join our ADHD Sleuths 2.0 Membership community and get even more time with Dr Bauer and Dr Dilts! Get extra podcast episodes, group coaching sessions, participate in our exclusive book club with audio companions and extra expert recorded episodes with guests from medicine, psychology, coaching, education and more! We have a private group in the Band app so you can interact with other members. Learn more here: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/join-adhd-sleuths  Sign up for $15/month and cancel anytime Connect with our guest, Michael McLeod: Website: https://www.grownowadhd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grownowadhd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheADHDParentingPodcast ADHD Parenting Podcast with co-host Ryan Wexelblatt https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adhd-parenting-podcast/id1733291140 Anxious generation (Jonathan Haidt)- link below also links to The Amazing Generation graphic novel https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/

SHOW SUMMARY: ADHD coaching is more practical, powerful, and life-changing than most parents realize If you have ever wondered whether ADHD coaching could help you or your child, this conversation with Julie Gates breaks down exactly what it is, who it helps most, and how to tell whether it is the right next step. You will come away with a much clearer picture of how coaching works, how it differs from therapy, and what to look for when choosing a coach. Julie is an ADHD family coach, professional certified coach, and former physician assistant who brings both clinical experience and deep family insight to the work. She shares how her own parenting journey led her into ADHD coaching, why the right training matters, and how coaching creates a collaborative, future-focused space where clients build real-world tools instead of just talking about what went wrong. You’ll discover: The difference between ADHD coaching and therapy, and when each may be the better fit What legitimate ADHD coach training should include, including ICF-certified coach training and ADHD-specific education How coaching works with adults, teens, parents, and entire families Why weekly sessions and client-chosen homework make progress more likely to stick How mindfulness can be adapted for ADHD brains in small, realistic ways Where to find a qualified coach through directories like CHADD and the ADHD Coaches Organization This episode also gets into the emotional side of ADHD support, including the shame, frustration, and self-doubt so many families carry before they find the right help. Julie explains how coaching can help people shift from “something is wrong with me” to “my brain works differently, and I have strengths that matter.” Essential listening for parents, teens, and adults who want practical ADHD support without feeling talked down to. If you have been looking for a coach, wondering whether your family needs therapy instead, or just trying to understand what ADHD coaching actually looks like, this episode gives you a clear, hopeful place to start. SHOW NOTES: Make sure to follow us on social media (Instagram) @ADHDMomDocs you can send us a DM with a question or suggestions for future episodes! Or send us an email at [email protected] We'd love to hear from you! Join our ADHD Sleuths 2.0 Membership community and get even more time with Dr Bauer and Dr Dilts! Get extra podcast episodes, group coaching sessions, participate in our exclusive book club with audio companions and extra expert recorded episodes with guests from medicine, psychology, coaching, education and more! We have a private group in the Band app so you can interact with other members. Learn more here: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/join-adhd-sleuths Sign up for $15/month and cancel anytime Connect with our guest, Julie Gates: Website: https://newleafgrowth.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newleafgrowth/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-gates-pcc-capp-mph-pa-c-731448183/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/new.leafcoaching/ Good resources to find an ADHD coach! CHADD.org https://chadd.org/professional-directory/ ACO ADHD Coaching Organization: https://www.adhdcoaches.org/ ADDCA: https://addca.com/ Julie is part of our TEACH Me ADHD Team and is our family coach who does two parent-only sessions with your family when you purchase TEACH Me ADHD. Learn more about it here: TEACH Me ADHD: https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/teach-me-adhd Julie also offers once monthly "Fill Your Cup" sessions for our ADHD Sleuths members! This is FREE and included in the $15/month fee (cancel anytime). This is a great way to learn what coaching is and experience it for yourself. Learn more and join ADHD Sleuths https://www.letstalkkidshealth.org/join-adhd-sleuths