How “bad behavior” may signal anxiety in kids with ADHD

Many kids with ADHD also deal with anxiety. Together, this can end up looking like defiance, avoidance, or just acting out at school. In this episode, we’re breaking down what’s really going on behind these behaviors. And we share practical ways that parents can support their kids — at home and at school — through clear communication, behavior plans, and strategies that actually work.For more on this topic: Listen: How can you help an anxious childRead: 6 things I wish I’d known about my son’s anxietyDownload: Anxiety tracker for kidsTimestamps:  (05:40) Why teachers misinterpret ADHD behavior as defiance(10:30) Behavior is communication: Decoding what kids are really saying(16:00) How behavior intervention plans (BIPs) support kids with ADHD(22:30) Motivating kids: Rewards, buy-in, and real-world successFor a transcript and more resources, visit the episode page on Understood.org. We love hearing from our listeners! Email us at [email protected]. As kids head back to school, it's a good time to remember: not every student experiences the classroom the same way. Through My Eyes, a free interactive experience from Understood, lets you step into a day in the life of a kid with ADHD, dyslexia, or dyscalculia. See their strengths and challenges in a whole new way. Try it out here.Understood.org is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with learning and thinking differences, like ADHD and dyslexia. If you want to help us continue this work, donate at understood.org/give Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.