Did you know that 90% of children with ADHD struggle in school?
I recently had the privilege of interviewing Brittney King, a licensed professional counselor, ADHD expert, and coach. She shared valuable insights on how parents can better understand and support their children with ADHD.
The Power of Diagnosis: Clarity and Validation
Brittney’s journey with ADHD became personal when her son, who is AuDHD (Autism + ADHD), asked to be diagnosed in 6th grade.
For their family, getting a diagnosis wasn’t about labeling—it was about understanding. It helped them see why he behaved the way he did, and it validated their experiences. Once they knew what was going on, they could move forward with the right tools and strategies to help him thrive.
Why the Right Diagnosis Matters
Not all professionals are equally equipped to diagnose ADHD.
Brittney strongly recommends seeking a pediatric neuropsychologist rather than a primary care physician (PCP). A neuropsychologist provides a detailed and accurate assessment, rather than simply prescribing medication to see if it helps.
A thorough evaluation helps parents understand the individual needs of their child and create a plan that truly supports them.
The Core Challenges of ADHD
ADHD isn’t just about being hyperactive or easily distracted. At its core, ADHD is a deficit in executive functioning skills.
The three biggest challenges for children with ADHD are:
- Working Memory – Struggling to hold and manipulate information in their mind.
- Distraction – Difficulty maintaining focus and resisting interruptions.
- Impulsivity – Acting without thinking through consequences.
Understanding these core struggles allows parents to tailor their approach in a way that meets their child’s specific needs.
Setting Up Your Child for Success: The ICNU Method
Brittney shared a helpful acronym for supporting children with ADHD: ICNU.
Children with ADHD thrive when their environment includes:
Interest – Engaging and enjoyable learning experiences
Challenge – Tasks that push them just enough
Novelty – New and exciting elements
Urgency – Clear, time-sensitive goals
This approach helps bridge the executive function gap, making tasks easier to focus on and complete.
Why Homeschooling is an Advantage
Homeschooled children have a huge advantage because we can individualize their learning. We can adapt lessons to keep them engaging, use hands-on activities, and allow more movement—all things that support ADHD brains.
Practical Strategies That Make a Difference
Brittney also shared simple, effective tools to help children with ADHD:
- Timers & Chunking Tasks – Breaking tasks into small, manageable steps with external reminders (timers) can help compensate for weak working memory.
- Rewards & Consequences – ADHD brains struggle with motivation. Self-chosen rewards and consequences work better than external pressure.
- Teaching Them About Their Brain – Helping kids understand how their brain works builds self-awareness and reduces shame, anxiety, and frustration.
- Structure & Routine – Because of working memory challenges, clear and consistent routines provide essential predictability and support.
Debunking Common Myths About ADHD
Many parents wonder if ADHD is increasing, but Brittney clarified that ADHD rates have remained steady at 5-7% of the population for the past 20 years.
So why does it seem more common? Increased awareness. ADHD is often misused as a label for any child who struggles with focus, but true ADHD goes deeper than just restlessness.
Other key facts:
- Screens don’t cause ADHD – But kids with ADHD are more drawn to screens and struggle to disengage.
- ADHD is genetic – It’s a neurobiological disorder, not a behavioral problem.
- There’s no “cure” – But with the right tools and understanding, children with ADHD can thrive.
ADHD Brains: Race Cars with Bicycle Brakes
Brittney described ADHD brains as race cars with bicycle brakes—fast and full of potential, but needing the right support to slow down and navigate life successfully.
As parents, our job is to strengthen their brakes with structure, self-awareness, and the right strategies.
By understanding ADHD on a deeper level, we can empower our children to succeed.
