The Autism ADHD Podcast cover art

The Autism ADHD Podcast

The Autism ADHD Podcast

By: Holly Blanc Moses
Listen for free

About this listen

 Supporting neurodiverse children can be both rewarding and confusing. Holly Blanc Moses shares her strategies to support children diagnosed with ADHD and/or Autism. If you are a parent, therapist or educator who wants to learn more about emotional health, behavior, social interaction and academics, this podcast is for you.Holly Blanc Moses 2021 Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships
Episodes
  • People Pleasing Is Dangerous for Autistic & ADHD Kids: What Parents and Therapists Need to Know

    People Pleasing Is Dangerous for Autistic & ADHD Kids: What Parents and Therapists Need to Know
    Jan 28 2026
    People Pleasing Is Dangerous for Autistic & ADHD Kids: What Parents and Therapists Need to Know People pleasing is often labeled as being kind, flexible, or mature. But for autistic and ADHD children and teens, people pleasing is often something else entirely. It's a self-protective survival strategy—one rooted in fear of rejection, emotional pain, and the belief that their needs are "too much." In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I talk about why people pleasing is especially risky for neurodivergent kids and teens, how it develops, and the early warning signs adults often miss. I also share a very real moment from my own life—standing in a grocery store with no water at home, right before a major ice storm—and how that moment revealed just how powerful (and dangerous) people pleasing can be, even after a year of hard work. This episode is for parents, therapists, and educators who want to support autistic and ADHD children and teens in building safety, boundaries, and self-trust—without pushing them into burnout. In this episode, I cover: What people pleasing really looks like in autistic and ADHD children and teensWhy people-pleasing is closely connected to masking and emotional safetyEarly warning signs, including over-apologizing and difficulty saying noHow people pleasing is often unintentionally reinforced by adults and peersWhy people pleasing increases burnout, anxiety, and vulnerability in relationshipsHow supporting capacity and boundaries can reduce meltdowns and shutdowns If you've ever worried that teaching boundaries might make a child "too rigid" or "selfish," this episode offers a compassionate, neurodiversity-affirming reframe. 🎧 Listen now and share with another parent, therapist, or educator supporting autistic and ADHD kids and teens. 🥁🥁🥁🥁 MORE Great information for you! The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95 What's Inside: 📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers 🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive 🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs 🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches 💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis Plus: ✅ An example of each accommodation ✅ 3 detailed cases along with accommodations ✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need ✅ Free helpful education resources Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95 ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here ➡️ Educators click here Thank you for your advocacy! After you get your guide, you can also access these free resources below:) ⬇️ 🌟 Get your FREE "Get To Know My Child Snapshot" Parents click here, Therapists click here, Educators click here ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents, click here for your masterclasses ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:) Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals Subscribe, Support & Share 📱 Follow: @theautismadhdpodcast on Instagram and Facebook 📺 Come on over to YouTube and check out Autism ADHD TV with Holly Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast. Thank you:) About Holly Blanc Moses Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent psychologist, speaker, consultant, continuing education provider, and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV, and parent masterclasses.
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • Why Overusing the Word "Friend" Can Hurt Autistic and ADHD Children

    Why Overusing the Word "Friend" Can Hurt Autistic and ADHD Children
    Jan 21 2026
    We use the word friend all the time—at school, at home, on the playground. "Line up, friends." "We don't hit our friends." "That's my friend from work." It sounds warm and inclusive, and it's almost always said with good intentions. But for many autistic and ADHD children, language is taken literally. When we tell them everyone is their friend, they believe us. And then they expect those people to act like friends—to include them, play with them, and treat them kindly. When that doesn't happen, the confusion can turn into hurt, self-blame, anxiety, and even depression. In this episode, I break down why overusing the word friend can be especially harmful for neurodivergent children—and how it can unintentionally teach them to ignore their own experiences or accept mistreatment. I share real-life examples from classrooms, playgrounds, and therapy spaces, including what happens when a child asks, "Are you my friend?" and the answer doesn't match the actions. We'll talk about: *Why autistic and ADHD children often take friendship language literally *How some children are bullied through "pretend friendship." *Why teaching actions of a friend is more helpful than using labels *How to help children notice when friendship behaviors change and know who to go to for help *A simple visual circles model that teaches self-friendship, boundaries, and different levels of connection *Why we need to be cautious with questions like "Who's your best friend?" *How society's message that "more friends = more value" can deeply harm neurodivergent kids *And why being a good friend to yourself is just as important as having friends around you I also share examples from my own adult friendships to show that real friendship doesn't look one way—and that closeness, frequency, and intensity can all vary and still be meaningful. If you're a parent, educator, or mental health professional supporting autistic or ADHD children, this episode offers a compassionate reframe and practical language shifts that can reduce confusion, protect emotional safety, and support healthier relationships. Because being precise with our language doesn't make kids less kind—it makes them safer. And safety is where real connection begins. 🎧 If you find this episode helpful, please consider sharing it with a parent, therapist or teacher, and leaving a 5-star review so more people can find the podcast. The more people we can reach, the more neurodivergent children we can help:) 🥁🥁🥁🥁 MORE Great information for you! The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95 What's Inside: 📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations) From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers 🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations) Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive 🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations) Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs 🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations) Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches 💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations) Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis Plus: ✅ An example of each accommodation ✅ 3 detailed cases along with accommodations ✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need ✅ Free helpful education resources Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95 ➡️ Parents click here ➡️ Therapists click here ➡️ Educators click here Thank you for your advocacy! After you get your guide, you can also access these free resources below:) ⬇️ 🌟 Get your FREE "Get To Know My Child Snapshot" Parents click here, Therapists click here, Educators click here ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning CE credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC. Therapists click here ⭐️ Welcome to our PARENT MASTERCLASSES WITH Q&A Each live class is packed with supportive strategies on the topics parents want most. Can't make it live? No worries, because you'll get the replay. Sign up to be the first to know when the next masterclass is scheduled. Parents, click here for your masterclasses ❤️ You're invited to my FACEBOOK GROUPS. Can't wait to see you there:) Parents, come on over and join the Autism ADHD Facebook Group for Parents Therapists & educators, join the Facebook Group for professionals Subscribe, Support & Share 📱 Follow: @theautismadhdpodcast on Instagram and Facebook 📺 ...
    Show More Show Less
    19 mins
  • Why Neurodivergent Kids Get Labeled "Bossy"— & the 4-Steps That Change Everything

    Why Neurodivergent Kids Get Labeled "Bossy"— & the 4-Steps That Change Everything
    Jan 14 2026

    "Bossy." "Rude." "Demanding." "Has an attitude."

    If your autistic or ADHD child keeps getting these labels from teachers, family members, other parents or even yourself - this episode is for you.

    As an AuDHD psychologist, I see this pattern and how it silences the voices of neurodivergent children. destroying children's voices every single day.

    In this episode, I'll show you:

    • What's REALLY happening when your neurodivergent child speaks directly
    • Why YOUR nervous system reacts so strongly to their tone (and why that matters)
    • The devastating long-term impact of constantly correcting tone
    • The 4-Step approach that changes everything (with real examples you can use TODAY)
    • How to repair when you get it wrong

    This isn't about letting kids "be rude." It's about understanding the difference between directness and disrespect - and protecting your child's ability to advocate for themselves.

    I'm excited to share this episode with you and share about an incredible workshop - "A Better 2026: A Gentle Reset for Overwhelmed Parents of Neurodivergent Children."

    If you are ready to learn how to make 2026 lighter, you'll want to register right away! Can't wait to see you there:)

    PARENTS CLICK HERE

    🥁🥁🥁🥁 MORE Great information for you!

    The 135 School Accommodations for Autistic & ADHD Students Guide is now available, including three detailed cases with accommodations for ONLY $27.95

    What's Inside:
    📚 Academic Supports (45 accommodations)
    From pre-teaching strategies to assistive technology, the tools students need to access the curriculum without barriers

    🎨 Sensory & Environmental Supports (22 accommodations)
    Create a learning environment where your child can focus, regulate, and engage—not just survive

    🧠 Executive Functioning & Self-Advocacy (24 accommodations)
    Build the skills that will serve them for life—organization, time management, and speaking up for their needs

    🤝 Social Supports (21 accommodations)
    Turn recess and group work from nightmare to opportunity with structured, supportive approaches

    💚 Mental Health & Emotional Regulation (23 accommodations)
    Because learning can't happen when a child is overwhelmed, anxious, or in crisis

    Plus:
    ✅ An example of each accommodation

    ✅ 3 detailed cases along with accommodations

    ✅ Tips on how to identify areas of need

    ✅ Free helpful education resources

    Don't miss this opportunity to access 135 neurodiversity-affirming accommodations for only $27.95

    ➡️ Parents click here

    ➡️ Therapists click here

    ➡️ Educators click here

    You are going to LOVE this guide!

    Thank you for your advocacy!

    ⭐️ Hey Therapists! Come on over for NEURODIVERSITY-AFFIRMING CONTINUING EDUCATION

    Enhance your therapeutic approach with our affirming and engaging trainings while earning continuing education credits to fulfill your professional development requirements, as our courses are approved by the NBCC.

    Therapists click here

    Subscribe, Support & Share
    📱 Follow: @theautismadhdpodcast on Instagram and Facebook

    📺 Come on over to YouTube and check out Autism ADHD TV with Holly

    Please leave a review! Your 5-star reviews help other families and professionals find The Autism ADHD Podcast.

    About Holly Blanc Moses
    Holly Blanc Moses is a neurodivergent psychologist, speaker, consultant, continuing education provider, and host of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Autism ADHD TV, and parent masterclasses.
    Show More Show Less
    36 mins
All stars
Most relevant
This podcast has been life changing for me. It has provided so much information and guidance. I have received more from listening to Holly than from all the books I've read on parenting a neurodiverse child!

Thank you!!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.