All Aboard ADHD

• Jessie Hewitson - My Parenting Story

  What does it really mean to raise a “happy” neurodivergent child and how can parents redefine success when school, systems, and stigma make that feel impossible?In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Jessie Hewitson, multi-talented journalist, author, and mum of two autistic and ADHD children. Jessie is the author of ADHD: How to Raise a Happy ADHD Child - and - Autism: How to Raise a Happy Autistic Child. She is also the Contributing Money Editor at The i Paper, where she writes the weekly column Ask Jessie.Jessie shares her deeply personal journey of parenting two neurodivergent children, leading to discovering her own ADHD and autism diagnosis later in life. Her story is one of honesty, learning, and compassion, as she reflects on the guilt, growth, and constant adaptation that comes with raising children who don’t fit the system’s mold.Together, Claire and Jessie discuss:The challenges of recognising ADHD and autism early on, and how stigma and misinformation can delay diagnosisWhy “late understanding” doesn’t make you a bad parent and the emotional process of unlearning what you thought you knewHow guilt and self-doubt show up for neurodivergent parents, and why compassion and curiosity matter more than perfectionWhat can happen when children experience burnout and can no longer cope in mainstream schoolThe importance of flexible, relationship-based learning and what “low-demand parenting” really looks like in practiceHow Non-Violent Resistance (NVR) parenting can help families de-escalate and reconnect during difficult momentsThe real meaning of raising a “happy” neurodivergent child: helping them understand themselves, recognise their challenges, and give themselves permission to rest and ask for helpWhether you’re at the start of your journey, deep in the chaos, or navigating life after diagnosis, this episode is full of raw honesty, validation, and hope. Jessie’s perspective reminds us that success often looks different, and that the smallest moments of connection can be the biggest signs of progress. Further resources and links:Jessie’s books: ADHD: How to Raise a Happy ADHD Child and Autism: How to Raise a Happy Autistic ChildCheck out Jessie’s article about Screen Time in The Standard: https://www.standard.co.uk/lifestyle/screen-time-children-parenting-adhd-autism-b1232099.html Check out Jessie’s weekly Ask Jessie column in The i Paper https://inews.co.uk/author/jessie-hewitsonFollow Jessie on social media: @jessiehewitsonADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

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• Holistic ADHD Treatment

  What does it really mean to treat ADHD through a “whole person” lens and how can parents support their children’s brains and bodies, not just their symptoms?In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by consultant child psychiatrist Dr Richard Fry who specialises in integrative psychiatry, an approach that brings together physical, psychological, genetic, and environmental factors to understand each child as a whole person.After years working within the NHS, Dr Fry now helps families explore how nutrition, metabolism, genetics, sleep, stress, and lifestyle all contribute to emotional and cognitive health. His work focuses on supporting brain function and wellbeing holistically, while minimising exclusive reliance on medication.Together, Claire and Dr Fry explore what it means to look beyond the ADHD label and uncover the “why” behind a child’s challenges including:What integrative psychiatry is and how it expands on traditional approaches to child mental healthHow nutrition, sleep, and gut health can influence ADHD symptoms and overall brain functionThe role of stress, cortisol, and “nervous system up-regulation” in children’s behaviour and attentionWhy micronutrients such as magnesium and zinc can make a difference for emotional regulation and focusHow genetics act as a “template, not a fate,” shaping how each child responds to nutrients and medicationPractical ways to combine medical and holistic strategies for better long-term outcomesWhy connection, enjoyment, and small daily wins are just as vital as any treatment planWhether your child is newly diagnosed, already on medication, or you’re just beginning to explore a more holistic path, this conversation offers clarity, curiosity, and compassion for parents wanting to support their child’s ADHD in a whole-person way.Further resources and links:Learn more about Dr Richard Fry’s integrative practice: https://drfry.org.uk/The Brain Brilliance Book by Lucinda Miller with foreword by Dr Richard FryADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDFollow Richard on Instagram @drrichardfryThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

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• ADHD in Sport

  Why are so many children with ADHD drawn to sport and how can parents, teachers, and coaches support them to thrive both on and off the field?In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD podcast, Claire is joined by Dr. Josephine Perry, Chartered Sport and Exercise Psychologist and author of the new book ADHD in Sport: Strategies for Success. Josephine specialises in helping athletes of all levels build confidence, motivation, and resilience. Her work explores the unique role that sport can play in supporting children and adults with ADHD.Claire and Josephine discuss the many ways ADHD traits show up in sport both as strengths and as struggles, alongside what parents and carers can do to encourage their children’s love of sport, while also protecting their wellbeing. Some key highlights of their conversation include:Why ADHD traits such as creativity, energy, and hyperfocus can help athletes shineThe challenges ADHD can bring in sport, including time blindness, emotional regulation, and organisationThe importance of autonomy, novelty, and interest in motivating ADHD brains to keep showing upHow setbacks and mistakes can be reframed as opportunities for growth and resilienceThe role of exercise in regulating the nervous system, improving focus, and boosting mental healthPractical coaching and parenting strategies that make a difference for young athletes with ADHDWhy role models like Simone Biles, Adam Peaty, and Charley Hull matter so much for children with ADHDWhether you’re raising a sporty child with ADHD, looking for ways to support them on the pitch, in the pool, on the court, or you’re simply curious about the powerful connection between movement and the ADHD brain, this episode is packed with insight, encouragement, and practical takeaways.Further resources and links:Josephine’s book: ADHD in Sport: Strategies for Success Learn more about Josephine’s work: https://performanceinmind.co.ukADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

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• My ADHD Story: Untangled Through Yoga

  Why do ADHD struggles like impulsivity, hyperactivity, and sensitivity often feel overwhelming and how can they be transformed into strengths?In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Rosie Turner, certified ADHD coach specialising in sports and wellness, yoga and pilates instructor, and host of the ADHD Untangled podcast. Rosie has dedicated her life to supporting the ADHD community in rewriting their story of struggle into strength.Rosie shares her powerful personal story from navigating addiction, impulsive decisions, and self-doubt, to finding yoga, ADHD coaching, and community as life-changing sources of healing and hope.This inspiring conversation covers:Rosie’s ADHD diagnosis journey and the relief, grief, and curiosity that followedHow impulsivity and hyperactivity once led to chaos but now fuel her creativity, coaching, and teachingThe role of sensitivity and empathy as powerful tools in her work with clientsWhy focusing on strengths, rather than weaknesses, can transform self-esteem and outcomes for children with ADHDHow environment and role models shape whether ADHD traits show up as struggles or strengthsThe life-changing impact of yoga as a form of movement, meditation, and nervous system regulation for ADHD brainsThe importance of authentic teaching and finding the right style, environment, or teacher when exploring yoga and wellness practicesHow retreats, coaching, and community create momentum and lasting transformation for people with ADHDA message of hope for parents: why failure is part of growth, why every child’s path looks different, and why it’s never too late to reframe the ADHD storyRosie’s honesty and insight offer reassurance for parents, carers, and adults with ADHD alike - the very traits that cause the biggest struggles can, in the right environment, become our greatest strengths.Further resources and links:Rosie’s podcast: ADHD Untangled on SpotifyLearn more about Rosie’s coaching, yoga, and retreats at untangledco.comFollow Rosie on Instagram: @coachrosieturnerADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

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• ADHD & Friendship

  Why do so many children with ADHD struggle to make (and keep) friends, and what can parents do to support them?In this episode of the All Aboard ADHD Podcast, Claire is joined by award-winning author, coach, and ADHD social skills expert Caroline Maguire to explore one of the most important and often painful aspects of raising a child with ADHD: friendships. Caroline has ADHD herself, is the author of the bestselling book ‘Why Will No One Play With Me?’, and her upcoming book ‘Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults’ (out April 2026) builds on decades of experience helping children, teens, and adults connect socially.Together, Claire and Caroline dive deep into why children with ADHD often struggle socially and more importantly, what parents and carers can do to help. Their conversation covers:How executive function delays affect social skills, including conversation, self-regulation, and perspective-takingWhy environment plays such a huge role in a child’s social success and how parents can seek out spaces where their children feel acceptedThe impact of repeated criticism, rejection, and anxiety on kids’ self-esteem and social confidence, plus practical ways to build their resilienceThe key difference between masking and learning genuine social skills and why teaching children authentic strategies is crucialCore friendship skills ADHD kids need: starting conversations, keeping up with peers, reading social cues, and “dropping pings” to find their peopleWhy practice, persistence, and celebrating small wins are essential to help children build their confidence and lasting connectionsThe importance of strengths-based parenting: helping children recognise the traits that make them great friends, rather than just focusing on challengesHow parents and even adults with ADHD can begin their own “friendship journey,” modelling healthy social growth for their childrenWhether you’re raising a child who is lonely, struggling with rejection, or just beginning to navigate social worlds, this episode is packed with empathy, strategies, and hope. This episode was recorded in August 2025.Further resources and links:Buy Caroline’s book Why Will No One Play With Me? (winner of multiple awards including the Best Book Award from American Book Fest and Mums’ Choice Award)Pre-order Caroline’s new book Friendship Skills for Neurodivergent Adults (out April 2026)Caroline’s podcast: The ADHD Social PlaybookLearn more about Caroline’s work: https://www.carolinemaguireauthor.comFollow Caroline on Instagram @authorcarolinemADHD coaching and resources from Claire: https://allaboardadhd.comFollow Claire on Instagram & TikTok: @allaboardADHDThe views shared in this episode are those of the guest, based on their professional expertise and personal experience. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, educational, or psychological advice. Please consult a qualified professional for personalised support relevant to your individual circumstances.

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