Smart but Scattered: Executive Function, Motivation, and Independence in ADHD Kids — Colin Guare
The ADHD Kids Can Thrive PodcastShow Notes
What happens when a bright child with ADHD can do the work—but struggles more as life requires greater independence? In this episode of The ADHD Kids Can Thrive Podcast, Kate Brownfield, ACC, talks with Colin Guare, behavioral analyst, writer, adult with ADHD, and co-author of Smart But Scattered, Second Edition, Smart But Scattered Teens, and Smart But Scattered and Stalled. Colin shares his own ADHD story, including doing well academically when structure was built around him, struggling significantly when he reached college and had to manage that structure himself, and eventually finding his own path working with children, families, schools, and executive-function challenges. Together, Kate and Colin explore what executive-function support can look like at home—and why helping a child build skills often requires more than telling them what to do. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why some bright ADHD kids struggle more as expectations for independence increase• How executive-function challenges affect planning, organization, task initiation, time management, and follow-through• Why parents may need to change the environment and practice skills rather than repeatedly explain what a child should be doing• How to scaffold support and gradually fade it as skills develop• Why screens and technology can be especially difficult for kids who struggle with self-regulation• How technology can also support executive functioning through calendars, timers, reminders, and other tools• Why simply taking technology away may not work unless something meaningful replaces that time• How involving kids in conversations about screen limits can create greater buy-in• What motivational interviewing can teach parents about talking with children who resist change• Why trying to convince, lecture, or immediately fix a child’s distress can sometimes create more resistance• How giving kids room to develop their own reasons for change may reduce unnecessary battles One of the most reassuring parts of this conversation is Colin’s perspective as someone who grew up with ADHD himself. His path was not linear. College did not initially go as planned. His direction changed several times. Yet over time, he found work that mattered to him and built a life around his strengths. His message to parents: life is long. Your child does not need to have everything figured out at 12, 18, or even 22. Development continues, executive skills can grow, and young people have time to find a path that fits who they are. Learn more about ADHD parent coaching and resources:https://adhdkidscanthrive.com Get the free ADHD Parent Reset:https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/IUVgRZz
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