Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2025 i ADHDEFG

Hey there, families and friends of ADHDEFG, We are so pumped to welcome you to a brand new school year, a fresh start filled with energy, growth, and a little bit of organized chaos… the good kind! Our mission is simple, we are here to empower kids, teens, and parents by focusing on strengths, confidence, and community. Whether you are navigating focus challenges, finding new routines, or just looking for tools to help ADHD minds thrive, this space is for you. Yeah, no, teenagers are a whole mood, but together we can handle it. This issue is all about soaring into a new school year with positivity, courage, and practical support. We have tips to boost focus, stories that bring laughter, and advice that actually works in real life, not…

Meet Maya: How I Use My ADHD Superpower in Art! Maya is 12 and if you give her a sketchbook and a box of markers, she can disappear for hours. She says her ADHD brain sometimes feels restless in school, but when it comes to art, hyperfocus kicks in. “It is like the world goes quiet,” she laughs, “and suddenly I can finish a whole drawing without even noticing the time.” Parents often worry that ADHD only makes things harder, but Maya shows how it can unlock creativity and concentration when channeled the right way. Her favorite projects are giant murals with bold colors that pop across the page. She loves how her energy and imagination keep her ideas flowing, even when others might get stuck. Teens reading this might…

Digital Detox: Taming Your Phone to Conquer Your To-Do List Let’s be real, phones are amazing but also kind of evil when it comes to schoolwork. One minute you are opening Google Docs, the next you are scrolling memes or texting your best friend about nothing. Teens know it, parents see it, and everyone has the same question, how do we actually focus when our brains crave constant pings and notifications. The good news, digital detox does not mean tossing your phone out the window, it just means finding tools and tricks that help you use it wisely instead of letting it use you. Apps like Forest and focus timers are lifesavers if you have ADHD or just struggle with attention. Forest lets you grow a virtual tree every time…

Channeling Hyperfocus: From Hobby to Hustle Meet Zoe, a 16-year-old with ADHD who turned her obsession with digital art into a small online business. What started as endless hours sketching characters for fun quickly became commissions, a portfolio, and even collaborations with other young artists. Teens, yeah, no, hyperfocus can feel like a superpower when you use it right. Instead of zoning out on random distractions, Zoe learned to channel her intense focus into projects that make her proud, build skills, and sometimes even earn cash. Parents, this is a perfect example of turning ADHD traits into strengths. Encouraging teens to explore their passions deeply while providing structure helps them develop confidence, discipline, and creativity. Hyperfocus is not something to fight, it is something to guide. Whether it is art,…

IEP vs. 504: A Parent's Cheat Sheet to School Advocacy Navigating school supports for your child with ADHD can feel like decoding a secret language. Yeah, no-terms like IEP and 504 plan get thrown around like confetti, and it’s easy to feel lost. Let’s break it down: an IEP, or Individualized Education Program, is designed for students who qualify for special education services. It’s a formal, legally binding plan with specific goals and accommodations tailored to your child’s learning needs. A 504 plan, on the other hand, is for students who need support in the general classroom but don’t require special education. Think of it as leveling the playing field without redesigning the game. So, what accommodations can you ask for to help your ADHD child thrive? Here’s a helpful…

Q: My child melts down after school. What can I do? ADHD coach Megan Taylor shares, “No-kids with ADHD are basically superheroes holding it together all day. By the time they get home, restraint collapse hits hard.” This “meltdown moment” happens because your child has been using every ounce of energy to focus, follow rules, and manage emotions at school. Recognizing this is key. First, offer a low-pressure transition: a snack, a drink, and a safe space to decompress. Keep expectations light and avoid jumping straight into homework or chores. Megan suggests a simple after-school routine that blends calm and connection. Try a 10-minute breathing or stretching activity, a brief check-in about their day, then a structured snack or creative time like drawing or building. Naming the feeling-“You’re feeling melted,…

Why did the ADHD kid bring a ladder to school? Because he wanted to go to high school! Why did Jamie doodle all over his math homework? Because numbers are too square for his brain. What do you call a group of ADHD friends playing hide and seek? Chaos with snacks. Why did Emma take a backpack full of snacks to class? Because focus is hungry work! How many ADHD kids does it take to change a light bulb? Wait… what were we talking about? Why did Lucas wear two different socks to school? Because matching is overrated. What’s an ADHD kid’s favorite subject? Imagination, obviously! Why did Mia bring a fidget spinner to history class? Because spinning through time is easier that way. Why did the ADHD student eat…

Hack Your Homework! 5 Cool Tricks to Get It Done. Homework is rarely anyone’s favorite part of the day, but it does not have to be a total drag. With the right hacks, kids and teens can get through assignments faster, parents can breathe easier, and everyone feels less stressed. One favorite trick is Game Time vs. Break Time. This method works like a timer game, where you focus for 20 minutes, then reward yourself with a 5 minute break. It is short, it is manageable, and it makes staying on task way less painful. Parents like it because it teaches discipline in a fun way, while teens like it because, hey, breaks are built in. Another clever idea is the homework menu. Instead of staring at the whole pile…

Build Your Own Calm-Down Kit Everyone has days when emotions feel like a rollercoaster that forgot to stop. A calm down kit can be your secret weapon. Start with something simple, like a stress ball to squeeze when energy is buzzing, or a soft piece of fabric to rub between your fingers when you need comfort. You can also make your own glitter jar, just fill a clear bottle with water, glitter, and a drop of glue. Shake it up, watch the glitter swirl, and breathe until it all settles down. Parents love this tool because it gives kids an easy way to self regulate, and teens appreciate having something that feels personal and private. Add your own magic to the kit too. Write down a list of happy memories,…

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD): That Big Feeling Explained If you’ve ever felt like a tiny comment, a text, or even a look completely crushed your mood, you might have experienced RSD. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is a real thing, common in ADHD, and it makes emotional reactions feel huge and overwhelming. Teens, it is not you being overly dramatic, parents, it is not a phase-it is how the brain processes perceived rejection. Knowing this is a first step toward feeling more in control. So what can you do when RSD hits? Pause, breathe, and remind yourself the feeling is temporary. Journaling your thoughts, talking to a trusted friend, or even stepping outside for a few minutes can help. Visual cues, self affirmations, or gentle music can also calm the intensity. Yeah,…

Anxiety & ADHD: Untangling the Knot Living with ADHD can feel like your brain is a fast-moving train, but throw anxiety into the mix and yeah, no, it’s a whole mood. Anxiety often pops up alongside ADHD, making it tricky to focus, sleep, or even get through a busy school day. Teens, you might feel your heart race, thoughts spiral, or muscles tense up, and parents, you might notice avoidance or sudden irritability. The good news is, recognizing these feelings is the first step toward untangling them. Mindfulness techniques are a great way to help both teens and parents manage the knot of anxiety and ADHD. Simple breathing exercises like counting four in, four out, and noticing how your body feels can be surprisingly powerful. Short guided meditations or focusing…

Collaborative Problem Solving: From Power Struggles to Partnerships Parenting can feel like a tug-ofwar sometimes, especially when ADHD is in the mix. The Collaborative Problem Solving model, created by Dr. Ross B, offers a fresh approach. Instead of relying on rewards or punishments, CPS focuses on understanding why a child struggles. Maybe a task is frustrating, confusing, or just plain overwhelming. Identifying these “lagging skills” lets parents and kids tackle problems together, turning conflict into connection. Yeah, no-teenagers are a whole mood, and CPS meets them where they are. In practice, CPS means sitting down, listening, and brainstorming solutions as a team. It builds communication skills, trust, and cooperation, while reducing tantrums and power struggles. Parents report feeling less stress, and kids feel heard and supported. Over time, CPS transforms…

Tool Time: Apps, Books, and Gear We Love Navigating life with ADHD can feel like juggling flaming torches, but having the right tools can make a huge difference. For parents and kids, fidget toys are game-changers. From squishy stress balls to twisty sensory gadgets, these small tools can help kids focus during homework or calm down after a hectic day. Pair that with noise-cancelling headphones and you’ve got a mini oasis of concentration, perfect for study time or travel. Teens and parents alike swear by these simple yet effective gadgets, and yeah, no-sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Books are another powerful tool. Titles like “The Explosive Child” by Dr. Ross Greene or “Smart but Scattered” by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare offer practical strategies and…

Why Do I Get So Wiggly? Dear Dr. Alex, My name is Emily and my teacher says I cannot sit still during math. I keep tapping my pencil and bouncing my legs. Why do I get so wiggly? Hi Emily, great question! The truth is, your body is not misbehaving, it is asking for movement. Our brains need sensory input, kind of like snacks for the mind. Wiggling, stretching, even doodling gives your brain a little energy boost. Teens and kids with ADHD often need extra movement to stay focused, and honestly, adults do too. Parents, if you notice your child squirming, it is not laziness, it is their brain asking for help. Little breaks for jumping jacks, walking around, or even squeezing a stress ball can make homework easier…

Draw Your Brain! Ever wondered what is really going on inside your amazing brain? Here is your chance to show it off. Imagine a giant outline of a brain stretched across two pages, just waiting for you to fill it up with all the cool stuff that makes you, well, you. Grab your pens, colors, or even sticky notes and start writing or drawing the things that make you special. Ask yourself, what do you love to learn, what makes you laugh till your stomach hurts, or what makes you such a good friend. Parents, this is not just a doodle, it is a way for teens to recognize their strengths, celebrate small wins, and see how creativity and self expression can boost confidence and emotional well being. Now here…

How I Hack My Schedule: 3 Teens Share Their Systems We asked a few teens with ADHD how they keep their chaos in check, and wow, the creativity is real. Jake swears by his color-coded planner, neon pens for assignments, and pastel for fun stuff, helping him stay calm when big feelings hit. Mia relies on phone calendars with reminder alarms, because yeah, no, forgetting tasks can make RSD spikes even worse. And then there’s Leo, who loves bullet journaling with doodles and checklists-it turns organization into a creative outlet, making overwhelming days feel manageable. The big takeaway, parents and teens alike, is there’s no one “right” way to organize. Teens, experiment, mix analog and digital, and find what vibes with your brain. Parents, support them without judgment, because helping…

Beyond the Label: Seeing Your Child's Strengths First Parenting a child with ADHD or learning differences can sometimes feel like a constant checklist of “fix this” or “stop that.” Yeah, no-parents, it’s easy to get caught in what’s challenging, but the magic happens when you flip the lens. Instead of focusing on what’s “wrong,” look at what’s strong. Maybe your child has an incredible memory for facts, a knack for storytelling, or bursts of creativity that light up a room. Highlighting these strengths boosts confidence and builds a foundation for growth. Practical ways to do this include celebrating small wins, creating activities that let talents shine, and using positive language daily. Parents, your words and attention shape how your child sees themselves. By adopting a strength-based approach, you empower your…

Pour From a Full Cup: Managing Your Own Overwhelm Parenting is a full-time job, and yeah, no…sometimes it’s a circus without a ringmaster. Pouring from an empty cup doesn’t help anyone, not you, not your kiddo. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s survival. Even five minutes of deep breathing, stretching while the pasta boils, or stepping outside for a quick walk can reset your brain and boost your mood. Scheduling tiny breaks throughout the day is not a luxury, it’s essential. Remember, you’re modeling healthy coping for your child too. Asking for help doesn’t make you weak, it makes you smart. Whether it’s a trusted friend, partner, or professional, support is key. Journaling thoughts, listening to a favorite song, or indulging in a cup of tea in quiet can recharge you enough…

Create Your Own Sensory Bottle! Ready to make a calm-in-abottle? Grab a clear plastic bottle, some glitter, glue, and water. Step one, fill the bottle halfway with warm water. Step two, add a few squeezes of glue-it slows the glitter, creating a mesmerizing swirl. Step three, sprinkle in your glitter, beads, or sequins, and maybe a drop of food coloring for extra flair. Step four, top off with water and seal tight-super important for safety. Shake it, watch the glitter swirl, and take deep breaths… instant focus and calm! Why does it work? The slow movement of glitter tricks your brain into slowing down too, giving your mind a mini break and helping with emotional regulation. Perfect for homework breaks, before a test, or any moment you need a mini…