5 Things Parents Need to Know About Supporting a Child with ADHD
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Parenting a child with ADHD can be overwhelming at times, but the right strategies and support can make a big difference. Here are five essential things to keep in mind:
1. ADHD is real—and it’s not your fault.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition, not a result of poor parenting or laziness. It affects how the brain regulates attention, emotion, and impulse control. Your child’s behavior isn’t a reflection of your efforts—it’s a reflection of their needs.
2. Structure and routine are your best friends.
Kids with ADHD thrive when they know what to expect. Clear routines, visual schedules, and consistent boundaries create a sense of safety and help reduce overwhelm.
3. Praise progress, not perfection.
Many children with ADHD receive more correction than encouragement. Make an effort to notice small wins, like remembering a backpack or taking a break instead of melting down. This builds confidence and reinforces positive behavior.
4. Emotional regulation is part of the picture.
ADHD isn’t just about attention. Many kids struggle with big emotions and impulse control. Model calm, validate their feelings, and teach them tools to self-regulate—like taking deep breaths or using movement breaks.
5. You deserve support too.
You don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s therapy, parent coaching, or simply connecting with others who get it, finding support for yourself will help you stay grounded and responsive—not just reactive.
Supporting a child with ADHD is a journey—and with the right tools and mindset, it can be one full of growth, connection, and resilience.
If you’re feeling stuck or unsure how to best support your child with ADHD, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Reach out to us at Twin Cities ADHD—we’re here to help you understand what’s going on beneath the behavior and build a plan that works for your unique family.
Contact us today to get started.
June 10, 2025 by Twin Cities ADHD
Do you have ADHD? Recognizing the Signs—and Why It’s Often Missed
Do you have ADHD? Recognizing the Signs—and Why It’s Often Missed
🧠 What Does ADHD Really Look Like?
🧠 What Does ADHD Really Look Like?
Recognizing the Signs—and Why It’s Often Missed
Recognizing the Signs—and Why It’s Often Missed
At Twin Cities ADHD, we hear it all the time:
“I thought ADHD was just for hyper little boys.”
“But I do well at work—how could I have ADHD?”
“I’m just tired. Or anxious. Or maybe lazy?”
ADHD is often misunderstood—especially in women and adults. It doesn’t always look like bouncing off the walls or failing at school. Sometimes it looks like perfectionism, overwhelm, or the invisible exhaustion of trying to keep it all together.
Let’s clear things up.
Common Signs of ADHD
Common Signs of ADHD
ADHD usually shows up in three patterns: inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, or combined. But most people don’t fit perfectly into one box.
Inattentive Signs:
Constantly losing track of your keys, coffee, or that thing you just had
Struggling to follow conversations, even when you want to
Feeling mentally drained after “simple” tasks
Procrastinating until the last possible second
Forgetting appointments, birthdays, or deadlines—no matter how important
Hyperactive/Impulsive Signs:
Feeling restless or “on edge,” even while sitting still
Interrupting or talking over people (then cringing afterward)
Trouble waiting your turn—in traffic, in line, or in conversation
Speaking before thinking, and later regretting it
Needing movement, background noise, or stimulation to focus
Combined ADHD:
Many people experience a blend of both. In adults—especially women and AFAB folks—it might show up as emotional intensity, chronic people-pleasing, or feeling constantly “behind,” no matter how hard they try.
What ADHD Can Be Mistaken For
What ADHD Can Be Mistaken For
ADHD symptoms often overlap with other conditions. That’s why a thoughtful, personalized assessment is so important. ADHD is frequently confused with:
Anxiety – racing thoughts, restlessness, difficulty focusing
Depression – low motivation, mental fatigue, disorganization
Sensory issues – easily overwhelmed or distracted by the environment
Bipolar disorder – impulsivity, mood fluctuations
Trauma – hypervigilance, memory gaps, difficulty regulating emotions
It’s not about slapping on a label. It’s about finally having a framework for what you’ve been living with—and a plan that actually works.
You’re Not Broken. You’re Wired Differently.
You’re Not Broken. You’re Wired Differently.
If any of this resonates with you, it’s worth exploring.
No shame. No judgment. Just real conversations, real strategies, and support that sees your strengths—not just your struggles.
🌀 Ready to take the next step? Book a free consult. We’re here when you’re ready!
Twin Cities ADHD June 1, 2025
Do Vaccines Cause ADHD? A Real Conversation That Says a Lot
Do Vaccines Cause ADHD? A Real Conversation That Says a Lot
When I first started talking about building my ADHD-focused practice, I was on vacation, chatting with someone in a hot tub. I mentioned how passionate I was about helping women and families better understand ADHD—how it shows up, how often it's missed, and how much stigma still surrounds it.
Without missing a beat, this woman turned to me and asked:
“Isn’t ADHD caused by vaccines?”
She went on to say her grandson had been given an ADHD diagnosis and added, almost dismissively,
“We didn’t have anything like that when I was young.”
That moment has stuck with me. Not because I was offended, but because it perfectly captured two things I see all the time:
The deep-rooted fear and confusion around ADHD.
How easy it is to dismiss something we don’t understand—especially when it hits close to home.
So Let’s Set the Record Straight
Vaccines do not cause ADHD.
This is one of the most thoroughly studied questions in pediatric health. Dozens of large-scale studies, involving hundreds of thousands of children, have found no link between vaccines and ADHD. Not the MMR vaccine. Not thimerosal (a preservative no longer used in most childhood vaccines). Not the vaccine schedule itself.
There’s simply no scientific evidence supporting this myth.
So Why Do People Still Ask?
Blaming vaccines can feel emotionally easier than facing the possibility that ADHD might be something closer to home—something inherited, lifelong, or even shared. For many people, especially those from older generations, a diagnosis like ADHD can feel like a critique of parenting or an unfamiliar label for something they were told to “tough out.”
But the truth is:
ADHD has always existed.
We just didn’t always have the words or research to explain it.
That woman’s grandson isn’t broken. He’s not a product of "modern problems" or too much screen time or too many vaccinations. He’s a kid with a neurodivergent brain—and he deserves understanding, not doubt.
Why This Matters
The vaccine myth is more than just misinformation—it delays understanding, blocks connection, and prevents people from seeking the support they deserve. It turns a medical condition into a blame game.
And when we chase the wrong cause, we miss the chance to offer real help.
Final Thought:
If you’ve found yourself wondering about ADHD—whether for yourself, your child, or someone in your life—know this: it’s real, it’s manageable, and it’s more common than you think. You’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out in a hot tub debate. Contact us at Twin Cities ADHD - We're here to help dispel the negative narrative around ADHD. Contact us today to get started.
Twin Cities ADHD, May 29, 2025
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