Back-to-school season is stressful for every family — new routines, homework battles, and busy schedules can overwhelm even the most organized kids. But for students with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), those challenges are multiplied. Impulse control, organization, and social struggles can make the classroom feel like a minefield — and leave parents and teachers frustrated too.

In this episode of The Mother-Son Podcast with Kim & Jake, we talk about real strategies that help all kids. From positive reinforcement and classroom tips to self-advocacy and confidence-building, we share what works for neurodiverse learners and how these same approaches reduce stress and build success for neurotypical kids and families too.

Jacob shares his honest experiences with blurting answers, social struggles, and classroom challenges — and why it’s not about being a “bad kid,” but about brain differences that make impulse control and organization tough. Kim adds insights from research and resources like ADDitude Magazine’s Experts Podcast (Episode #568 with Dr. Steven Evans), which highlights evidence-based strategies that work better than punishment or public reprimands.

Together, we explore practical, real-world solutions for parents, teachers, and kids, including:
✅ Positive reinforcement & behavior-specific praise
✅ Pre-correction and active supervision
✅ Visual schedules, self-monitoring, and movement breaks
✅ Role-playing and self-advocacy strategies for kids
✅ Why avoiding public shaming and punitive discipline is critical

We also talk about The Anti-Planner by Dani Donovan — a creative tool for kids (and adults) who struggle with procrastination and motivation — and why teaching self-advocacy may be the most powerful skill of all.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or student, this episode offers humor, hope, and evidence-based strategies to help make the school year less stressful and more successful.

🔗 Find us here:
🌐 Website: www.themothersonpodcast.com
📸 Instagram: @themothersonpodcast
▶️ YouTube: The Mother-Son Podcast

📚 Sources & References Mentioned in the Episode

ADDitude Magazine – Neuroscience of ADHD Brain
https://www.additudemag.com/neuroscience-of-adhd-brain/#:~:text=ADHD%20brains%20have%20low%20levels,functional%20regions%20of%20the%20brain
ADDitude Experts Podcast – Episode #568
“Social Skills & Executive Functions in Teens with ADHD: Interventions That Help” – Dr. Steven Evans
Donovan, Dani – The Anti-Planner: How to Get Stuff Done When You Don’t Feel Like It
https://anti-planner.com/shop/the-anti-planner-how-to-get-sht-done-when-you-dont-feel-like-it/
American Academy of Pediatrics – Policy Statement (2018):
Effective Discipline to Raise Healthy Children

Back-to-School Stress? ADHD, Autism, and Tips Every Student, Parent & Teacher Can Use

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