Soaring Child: Thriving with ADHD

When a child repeatedly fails to follow instructions, gives one-word answers, or has an intense reaction to a small request, it may look like defiance. But the real challenge may be how their brain is processing, organizing, and communicating information after they hear it. In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, Dana Kay speaks with speech-language pathologist and myofunctional therapist Luba Patlakh about one of the most overlooked areas of ADHD: communication. They explore how executive functioning, hearing, language processing, sensory needs, airway health, sleep, and emotional regulation can all influence a child's ability to listen and respond. Luba also explains why parents should be cautious about being told to simply "wait and see" when they notice developmental or communication concerns. She shares the signs that may warrant a professional evaluation, how speech therapy differs from occupational and physical therapy, and why a multidisciplinary approach can help families better understand what is happening beneath a child's behavior. Parents will also learn practical strategies they can begin using immediately, including how to pause before reacting, gather meaningful observations, model language, and use Luba's "field of two" technique to encourage children to communicate their needs more clearly. This conversation is a supportive reminder that behavior is often communication, and that understanding the reason behind a child's struggle can lead to more compassionate and effective support.

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

Luba Patlakh's Website - https://lubapatlakh.com/

Luba Patlakh on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=18908878

Luba Patlakh on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lubapatlakh/

Luba Patlakh on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubapatlakh

The Growth Lab Podcast on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@thegrowthlabpodcast KEY

TAKEAWAYS

[00:00] A child may hear a parent's instruction but struggle with what happens next, including processing, organizing, remembering, and responding to the information.

[03:53] Parents should examine when and where communication breakdowns occur rather than immediately assuming a child is ignoring them or behaving badly.

[05:10] A lack of response can be useful information. Luba encourages parents to collect observations and consider executive functioning, hearing, cognition, and language processing.

[06:34] Formal assessments from qualified professionals can help distinguish attention difficulties from speech, language, communication, or cognitive delays.

[08:55] Speech-language pathologists may address articulation, language, comprehension, vocabulary, feeding, swallowing, airway health, and communication.

[10:14] Occupational therapy focuses on sensory processing, fine-motor skills, grasping, writing, feeding skills, and functioning in daily environments.

[13:04] Myofunctional therapy examines how the mouth, tongue, lips, nose, breathing, posture, and airway are working together.

[13:41] Chronic mouth breathing and difficulty maintaining a full lip seal may affect sleep, regulation, attention, and behavior.

[16:37] Parents should not automatically accept "wait and see" when they have ongoing concerns about communication, development, behavior, or regulation.

[19:22] Luba's story of a three-year-old illustrates how speech, movement, eating, digestion, sleep, medication side effects, and development can be interconnected.

[22:00] Pausing before solving and observing before reacting can help parents recognize patterns and bring clearer information to professionals.

[25:54] The "field of two" technique encourages communication by presenting two choices, allowing the child to select one, and then modeling the language needed to express that choice.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

[05:10] "That lack of communication at that moment is your data."

[13:41] "If a child cannot have a full lip seal, it dysregulates the body."

[15:57] "So it's called a recipe for disaster."

[16:37] "I am a firm believer and I'm always going to be an advocate of begin yesterday."

[17:56] "Why are we waiting for it to be worse? Like, what are we waiting for?"

[20:45] "And that's so, imagine she would have waited and seen. What was she waiting and seeing?"

[22:00] "You need to pause before you solve the situation and observe before you react."

[23:18] "It's a process. So my advice is just slow down, really take a look at what's happening."

[24:33] "If they're overreacting, throwing a fit somewhere in the store, you know, you wanna take a closer look at what's happening."

[25:54] "You do wanna start doing what I call a field of two."

DANA KAY RESOURCES 🔗

WEBSITES: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/ https://dana-kay.com/

👋 SOCIALS:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕 INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:

Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻 FREE MASTERCLASS:

Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3GAbFQl

⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS:

ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd

ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Tune in as we continue our Summer Series with another fan favorite episode!

In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, host Dana Kay sits down with Ann Dolin, an award-winning educator, author, and expert in ADHD, executive function, and academic coaching.

Together, they unpack one of the most common and stressful challenges for families raising kids with ADHD—homework. With over three decades of experience helping children who think and learn differently, Ann shares practical, tested strategies to reduce homework battles, build executive function skills, and bring more calm to busy evenings.

Dana Kay, a Board-Certified Health and Nutrition Practitioner and founder of the ADHD Thrive Institute, approaches this topic as both a professional and a parent who’s been in the trenches.

Whether your child procrastinates, feels overwhelmed by multi-step directions, or struggles to get started, you’ll walk away with actionable advice you can use tonight to make homework time more peaceful and productive.

Watch this episode on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ky4lHiAxAOk

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

Educational Connections – https://ectutoring.com

Book – Homework Made Simple: Tips, Tools, and Solutions for Stress-Free Homework

Facebook – Educational Connections, Inc. | Alexandria VA

Instagram – EC Virtual Tutoring & Coaching (@educationalconnections)

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@annkdolin

KEY TAKEAWAYS

[07:54] Practical tip: Break big assignments into smaller chunks and involve kids in deciding the order to build independence.
[09:56] What executive function skills are and how weaknesses in these areas impact homework, focus, and emotions.
[14:10] How to work collaboratively with teachers to modify homework and avoid nightly power struggles.
[15:28] Why setting a homework start time is more effective than focusing only on the end time.
[18:47] Using timers and the Pomodoro method to help kids with ADHD get started and stay on task.
[21:05] Building confidence with specific positive feedback to shift mindset and motivation.
[23:14] Stepping back and asking guiding questions instead of micromanaging homework.

MEMORABLE MOMENTS
“It’s not always about motivation. Sometimes it’s about executive function.”
“Most kids don’t want to do poorly. They just don’t know how to start.”
“The number one thing that helps is structure and consistency.”
“Procrastination isn’t laziness — it’s often overwhelm.”
“Sometimes the best thing we can do is step back, not step in.”
“A checklist is like a GPS for the brain.”
“Kids with ADHD often need external reminders to manage time and tasks.”
“When parents micromanage, it can actually backfire.”
“Homework should never be a battle zone.”
“Parents are doing the best they can with the tools they have.”

DANA KAY RESOURCES

🔗 WEBSITES:
https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/
https://dana-kay.com/

👋 SOCIALS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕 INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:
Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻 FREE MASTERCLASS:
Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3QzvFHm

⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS:
ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd
ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Have you ever wondered why your child struggles with meltdowns, impulsivity, anxiety, or digestion issues? The answer might not be behavioral—but neurological. In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, we continue our summer series of Fan Favorite Episodes with host Dana Kay and Dr. Tony Ebel, a pediatric wellness chiropractor.

Together, they explore the vagus nerve—the “unsung hero” of the nervous system. They discuss how vagus nerve dysfunction affects kids with ADHD and why gut issues, sensory sensitivities, and emotional regulation challenges may all trace back to this critical nerve.

Dr. Tony shares groundbreaking insights from his Perfect Storm Clinic, explaining how birth trauma, chronic stress, and inflammation impact the vagus nerve and what parents can do to help their child regulate their nervous system naturally. From chiropractic adjustments to simple at-home strategies, this episode is packed with practical, science-backed solutions to support your child’s brain, body, and emotional well-being.

To watch this on YouTube, go here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlVdBC27NAk&t=1s

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

Symptom Reduction Tool – http://adhdthriveinstitute.com/tool

KEY TAKEAWAYS

[2:50] Understanding the Vagus Nerve: The “Unsung Hero” of the Nervous System

[8:12] How Vagus Nerve Dysfunction Affects Kids with ADHD

[13:20]The Link Between Gut Health, Sensory Processing & ADHD

[14:06] Signs Your Child May Have Vagus Nerve Imbalance

[14:11] How Birth Trauma & Stress Impact the Vagus Nerve

[19:48] At-Home Strategies to Support Vagus Nerve Function

[23:34] The Role of Chiropractic Adjustments in Healing the Nervous System

[26:17] How to Find the Right Chiropractor for Your Child

[34:14] Next Steps for Parents

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

“What if your child’s meltdowns aren’t about behavior—but about how their brain and body are communicating behind the scenes?”

“The vagus nerve is the ‘unsung hero’ of the nervous system—it regulates emotions, digestion, focus, and even inflammation.”

“When the vagus nerve is weak, kids with ADHD struggle with impulsivity, anxiety, sensory overload, and chronic gut issues.”

“Constipation, reflux, and stomach pains? That’s vagus nerve dysfunction at work—not just a diet issue.”

“The vagus nerve controls relaxation and recovery—if your child stays in fight-or-flight mode, they may struggle to calm down after a meltdown.”

“Most parents have never been told that birth trauma, stress, and even antibiotics can impact their child’s vagus nerve.”

“An overstressed nervous system shuts down digestion, disrupts sleep, and keeps kids stuck in hyperactivity.”

“Chiropractic care isn’t about popping bones—it’s about resetting the nervous system and helping kids regulate naturally.”

“Parents—your nervous system impacts your child’s. When you regulate your own stress, you help them regulate theirs.”

“ADHD healing doesn’t happen overnight—but when the nervous system is reset, the transformation is life-changing.”

DANA KAY RESOURCES

🔗 WEBSITES:
https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/
https://dana-kay.com/

👋 SOCIALS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕 INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:
Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻 FREE MASTERCLASS:
Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3QzvFHm

⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS:
ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd
ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Parental burnout is a common struggle among many parents of children with ADHD. In this episode of the Soaring Child podcast - a continuation of our summer series of fan favorite episodes - Ashley Gobeil, our resident ADHD-specific Child and Family therapist, shares more about the telltale signs of parental burnout.

She shares critical tips on how to take care of yourself and avoid burning out in the first place.

If you’re struggling with feeling overwhelmed as a parent of a child with ADHD, tune in this episode with returning guest Ashley Gobeil.

Watch this episode on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmkvUi_5uF0

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

ADHD Thrive Jumpstart 4 Parenting program – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parenting-landing-page

KEY TAKEAWAYS

[5:38] Why parents of kids with ADHD develop “blocked care” and overwhelmed nervous systems

[10:20] Signs that a parent’s nervous system is overwhelmed

[20:41] The importance of self-care for parents of kids with ADHD

[25:05] Things to avoid that could exacerbate parents’ overwhelm

[27:20] Techniques to help parents soothe their stressed nervous systems and avoid burnout

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

“Parenting a child who is having daily meltdowns, emotional outbursts, aggression, impulsivity, resistance to tasks and listening…As a parent, when you are constantly experiencing that, it can take a huge toll on the nervous system.”

”Blocked care can happen…It’s like we want to avoid that interaction, and it shuts down that part of our brain that wants to care for our kids.”

”When we’re in a chronic stress environment, our window of tolerance gets smaller and smaller.”

”The more we’re noticing what’s happening in our minds, in our bodies, physiologically, sensationally, we start to get to know ourselves better, then we can put in steps or get ourselves out of the dynamic.”

”Just being aware means we can slow it down before it starts to impact our mental health.”

”We can’t soothe our kids’ nervous system if our nervous system is shot.”

”One thing that can really help is to remember, ‘I’m doing the best I can with the resources I have..’”

”If you could be doing better, you would be. But when you can, you will.”

”When we are heightened, we want to extend our exhale. When we’re really low and lethargic, we want to extend our inhale.”

DANA KAY RESOURCES

🔗 WEBSITES:
https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/
https://dana-kay.com/

👋 SOCIALS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕 INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:
Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻 FREE MASTERCLASS:
Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3QzvFHm

⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS:
ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd
ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/

Is every mealtime a battle with your picky eater? You’re not alone! Picky eating is a common struggle, especially for children with ADHD.

In this episode of The Soaring Child Podcast, we continue our Summer Series with host Dana Kay, an ADHD health practitioner, and returning guest Andrea Daigle, expert coach at the ADHD Thrive Institute. Together, they dive into the root causes of picky eating, including sensory issues, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies—and more importantly, how to turn it around without stress or frustration.

Andrea shares proven strategies to help parents encourage new foods, reduce mealtime stress, and break the picky eating cycle. You’ll also learn how nutrient deficiencies like zinc and omega-3s impact food preferences and simple ways to test for them at home. If you’re ready to make mealtime peaceful and expand your child’s diet, this episode is packed with practical tips you can start using today! Plus, check out the show notes for helpful resources, including a Family Food Challenge guide, a zinc deficiency test, and recommended supplements.

To watch this episode on YouTube, go here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpW22uEubgc

LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

Book a free call with Andrea or the team at ADHD Thrive Institute – https://bit.ly/3X5ZVvT

Zinc Assay Test for Zinc Deficiency – A simple at-home test to check for zinc levels – https://amzn.to/3QEyKoq

Favorite Zinc Supplement – https://shop.adhdthriveinstitute.com/zinc-liquid-15-mg-120-ml.html

Favorite Omega-3 Supplement – https://shop.adhdthriveinstitute.com/omega-essentials-liquid-6floz.html or https://shop.adhdthriveinstitute.com/omega-essentials-soft-gels.html

KEY TAKEAWAYS

[3:21] Why Picky Eating is So Common in ADHD

[3:38] Key Causes of Picky Eating (Sensory Issues, Gut Health, and Nutrient Deficiencies)

[4:12] The Impact of Family Dynamics on Picky Eating

[7:10] Practical Strategies to Reduce Mealtime Stress

[7:20] The Family Food Challenge: A Game-Changer for Picky Eaters

[12:59] How Nutrient Deficiencies (Zinc & Omega-3s) Affect Food Preferences

[13:18] How to Test for a Zinc Deficiency at Home

[16:34] When to Seek Professional Help for Picky Eating

MEMORABLE MOMENTS

"Picky eating is one of the most frustrating struggles for parents, especially those raising kids with ADHD.”

“Undiagnosed food intolerances, gut inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies can actually close a child’s palate and make picky eating worse.”

“When we’re stressed at mealtimes, our kids pick up on it—we hold the keys to their nervous system.”

“Small changes make a big difference! Mix homemade and store-bought nuggets together, and kids often won’t notice the difference.”

“The Family Food Challenge is about making mealtime fun and removing pressure—it’s not about forcing kids to eat.”

“It can take kids 15 to 20 times to accept a new flavor or texture, so don’t give up after the first try!”

“If your child is gagging, panicking, or avoiding entire food groups, it may be time to seek professional support.”

“A simple zinc assay test at home can tell you whether your child is deficient in zinc, which impacts taste and appetite.”

“One of our team members’ sons went from eating 5 foods to over 200 just by addressing food sensitivities and using these strategies!”

“Remove the pressure from mealtimes—focus on connection, not control, and watch the stress disappear.”

DANA KAY RESOURCES

🔗 WEBSITES:
https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/
https://dana-kay.com/

👋 SOCIALS:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ADHDThriveInstitute/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ADHDThriveInstitute
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/adhd-thrive-institute/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.ph/adhdthriveinstitute/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@adhd_thriveinstitute

📕 INTERNATIONAL BEST SELLING BOOK:
Thriving with ADHD – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/book/

💻 FREE MASTERCLASS:
Free Reduce ADHD Symptoms Naturally Masterclass - https://bit.ly/3QzvFHm

⭐ COURSES & PROGRAMS:
ADHD Parenting Course – https://info.adhdthriveinstitute.com/parentingadhd
ADHD Thrive Method 4 Kids Program – https://adhdthriveinstitute.com/packages/