We’re having thoughtful conversations with 25+ of the world’s LEADING experts in ADHD, Autism, Anxiety and more.
Focused information and advice from 25+ leading experts in ADHD and/or parenting is LIVE over the course of 3 days. Grab a cup of coffee or tea, settle in and get ready to gain knowledge and confidence to navigate parenthood!
We know that your life is full, so we offer 24-hour access to the recordings for free when you register here.
We have done the work for you to make sure you're spending your valuable time effectively. Listen to conversations with a collection of top thought leaders in the world of ADHD.
Parents of kids with ADHD often struggle in isolation, worried that others won't understand their challenges or judge their parenting. Parents' Palooza offers a community of parents who know what you're going through.
Leslie Josel
Leslie Josel, an award-winning ADHD-academic and parenting coach, founded Order Out of Chaos® – whose mission is to help parents guide their students to success in learning and in life – when her son was first diagnosed with ADHD.
She is the creator of the award-winning Academic Planner: A Tool for Time Management®, a planner that helps students develop time management skills, and the award-winning author of 3 books including the recently published, “How to Do it Now Because it’s Not Going Away: An Expert Guide to Getting Stuff Done.” (Lerner Publishing)
A respected resource on ADHD and Executive Functioning, Leslie writes the weekly “Dear ADHD Family Coach®” column for ADDitude Magazine, the premiere magazine for adults and children with ADHD. She speaks to audiences all over the world helping them utilize their resources to best navigate the task-driven world in which they live.
In 2020, Leslie’s line of student organizing products developed with SamSill Corp was released and continues to be a bestseller on Amazon. And for the last seven years, Leslie has been named by Global Gurus as one of the top 20 Time Management experts in the world.
Why Doesn’t My Child Study? Smart Skills For Student Success
Does your student know HOW to study or use a study guide the right way? Or are they using old study techniques that don’t really work for them? If they’re just rereading their notes and thinking they’re done – especially with ADHD — there are some REAL skills for them to acquire. Leslie Josel has some tried and true methods to help kids prepare for exams and tests, 3 key ingredients to effective studying, and a ONE-word shift to get “study buy-in” (seriously, we ALL need that!) — so you can kick off a new school season with success!
Dr. Nerissa Bauer
ADHD & More: A Doctor’s View from the Front Lines
Want some insight into the trends in pediatric mental health care today? There’s no better doc to offer perspective than Developmental Pediatrician, Dr. Nerissa Bauer! With essential issues to discuss like ADHD in Girls (and the importance of timely identification), drug shortages (and how to work with your doctor) and strategies to engage your child in their ADHD care plan, this conversation is both timely and foundational.
Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., M.S.
Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., MS., is the host of the ADHD Essentials Podcast, an internationally recognized expert on ADHD/Executive Function, anxiety, and neurodiverse parenting. He is a highly engaging, sought-after speaker, coach, and consultant.
A former teacher, mental health counselor, and principal, Brendan helps individuals, families, schools, and businesses manage the challenges of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, anxiety, and neurodiversity through an approach that blends education, collaborative problem-solving, and accountability with compassion, humor, a focus on strengths and growth, and his trademark “Wall of Awful™” model.
Brendan has been featured in the Washington Post, Bustle, LinkedIn, Understood, Tilt Parenting, How to ADHD, ADD Crusher TV, and ADDitude . He has consulted on several books, and is on the organizing committee for the International Conference on ADHD. Contact him at [email protected].
Seth Perler
Seth Perler is a well-known Executive Function Coach, educator, vlogger, and guy who cares about seeing outside-the-box kids succeed. This means that he helps struggling, neurodiverse learners turn it around in a baffling system so they can launch a successful future. His weekly blog, SethPerler.com gives parents and teachers game-changing answers in a sea of misguided educational fluff.
If you want to help a student who struggles with homework, grades, procrastination, overwhelm, underachievement, time-management & motivation, then understanding this “Executive Function” thing is critical.
There’s no instruction book for how to help a child navigate school & life. Traditional interventions often fail because they don’t get to the root of a child’s problems and they’re often based on misunderstanding, misinformation and outdated paradigms. Consequently, a child’s patterns get worse each year, leading to pervasive difficulties transitioning into adulthood. That’s the opposite of what education should do, and the sooner we get the facts about Executive Function, the better.
Parents often feel helpless, watching their child drown in school, as they spin their wheels trying to help. There’s no time to waste, life isn’t a dress rehearsal. Parents want tools that are 1) practical, 2) that demystify the problem and 3) that consider a child’s unique needs. It’s simple but not easy. It’s all about Executive Function and many of Seth’s students are 2e or Twice-exceptional.
PS. Seth also runs TEFOS, The Executive Function Online Summit and it is excellent. Learn more here.
McCall Letterle & Dr. Melinda Williams Willingham
Dr. Melinda Willingham is a renowned pediatrician specializing in neurodevelopmental disorders, with a deep passion for empowering parents in navigating ADHD. With over 20 years of experience, she has dedicated her career to providing comprehensive care for children with ADHD. Dr. Willingham’s expertise extends beyond diagnosis, as she emphasizes a holistic approach to treatment, combining evidence-based practices with personalized strategies. As a sought-after speaker, she has shared her knowledge at various conferences, helping parents gain invaluable insights and practical tools to support their children’s well-being. Driven by her commitment to improving the lives of families affected by ADHD, Dr. Willingham continues to advocate for accessible resources and raise awareness on this important topic.
McCall Letterle is a clinical professional with extensive expertise in ADHD and medical technologies. As the Head of US Commercial Operations at Qbtech, a renowned Swedish medical technology company specializing in ADHD, her role involves collaborating with healthcare stakeholders, regulatory agencies, and mental health clinicians to enhance clinical standards of ADHD care.
Previously, McCall served as a US Clinical Advisor at Qbtech, providing invaluable support to ADHD professionals in interpreting objective measures of the three core symptoms of ADHD. This led to improved diagnostic accuracy, enhanced clinical efficiency, and greater patient understanding. Before joining Qbtech, she operated an ADHD clinic with a multidisciplinary team, driven by the familial struggles of navigating the care pathway for an ADHD sibling.
In her current position, McCall closely collaborates with clinics nationwide, assisting in the integration of QbTest into their practices from various perspectives, such as clinical, financial, and practice management. Leveraging her understanding of ADHD diagnostic procedures, treatment monitoring, neuropsychological assessment, US healthcare policy, and business/finance, she supports hospitals, physician networks, and private clinics in enhancing their ADHD and mental healthcare services.
Passionate about advancing ADHD initiatives, McCall strives to integrate objectivity as the foundation of the ADHD evaluation process and transform the mental healthcare landscape in the United States. Her commitment to improving clinical outcomes and revolutionizing ADHD care drives her work in the field
Diagnosing ADHD: Does it HAVE To Be So Complicated?
For decades, as a process-of-elimination diagnosis without a specific test, medical providers have had to rule out many other conditions to make an ADHD diagnosis. Even psychological testing, often considered a ‘gold standard,’ relies on clinical interpretation of results. With long waiting lists and complicated forms to complete, the process can be challenging and frustrating for parents. Now, as scientific understanding of ADHD has improved, evidence-based research has begun to offer alternative perspectives on ADHD diagnosis. In this conversation, two seasoned experts come together to unravel the intricacies, debunk myths, and offer their glimpse into the future of ADHD diagnosis.
JULIE SKOLNICK, M.A., J.D.
Julie F. Rosenbaum Skolnick, M.A., J.D., Founder of With Understanding Comes Calm, LLC, passionately guides parents of gifted and distractible children, mentors 2e adults, trains educators and advises professionals on how to bring out the best and raise self-confidence in their 2e students and clients.
Julie’s studies at Colgate University, Boston College and Cornell Law School allowed her to take a deep dive into sociology and why people do what they do. Her advocacy focus orients her toward seeking what someone needs based on who they are and how they show up in the world.
Her community involvement mirrors her passion for the gifted and twice exceptional community serving as Secretary to the Maryland Superintendent’s Gifted and Talented Advisory Council, Advisor for the Masters of Education Program for the Bridges Graduate School of Cognitive Diversity, Maryland liaison for Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted (SENG), Committee member for the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) and as an advisor to “The G Word” feature documentary currently in production.
Julie produces Let’s Talk 2e! virtual conferences, hosts Let’s Talk 2e! Empowerment Groups, and publishes “Gifted & Distractible,” a free monthly newsletter. Her book, Gifted and Distractible: Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice Exceptional Child, is due out in October 2023.
Julie and her husband Eric are parents of three twice exceptional children who keep them on their toes and uproariously laughing. Julie’s therapist is a red standard poodle named Tigger.
SONALI VONGCHUSIRI
Sonali Vongchusiri is a parent coach, founder of Forward Together Parenting and the “Raising Your Strong-Willed Child” series. She often says that she was that kid and now she has three of those kids. She combines heart-centered and empowering parenting approaches to bring a parent’s awareness to the needs at the root of the unrest they feel. Her passion is supporting parents to return to trust, connection, confidence, and delight in themselves and their relationship with their children.
Sonali finds children wise, attuned and present. She finds parents wise, attuned and present. She’s here to support you in seeing this, too.
Sonali lives in Bangkok. She’s originally from the US and is of Indian origin. She has albinism, which means she has no pigment in my skin, hair, or eyes. What that makes her is clear. She sees people in ways they don’t see themselves.
AND…she’s proof that it’s possible to repair just about any break in relationship with your child.
The Unfillable Cup: What to Do When Typical Strategies Don’t Work
Do you have a child, teen or young adult with what seems like an unfillable cup? Like no matter what you try, it’s not enough? Or you can’t compliment them because that just makes them react? In this conversation Sonali Vongchusiri will invite you to transform your perspective so you can discover how to build resilience in your child in a practical, simple way — even when your kiddo reacts and resists help, support and praise. As you discover what might be keeping your child stuck or why they shut down, you’ll find new access to support them in stepping into their confidence.
Jeff Copper PCAC, PCC, MBA
Jeff Copper is an attention coach and expert on attention issues. He founded DIG Coaching Practice and is host and founder of Attention Talk Radio and Attention Talk Video. He coaches individuals with ADD/ADHD symptoms who are seeking personal and business results by helping them realize their potential. As someone who has had to learn to manage attention and deal with his own challenges, Jeff helps his clients understand how their minds work. To this end, Jeff developed his anatomy of attention construct to help them regain control of their attention and move past barriers. Using his construct, they can achieve what they are capable of faster, with less stress, and create productive environments they need.
Jeff holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University, an MBA from University of Tampa, professional designations from International Coaches Federation (ICF), Professional Association for ADHD Coaches, and certification programs at ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA) and Coaches Training Institute (CTI). He is a member of Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO), Professional Association for ADHD Coaches (PAAC), and International Coach Federation (ICF). He received the 2022 Professional Excellence Award by the ADHD Coaches Organization.
ENCORE BONUS —Child Questionnaire to help parents and teachers find children with possible inattentive ADHD – PDF
Even if your child has already been diagnosed with ADHD, printing out the Child Questionaire and sharing it with an elementary school teachers, counselor or principal will help more children to be identified in the future. You can be part of the solution by creating more awareness of inattentive ADHD.
Monica & Jonathan Hassall
Monica is an ADHD and EF Coach in Brisbane Australia. Initially with a Nursing, then corporate sales background, her coaching journey started in 2012, when she and her husband Jonathan created “Connect ADHD Coaching” She presented at the International Conference 2018 and 2019, 2020 and 2021, and at the Australian ADHD Conference in 2019 and 2022 – Monica’ has been published in ADDitude magazine and twice in ATTENTION magazine. She runs a Live ADHD Parenting program, and now. “High School Program” for kid in the senior school years, as well as working with adults.
Like many people in our community, she has her own amazing kids with ADHD.
Monica’s goal is to curate knowledge to work closely with her clients incorporating information and practices from a variety of sources: current Neuroscience, Traditional Wisdoms, Eastern Philosophies, Mindfulness and Coaching Principles.
JONATHAN
Jonathan is an ADHD & Executive Function Coach and director of Connect ADHD Coaching, providing services internationally from Brisbane, Australia. His background includes psychiatric services and as Scientific Advisor for ADHD in the pharmaceutical industry. Jonathan trained as a an ADHD coach through the US and offers individual and group programs for people with ADHD. Jonathan is a regular speaker at national ADHD meetings in Australian and US. He is a board member of ADDA and a published author.
My focus includes the translation of relevant executive function theory to facilitate individuals with ADHD finding and embracing their “neuro-native” state supporting adaptation and realisation of potential.
Farah Jamil
Founder of Muslim ADHDers, Farah Jamil is a Health Executive, Certified Executive Coach (CEC), Certified ADHD Life Coach (CALC), Instructor, & Global Speaker. She empowers early- to mid-careerists to be less passive & more proactive to unleash their inner “Super Leader!” & “ADHD Superpowers!”
Farah hosted the 1st global Muslim ADHDers Virtual Summit with 14 speakers & 1,500+ registrants on the intersectionality between ADHD, productivity, health/wellness, & faith. She’s passionate about serving the underserved!
As a woman of color & a visible religious minority with 15+ years of leadership experience, Farah has briefed Canadian Ministers, US Senators, & Ambassadors on strategic policy issues; led high-performing teams; navigated DEI-related issues; provided 1:1 & group coaching as an Internal Coach & privately; sat on non-profit boards as President, VP, & Director; & guest lectured at various universities in Canada & the US. She did all this as an ADHDer (she was diagnosed as an adult!).
Farah is an Ivy League graduate with a Masters in Health Administration (MHA) & has the Associate Certified Coach (ACC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She’s also a Fellow at the Institute of Coaching (IOC) at McLean – Harvard Medical School Affiliate, a Top 10 presenter at the 2023 World Business & Executive Coach Summit (WBECS) with Coaching.com Pre-Summit on “Neurodiversity – Navigating ADHD in the Workplace” & selected as one of 36 global Executive Coaches for the 2020 INC 5000 Vision Conference for the fastest-growing US private companies. inattentive ADHD.
Parents Can Break the ADHD Guilt-Blame-Shame Cycle
Just when you think something is working with ADHD management (for yourself or your kids), something tends to go awry … AGAIN! What could have been done differently, or better? Why does everything feel so hard, so often? It’s time to get a better handle on the Guilt-Blame-Shame Cycle — so you can learn how to work from the inside-out, explore the power of the mindset shift, and get a deeper understanding of the value of experimenting, reflecting, and refining!
Sharon Saline Psy.D
Dr. Sharon Saline is the author of the award-winning book, What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew: Working Together to Empower Kids for Success in School and Life and The ADHD solution card deck. She specializes in working with neurodivergent children, teens, young adults and families and consults with schools internationally. Dr. Saline aims to help outside-the-box thinkers improve executive functioning and social-emotional skills while also building effective communication tools and self-esteem. She is a part-time lecturer at the Smith College School for Social Work, blogger for PsychologyToday.com, contributing expert on MASS Live at WWLP TV, serves on the editorial board of and hosts a bi-weekly Facebook Live event for ADDitudemag.com. Learn more here.
Alan P. Brown
An ADHD/productivity coach and host of Crusher™TV (www.CrusherTV.com), Alan P. Brown is the creative force behind ADD Crusher™, the award-winning video series designed for ADHD teens and adults. Undiagnosed for decades, Alan’s untreated ADHD manifested in underachievement, failed relationships, substance abuse, and worse. Once diagnosed, he found it difficult to learn coping strategies from books, so he developed his own evidence-based “brain hack” strategies while building a successful advertising career and several start-ups. A featured presenter at ADHD conferences in the U.S. and abroad and a TEDx speaker, he is the #1 best-selling author of Zen and the Art of Productivity. Get Alan’s free eBook, “5 Things You’re Doing Every Day that Make Your ADHD Worse” at www.ADDCrusher.com.
Sean McCormick, M. Ed.
As the founder of Executive Function Specialists, Sean McCormick has pioneered cutting-edge practices to guide students with AD/HD to overcome procrastination, disorganization, and school avoidance. His passion for empowering others led him to establish the Executive Function Coaching Academy, offering training programs for aspiring executive function coaches. Sean also hosts the popular Earn More Tutoring Podcast with a mission to enhance the lives of teachers, tutors, and educational therapists through success stories of educational entrepreneurship.
Randi Rubenstein
Randi Rubenstein coaches parents raising strong willed kids. Randi searched endlessly to find the magical resource that would help her own highly sensitive, strong-willed child. (He’s now 25, healthy and happy-ish:). She’s been passionate about helping other “cycle-breaker” parents like herself for almost two decades.
Randi’s the founder of Mastermind Parenting, host of the long standing Mastermind Parenting podcast and author of The Parent Gap.
Randi is based in Houston, Texas where she lives with her husband, Scott, and they are the parents of 3 young adults.
Productive Conversations
There are important conversations you want to be having with your kids. But sometimes, you’re not really sure how to have them without their shutting down, getting defensive, or ignoring you altogether. Right? With a little practice, Randi Rubenstein’s 3 step process is a clear step to better, more productive conversations about … well, everything you care about with your kids!
Linda Roggli
Founder of the ADDiva (a-dee-deeva) Network which rocks the worlds of women 40-and-better with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD). The vision for ADDiva is nothing short of changing the world and attitudes toward ADD, especially for those who are diagnosed (or have a hunch) with ADHD long after childhood. It’s not just A.G.E. – it might be A.D.D.!
To that end, I coach adults with ADHD, host women’s retreats for women with ADHD and ADHD couples, offer webinars and classes and an online accountability program “Gentle Nudge Me.”
I am establishing ADDiva groups in local communities (there is precious little support for ADD women right now) and training coaches to help ADDivas live their deepest dreams — without procrastination. I am also training future retreat facilitators so there are more opportunities for adults and couples with ADHD for respite and reflection.
I am the creator of GardenSpirit Retreat Center in North Carolina, a place of renewal and calm. It includes a 60-foot outdoor labyrinth, a purple treehouse, meditation paths and a BIG hot tub. Overnight visits and retreats welcome. Four whimsical bedrooms decorated in soft, fluffy, comfy style – spiritual focus with an attitude of fun.
Certified Life Coach (PCC) with specialization in spiritual coaching.
Specialties: ADHD women – coaching and retreats
ADHD couples – coaching and retreats
Spiritual coaching
Grow your own food – organic veggie classes
Retreat facilitator for women and couples
Dr. Taniesha Burke
Debbie Reber
Debbie Reber, MA is a parenting activist, bestselling author, speaker, and the CEO and founder of Tilt Parenting, a resource, top-performing podcast (Tilt Parenting, with more than 6 million downloads), consultancy, and community with a focus on shifting the paradigm for parents raising and embracing neurodivergent children. Debbie’s most recent book is Differently Wired: A Parent’s Guide to Raising an Atypical Child with Confidence and Hope. In 2018 she spoke at TEDxAmsterdam, delivering a talk entitled Why the Future Will Be Differently Wired.
Prior to launching Tilt, Debbie spent fifteen years writing inspiring books for women and teens, including Doable, Chill, In Their Shoes, The Real Deal series from Chicken Soup for the Soul, Run for Your Life, and more than a dozen Blue’s Clues books. Before becoming a solopreneur, Debbie worked in children’s TV and video production, producing documentaries for UNICEF, working on Blue’s Clues, and developing original series for Cartoon Network. She has an MA in Media Studies from the New School for Social Research and a BA in Communications from Penn State. She currently lives in Brooklyn, NY.
Avoiding “Compare and Despair” When Your Kid’s Journey Looks Different
When your kid’s journey looks different from other peoples kids, it can be really hard to learn to navigate. In fact, simple upsets may rear their ugly heads again and again. It’s easy to say you shouldn’t compare yourself to others, but it’s not always so simple, right? And after a little while, comparing can lead to despairing! But it doesn’t have to be that way! Tune in for wisdom and insights from Tilt Parenting’s Debbie Reber.
Stephanie Pinto & Lara Dawn
Stephanie Pinto is an Emotional Intelligence author, speaker and coach who specialises in helping parents to create an Emotionally Intelligent family culture at home.
She is a certified Emotional Intelligence specialist, is a paediatric anxiety therapist, and practiced as a Speech Pathologist for 10 years.
Stephanie was appointed as the Emotional Intelligence Mentor for Australia’s Nurture Parenting Magazine in 2021. She has also been featured on international parenting summits, including ADHD What Now?, Parenting for Resilience, Confidence and Independence Summit, Emotional Intelligence International Summit, FamSummit to name a few. Stephanie has written for numerous publications such as Nurture Parenting Magazine, Kiddiepedia and Teachers Matter and more.
Stephanie supports parents in learning how to manage their emotions, frustrations and stress so that they are happier, calmer and connect more deeply with their kids. She also helps parents to raise emotionally intelligent kids, who are self-aware and positively manage their emotions and behaviour.
Her ground-breaking book, From Chaos to Connection, was published in March 2023.
She lives in Sydney, Australia with her family.
Lara Dawn is the founder of The ADHD Village – an online community that offers brain-based, science-backed support to thousands of families worldwide. She is a certified elementary school teacher with over 23 years of experience specializing in environmental science and special education. She is happily married and has two neurodiverse, teenage sons.
Lara supports parents in learning how to eliminate stress while navigating their children’s ADHD so that they are calm, confident, and deeply connected to their children. Through her transformational coaching program, Warrior Mamas, and her LOVE U Parenting Membership, parents are finding more joy and balance in their lives. Through her coaching, children embrace their ADHD and feel empowered so that they can be in control of their emotions and behaviours.
Susan Stiffelman
Susan Stiffelman is a licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist and the author Parenting Without Power Struggles and Parenting With Presence (an Eckhart Tolle Edition). In her work, focuses on helping parents forge sturdy attachment with their children as the calm, confident “Captain of the ship.”
Susan works offers personal to parents in a monthly Parenting Without Power Struggles membership and also co-facilitates a support group with Wendy Behary on Co-Parenting With a Narcissist.
She hosts a popular podcast with over a million downloads and offers online classes with collaborators including Dr. Dan Siegel, Byron Katie, and Dr. Mona Delahooke.
Ms. Stiffelman is a popular speaker who has presented workshops around the world—from Google in California, to parent groups in Senegal, Paris, and Kansas.
Throughout her life, Susan has been an avid international traveler and a lifelong learner. She even taught herself Hindi as a teenager, improving fluency by calling people named “Singh” out of the phone book!
Susan is a lifelong meditator, and is deeply committed to enjoying her life and living with gratitude and joy.
Parenting Storms: How to Stay Steady & Calm
You know what a parenting storm is, right? But do you know how to tell when it’s coming? Or how to handle it when it gets there? Or even, how to make it pass quickly? Susan Stiffelman, author of “Parenting Without Power Struggles,” does! And she’s going to share her practical insights for all of these scenarios — so that you can understand what your role is to create a secure attachment for your child (of any age!).
Tosha Schore
Tosha Schore is a parent coach and the founder of Parenting Boys Peacefully, where she is on a mission to create a more peaceful world, one sweet boy at a time. She is also co-author of “Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges,” which has been translated into five languages. Tosha works with parents to care for themselves, connect with their boys deeply, set limits lovingly, and play wildly, and has been featured on Dr. Shefali’s Parenting Mastery Summit, GoZen’s Anger Transformation and ListenUp! Summits, and has spoken to audiences at the Institute for Child Psychology, the Diversity in Parenting Conference, the Davidson Institute, Lawrence Livermore Laboratory, and on a boatload of podcasts!
Sarah Wayland & Penny Williams
Sarah Wayland is the founder of Guiding Exceptional Parents, co-founder of The Behavior Revolution, and co-author of the book, “Is This Autism? A guide for clinicians and everyone else”. A research scientist by training, and mother of two neurodivergent young men, she applies the neuroscience of behavior along with practical lived experience as she provides neurodiversity-affirmative support, education, and community for parents of neurodivergent children.
A parenting coach for neurodiverse families, Penny Williams is the award-winning author of four books on ADHD, including “Boy Without Instructions,” host of the Beautifully Complex Podcast, host of the annual Neurodiversity Summits, and co-creator of The Behavior Revolution Program, a parent training program designed to change the narrative on behavior and help parents celebrate and support their kids with ADHD or autism through neuroscience-backed insights, hard-won strategies, compassion, and guidance. Penny empowers parents to help their neurodivergent kids — and families — thrive.
Is Your Child’s Thinking Brain Offline?
Is your kiddo stuck in survival mode? Are they emotionally dysregulated more often than you might realize? When a kid’s thinking brain is ‘offline,’ they can’t process language or think clearly, and you can’t get through to them no matter how hard you try or how much you reason. It’s time to think in terms of co-regulating instead of co-escalating, and figuring out what’s leading to their stuckness … so you can begin to address it, one event at a time. Whether your kids are yelling or shutting down, or anything in between, this is an important lesson (or reminder) for all of us!
Elizabeth Sautter
Elizabeth Sautter, MA, CCC-Speech Language Pathologist has specialized in social communication, emotional regulation and executive functioning for over 25 years in the schools and her private center. She strives to provide neurodiverse affirming therapy, training, resources and an online course for parents with a passion to make it simple and sprinkled into everyday life as an “add IN, not add ON” to everyday routines and activities. Elizabeth is the author of Make Social and Emotional Learning Stick! Practical Activities to Manage Emotional, Navigate Social Situations and Reduce Anxiety (elizabethsautter.com). She is a collaborator and trainer with The Zones of Regulation team and co-author of The Zones storybook set, Tools to Try card decks and Navigating the Zones game. She strongly believes in supporting regulation and advocacy for all individuals (everydayregulation.com). She resides in California, with her husband, two sons, dog and cat.
Making Social and Emotional Well-Being Stick
Sometimes when we think about helping kids learn how to navigate the social world, we think about teaching them specific things to do in a social situation such as saying “please” or “thank you” or giving direct eye contact. But we forget to talk about what works best for the child and also how to help them regulate so that they can navigate the situation at hand. When this happens, our children can often feel like they can’t do anything right. Speech and language pathologist Elizabeth Sautter describes how teachers and parents can become detectives and a kind of social and emotional ‘coach’ for kids — helping with regulation and setting them up for success with all kinds of social dynamics.
Randy Kulman
Randy Kulman, Ph.D. is the founder of LearningWorks for Kids, an educational technology company that specializes in using video games to teach executive-functioning and academic skills. He conducts neuropsychological evaluations of children with executive functioning and attention difficulties at South County Child and Family Consultants. His latest project is LW4K LIVE, a live, online, small-group executive function tutoring program that uses games such as Minecraft and Roblox to practice and improve executive functions.
Additionally, Dr. Kulman is the author of numerous essays and book chapters on the use of digital technologies for improving executive-functioning skills in children. His current research projects include a study of the use of Minecraft for improving executive functioning skills and an investigation of the effectiveness of commercial neurotechnologies for treating ADHD and emotional regulation disorders. He serves on advisory boards for the Boston Celtics and ADDitude magazine. He is an occasional writer for Psychology Today, ADDitude Magazine, Autism Parenting Magazine, and Commonsensemedia.org. He is the author of three books; Train Your Brain for Success: A Teenager’s Guide to Executive Functions, Playing Smarter in a Digital World, and the recently published, The Gaming Overload Workbook for Teens.
Neurotechnology — What’s it Got to Do with ADHD?
What are neurotechnologies? And why are they important to parents of kids with ADHD? There is a growing body of evidence to support that digital medicines, digital therapeutics, and video games have potential as treatment tools targeting specific aspects of ADHD. This presentation will focus on video-games, digital medicines, and virtual reality tools designed to help neurodivergent children improve executive functioning, sustained attention, and emotional regulation. Learn how to choose tools based on a child’s needs, age, and symptoms, and how you can amplify the benefits of the technologies they’re already using.