Parenting Pointers - Supporting Children with ADD

Abby Brody is challenging conventional wisdom about how we diagnose and support children with ADD/ADHD in today's digital landscape. As founder of the groundbreaking N=1 movement, she's pioneering personalized education approaches that reject the outdated one-size-fits-all model. See www.abbybrody.com for more details.

I had a chance to interview her to learn about supporting kids with ADHD.

Why might a parent or caregiver be concerned if their child receives an ADHD diagnosis?

• Parents often see it as a signal that something is wrong with their child, leading to fear, stigma, or sadness.

• Society and schools still operate with outdated expectations that define ADHD traits as deficits instead of adaptations.

• There's an underlying worry that their child will be seen as "broken" or "less capable." And of course they fear this will lead to a lifetime of meds

 What are some common myths about ADHD that families should know?

• Myth: ADHD means a child is disordered or broken.

• Myth: ADHD is always a disadvantage in life. It is an advantage in LIFE, maybe not school, lol

• Myth: It’s being over diagnosed. No. It is more prevalent as our kids adapt to the multi stimuli environment of their lives. 

 How can families advocate for what their children with ADHD need?

Shift the perspective: Recognize ADHD traits as strengths, not weaknesses.

Challenge outdated school systems: Push for more personalized, adaptive educational models (like your N=1 movement suggests)

Support environments that match cognitive strengths: Find schools, programs, or activities that value creativity, innovation, and agility.

Meds may be needed for self preservation. Traditional school settings with rote memorization will be hard for these kids. Research shows that they not only perform poorly academically, but also socially leading to isolation and depression.  Medications can be a relief for these students. 

 

How can technology be leveraged to help meet the unique needs to students with ADHD?

100% Use AI and digital tools to personalize learning — letting students move quickly, explore different paths, and engage dynamically. ADD minds often do better in quick stimulus environments where they can get instant feedback. 

Encourage project-based, fast-paced, and flexible learning environments.

Abby Brody is the former principal of multiple prestigious schools and an award-winning writer on children's health and educational innovation. She is a cancer mom who brings both professional expertise and personal passion and a current leading voice on how AI and technology are reshaping learning needs. See www.abbybrody.com for more details.