All Aboard ADHD

• ADHD in Sport

  Why are so many children with ADHD drawn to sport and how can parents, teachers, and coaches support them to thrive both on and off the field?In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Dr. Josephine Perry, Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist and author of the new book ADHD in Sport: Strategies for Success. Josephine specialises in helping athletes of all levels build confidence, motivation, and resilience. Her work explores the unique role that sport can play in supporting children and adults with ADHD.Claire and Josephine discuss the many ways ADHD traits show up in sport both as strengths and as struggles, alongside what parents and carers can do to encourage their children’s love of sport, while also protecting their wellbeing. Some key highlights of their conversation include:Why ADHD traits such as creativity, energy, and hyperfocus can help athletes shineThe challenges ADHD can bring in sport, including time blindness, emotional regulation, and organisationThe importance of autonomy, novelty, and interest in motivating ADHD brains to keep showing upHow setbacks and mistakes can be reframed as opportunities for growth and resilienceThe role of exercise in regulating the nervous system, improving focus, and boosting mental healthPractical coaching and parenting strategies that make a difference for young athletes with ADHDWhy role models like Simone Biles, Adam Peaty, and Charley Hull matter so much for children with ADHDWhether you’re raising a sporty child with ADHD, looking for ways to support them on the pitch, in the pool, on the court, or you’re simply curious about the powerful connection between movement and the ADHD brain, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and practical takeaways.Further resources and links:Josephine’s book: ADHD in Sport: Strategies for Success Learn more about Josephine’s work: https://performanceinmind.co.ukADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

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• My ADHD Story: Untangled Through Yoga

  Why do ADHD struggles like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and sensitivity often feel overwhelming and how can they be transformed into strengths?In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Rosie Turner, certified ADHD coach specialising in sports and wellness, yoga and pilates instructor, and host of the ADHD Untangled podcast. Rosie has dedicated her life to supporting the ADHD community in rewriting their story of struggle into strength.Rosie shares her powerful personal story from navigating addiction, impulsive decisions, and self-doubt, to finding yoga, ADHD coaching, and community as life-changing sources of healing and hope.This inspiring conversation covers:Rosie’s ADHD diagnosis journey and the relief, grief, and curiosity that followedHow impulsivity and hyperactivity once led to chaos but now fuel her creativity, coaching, and teachingThe role of sensitivity and empathy as powerful tools in her work with clientsWhy focusing on strengths, rather than weaknesses, can transform self-esteem and outcomes for children with ADHDHow environment and role models shape whether ADHD traits show up as struggles or strengthsThe life-changing impact of yoga as a form of movement, meditation, and nervous system regulation for ADHD brainsThe importance of authentic teaching and finding the right style, environment, or teacher when exploring yoga and wellness practicesHow retreats, coaching, and community create momentum and lasting transformation for people with ADHDA message of hope for parents: why failure is part of growth, why every child’s path looks different, and why it’s never too late to reframe the ADHD storyRosie’s honesty and insight offer reassurance for parents, carers, and adults with ADHD alike - the very traits that cause the biggest struggles can, in the right environment, become our greatest strengths.Further resources and links:Rosie’s podcast: ADHD Untangled on SpotifyLearn more about Rosie’s coaching, yoga, and retreats at untangledco.comFollow Rosie on Instagram: @coachrosieturnerADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

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• ADHD & Friendship

  Why do so many children with ADHD struggle to make (and keep) friends, and what can parents do to support them?In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD Podcast, Claire is joined by award-winning author, coach, and ADHD social skills expert Caroline Maguire to explore one of the most important and often painful aspects of raising a child with ADHD: friendships. Caroline has ADHD herself, is the author of the bestselling book ‘Why Will No One Play With Me?’, and her upcoming book ‘Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults’ (out April 2026) builds on decades of experience helping children, teens, and adults connect socially.Together, Claire and Caroline dive deep into why children with ADHD often struggle socially and more importantly, what parents and carers can do to help. Their conversation covers:How executive function delays affect social skills, including conversation, self-regulation, and perspective-takingWhy environment plays such a huge role in a child’s social success and how parents can seek out spaces where their children feel acceptedThe impact of repeated criticism, rejection, and anxiety on kids’ self-esteem and social confidence, plus practical ways to build their resilienceThe key difference between masking and learning genuine social skills and why teaching children authentic strategies is crucialCore friendship skills ADHD kids need: starting conversations, keeping up with peers, reading social cues, and “dropping pings” to find their peopleWhy practice, persistence, and celebrating small wins are essential to help children build their confidence and lasting connectionsThe importance of strengths-based parenting: helping children recognise the traits that make them great friends, rather than just focusing on challengesHow parents and even adults with ADHD can begin their own “friendship journey,” modelling healthy social growth for their childrenWhether you’re raising a child who is lonely, struggling with rejection, or just beginning to navigate social worlds, this episode is packed with empathy, strategies, and hope. This episode was recorded in August 2025.Further resources and links:Buy Caroline’s book Why Will No One Play With Me? (winner of multiple awards including the Best Book Award from American Book Fest and Mums’ Choice Award)Pre-order Caroline’s new book Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults (out April 2026)Caroline’s podcast: The ADHD Social PlaybookLearn more about Caroline’s work: https://www.carolinemaguireauthor.comFollow Caroline on Instagram @authorcarolinemADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

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• SEN Suspensions & Exclusions

  In this episode, Claire is joined by specialist education, equality, and public law barrister Alice de Coverley to tackle a difficult but crucial topic: school exclusions for children with ADHD and your legal rights. Alice is also a trustee for the charity Neurodiversity in Law and was named the Legal 500 ESG 2024 Disability & Neurodiversity Bar Champion of the Year. She co-authored the book A Practical Guide to the Law of School Exclusions.Alice and Claire's discussion provides invaluable advice for parents, covering:⚖️ The legal definition of a school exclusion, plus the difference between fixed-term and permanent exclusions⚖️ How state schools and private schools are governed by different legal frameworks when it comes to exclusion. The Equality Act applies in both cases - often a key piece of law in exclusion cases involving children with disabilities.⚖️ Why children with special educational needs or disabilities, particularly ADHD, are more likely to be at risk of exclusion, plus insight into how ADHD symptoms such as impulsivity, hyperactivity, emotional dysregulation, and distractibility can often be viewed solely as "behavioural problems" by schools. ⚖️ How school exclusions, especially at a young age, lead to a profound feeling of rejection from adults and can be incredibly damaging to a child's self-esteem and mental health in the long term.⚖️ Why exclusion should be a last resort, plus your legal rights under the Equality Act, and why schools are legally required to look at the context behind the behaviour, plus make reasonable adjustments in the lead-up to any disciplinary action for a child with a disability.⚖️The potential impact of children starting titration for ADHD medication and how parents can work with schools during this process to minimise the risk of exclusion.⚖️ The steps to take when a school makes the decision to exclude, including requesting written reasons, gathering relevant documentation (e.g. a recent diagnosis), being aware of the 15 day window to submit your appeal to an Independent Review Panel (IRP), and crucially, the right to ask for a Special Educational Needs (SEN) expert to attend the panel for free. This expert provides an objective view on how your child's SEN is relevant to the exclusion and can be an incredibly useful resource that not many parents are aware of.Whether you're battling your first exclusion or feeling exhausted by repeated challenges, this episode is a must-listen for parents or carers facing exclusion of their child from school, and is packed with practical advice as well as a reassuring look at your legal rights as part of this process.This episode was recorded on 11th July 2025.Further resources for free legal advice and support are available as follows:BBC article quoted in the episode: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c784ezdmnp4oThe School Exclusion Project - a free legal support service for parents https://www.schoolexclusionproject.com/ Just for Kids https://www.justforkidslaw.org/contact-usThe School Inclusion project - https://gardencourtchambers.co.uk/event/launch-event-the-school-inclusion-project/ Alice’s book "A Practical Guide to the Law of School Exclusions" https://www.amazon.co.uk/Practical-Guide-Relation-School-Exclusions/dp/1912687518 The first-tier tribunal offers a fast-tracked process for disability discrimination claims related to permanent exclusions https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/652f92d46b6fbf000db75872/SEND4_0423_access.pdf The views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and/or personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

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• Devin - My Parenting Story

  How can parents navigate the many and varied challenges of raising neurodivergent children with ADHD and autism?In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Devin, adoptive father of two neurodivergent children, both of whom are diagnosed with ADHD and autism, and former Head of Technology in the finance industry. Devin also has late-diagnosed ADHD himself and is now a full-time parent carer for his children, as well as supporting other families who are struggling to navigate life as new SEN or Adoptive Parents. Devin shares honestly and openly about his parenting journey, including some of the early signs of neurodiversity in his children, which were harder for him to spot as they can sometimes be mistaken for attachment or trauma-related behaviours in adopted children. He describes their diagnosis process, sharing some of the differences between the two and providing examples of how traits can manifest differently in girls and boys. Devin also shares his feelings of grief and relief around accepting his children’s differences. With a diagnosis in place, Devin discusses the impact of medication and how it has helped both of his children in terms of their mood and behaviour. Many parents will relate to the challenges he describes in terms of daily routines and school refusal, particularly as an ADHD parent himself! Devin also shares some of the challenges he faced advocating for his children and their needs, to ensure they found the right educational environment. Following a challenging period of overwhelm and stress around school avoidance, Devin made the decision to take his son out of school. This led to many challenges navigating the EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) process for his son, but he was eventually successful in ensuring his son had the right educational setup to thrive. Devin also shares some incredible examples of how he has taken the time to deeply understand his children and what works for them.Finally, Claire and Devin discuss some of the emotional challenges of parenting and the need to constantly adapt parenting strategies for their children as they grow. They both stress the importance of seeking community support, encouraging parents listening to share their experiences and ultimately feel less alone.The episode is an honest, relatable conversation about how to navigate neurodiversity as a parent, showcasing the power of resilience, acceptance, and unconditional love.Find out more about Devin and his work at: www.thesensibleapproach.com

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