adhd Archives - The Autism Dad

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Practical Tips for Living Your Best Life After an ADHD Diagnosis

Receiving an ADHD diagnosis can bring a mix of emotions – relief, curiosity, even uncertainty about what comes next. But a diagnosis isn’t an end point; it’s the beginning of a more informed and empowered chapter of your life. Understanding how your brain works allows you to build strategies that highlight your strengths, reduce daily stress, and help you thrive. Here are some practical, positive tips to help you live your best life after an ADHD diagnosis. Celebrate Your New Awareness An ADHD diagnosis isn’t a label to hold you back—it’s a key that unlocks understanding. Many adults feel a huge sense of relief when they finally realize why focus, organization, or emotional regulation has been challenging. This awareness allows you to replace self-criticism with self-compassion and to start building…

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September 26, 2025

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Innovative Tools for Autism

Raising kids with autism is anything but easy, especially if you’re not autistic yourself or if your own support needs are vastly different from what your children require. Even when you are autistic, having that insight doesn’t always mean you automatically know how to parent your kids in the way they need. And if you’re not on the spectrum, the challenge can feel even greater, as you have to unlearn much of what you know about parenting to build the skills that will truly help your child thrive. Photo by Vidal Balielo Jr. on Pexels.com The reality is, no matter who you are, parenting autistic children is a tough journey. But it doesn’t have to feel impossible. Today, we have access to so many innovative tools designed to help our…

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August 9, 2024

Mightier / My thoughts / Reviews

Mightier Review 2024: Helping Kids with Autism and ADHD Manage Meltdowns

Discover how Mightier, developed by Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, uses biofeedback to help kids with autism and ADHD manage meltdowns and improve emotional self-regulation. Through fun, engaging games, Mightier teaches children to recognize and control their emotions, providing invaluable skills that benefit them throughout life. Learn about the science behind Mightier, our personal success story, and how you can save 10% with the code theautismdad22.

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June 19, 2024

ADHD / Autism / Link

Understanding Stimming in ADHD and Autism

What is Stimming? Stimming, short for self-stimulatory behavior, refers to repetitive actions like hand-flapping, rocking, humming, or tapping. For those of us with ADHD or autism, stimming serves as a way to self-regulate our sensory experiences and emotions. It helps manage the overwhelming input from our surroundings and provides a sense of calm and focus. Why Do We Stim? There are several reasons why stimming is a common behavior: Sensory Regulation: Our brains can easily become overwhelmed by sensory input. Stimming helps us filter and manage this input, making our environment more predictable and less stressful. Emotional Release: When we feel anxious, excited, or frustrated, stimming can be a way to express and release these emotions safely. Focus and Concentration: Engaging in repetitive movements or sounds can help maintain focus…

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June 18, 2024

My thoughts

How to Create an Engaging Living Room for Kids with ADHD

Contrary to what some people may assume, children with ADHD are shaped not just by nature but also by nurture. According to experts, ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by patterns of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity. Among children, this can interfere with critical aspects like studying and socializing that can influence development. As such, it’s important for parents to shape environments that can help children with ADHD find balance. Research suggests that ADHD can be caused by psychosocial and environmental factors. Given that the living room is the heart of most homes, parents must ensure that this space is nurturing and engaging. To eliminate costly and tiring trial and error, here are some tips on creating the best living room for children with ADHD. Find flexible seating As…

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June 4, 2024

ADHD / Link / My thoughts / Resources

Understanding ADHD: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults. As parents, understanding ADHD is crucial for providing the right support and treatment for your child. This blog post aims to shed light on what ADHD is, its causes, impact on kids and adults, common myths surrounding the condition, and available treatment options.

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November 1, 2023

My thoughts / Today’s Gentle Parenting Reminder

Today’s Gentle Parenting Reminder

This week past week, there was an issue with Gavin’s transportation to and from work. His transport under the current plan expired last Friday and I didn’t know. Gavin is managing most of his life and all his supports work directly with him and I’m largely out of the loop. Gavin forgets to tell me things he’s supposed to and so I’m often learning about things at the last minute. I know how frustrating the autism parenting journey can be but don’t let that frustration blind you to any of the victories along the way.- Rob Gorski That’s a whole other topic for another day but we’ll get to that. I had to move my schedule around this week in order to drive him to work in the morning. His…

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August 5, 2023

My thoughts

Helping kids learn to manage their big emotions with Mightier

Hey parents, some days don't you just feel like you're riding an emotional roller coaster? Trust me, I've been there. Navigating the stormy seas of big emotions with your autistic child can feel overwhelming. It's hard seeing your child struggle, and sometimes you might feel lost and alone. But I promise – you're not alone. You're doing an amazing job, and there's help out there. Have you heard of Mightier? I’ve been talking about it for years. This game-changing tool entered my life when I needed it the most. Developed by the brains at Harvard Medical and Boston Children's Hospital, Mightier is not just a collection of super fun video games. It's a lifeline, a guide to teach our kiddos how to better regulate their emotions. I know it might…

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July 7, 2023