Legit Parenting

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Ever wondered how trauma could look like ADHD symptoms? Craig Knippenberg had the pleasure of inviting Dr. Ana Dodson to shed light on this fascinating yet disturbing connection. Anna's research has opened new realms of understanding between trauma and ADHD, with her survey results revealing whether mental health practitioners recognize this crucial relationship.
Trauma has various definitions, and it's not just about the big traumatic events. In our conversation with Anna, we unpack the nuances of trauma - event, experience, and effect. A surprising revelation was the stance of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network on trauma, particularly how seemingly smaller events can pile up, causing lasting harm. We zoom in on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and their potential to deteriorate mental and physical health.
Navigating the overlap of ADHD and trauma symptoms is no easy task, and we are here to guide you through it. Anna’s expert insights provide a clear understanding of how ADHD symptoms like motor activity, impulsivity, and executive functioning can mirror trauma. We explore environmental and genetic triggers for ADHD, and discuss ways to provide individualized support. We wrap up this episode with a trip down memory lane, reminiscing personal transitions and shared experiences. This compelling episode allows you to gain a deeper understanding of ADHD, trauma, and their intriguing intersection. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that will leave you much the wiser.

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Join Craig for this in depth conversation about how parents and adults can best handle their own big emotions. Craig takes a deep dive in to strategies that can be applied in simple and effective ways.

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Craig Knippenberg explores your child's brain under the influence of electronics. In this brain-based episode he takes you on a tour of your child's brain and looks at how electronics influence development and behaviors. He gives you practical steps to help your child create a healthy relationship with gaming and devices.

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What if understanding your child's brain could transform your parenting approach? Join us in this episode of Legit Parenting as seasoned child and family therapist Craig Knippenberg, LCSW, M.Div and special guest Dr. Robin McEvoy, a developmental neuropsychologist, joins us to shed light on the identification and management of learning disabilities and developmental challenges in children, offering invaluable advice for parents during the crucial summer break.
Navigating the maze of parental concerns can be overwhelming, especially with the added pressures of modern education and the lingering effects of COVID-19. We'll discuss the importance of tailored educational approaches and the benefits of reducing homework to improve both mental health and learning outcomes. Dr. McEvoy emphasizes the significance of understanding family and medical history when addressing learning disabilities, advocating for early evaluations and interventions.
We'll talk about the critical roles of nutrition, hydration, sleep, and exercise in a child's overall well-being, especially for those with attention deficit disorders. Practical strategies for reinforcing positive behavior and building new skills in children are shared, along with a discussion on balancing naturopathic approaches with medication when necessary.
Dr. Robin McEvoy has been practicing developmental neuropsychology for 30 years. With each evaluation, she asks herself, “How can I help.” Many parents bring their kids in for evaluation because they are still struggling, despite working with a psychiatrist, a psychologist, a learning specialist or a whole team of specialists. The parents were doing “standard of care” thoroughly, but it was not enough. There were times she worried that she would not find a way to help, that the parents were already doing everything possible.

But she hates the thought of saying there was nothing else to be done. So instead of saying that, she decided to dig deeper. She dug into nutrition, sleep, medical conditions and myriad of complementary and alternative approaches to learning and behavior. (And while digging, she met Child Decoded co-founder, Kim Gangwish.)

By developing a more thorough understanding of the mind/body integration, she began to find other avenues that actually opened up new possibilities for children. She loves having options for families who had been told to just accept their child’s challenges and live with them. She had been told the same thing about her own daughter who had a severe speech disability and sensory issues. As both a developmental neuropsychologist and a parent, she became expert at mapping out paths through difficult presentations.

Dr. McEvoy earned her PH.D. in Developmental Psychology from the University of Houston, then went on to fellow in Psychobiology/Neuropsychology at the University of Colorado Medical School. She holds a research faculty position at the University of Colorado, and also maintains a private practice where she can evaluate using the Child Decoded model.

Evaluation is the heart of her work with children: helping families, pediatricians, and school districts to find a deeper understanding of complex challenges. Dr. McEvoy enjoys writing and blogs frequently for Child Decoded. She loves public speaking and is a highly rated speaker.

You can read more about Robin McEvoy at her website www.robinmcevoy.com. She blogs about learning and learning challenges as well as tons about “behavior problems in children” because she has strong opinions about that. You can follow her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DrRobinMcEvoy or on Twitter at twitter.com/RobinMcEvoy.

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Discover the transformative power of independence in childhood as we sit down with Dr. Camilo Ortiz, a leading expert in clinical psychology. Dr. Ortiz shares his innovative independence therapy, which is revolutionizing the way we address child anxiety by integrating meaningful, self-guided experiences reminiscent of past generations. He offers a refreshing, client-centered approach that challenges conventional parenting norms and emphasizes resilience and mental well-being.
Through engaging discussions, we explore the essential role of childhood activities in cultivating independence, countering the pitfalls of over-parenting, and enhancing both child and parent confidence. Initiatives like Let Grow demonstrate how small independent tasks can instill resilience and problem-solving skills in children. Personal anecdotes vividly illustrate the joy and growth resulting from unplanned adventures, reinforcing the idea that stepping back can lead to profound developmental benefits.
The episode culminates with a poignant reflection on the balance between risk and protection in parenting. Dr. Ortiz highlights the hidden dangers of overprotection, advocating for a thoughtful approach that considers each child's unique needs. By sharing uplifting stories of children overcoming challenges through independence therapy, we underscore the empowering journey of raising children who are confident, resilient, and self-assured. Parents are encouraged to embrace a "good enough" mindset that celebrates allowing children the freedom to explore their passions and forge their paths.
Camilo Ortiz Ph.D
Associate Professor of Psychology
Director of Clinical Training
http://drcamiloortiz.com