THE AUTISM ADHD PODCAST
by Holly Blanc Moses
Welcome to The Autism ADHD Podcast, your go-to podcast for neurodiversity-affirming, insightful, and practical support. We discuss mental health, emotional regulation, social interaction, academics, independence, and more! Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, you'll find knowledge, evidence-based tips, and real-life stories to empower Autistic and ADHD children and teens to live a life they love.Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist
Episodes
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PDA in Autistic & ADHD Kids: Demand Avoidance + 5 Strategies That Help
PDA in Autistic & ADHD Kids: Demand Avoidance + 5 Strategies That Help What if an autistic or ADHD child's "NO" isn't defiance? What if they're actually overwhelmed, anxious, or afraid? You ask your child to put on their shoes. A teacher asks a student to open their book. A therapist suggests an...
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"Just for Attention"? Why This Assumption Hurts Autistic & ADHD Kids and How to Help
"Just for Attention"? Why This Assumption Hurts Autistic & ADHD Kids and How to Help "How can they expect me to stay invisible? It's not like I can just stop existing." An autistic ADHD boy said those words to me in my office. After decades of working with children and teens, it's still one of…
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Is It Really "Behavior"? Medical Issues We May Miss in Autistic & ADHD Kids
What if the "behavior" you're seeing isn't simply behavior? When an autistic or ADHD child suddenly becomes more irritable, anxious, withdrawn, aggressive, avoidant, or emotionally dysregulated, it's easy to focus on what we can see—and how to make it stop. But what if the behavior is actually a...
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Are We Telling the Wrong Story? Executive Functioning in Autistic & ADHD Children
Are they really refusing—or are we expecting their brain to do something it can't reliably access in that moment? Executive functioning differences can look like laziness, carelessness, defiance, lack of motivation, "not listening," forgotten homework, unfinished assignments, meltdowns, or…
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Could One Page Change Your Child's School Year?: Free Tool to Help Teachers, Therapists & Others Better Understand Autistic & ADHD Children
Could One Page Change Your Child's School Year? A Free Tool to Help the Adults in Their World Truly Understand Them If you're the parent of an autistic or ADHD child, you know how exhausting it can be to explain your child to every new teacher, therapist, physician, coach, tutor, or camp…
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Why Some Tasks Feel Impossible for Autistic & ADHD Kids: Visual-Spatial Skills, Executive Functioning, and the Cost of Shame
Why does your autistic or ADHD child struggle with things that seem easy for everyone else? Maybe they can't keep their room organized. Maybe they lose things constantly. Maybe they seem overwhelmed by tasks that other children complete without much effort. And maybe you've wondered... "Are they...
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Small Language Shifts That Protect The Mental Health of Autistic & ADHD Children
The Small Language Shifts That Protect the Mental Health of Neurodivergent Kids What if some of the most common words we use with autistic and ADHD children are actually creating confusion, shame, masking and self-doubt? Words like: • Respectful • Responsible • Pay attention • Motivated •...
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Are We Really Listening to Autistic & ADHD Children?
I was in the hospital for seven days recently. Scared. Exhausted. Completely out of control of what was happening to my body. In the middle of all of it — a nurse walked in and asked if I wanted a blanket. It sounds small. It wasn't. Because in that moment, someone was asking what I needed. And I...
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Autism, ADHD & Anxiety: Trying to Be "Good Enough" Almost Killed Me
This episode is deeply personal. Today, I'm sharing a part of my story that I've hidden for a very long time. Elizabeth Le Forest is walking with me through painful topics such as anxiety, perfectionism, chronic illness, masking, people pleasing, burnout, and what happens when a neurodivergent...
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"Why 'Bad Behavior' Isn't Bad Parenting — And the Harmful 'Raised Right' Myth About Autism & ADHD"
If you've ever felt that gut punch… The side eye. The comment. The subtle (or not so subtle) message that your child is "too much"… or that you're somehow getting it wrong as a parent… I get it! In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I'm talking about something that so many parents and...
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Neurodivergent Moms of Autistic & ADHD Kids: Your Burnout Makes Sense & It Didn't Start With Motherhood
I want to start with something I say to burned-out moms — and I mean it every single time I say it: Your burnout makes sense. Not the kind of "makes sense" that's just being nice. The kind that means there is a real, biological, neurological explanation for why you feel the way you feel. And it...
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Sex, Drugs & What Neurodivergent Kids Actually Hear — And Why Safe Communication Changes Everything
Let me tell you about the time I performed Madonna's "Like a Virgin" at my elementary school talent show. I was nine. I rolled around on the floor. I sang every single word. I thought the audience was speechless because I was that talented. I had absolutely no idea what the word virgin meant....
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Executive Functioning, ADHD & Autism: 5 Ways to Teach Accountability Without Shame
When adults tell autistic or ADHD children to be more accountable — to take more responsibility, to stop making excuses, admit when they're wrong — I understand exactly where that's coming from. The fear underneath it is real. The exhaustion is real. But here's what I also know: when we demand...
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Autism & ADHD: Effective Ways to Teach Chores
ADHD & Autism: Why Chores Are So Hard and How To Teach Chores in a Way That Actually Works:) Why do chores turn into power struggles in so many ADHD and autistic families? It's not laziness. It's not defiance. And it's definitely not a character flaw. In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast,...
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Why Morning and Bedtime Routines Are So Hard for ADHD and Autistic Kids — And the Practical Supports That Help
Why are morning routines and bedtime routines so hard for ADHD and autistic kids? If your mornings feel chaotic… If bedtime turns into battles… If you've tried "sleep hygiene," reward charts, reminders, and it still falls apart… This episode is for you. In this conversation, I sit down with...
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Executive Functioning: The "Why" Behind ADHD Struggles
What if the problem isn't motivation… but misunderstanding? In this episode, we dive deep into executive functioning and the powerful role of "why" in understanding ADHD and neurodivergent children and teens. Joining me is Dani Donovan — ADHD advocate, comic artist, and author of The Anti-Planner…
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No One Asked Me Why: What Autistic and ADHD Children Want You To Know
When I was in first grade, I had a plan for Valentine's Day. A very thoughtful, very Holly plan. Every classmate was getting a Valentine. But not every classmate was getting the same coin taped inside. There were the quarter kids. The dime kids. The nickel kids. The penny kids. And one classmate...
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People Pleasing Is Dangerous for Autistic & ADHD Kids: What Parents and Therapists Need to Know
People Pleasing Is Dangerous for Autistic & ADHD Kids: What Parents and Therapists Need to Know People pleasing is often labeled as being kind, flexible, or mature. But for autistic and ADHD children and teens, people pleasing is often something else entirely. It's a self-protective survival...
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Why Overusing the Word "Friend" Can Hurt Autistic and ADHD Children
We use the word friend all the time—at school, at home, on the playground. "Line up, friends." "We don't hit our friends." "That's my friend from work." It sounds warm and inclusive, and it's almost always said with good intentions. But for many autistic and ADHD children, language is taken...
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Why Neurodivergent Kids Get Labeled "Bossy"— & the 4-Steps That Change Everything
"Bossy." "Rude." "Demanding." "Has an attitude." If your autistic or ADHD child keeps getting these labels from teachers, family members, other parents or even yourself - this episode is for you. As an AuDHD psychologist, I see this pattern and how it silences the voices of neurodivergent…
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The Emotional Toll of Sensory Sensitivities: What Autistic & ADHD Kids Feel That Adults Often Miss
https://www.youtube.com/@autismadhdtvwithhollySensory experiences shape how neurodivergent kids feel, think, and show up in the world — and when those experiences are overwhelming, confusing, or dismissed, the emotional toll can be enormous. In today's rebroadcast, Holly Blanc Moses (AuDHD...
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5 Signs of An Emotionally Safe Parent For Neurodivergent Children
In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, host Holly Blanc Moses welcomes Shelly Robinson, a Certified Conscious parenting coach and founder of Raising Yourself. You don't want to miss this episode! Parents, therapists, and educators are going to LOVE this episode. Holly and Shelly cover 5…
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13 Ways to Support Motivation & Executive Functioning in ADHD and Autistic Children
If you've ever thought, "Why don't they just do what I say?" or "They need to be more motivated," this episode will completely change how you support autistic and adhd children. In this episode, you'll learn: What motivation actually is (cognitively speaking) and how it relies on executive...
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5 Game-Changing School Accommodations for Autistic and ADHD Students
Thanks for joining me, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist, on The Autism ADHD Podcast. Is a neurodivergent student in your life struggling at school? You're not alone—and there ARE supports that actually work. In this episode, I'm breaking down 5 game-changing school...
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FREE RESOURCE to Increase Understanding & Support for Autistic & ADHD Students
Welcome to The Autism ADHD Podcast! I'm thrilled that you joined me. My name is Holly Blanc Moses, The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist. Today, we are talking about the FREE "Get to Know My Child Snapshot" - a one-page fillable pdf that takes less than 5-minutes to complete. Decrease anxiety Prevent...
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Telling My Parents, "I'm Autistic": Masking, Sensory Needs & Validation
Hey friends—today I'm getting personal. I share what it was like to tell my dad and mom about my autism diagnosis at 50, how internalized ableism whispered "you're not autistic enough," and why believing kids is one of the most powerful ways to lower anxiety. We talk masking that looked like...
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Stop Meltdowns: Help Autistic & ADHD Kids Turn Avoidance into Confidence
Ever asked an autistic and/or adhd child to do something "simple" and they had a meltdown or shutdown? Does it seem like they'll do anything to avoid? In this episode, I'm breaking down the reasons behind the avoidance and I'll introduce you to The Doable Approach. It's my practical,...
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From Academic Struggles to Social Challenges: Understanding & Supporting Processing Speed Differences
Ever wonder why it takes three hours to do 20 minutes of homework? Or why they freeze up when you ask them to get dressed? Join me, Holly Blanc Moses, and special guest, Leila Beikmohomadi, as we take a deep dive into processing speed differences in ADHD and autistic children and teens. We also...
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The Hidden Executive Function That Affects Everything from Math to Meltdowns in Autistic and ADHD Kids
Does your child, student or client constantly forgetting what you just said? Struggling to follow directions, stay organized, or complete schoolwork? You're not alone — and it's not a behavior problem. It may be lower working memory. In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I breaks down what...
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The Social Skill That Protects the Mental Health of Autistic & ADHD Kids
When your neurodivergent child, client or student faces social rejection, how do you protect their self-worth while still helping them grow? Join Dr. Daniel Wendler and me, Holly Blanc Moses, for game-changing mindset shifts that support mental health. This isn't about lowering expectations or...
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Stop Saying This to Neurodivergent Kids (It Contributes to Depression)
At 50 years old, I still feel physically sick when I hear these two words. My throat closes up, my chest tightens, and I'm instantly transported back to being that confused, overwhelmed neurodivergent kid who could never seem to get things right. Those words? "Should be." In this vulnerable and...
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Why Neurodivergent Kids Stay in Their Comfort Zone & How to Help Them Step Out
Welcome to The Autism ADHD Podcast. I'm glad you joined me today because my guest, Reid Miles, host of "Inside the Asperger's Studio," and I are talking about why it's so hard to move outside our comfort zone. We are also discussing how to move outside the zone with more comfort and confidence....
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Hold On Tight: 5 Must Know Tips For Parenting Neurodivergent Children
I'm honored to interview Jan Stewart, author of "Hold on Tight." In today's episode, she shares her powerful journey raising two neurodivergent children and provides five essential tips that every parent of ADHD and autistic kids needs to hear. Jan's wisdom comes from decades of advocacy,...
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Reactive to Regulated: How Neurodivergent Moms Can Stay Calm In The Chaos & Avoid Burnout
In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Kate Moryoussef, host of the award-winning ADHD Women's Wellbeing Podcast, to discuss the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent mothers. Both diagnosed in their 40s, Kate and I share authentic insights about self-acceptance, burnout prevention…
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The Mental Health Cost Of Productivity Culture On Neurodivergent Kids
In this powerful episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I sits down with social worker, educator, and author Stephanie Malia Krauss to explore how our society's obsession with productivity can be dangerous for the mental and physical health of neurodivergent children. The good news is that Stephanie...
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Denial to Dedication: A Father's Raw Truth About Autism Acceptance With Harry Psaros
In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Harry Psaros, author of the Amazon bestseller "From Struggle to Strength: A Father's Journey with Autism and the Power of Hope and Positivity." Harry shares his personal journey of initially denying his son Gus's autism diagnosis and how he eventually...
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Unmasking Moms: How Being Your Authentic Self Helps Your Neurodivergent Child Thrive
In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I explore how mothers of neurodivergent children can embrace their authentic selves—quirks, sensitivities, and all—and why this is so powerful for modeling self-acceptance. I chat about the pressure to conform to the "good mom" ideal, the costs of...
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Survival Mode: Decoding Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn in the Neurodivergent Children & Teens
In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, we explore how the nervous system's survival responses (Fight, Flight, Freeze, and Fawn) shape the experiences of neurodivergent children—and ourselves as parents, educators, and therapists. Learn how recognizing these responses can transform…
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From Shame to Self-Compassion: Supporting Mental Health, Social Needs and Executive Functioning in Neurodivergent Kids
I'm excited to welcome Dr. Catherine Mutti-Driscoll back to The Autism ADHD Podcast for this special rebroadcast! We are chatting about neurodivergent children and their experience with self-critcism and how this is impacted by social differences, learning needs and executive functioning.…
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Autism Out Loud: Anxiety, Family Dynamics & Redefining Success with Dr. Adrian Wood
In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, join Dr. Adrian Wood, co-author of the new book "Autism Out Loud" and me, as we dive into anxiety, emotional regulation, and redefining success. We also discuss the significance of flexibility and compassion in parenting, the role of siblings, and the...
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Navigating Emotional Storms With Effective Nervous System Regulation for Neurodivergent Kids
In this groundbreaking episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I dive deep into Polyvagal Theory and the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) with Dr. Stephen Porges, and Karen Onderko. Learn how understanding our nervous system can transform therapeutic approaches for neurodivergent individuals. Episode...
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From Rejection To Connection: How To Support Neurodivergent Kids With Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria
In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I'm excited to welcome Catherine Mutti-Driscoll, Director of Executive Function Coaching at Hallowell Todaro ADHD & Behavioral Health Center, back to discuss Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). We dive into how RSD significantly impacts neurodivergent...
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How To Calm Your Anxiety About Your Neurodivergent Child's Future
In this powerful episode, Holly welcomes back Kirk Martin, founder of CelebrateCalm.com, to discuss a topic that weighs heavily on many parents' minds: anxiety about their neurodivergent child's future. Join us for this reassuring conversation that will help you embrace your child's unique…
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Safe To Be Seen: How To Support Unmasking In Neurodivergent Children with Dr. Devon Price
In this powerful episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I welcome Dr. Devon Price, social psychologist, professor, author, and proud autistic person, to discuss why neurodivergent individuals mask their true selves, the serious mental health consequences of long-term masking, and practical guidance...
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Supporting Emotional Regulation in Neurodivergent Children
Welcome to the Autism ADHD podcast! I'm thrilled you are joining Amanda Morin and I for this important rebroadcast. We are exploring the challenging but essential concepts of self-regulation and co-regulation. We dive deep into how emotional self-awareness and modeling can empower children and...
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Self-Advocacy for Neurodivergent Kids: Why It Matters & How to Support It
Thanks for joining me today as we revisit how to support self-advocacy in key areas! Why is self-advocacy so important for neurodivergent kids? I'll be answering this question and more so tune:) ❤️ Holly- The Mom/Psychologist Who Gets It CLICK HERE for Holly's ONE STOP RESOURCE - Social Success...
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How & When To Talk With Neurodivergent Kids About Sex
This episode is for adults only. Take care while listening. This episode of the Autism ADHD podcast features guest Amy Lang, a sexual health educator with over 27 years of experience and founder of Birds and Bees and Kids. In this episode, Amy and I chat about the importance providing sex…
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You're 'Wrong': How Ableism Impacts Depression In Neurodivergent Kids
You've got to hear this episode! It's all about the dangers of internalized ableism. It happens all the time, and it chips away at our children's mental health. I'm bringing this episode back because it's one we need to revisit often. Join me as I talk about signs of internalized ableism and how…
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Problem Sizing: 3 Ways 'Big Deal Vs. Little Deal' Harms Neurodivergent Kids
Have you ever told a child, "It's not a big deal" or "You're overreacting"? Many of us grew up hearing these phrases, and without realizing it, we may now be saying the same things to the children we support. But what if minimizing a child's emotions does more harm than good—especially for...
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Hold On Tight: 5 Helpful Tips For Parenting Neurodivergent Children
In this episode of The Autism ADHD Podcast, I sit down with Jan Stewart, mental health and neurodiversity advocate, speaker, and author of the award-winning book Hold On Tight. Jan shares her top five game-changing insights that every parent of a neurodivergent child needs to hear—wisdom gained...
About this show
Welcome to The Autism ADHD Podcast, your go-to podcast for neurodiversity-affirming, insightful, and practical support. We discuss mental health, emotional regulation, social interaction, academics, independence, and more! Whether you're a parent, therapist, or educator, you'll find knowledge, evidence-based tips, and real-life stories to empower Autistic and ADHD children and teens to live a life they love.Sincerely, Holly Blanc Moses - The Mom/Neurodivergent Therapist
Hosted by
Holly Blanc Moses