THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST - podcast cover

THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST

Holly Blanc Moseswww.hollyblancmoses.com
Welcome to The Autism ADHD Podcast, your go-to podcast for neurodiversity-affirming, insightful, and practical support. We discuss mental health, emotional regulation, social interaction, academics, independence, and more! Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, you'll find knowledge, evidence-based tips, and real-life stories to empower Autistic and ADHD children and teens to live a life they love. Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist
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Episodes

"Why 'Bad Behavior' Isn't Bad Parenting — And the Harmful 'Raised Right' Myth About Autism & ADHD"

If you've ever felt that gut punch… The side eye. The comment. The subtle (or not so subtle) message that your child is "too much"… or that you're somehow getting it wrong as a parent… I get it! In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I'm talking about something that so many parents and therapists experience… but we don't talk about enough: The "good kid / bad kid" narrative The "they were raised right" comments And the damage this causes for autistic and ADHD kids — and their families This ...

Apr 09, 202631 min

Neurodivergent Moms of Autistic & ADHD Kids: Your Burnout Makes Sense & It Didn't Start With Motherhood

I want to start with something I say to burned-out moms — and I mean it every single time I say it: Your burnout makes sense. Not the kind of "makes sense" that's just being nice. The kind that means there is a real, biological, neurological explanation for why you feel the way you feel. And it started long before you became a mom. That's a nervous system that was already running on empty — and finally hit its limit. In this episode, I'm joined by Elizabeth LeForest — AuDHD somatic coach, trauma...

Apr 01, 202651 min

Sex, Drugs & What Neurodivergent Kids Actually Hear — And Why Safe Communication Changes Everything

Let me tell you about the time I performed Madonna's "Like a Virgin" at my elementary school talent show. I was nine. I rolled around on the floor. I sang every single word. I thought the audience was speechless because I was that talented. I had absolutely no idea what the word virgin meant. Nobody asked what song I'd picked. Nobody explained it to me. And I didn't know what I didn't know. This episode is full of stories like that one — real, honest, cringe-worthy stories from my own childhood ...

Mar 25, 202616 min

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

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...

Mar 18, 202655 min

Autism & ADHD: Effective Ways to Teach Chores

ADHD & Autism: Why Chores Are So Hard and How To Teach Chores in a Way That Actually Works:) 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 a...

Mar 04, 202630 min

Why Morning and Bedtime Routines Are So Hard for ADHD and Autistic Kids — And the Practical Supports That Help

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...

Feb 25, 202624 min

Executive Functioning: The "Why" Behind ADHD Struggles

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 ...

Feb 18, 202638 min

No One Asked Me Why: What Autistic and ADHD Children Want You To Know

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. ...

Feb 12, 202625 min

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 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 ...

Jan 28, 202626 min

Why Overusing the Word "Friend" Can Hurt Autistic and ADHD Children

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, ...

Jan 21, 202619 min

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

"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 thei...

Jan 14, 202636 min

The Emotional Toll of Sensory Sensitivities: What Autistic & ADHD Kids Feel That Adults Often Miss

https://www.youtube.com/@autismadhdtvwithholly Sensory 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 struggl...

Dec 11, 202522 min

5 Signs of An Emotionally Safe Parent For Neurodivergent Children

In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, host Holly Blanc Moses welcomes Shelly Robinson, a Certified Conscious parenting coach and founder of Raising Yourself. You don't want to miss this episode! Parents, therapists, and educators are going to LOVE this episode. Holly and Shelly cover 5 signs of emotionally safe parents, why this way of parenting is the best for both the child and the parent and how to work on becoming a safer parent. They dive into crucial topics like allowing kids to disa...

Dec 03, 202545 min

13 Ways to Support Motivation & Executive Functioning in ADHD and Autistic Children

If you've ever thought, "Why don't they just do what I say?" or "They need to be more motivated," this episode will completely change how you support autistic and adhd children. In this episode, you'll learn: What motivation actually is (cognitively speaking) and how it relies on executive functioning The specific executive functions that impact motivation How executive functioning challenges lead to anxiety and depression when kids are blamed instead of supported Real case examples of what "unm...

Oct 30, 20251 hr 37 min

5 Game-Changing School Accommodations for Autistic and ADHD Students

Thanks for joining me, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist, on The Autism ADHD Podcast. Is a neurodivergent student in your life struggling at school? You're not alone—and there ARE supports that actually work. In this episode, I'm breaking down 5 game-changing school accommodations based on what parents, therapists, and educators are searching for most: communication supports, sensory regulation, executive functioning help, and more. These aren't vague suggestions—they're real ...

Oct 13, 202540 min

FREE RESOURCE to Increase Understanding & Support for Autistic & ADHD Students

Welcome to The Autism ADHD Podcast! I'm thrilled that you joined me. My name is Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist. Today, we are talking about the FREE "Get to Know My Child Snapshot" - a one-page fillable pdf that takes less than 5-minutes to complete. Decrease anxiety Prevent misunderstandings about behavior Highlight strengths and interests Set a child up for success with teachers, coaches, tutors, sitters, therapists, doctors, etc. Get your FREE "Get To Know My Child Snapsh...

Sep 18, 202512 min

Telling My Parents, "I'm Autistic": Masking, Sensory Needs & Validation

Hey friends—today I'm getting personal. I share what it was like to tell my dad and mom about my autism diagnosis at 50, how internalized ableism whispered "you're not autistic enough," and why believing kids is one of the most powerful ways to lower anxiety. We talk masking that looked like "success," sensory differences that shaped my days, the "my regular" story (Hi, Dairy Queen), and the moment validation turned fear into relief. If you're a parent, therapist, educator—or navigating your own...

Sep 10, 202527 min

Stop Meltdowns: Help Autistic & ADHD Kids Turn Avoidance into Confidence

Ever asked an autistic and/or adhd child to do something "simple" and they had a meltdown or shutdown? Does it seem like they'll do anything to avoid? In this episode, I'm breaking down the reasons behind the avoidance and I'll introduce you to The Doable Approach. It's my practical, neurodiversity-affirming approach that helps kids feel safe, understood, and capable. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why avoidance isn't refusal ✅ The "invisible stacked blocks" that lead to meltdowns and shutdown...

Aug 27, 202533 min

From Academic Struggles to Social Challenges: Understanding & Supporting Processing Speed Differences

Ever wonder why it takes three hours to do 20 minutes of homework? Or why they freeze up when you ask them to get dressed? Join me, Holly Blanc Moses, and special guest, Leila Beikmohomadi, as we take a deep dive into processing speed differences in ADHD and autistic children and teens. We also share our lived experience with processing speed differences! What Parents, Therapists & Educators Will Learn: What processing speed actually is (hint: it's not about intelligence) How slower processi...

Aug 21, 20251 hr 2 min

The Hidden Executive Function That Affects Everything from Math to Meltdowns in Autistic and ADHD Kids

Does your child, student or client constantly forgetting what you just said? Struggling to follow directions, stay organized, or complete schoolwork? You're not alone — and it's not a behavior problem. It may be lower working memory. In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast , I breaks down what working memory really is, why it's often misunderstood, and how it impacts everything from transitions to conversations to homework. Most importantly — you'll walk away with compassionate, neurodiversit...

Aug 07, 202542 min

The Social Skill That Protects the Mental Health of Autistic & ADHD Kids

When your neurodivergent child, client or student faces social rejection, how do you protect their self-worth while still helping them grow? Join Dr. Daniel Wendler and me, Holly Blanc Moses, for game-changing mindset shifts that support mental health. This isn't about lowering expectations or avoiding social situations. It's about teaching kids to measure success by how authentically they show up, not by other people's responses. We discuss why this approach actually leads to better social conn...

Jul 30, 202522 min

Stop Saying This to Neurodivergent Kids (It Contributes to Depression)

At 50 years old, I still feel physically sick when I hear these two words. My throat closes up, my chest tightens, and I'm instantly transported back to being that confused, overwhelmed neurodivergent kid who could never seem to get things right. Those words? "Should be." In this vulnerable and eye-opening episode, I share how "should be" thinking is accidentally creating mental health crises in our ADHD and autistic children - and what to do instead. Whether you are a parent, therapist or educa...

Jul 16, 202520 min

Why Neurodivergent Kids Stay in Their Comfort Zone & How to Help Them Step Out

Welcome to The Autism ADHD Podcast. I'm glad you joined me today because my guest, Reid Miles, host of "Inside the Asperger's Studio," and I are talking about why it's so hard to move outside our comfort zone. We are also discussing how to move outside the zone with more comfort and confidence. Some of the topics we are covering are: Why forcing neurodivergent kids out of their comfort zone backfires The real reason behind the "I don't want to" responses How to use "starter sentences" to underst...

Jul 09, 202529 min

Hold On Tight: 5 Must Know Tips For Parenting Neurodivergent Children

I'm honored to interview Jan Stewart, author of "Hold on Tight." In today's episode, she shares her powerful journey raising two neurodivergent children and provides five essential tips that every parent of ADHD and autistic kids needs to hear. Jan's wisdom comes from decades of advocacy, partnership-building, and learning to trust her instincts while navigating systems that often misunderstand our children. After you take a listen, please share:) Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodive...

Jul 02, 202534 min

Reactive to Regulated: How Neurodivergent Moms Can Stay Calm In The Chaos & Avoid Burnout

In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Kate Moryoussef, host of the award-winning ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, to discuss the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent mothers. Both diagnosed in their 40s, Kate and I share authentic insights about self-acceptance, burnout prevention, and how to be the calm anchor for our families. Key Topics Discussed The grief and relief that comes with a late ADHD diagnosis Why self-compassion must come before self-acceptance Recognizing the subtle ...

Jun 18, 202530 min

The Mental Health Cost Of Productivity Culture On Neurodivergent Kids

In this powerful episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I sits down with social worker, educator, and author Stephanie Malia Krauss to explore how our society's obsession with productivity can be dangerous for the mental and physical health of neurodivergent children. The good news is that Stephanie and I walk you through practical strategies that make a BIG impact! Don't miss it! Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist CLICK HERE for Holly's Free Behavior & Social Inter...

Jun 04, 202548 min

Denial to Dedication: A Father's Raw Truth About Autism Acceptance With Harry Psaros

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Harry Psaros, author of the Amazon bestseller "From Struggle to Strength: A Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity." Harry shares his personal journey of initially denying his son Gus's autism diagnosis and how he eventually became a passionate advocate in the community. He discusses the challenges fathers face in accepting their children's diagnoses, his practical "2% rule" for moving forward, and the importance of building a...

May 21, 202529 min

Unmasking Moms: How Being Your Authentic Self Helps Your Neurodivergent Child Thrive

In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I explore how mothers of neurodivergent children can embrace their authentic selves—quirks, sensitivities, and all—and why this is so powerful for modeling self-acceptance. I chat about the pressure to conform to the "good mom" ideal, the costs of masking, and practical strategies for living more authentically. Most importantly, you'll hear about how your authenticity directly teaches your child that their differences are valid and worthy of acceptance...

May 14, 202532 min

Survival Mode: Decoding Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn in the Neurodivergent Children & Teens

In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, we explore how the nervous system's survival responses (Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn) shape the experiences of neurodivergent children—and ourselves as parents, educators, and therapists. Learn how recognizing these responses can transform challenging behaviors into opportunities for connection and growth. What You'll Learn Why neurodivergent individuals often experience chronic nervous system hyperarousal How to identify the four survival responses...

May 07, 202544 min

From Shame to Self-Compassion: Supporting Mental Health, Social Needs and Executive Functioning in Neurodivergent Kids

I'm excited to welcome Dr. Catherine Mutti-Driscoll back to The Autism ADHD Podcast for this special rebroadcast! We are chatting about neurodivergent children and their experience with self-critcism and how this is impacted by social differences, learning needs and executive functioning. Catherine and I also talk about how to move forward with self-compassion. In This Episode You'll Learn: What brain shame is and how it develops in neurodivergent individuals How executive function challenges ar...

Apr 30, 202535 min
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