Stay the Course, Trust the Process: Untangling ADHD, Comorbidities, and the Myth of the Superpower with Dr. Norrine Russell

Guest: Dr. Norrine Russell, PhD — founder of Russell Coaching, the largest student coaching practice in the U.S., and author of Asking the Right Questions About ADHD.This week, Dr. Courtney is joined by Dr. Norrine Russell to unpack what really goes into understanding and supporting a child with ADHD — beyond the Instagram soundbites. Drawing on both her clinical expertise and her own experience parenting two children with ADHD, autism, and anxiety, Dr. Russell offers a clearer, more compassionate roadmap for parents navigating diagnosis, treatment, and everyday overwhelm.What You'll Learn:Why only about a third of kids with ADHD don't have a co-occurring diagnosis (anxiety, depression, learning differences, or autism)Why ADHD diagnosis is uniquely confusing — and which providers look for whatWhy a comprehensive psychoeducational evaluation is often the clearest path forwardHow to use a "strengths cover sheet" to reframe an evaluation before diving into recommendationsWhy the "ADHD is a superpower" narrative can do more harm than goodHow to talk to kids honestly about ADHD without defining them by itWhy parenting a complex kid is "intense and dysregulating" — and why that's a normal response, not a sign you're failingThree tangible tools: visual schedules, a family whiteboard, and the "five pennies" connection practiceWhy connection has to come before correctionThe mantra to hold onto when nothing feels certain: stay the course, trust the processResources & Links:Dr. Russell's book: Asking the Right Questions About ADHDDr. Russell's podcast: Breaking Out of the Box: ADHD, Autism, and AnxietyRussell CoachingIntegrated Behavioral Health: integratedbhs.comLegal 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.