02: Embracing Your Child's Zone of Genius with Dr. Elisa Song

Dr. Elisa Song is an integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert, and "mama" to Kenzi and Bodi. Through her integrative pediatric practice, Whole Family Wellness, she has helped thousands of kids get to the root causes of their health concerns and helped their parents how to help their children thrive in body, mind, and spirit. She does this by integrating conventional pediatrics with functional medicine: homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and essential oils. Dr. Song joins Dana Kay to share the telltale signs of ADHD in young children, why it's vital to highlight and embrace your child's "zone of genius", how to optimize your child's diet and lifestyle, and the role of medication in treating ADHD.   Takeaways: [3:47] Dr. Song shares what to look for if you suspect that your child has ADHD. [9:38] Identify your child's "zone of genius" rather than scolding them for what you perceive as shortcomings (ex. being hyperfocused). [12:21] Dr. Song speaks on how she assesses whether or not a child has ADHD, and explains the types of sensory challenges that may mistakenly be attributed to ADHD. [17:15] How important is it to have a diagnosis, really? [22:27] Dr. Song does a deep dive into her personalized approach to working with ADHD children. [27:06] If food is medicine, you should always focus first and foremost on how to nourish your child's brain. [33:18] Lifestyle is also a major factor in health and wellness. At the top of the list, ensure that your child is getting adequate sleep. [40:40] Dr. Song explains the role of medication in treating ADHD. [43:49] The most important thing you can do as a family is to sit down periodically and take an inventory of all your child's strengths.   Where to Find Dr. Elisa Song: Website: https://www.healthykidshappykids.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrElisaSongMD Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthykids_happykids/   Memorable Quotes: "We don't want kids to be self-identifying: labeling themselves as 'troublemaker' or the kid that nobody wants to have a playdate with." "Unfortunately, conventional pediatrics still tends to be a one-size-fits-all approach. With functional and integrative medicine, it's really about unfolding your child's unique story." "If your gut isn't healthy, you're not going to have enough neurotransmitters to keep your brain healthy." "You can't out-supplement an unhealthy diet and lifestyle." "Lifestyle is medicine; but, especially for brains that are not as healthy and happy as they could be."   Dana Kay Resources:    Website - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/adhdthriveinstitute  Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/  YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/74302454/  Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute     International Best Selling Book, Thriving with ADHD - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/   Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass – https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl   ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program - https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/