Dr. Russell works with students with ADHD, autism, anxiety, learning differences, and executive functioning challenges—and she's also raised neurodivergent kids herself.
We talk about what happens when bright, capable kids struggle in traditional school, why ADHD symptoms can be mistaken for laziness or lack of motivation, how executive functioning affects academic success, and why the answer isn't always pushing a child harder to fit into the same system.
Dr. Russell also shares her family's experience with homeschooling and what parents should consider when the traditional educational path simply isn't working.
We get into:
• ADHD and executive functioning in school
• Why smart ADHD kids can still struggle academically
• Motivation, task initiation, organization, and follow-through
• Homeschooling neurodivergent and ADHD kids
• Recognizing when the learning environment isn't working
• Supporting kids with ADHD, autism, anxiety, and learning differences
• Building independence without removing needed support
• Why behavior may actually be a lagging executive functioning skill
• Finding educational options that fit your child's individual brain
• Redefining what “school success” looks like for neurodivergent kids
Because ADHD school success isn't about forcing our kids to become better at fitting into a box.
It's about giving them the tools, support, and environment they need to thrive.
Connect with Dr. Russell 👉 Russell Coaching
This Month's Sponsors:
🌎 bina school
A small, global online school built for kids who need learning to be more flexible, personalized, and human.
🔬 Kodo Kids
Open-ended, sensory-rich play materials that let neurodivergent kids explore, experiment, and learn in the ways that work for their brains.
🧱 Cubles
Recyclable building sets that transform flat pieces into 3D creations—keeping busy hands building and brilliant brains creating.
🩵 Parker & Talia
Sensory-friendly clothing and socks made for kids who can’t just “ignore” the tag, seam, texture, or waistband.
🎓 Inclusive Expectations
Special education advocacy and personalized support helping parents navigate IEPs, school meetings, and accommodations with more confidence.
🌱 MaryRuth Organics
If you’ve got a kid who treats vegetables like a personal enemy, MaryRuth Organics might become your new best friend.
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📧 Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at chaosandcaffeinepodcast@gmail.com.
Support the show
Danielle is the host of Chaos & Caffeine, a fast-growing ADHD parenting podcast where she interviews leading psychologists, clinicians, researchers, and neurodivergent advocates about what actually helps ADHD kids thrive in the real world. Through science-backed conversations and very real mom-in-the-trenches storytelling, the show helps parents navigate executive function challenges, emotional regulation struggles, learning differences, and the everyday chaos of raising neurodivergent kids.
Each week, Danielle translates complex ADHD research into practical tools parents can actually use — from building routines that support developing brains to helping kids strengthen focus, flexibility, and self-regulation skills.
Listen to the podcast and explore expert interviews at:
https://linktr.ee/chaosandcaffeinepodcast
Danielle frequently speaks and writes about ADHD parenting strategies, executive function development, emotional regulation, screen use and attention, learning challenges like dyslexia, and building resilient neurodivergent families.
