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"My Mighty Quinn" - From Tics, Turbulence, Distraction and Disconnection to Calm, Confident and Connected" - S3 Episode 2: ADHD Uncovered: Misconceptions, Medication and a 360° Approach with Sean McNicholas

S3 Episode 2: ADHD Uncovered: Misconceptions, Medication and a 360° Approach with Sean McNicholas

01/16/25 • 71 min

"My Mighty Quinn" - From Tics, Turbulence, Distraction and Disconnection to Calm, Confident and Connected"

In this episode, we’re tackling ADHD—a condition affecting millions of children and adults. Our guest, Sean McNicholas, brings unparalleled expertise and personal experience to the conversation.

ADHD diagnoses have soared in recent years, but too often, the focus remains on managing symptoms instead of understanding the root causes. This episode invites ADHD specialist, therapist, and coach Sean McNicholas, whose personal journey and professional insights shed light on holistic approaches that transform lives. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Sean has overcome immense challenges to become a leading advocate for brain health, working to uncover the root causes of ADHD and promote whole-child interventions.

Sean shares his 360° approach, emphasising sleep, diet, exercise, and the power of connection. Together, we explore ADHD misconceptions, the dangers of one-size-fits-all medication, and the need for early intervention. Sean also discusses his work addressing the school-to-prison pipeline, showing how holistic brain health strategies can rewrite narratives for children and adults alike.

Key Takeaways:

  • ADHD Goes Beyond the Stereotypes: ADHD impacts much more than attention, often affecting sleep, emotional regulation, and social relationships.
  • Holistic, Whole-Child Approaches: Addressing sleep, diet, exercise, and social connection can significantly improve brain health.
  • Medication is Not the Only Answer: While it has its place, treating ADHD with a one-size-fits-all approach overlooks the underlying issues.
  • Root Causes Matter: Factors like transgenerational trauma, gut health, and environmental influences play significant roles in ADHD development.
  • Family Support is Crucial: Healing ADHD symptoms often involves addressing the dynamics within the home, starting with parents’ regulation and self-awareness.

Episode Links:

  • Learn more about Sean McNicholas on Instagram, at his Website and his work at ADHD Liberty.
  • Download our Top Tips for ADHD Management: Free Cheat Sheet.
  • Recommended Podcast: The Attention Divide with Dr. Peter Skye and Dr. Ro

Resource Links:

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In this episode, we’re tackling ADHD—a condition affecting millions of children and adults. Our guest, Sean McNicholas, brings unparalleled expertise and personal experience to the conversation.

ADHD diagnoses have soared in recent years, but too often, the focus remains on managing symptoms instead of understanding the root causes. This episode invites ADHD specialist, therapist, and coach Sean McNicholas, whose personal journey and professional insights shed light on holistic approaches that transform lives. Diagnosed with ADHD later in life, Sean has overcome immense challenges to become a leading advocate for brain health, working to uncover the root causes of ADHD and promote whole-child interventions.

Sean shares his 360° approach, emphasising sleep, diet, exercise, and the power of connection. Together, we explore ADHD misconceptions, the dangers of one-size-fits-all medication, and the need for early intervention. Sean also discusses his work addressing the school-to-prison pipeline, showing how holistic brain health strategies can rewrite narratives for children and adults alike.

Key Takeaways:

  • ADHD Goes Beyond the Stereotypes: ADHD impacts much more than attention, often affecting sleep, emotional regulation, and social relationships.
  • Holistic, Whole-Child Approaches: Addressing sleep, diet, exercise, and social connection can significantly improve brain health.
  • Medication is Not the Only Answer: While it has its place, treating ADHD with a one-size-fits-all approach overlooks the underlying issues.
  • Root Causes Matter: Factors like transgenerational trauma, gut health, and environmental influences play significant roles in ADHD development.
  • Family Support is Crucial: Healing ADHD symptoms often involves addressing the dynamics within the home, starting with parents’ regulation and self-awareness.

Episode Links:

  • Learn more about Sean McNicholas on Instagram, at his Website and his work at ADHD Liberty.
  • Download our Top Tips for ADHD Management: Free Cheat Sheet.
  • Recommended Podcast: The Attention Divide with Dr. Peter Skye and Dr. Ro

Resource Links:

Previous Episode

undefined - S2 Episode 05: Awakened Parenting for Toddlers to Teens: Insights into Conscious Connection, Anxiety and Trauma with Tammy Schamuhn

S2 Episode 05: Awakened Parenting for Toddlers to Teens: Insights into Conscious Connection, Anxiety and Trauma with Tammy Schamuhn

I’m Lucia Silver, thrilled to have you back for another episode of the Brain Health Movement’s podcast series. Today, we dive deep into parenting with Tammy Schamuhn, a registered psychologist, play therapist supervisor, and best-selling author. Tammy shares her wealth of knowledge from personal and professional experience in children's mental health. Trust me—this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped with practical insights to transform your parenting journey.

Episode Summary:

In this episode, we explore what it means to be an "awakened parent" and how essential it is for parents to understand the science of connection. Tammy delves into the rising levels of anxiety in children, the importance of co-regulation, and how trauma can impact both kids and adults. Her approach balances warmth, compassion, and cutting-edge neurobiological research, offering profound guidance for parents navigating the complexities of modern parenting.

Whether you're dealing with your child's screen addiction, navigating trauma, or just trying to understand how to better connect with your children, this episode provides actionable tips to foster a healthier family dynamic.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Awakened Parenting: Begin with self-awareness. Parenting starts with your own emotional regulation and understanding.
  2. Co-Regulation: Learn how you and your child can mirror each other's nervous systems, and why it’s vital to create a calm, safe space for emotional regulation.
  3. The Anxiety Avalanche: Children today face unprecedented levels of anxiety, partly driven by screens and overstimulation. Discover how to address this at its roots.
  4. Parenting without Perfection: Helicopter parenting and permissiveness are extremes. Tammy encourages finding a balance through intentional and informed parenting choices.
  5. The Power of Play: For younger children, play is their language. Through toys, they can express complex emotions, including trauma.
  6. Teenage Connection: It’s never too late to reconnect with your teenager. Focus on regaining influence by building trust and showing genuine interest in their world.
  7. The Role of Trauma: Trauma isn’t always about major events—how a child perceives and processes an event is key. Understanding trauma can help you better support your child’s emotional journey.

Thank y

Resource Links:

Next Episode

undefined - S3 Episode 3: Sleep Matters: Expert Tips for Restful Nights and Better Days with Natasha Duffin

S3 Episode 3: Sleep Matters: Expert Tips for Restful Nights and Better Days with Natasha Duffin

This episode is all about the life-changing power of sleep, particularly for children and families navigating neurodevelopmental challenges. I’m joined by Natasha Duffin, an incredible occupational therapist and founder of Whole Child Co., whose expertise in sleep, oral function, and airway health has helped countless families. Together, we’ll uncover how improving sleep quality can transform lives.

Episode Summary
Sleep is the golden thread tying health, growth, and emotional well-being together, but for many families, it’s the missing piece of the puzzle. In this episode, we explore why sleep quality matters far more than hours in bed. We dive into the root causes of poor sleep—such as allergies, oral dysfunction, and sensory issues—and reveal why behaviours like snoring or mouth breathing shouldn’t be ignored.

Key Takeaways

  • Quality over quantity: Good sleep is about how restorative it is, not just hours slept.
  • Red flags to notice: Emotional dysregulation, snoring, mouth breathing, and frequent waking are signs worth investigating.
  • Solutions that work: Natasha’s expertise in oral function, breathing exercises, and allergy management has transformed lives.

Top Tips for Better Sleep

  1. Mind the screens: Switch off devices at least an hour before bed to support melatonin production.
  2. Check breathing habits: Nasal breathing is essential—mouth breathing may signal an issue.
  3. Create calming rituals: Simple, predictable routines signal safety to the nervous system.
  4. Address allergies: Unchecked allergies can disrupt sleep and trigger other health problems.
  5. Co-regulation matters: Children rely on parents for emotional regulation—stay present.

Resources and Further Reading

  • Connect with Natasha Duffin: Whole Child Co
  • Download our guide: Top Tips for Sleep Hygiene at The Brain Health Movement.
  • Books we love: The Invisible String by Patrice Karst for easing separation anxiety.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with friends or family, and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review My Mighty Quinn. Sleep well, and see you next time!

Resource Links:

"My Mighty Quinn" - From Tics, Turbulence, Distraction and Disconnection to Calm, Confident and Connected" - S3 Episode 2: ADHD Uncovered: Misconceptions, Medication and a 360° Approach with Sean McNicholas

Transcript

[00:00:00] Lucia Silver: Good morning and welcome to My Mighty Quinn, the brain health movement's podcast. And welcome to today's episode, where we deep dive into the latest science and research from world leading experts, as well as the stories, challenges, and root cause interventions and healing for healthy brain development.

[00:00:20] Lucia Silver: It won't surprise you to hear that ADHD has reached epidemic levels in our society, with diagnoses sky

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