Latest ADHD Research 2025: Executive Function Training, Sleep Secrets, and Why Therapy Dogs Actually Work

Send us Fan MailWhat if the key to helping your ADHD child wasn't just medication—but a combination of unexpected interventions backed by cutting-edge research? In this episode, Dr. Brian Bradford returns from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) national conference in Chicago with game-changing research findings that every parent and teacher needs to hear.From why twice-weekly therapy sessions outperform weekly appointments to the surprising connection between tonsillectomies and ADHD symptom improvement, this episode breaks down the latest scientific discoveries in a way that's actually useful for your daily life.What You'll LearnRevolutionary Executive Function Training (3:55)The Sleep-ADHD Connection You're Missing (9:59)504 Plans: What's Actually Working (12:14)Teachers Need Support Too (18:24)Surprising Animal Therapy Research (26:08)When ADHD Runs in Families (22:37)Key Takeaways✓ Start executive function training early (3rd-5th grade is optimal) for lifelong organizational skills✓ Prioritize sleep assessment before assuming all symptoms are ADHD-related—sleep apnea could be creating "super ADHD"✓ Advocate confidently for 504 plans—they're legally required, and knowing what works helps you push for effective accommodations✓ Build partnerships with teachers who love your child but lack training and resources✓ Consider animal-assisted therapy as a complementary intervention with growing research support✓ Remember: ADHD is highly hereditary—understanding your own executive function challenges helps you support your child betterResources MentionedHoliplay Summit (free): holiplaysummit.comApryl's session: "From Road Trips to Red Eyes" - ADHD travel hacks for the holidaysDr. Gallagher's Organizational Skills Training Program (for 3rd-5th graders)CHAD ADHD Conference (Kansas City, upcoming)American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Orange Journal (October 2025) for full research papersCHAD Magazine - recent article on early intervention benefitsResearch HighlightedRush University: Executive function training efficacy studyUniversity of Missouri School of Medicine: 504 plan accommodation surveySkagit Regional Health, Washington: Tonsillectomy and ADHD outcomesCambridge University, UK: Teacher relationship study with 155 participantsHarvard Medical School: Familial ADHD risk markersTel Aviv University & McGill University: Daytime sleepiness and executive functionRowan Virtua School of Medicine: Animal-assisted therapy meta-analysisSpecial AnnouncementJoin Apryl Bradford at the FREE Hiloplay Summit next week for her session on ADHD-friendly travel strategies just in time for the holidays. Get your free ticket at holiplaysummit.com.Connect With Raising ADHDhttps://www.instagram.com/raisingadhd_org/Note: This episode references research presented at the 2025 AACAP conference. For complete study details, consult the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry's Orange Journal, October 2025 edition.Episode CreditsHosts: Apryl Bradford (Former Teacher & ADHD Mom) and Dr. Brian Bradford (Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist)Episode Length: 32:44Release Date: 10/29/25