Episode Two: Introduction to ADHD

Episode 2: "What Does ADHD Look Like?"

Series: Understanding ADHD in Kids
Guest: Dr. Gretchen Hoyle, Pediatrician

🔍 Episode Summary

In this episode, we dive into what ADHD looks like in real life, how it shows up in kids at different ages, and the importance of early identification. Dr. Hoyle shares practical insights from the clinic, discusses the challenges of diagnosis, and addresses common fears—like whether treatment might change a child's personality. We explore how to strike a balance between classroom functionality and preserving a child’s unique essence.

🧠 Key Themes & Takeaways

• Misconceptions about ADHD:
  It’s not just about being “wild” or “hyper”—some kids fly under the radar because they’re bright and verbal but struggle quietly with attention.
  
  

• Common fears around diagnosis and medication:
  Many parents fear their child will lose their spark or become “zombified.” Dr. Hoyle normalizes this concern and explains what appropriate treatment really looks like.
  
  

• The role of the Vanderbilt assessment:
  This tool, along with detailed history and teacher input, helps pediatricians identify ADHD accurately. But no diagnosis is made based on a single moment or form.
  
  

• When ADHD tends to be identified:
  
  

  • Kindergarten: Often flagged due to disruptive behavior or lack of classroom readiness.
    
    

  • 3rd grade: A spike in diagnoses due to standardized testing pressures (EOGs), where bright kids can’t focus long enough to show what they know.
    
    

• Why early diagnosis matters:
  Identifying and treating ADHD before age 9—and doing so consistently—can significantly improve outcomes in adolescence and adulthood.
  

🛠️ Resources Mentioned:

• Russell A. Barkley, PhD - ADHD parenting resources

💬 Quotes Worth Sharing

“I don’t want my child to be a zombie.”
“That’s valid. If your child is disengaged and robotic, that’s not success—we’re not aiming for compliance at the expense of personality.”

“Third grade is a flashpoint—not because the child suddenly has ADHD, but because that’s when it really starts to affect performance.”

“ADHD isn’t just a school issue. It touches everything: identity, self-esteem, safety, even long-term health.”

“Managing a child’s ADHD early is one of the most powerful things we can do to reduce the risk of anxiety, depression, and substance use later.”

👀 Next Episode Preview

In Part 3, we’ll follow ADHD through the youth life cycle—how it evolves through adolescence, how to support ongoing care, and what happens as kids transition into adulthood.