In this compelling episode of ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, host Kate Brownfield speaks with Emma Tekstra, a global health consultant, actuary, and author of How to Be a Healthy Human. Emma shares her inspiring journey of advocating for her son's health after he was diagnosed with Asperger’s and ADHD alongside other health challenges. This episode dives into Emma’s practical strategies for improving children’s health and offers hope to parents navigating similar challenges.

Emma Tekstra is an actuary turned global health consultant and author. Her passion for health advocacy began 15 years ago when her son was diagnosed with Asperger’s and ADHD. Armed with her scientific background, Emma pursued alternative approaches to improve her son’s overall health, leading to transformative outcomes. She now champions parental empowerment and proactive health strategies for children and families.

• The pivotal role of nutrition and gut health in managing ADHD and Asperger’s symptoms.
• Practical strategies for parents to advocate for their child’s health with pediatricians and specialists.
• The impact of occupational therapy, neurofeedback, and sensory interventions in holistic health plans.
• Insights on managing screen time and technology use among neurodiverse children.
• How Emma’s experience influenced her two books and her work in global health advocacy.

[00:00:00] - The Gut-Brain Connection [00:00:54] - Podcast Introduction [00:02:35] - A Life-Changing Diagnosis [00:05:00] - Connecting the Dots [00:06:35] - Partnering with Pediatricians [00:08:30] - Results from Dietary Changes [00:14:00] - Addressing Mood and Sensitivities [00:16:00] - Therapies and Interventions [00:21:30] - Managing Technology Use [00:26:45] - Teenage Rebellion and Returning to Health [00:28:30] - Writing to Empower Others [00:30:45] - Advice for Parent

Connect with our Guest Emma Tekstra on:

👉 Website: https://emmatekstra.com/ 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/talk2emma/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emmatekstra/ 👉 Read her latest work: https://emmatekstra.com/books/

Follow the Host Kate Brownfield:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-wedlock-brownfield-b0b139 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdkidsthrive/

Follow the ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast on:

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🔗 Follow the show now and share your thoughts in the comments below!

In this episode, host Kate from ADHDKidsCanThrive.com is joined by Jennifer Gay Summers, an esteemed author and writer. Jennifer, a mother of a neurodivergent child, shares her personal journey from initial denial to becoming an empowered advocate for her child.

Jennifer offers valuable insights drawn from her experiences, providing guidance for parents on supporting children with ADHD. The conversation delves into the challenges of addressing sensory processing disorders, the importance of self-advocacy, and how to empower children by focusing on their strengths. Jennifer also discusses the impact of parenting a transgender child and emphasizes the significance of unconditional love in embracing unexpected life journeys.

Join Kate and Jennifer as they discuss overcoming obstacles, educating oneself, and nurturing a supportive environment for ADHD children to thrive. Whether you're starting or already on this journey, this episode aims to bring understanding, advice, and a sense of community to parents navigating similar paths.

Learn more from my guest: https://jennifergaysummers.com/

Learn more from Kate at: http://adhdkidscanthrive.com/

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My guest is Dr. Funke Afolabi-Brown, a triple-board-certified sleep medicine physician. Dr. Brown obtained sleep medicine training at the University of Pennsylvania and was a faculty member at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia until recently. Join us for an enlightening conversation about the importance of sleep for children with ADHD. Dr. Brown shares her expertise on how prioritizing sleep can help children and adults thrive, achieve optimal health, and reach their fullest potential.

In this episode, Kate and Dr. Brown delve into the common sleep challenges faced by children with ADHD and explore strategies to improve sleep quality. Dr. Brown explains the complex relationship between ADHD and sleep and how behavioral, medical, and 24-hour factors play a role in sleep struggles. The discussion also highlights the impact of a child's sleep issues on family dynamics and the importance of addressing these challenges early on.

Dr. Brown offers practical advice on maintaining healthy sleep habits, such as establishing consistent routines, managing screen time, and improving nutrition. She also emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help when necessary and guides parents on supporting their children's sleep journey while caring for their own well-being.

Tune in to discover valuable insights and actionable tips to help your ADHD child—and your family—sleep better and live healthier lives.

Learn more: https://www.therestfulsleepplace.com/

Thank you for listening! Please share and leave a review!

Stay connected to Kate at ADHDKidsCanThrive.com: http://adhdkidscanthrive.com/

#adhd

#adhdkid

#adhdparent

#adhdkidscanthrive

#adhdparentsupport

#adhdsupport

#specialed

#parenting

#ADHDkidhealth

#brainhealth

#anxiety

#depression

#learningdisabilities

#dyslexia

#executivefunctioning

#autism

#neurodiverse

#ADHDchild