Today, I'm sitting down with someone extra special—my youngest daughter, Kelly Richardson.

Kelly has spent over a decade in education, working her way from assistant head teacher to running her own Maths and English tuition centre.

We’re chatting about her experiences teaching children with ADHD and special educational needs in the UK school system, and how she’s navigated the challenges of supporting every child in her classroom.

We’ll talk about the gaps in teacher training when it comes to special needs education, and Kelly will share some practical tips for creating more inclusive learning environments.

Listen in for an honest, down-to-earth conversation that I’m sure will resonate with parents, teachers, and advocates alike!

Here are the highlights:

(3:18) Kelly's Journey into Teaching

(5:48) Teacher Training and Special Educational Needs

(11:42) Challenges in Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs

(17:25) The Role of SENCOs and School Support

(23:14) Teaching Children with ADHD

(33:37) The Importance of Parental Input and Understanding

Get in touch with Kelly:

07432213543

Connect with Jean:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Website

Instagram

In this episode, Jean talks with Louise Belshaw, a seasoned educator with a passion for supporting neurodiverse students, especially girls with undiagnosed ADHD.

Louise shares insights from her recent research on identity, control, and friendships, revealing how masking behaviour often delays ADHD diagnoses in girls. They explore how puberty can affect ADHD symptoms and discuss practical ways teaches and parents can support these young women. This episode highlights the importance of awareness, understanding, and proper training to help girls with ADHD thrive in school and beyond.

Here are the highlights

(01:20) Louise’s Background and Study Focus

(03:16) Exploring Masking and Its Impact on Diagnosis

(06:28) Puberty's Effect on Undiagnosed ADHD

(10:25) Teachers' Role in Recognizing ADHD Signs

(14:18) Wider Education System and Training Needs

(19:51) Contact Information

Connect with Jean:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Website

Instagram

In this episode, we’re breaking down the myths and misconceptions surrounding ADHD, especially when it comes to navigating the educational system.

With the rising number of pupils needing Educational Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) in the UK, it’s crucial to understand the process and how it can support children with ADHD.

I’ll walk you through the steps to secure an EHCP, sharing practical advice on how to advocate for your child and ensure they receive the support they need.

Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or educator, this episode is packed with insights to help you better understand and manage ADHD.

Here are the highlights:

(3:39) Role of Schools and Local Authorities

(4:23) Involvement of Families and Professionals

(6:51) Importance of Documentation and Notes

(11:09) Assessment and Planning Stages

(14:02) Implementation and Monitoring

(18:19) Review and Appeal Process

(20:42) Challenges and Advocacy

Connect with Jean:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Website

Instagram

In this episode, we're tackling one of the biggest challenges for children and young people with ADHD—staying focused.

If your child struggles with paying attention in class, at home, or during activities, you’re not alone. I’m sharing practical strategies and insights to help your child manage their focus without the frustration.

From understanding the root causes of distraction to implementing supportive tools and techniques, this episode is all about empowering you to create a more understanding and accommodating environment for your child.

Let’s explore how we can support their needs and reduce the stress for everyone involved.

Here are the highlights:

(03:06) Parental struggles with helping children focus

(05:43) Strategies to support children with ADHD in school

(08:14) Fidget toys

(10:33) Breaking down instructions

(11:24) Feeling heard

Connect with Jean:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Website

Instagram

In this episode of The ADHD Revolution, we're tackling one of the toughest decisions for parents: choosing the right medication for your child with ADHD.

We'll explore the different types of medications available, both stimulants and non-stimulants and how they work to manage ADHD symptoms.

I’ll also walk you through essential questions to ask your prescriber to ensure you're making the best choice for your child’s unique needs.

Whether you're leaning towards medication or looking into alternative treatments, this episode will give you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions.

Highlights:

(2:45) Different types of ADHD medications

(4:40) The key to managing ADHD

(9:10) Exercise, mindfulness, and coaching

(14:55) Important questions to ask medical prescribers

(17:45) Supporting children with ADHD

Connect with Jean:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Website

Instagram

Today, we’re discussing a common challenge many parents face: managing a child’s anger, especially in kids with ADHD.

We’ll explore the root causes of anger in children with ADHD, such as feeling misunderstood or sensory overload, and how external pressures like bullying can intensify these feelings.

I’ll also guide you through some strategies to help your child express and manage their emotions effectively. From using descriptive language to recognise feelings to setting clear consequences for actions, these tips are designed to foster understanding and help with behaviour management.

So, join me as we tackle these challenges together and aim to empower our children to navigate their emotions more effectively.

Here are the highlights:

(1:53) Managing anger in children with ADHD.

(3:15) common co-occurring condition in children with ADHD,

(6:40) Helping children to recognise and understand emotions

(8:02) Have open, calm conversations with children to understand their perspective and discuss consequences for behaviours.

Connect with Jean:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Website

Instagram

In today’s episode, we'll dive deep into understanding and managing meltdowns, which are common among children with ADHD. These intense emotional responses can be overwhelming for both the child and their caregivers.

We'll explore the causes, effective strategies to handle these moments, and why it's crucial to approach these situations with compassion rather than punishment.

Join me as we unpack how to support and advocate for our children, helping them thrive despite their struggles.

Here are the highlights:

(2:58) ADHD children struggle to regulate emotions.

(5:51) Making difficult or stressful tasks fun for children.

(8:30) Tips to slow down a child’s eating.

(11:42) Managing ADHD meltdowns.

Connect with Jean:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Website

Instagram

This episode is dedicated to unravelling the complexities of preparing for an ADHD assessment.

Whether you're a parent navigating this process for the first time or an adult seeking clarity, I'll share essential insights on what information medical professionals need and how to effectively gather and present it.

We'll also explore how to use an ADHD assessment preparation form, designed to help structure your approach regardless of age.

Join me as we empower you with the knowledge to advocate effectively for yourself or your child, reducing stress and ensuring that you’re ready for the assessment process.

Here are the highlights:

(3:53) Preparing for an ADHD assessment.

(5:13) Observations of child's development to help diagnose ADHD.

(7:40) Developmental milestones.

(10:42) Methods to gather information about your child's development.

Connect with Jean:

LinkedIn

Facebook

Website

Instagram