Today I’m excited to be bringing to the podcast Brendan Mahan, an expert in ADHD and Executive Functioning, and the host of the ADHD Essentials Podcast. As a former teacher and school counselor who also has ADHD himself, Brendan brings to the podcast a powerful perspective on the emotional, academic, and lifestyle impacts of ADHD, combined with a flair for relatable and engaging explanations to help everyone else “get it.” Brendan helps individuals, families, schools, and businesses manage the challenges of ADHD. His approach blends education, collaborative problem-solving, and accountability, with compassion, humor, and a focus on strengths and growth.
In today’s episode, we cover a lot of ground—everything from ADHD and time awareness, to balancing screen time and remote schooling to dealing with anxiety and uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. Brendan also breaks down what he calls the “Wall of Awful”—his brilliant analogy for understanding task resistance—as well as his strategies and tips to get past it. Get ready for many “aha” moments and realistic takeaways for parents of all differently wired kids, not just those with kids who have attention issues.
About Brendan: Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., MS., an internationally recognized ADHD/Executive Function expert, a highly engaging, sought-after speaker, and the host of the ADHD Essentials Podcast. A former teacher, mental health counselor, and principal, Brendan provides workshops for parents, educators, and businesses throughout New England. He has presented for the Massachusetts Teachers Association, the Massachusetts School Administrators Association, and the International Conference on ADHD. Brendan helps individuals, families, schools, and businesses manage the challenges of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and neurodiversity through an approach that blends education, collaborative problem-solving, and accountability with compassion, humor, a focus on strengths and growth, and his trademark “Wall of Awful” model.
THINGS YOU’LL LEARN FROM THIS EPISODE:
- How Brendan uses his personal experience to help teachers better understand and support children with ADHD
- How ADHD affects time awareness when it comes to school assignments and homework
- What is meant by the “Wall of Awful” and why it especially impacts children with ADHD
- Strategies to help children tackle difficult tasks
- How to support ADHD kids in the new school landscape of remote learning, especially when it comes to screen management
- Brendan’s hacks for parenting as someone with ADHD
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
- Email Brendan: brendan@ADHDessentials.com
- Wall of Awful videos with Jessica McCabe (How to ADHD)
- Screenwise: Helping Kids Thrive (and Survive) in Their Digital World by Dr. Devorah Heitner
- Devorah Heitner on Helping Kids Thrive in Their Digital World (Tilt Podcast episode)
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