Episodes

  • Executive Functioning, ADHD & Autism: 5 Ways to Teach Accountability Without Shame

    Executive Functioning, ADHD & Autism: 5 Ways to Teach Accountability Without Shame
    Mar 18 2026
    When adults tell autistic or ADHD children to be more accountable — to take more responsibility, to stop making excuses, admit when they're wrong — I understand exactly where that's coming from. The fear underneath it is real. The exhaustion is real. But here's what I also know: when we demand accountability and responsibility through shame, we're not teaching our neurodivergent kids anything. We're just making them feel bad about who they are. In this episode, I'm getting honest about something most of us don't talk about — the massive gap between what parents mean when they say "accountability" and what their autistic or ADHD child actually hears. And I'm going to show you what real accountability looks like for neurodivergent kids. It doesn't involve a giant, heavy bag of shame and blame. It involves understanding, curiosity, and problem solving — together. I've been the parent standing in front of my child saying, "You need to take responsibility." I thought I was teaching him something essential. What I was actually doing was handing him a bag of garbage and calling it a life lesson. This episode is for every parent and teacher who has done the same. And for every therapist working with autistic and adhd children and their families. In this episode, you'll learn: Why demanding accountability from autistic and ADHD kids often backfires — and what's actually happening when a child "refuses to take responsibility."The garbage bag metaphor: what happens when shame and blame get passed back and forth between parent and child — and how to put it downReal examples and what actually helped5 ways to teach real accountability without shame, including how to separate the action from the person, how to use curiosity instead of blame, and how to teach missing skills without saying "you should know this by now."Why "I forgot" and "she was bothering me" are not excuses — they're a child trying to communicateWhat happens to neurodivergent kids who grow up in a shame-based accountability culture — and why it mattersHow to repair it when you've already shamed your child in the name of responsibility (because you will, and have I)What therapists need to ask when a parent says their child needs to be more accountable This episode is for you if: You're a parent of an autistic child and/or ADHD child who struggles with responsibility, follow-through, or "making excuses."You're a therapist, school counselor, or psychologist supporting neurodivergent children and their familiesYou grew up being told you made excuses — and it still weighs on you. Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist P.S. I've got more goodness for you! 🥁🥁🥁🥁 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 ...
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • ADHD & Autism: Why Chores Are So Hard (And How to Teach Responsibility Without Shame)

    ADHD & Autism: Why Chores Are So Hard (And How to Teach Responsibility Without Shame)
    Mar 4 2026
    ADHD & Autism: Why Chores Are So Hard (And How to Teach Responsibility Without Shame) Why do chores turn into power struggles in so many ADHD and autistic families? It's not laziness. It's not defiance. And it's definitely not a character flaw. In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, Holly Blanc Moses sits down with adolescent psychologist Dr. Cam Caswell to unpack why chores feel like a nightmare for neurodivergent kids and teens. If you're parenting a child with ADHD or autism and struggling with: Executive functioning challengesChore refusalEmotional meltdowns over "simple" tasksFear about your child's futurePower struggles at home This conversation will change how you see chores forever. You'll learn: ✔ Why chasing compliance actually builds resentment ✔ The difference between responsibility and obedience ✔ How executive functioning impacts task initiation ✔ Why chores are an adult priority (not a teen priority) ✔ How to teach life skills without shame ✔ A neurodiversity-affirming approach to building ownership ✔ How to reduce conflict while increasing competence This episode is essential listening for: Parents of ADHD and/or autistic children and teensTherapists and psychologists working with neurodivergent familiesEducatorsParenting coaches If you want to raise responsible, confident kids without damaging connection — this episode is for you! Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist P.S. I've got more goodness for you! 🥁🥁🥁🥁 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. About Dr. Cam Dr. Cam Caswell, PhD—"The Teen Translator"—is an adolescent psychologist, parenting coach, TEDx speaker, and host of the Parenting Teens with Dr. Cam podcast. With over 20 years of experience and a teen of her own, Dr. Cam combines professional expertise with personal insight to help parents stop yelling, start connecting, and rebuild trust at home. With over 330K followers on Instagram, she's a trusted voice for parents who want practical, compassionate support, not more guilt. As one parent shared, "I learned more in 20 minutes than in 4 years of struggling with my teen." ...
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Why Morning and Bedtime Routines Are So Hard for ADHD and Autistic Kids — And the Practical Supports That Help

    Why Morning and Bedtime Routines Are So Hard for ADHD and Autistic Kids — And the Practical Supports That Help
    Feb 25 2026
    Why are morning routines and bedtime routines so hard for ADHD and autistic kids? If your mornings feel chaotic… If bedtime turns into battles… If you've tried "sleep hygiene," reward charts, reminders, and it still falls apart… This episode is for you. In this conversation, I sit down with occupational therapist Dr. Peyton Gemmell to talk about why routines are especially difficult for neurodivergent kids and teens — and what actually helps. Here's what I need you to hear: It's not laziness. It's not defiance. It's executive functioning, sensory processing, transitions, and overwhelm. We break down: • Why morning chaos happens in ADHD and autistic children • How executive functioning impacts routines • Why traditional sleep hygiene advice often isn't enough • The role of sensory regulation in bedtime struggles • How to identify which part of the routine is actually hard • Simple, practical systems that reduce overwhelm (including a powerful visual basket strategy) • How to reduce shame while building real-life skills We also talk about something parents don't hear enough: The same routine will not work forever. Neurodivergent brains need toolkits — not rigid systems. Whether you're a parent, therapist, educator, or a neurodivergent adult trying to build sustainable routines, this episode offers practical, compassionate strategies rooted in neurodiversity-affirming care. If you're tired of feeling frustrated before 8am… If you want to support your child without increasing shame… If you're ready for systems that actually make sense… Press play. Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist P.S. I've got more goodness for you! 🥁🥁🥁🥁 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. About Peyton Gemmell Dr. Peyton Gemmell is an occupational therapist and founder of Light Minded OT, where she specializes in supporting teen girls and women with ADHD. She supports clients in strengthening executive functioning skills, navigate sensory processing differences, and build sustainable daily routines. Her work focuses on practical skill development and environmental modification...
    Show More Show Less
    24 mins
  • Executive Functioning: The "Why" Behind ADHD Struggles

    Executive Functioning: The "Why" Behind ADHD Struggles
    Feb 18 2026
    What if the problem isn't motivation… but misunderstanding? In this episode, we dive deep into executive functioning and the powerful role of "why" in understanding ADHD and neurodivergent children and teens. Joining me is Dani Donovan — ADHD advocate, comic artist, and author of The Anti-Planner — for an honest and validating conversation about procrastination, overwhelm, shame, and the myth of laziness. If you've ever thought: "Why won't they just do it?""They know what to do — so why aren't they doing it?""Am I doing something wrong as a parent?""Why does trying harder not work?" This episode is for you. We explore: Why executive functioning struggles are not lazinessThe critical difference between knowing and doingWhy shame never improves behaviorHow misunderstanding leads to blameThe emotional experience of ADHDWhy "trying harder" is not a strategyHow asking "why?" changes everythingPractical ways to shift from frustration to curiosityWhy understanding must come before intervention For parents, this conversation offers relief and clarity. For therapists and clinicians, it reinforces the importance of neurodiversity-affirming, emotionally attuned support that reduces shame and builds capacity. When we understand the why behind executive functioning challenges, we stop seeing a "problem child" — and start seeing a nervous system that needs support. Because if they could, they would. 🥁🥁🥁🥁 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. About Dani Donovan Dani Donovan is an ADHD content creator, public speaker, and author of The Anti-Planner. Through her viral comics and practical tools, she helps people better understand executive functioning, productivity struggles, and the emotional experience of living with ADHD. Make sure to get The Anti-Planner (clean version) and The Anti-Planner (original version)
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • No One Asked Me Why: What Autistic and ADHD Children Want You To Know

    No One Asked Me Why: What Autistic and ADHD Children Want You To Know
    Feb 12 2026
    When I was in first grade, I had a plan for Valentine's Day. A very thoughtful, very Holly plan. Every classmate was getting a Valentine. But not every classmate was getting the same coin taped inside. There were the quarter kids. The dime kids. The nickel kids. The penny kids. And one classmate got nothing. My teacher was not happy. My parents were not happy. And not one single adult that day asked me why I did it. That part — the part where no one asked — is what this episode is really about. In this episode, I talk about: ▸ The full story of the Valentine's Day coin system (and why, at seven years old, it made complete sense to me) ▸ What actually happens in a child's nervous system and sense of self when adults skip curiosity and go straight to correction ▸ Why neurodivergent kids stop explaining themselves — and what we accidentally teach them when we don't listen ▸ The one thing I wish an adult had said to me that day — and how you can say it to the kids in your life ▸ A direct challenge: How do YOU want to show up in the next hard moment? This episode is for parents, therapists, and educators who want to be the person an autistic and adhd child actually feels safe with. The one who asks before they assume. The one who listens before they correct. It's also for anyone who grew up being the kid that no one asked. You'll know who you are. 🥁🥁🥁🥁 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
    25 mins
  • 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