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The Autism ADHD Podcast

The Autism ADHD Podcast

By: Holly Blanc Moses
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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
  • 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 📺 ...
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    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
  • The Emotional Toll of Sensory Sensitivities: What Autistic & ADHD Kids Feel That Adults Often Miss

    The Emotional Toll of Sensory Sensitivities: What Autistic & ADHD Kids Feel That Adults Often Miss
    Dec 11 2025
    https://www.youtube.com/@autismadhdtvwithhollySensory experiences shape how neurodivergent kids feel, think, and show up in the world — and when those experiences are overwhelming, confusing, or dismissed, the emotional toll can be enormous. In today's rebroadcast, Holly Blanc Moses (AuDHD therapist, evaluator, and mom) gets deeply personal, sharing powerful stories from her own childhood and adulthood that reveal what sensory differences really feel like from the inside. From the "sock struggle" to being pushed into a pool, to finally standing under a waterfall at 50 years old—Holly opens the door to understanding sensory experiences in a way that is validating, compassionate, and unforgettable. Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, this episode will help you see big reactions, meltdowns, refusals, or "sensitivities" through an entirely new lens: ✨ One rooted in sensory distress, not misbehavior. ✨ One grounded in emotional safety, not compliance. ✨ One that teaches us to believe kids—even when we don't fully understand. Because when we understand sensory needs, we understand the child. In This Episode, You'll Learn: What sensory overload actually feels like for many autistic and ADHD individuals Why sensory distress often leads to emotional dysregulation or meltdowns How invalidation ("You're being dramatic") impacts long-term emotional wellbeing Why believing kids' sensory experiences improves trust, attachment, and regulation Holly's personal sensory stories (you may see your child or client in them!) Who This Episode Is For: ✔ Parents of autistic & ADHD children ✔ Mental health therapists ✔ Educators, school staff, and support professionals ✔ Anyone who wants to better understand sensory differences and emotional regulation If you've ever wondered, "Why does this tiny thing create such a big reaction?" — this episode will give you the clarity and compassion you've been searching for. 🥁🥁🥁🥁 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! 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. 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.
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    22 mins
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I am a parent of a newly, as of this week, diagnosed adhd/autistic child and I have read endless books and attended more webinars than anything I have ever wanted to know for personal knowledge or benefit.

My daughter is 15 and she is amazing but listening to just one episode I’m inspired to change my behaviour and understand why our relationship has been so difficult during her teenage years. It also informs me just how much I need to work on reassuring her that things will improve for us and how we need to change the way other family generations and teachers are thinking.

I think this podcast may relieve some of the panic attacks I have every morning and plot a better, less anxious course for our futures. Thank you.

To the point parenting advice

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Wow this is amazing thanks to much ! Work through the very Americans language it’s so valuable

Like a radio becoming tuned in for the first time !

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