Genuinely Trying: What ADHD Really Looks Like in Teens (and Why It's Not About Effort) with Dr. Kristin Edwards

Guest: Dr. Kristin Edwards, licensed psychologist and founder of Tampa Pediatric Psychology, specializing in evidence-based therapy and assessment for children, adolescents, and young adults, with a focus on ADHD, anxiety, and executive functioning.In this episode, Dr. Courtney sits down with fellow psychologist Dr. Kristin Edwards to unpack why ADHD often gets missed or misunderstood in teenagers — especially when a bright, capable kid seems to be trying but still falling short. They dig into the shame spiral this creates, how it quietly erodes trust between parents and teens, and how families can start shifting the pattern with more compassion and better systems.What You'll Learn:Why ADHD in teens often looks nothing like ADHD in younger kidsThe gap between effort and output — and why parents mistake it for lazinessHow executive function actually works, in plain languageWhy shame and low self-esteem so often travel alongside ADHDHow the "checking the portal, missing assignment" cycle breaks down parent-teen trustHow to shift executive functioning support away from the parent and into external systemsThe difference between intervention, accommodation, and treatment — and where to startWhy more accommodations aren't always better (and can sometimes backfire)What to ask before considering medicationOne reframe that can change how you talk to your teen tonightResources & Links:Dr. Kristin Edwards, Tampa Pediatric PsychologyIntegrated Behavioral Health: https://www.integratedbhs.com/Book a consult with Integrated Behavioral HealthSign up for the Integrated Behavioral Health newsletterLegal Disclaimer: While this podcast may provide information that is educational in nature, it is not intended to be a health care service, psychotherapy, or the practice of psychology. This podcast’s main purpose is to provide educational insights for all stages of child and family development. We will not provide diagnoses or specific recommendations for your family. At no point is a therapeutic relationship established by way of your unilateral participation by listening to these episodes, and we cannot provide advice or privileges associated with a therapeutic relationship. We recommend that anyone who is seeking a therapeutic relationship reach out to Integrated Behavioral Health at [email protected] to begin the interview process of becoming a client or receiving a referral. If at any point in your listening or engaging with the content of this podcast, you experience an emergency, please immediately call 911 or go to your local emergency room.