Unstitching ADHD: Urban Ed Talks with Dr. Stanley Ekiyor

Episode 39: Stop Trying to Fix Your ADHD Kid — Lead Them Instead

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2334629/fan_mail/new] What if everything you’ve been doing to “help” your ADHD child is actually holding them back? In this episode of Unstitching ADHD, I sat down with neurodiversity consultant Lisa Richer—mom, advocate, and creator of the Clarity, Confidence & Courage Journey Map—to explore one of the most powerful mindset shifts in special education:                          Stop fixing. Start leading. Here’s what we unpack: ·        Why ADHD and autism require fundamentally different approaches ·        How the 3C Journey Map turns confusion into clarity and confidence ·        What parents can do right now when they feel stuck navigating schools ·        Why your words, energy, and mindset can transform IEP meetings One line that really stayed with me:         “Neurodiversity is the prism lighting the table.” This is a conversation every parent, educator, and advocate should hear. 🎧 Listen now—and share it with someone who needs it. #ADHD #Neurodiversity #SpecialEducation #Parenting #InclusiveEducation #UnstitchingADHD #lisaricher #podcast #lisaricher

Episode 38: "I'm Not Lazy, I Just Learn Differently" - Breaking ADHD Myths in Education

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2334629/fan_mail/new] What if everything we've been told about ADHD students is wrong? In this raw and powerful conversation, Dr. William Lane—an educational consultant who grew up being told he'd "amount to nothing"—sits down with host Dr. Stanley Ekiyor to dismantle the most damaging myths about neurodivergent learners. Dr. Lane shares his personal journey from finding his high school yearbook with zero signatures to becoming a #1 bestselling author and leading advocate for students with learning differences. This isn't your typical academic discussion—it's a deeply human exploration of what it really means to support ADHD students in urban classrooms. What You'll Learn: • Why "just try harder" fails ADHD students every time • The "three minis" framework: mini steps, mini deadlines, mini successes • How to make learning meaningful through interest, urgency, and purpose • Why breaking tasks down matters (or "how to eat an elephant") • The critical difference between compliance and genuine engagement • What educators and parents get wrong at IEP meetings • Practical classroom strategies that actually work • The mindset shift schools desperately need to make Key Quote: "We're not lazy. We just learn differently than other people. We are worthwhile. You just need to ask me what works for me." Whether you're an educator, parent, administrator, or someone navigating your own neurodivergent journey, this episode offers hope, practical tools, and a powerful reminder that labels don't define potential. About the Guest: Dr. William Lane is an educational consultant, academic coach, international speaker, and author of "Stop Being Invisible: Overcoming Communication Barriers." He brings both professional expertise and lived experience as someone on the spectrum to his work supporting students, families, and educators. About the Host: Dr. Stanley Ekiyor hosts Unstitching ADHD: Urban Ed Talks, a podcast dedicated to moving beyond deficit-based narratives in education.

Episode 37: Beyond Medication: A Holistic Pediatrician's Approach to ADHD & Autism- Dr. Hokehe Eko

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2334629/fan_mail/new] What if the solution to your child's ADHD or Autism symptoms isn't just medication—but what's on their plate? In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Hokehe Eko, a holistic pediatrician who transformed her own daughter's health by addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. When her 9-year-old's lips turned jet black and her grades plummeted, Dr. Eko discovered that food sensitivities were at the heart of the problem. Within six weeks of dietary changes, her daughter's lips returned to pink, behavior improved, and skin cleared up. In This Episode, We Explore: * How nutrition, sleep, and environment impact ADHD and autism symptoms * Why neurodivergent children are often 3-5 years behind developmentally—and what that means for educators * The hidden stress cycle in neurodivergent kids and how behavior is communication * Why girls with ADHD and autism are frequently missed and misdiagnosed * Practical strategies for classrooms: brain breaks, reflection corners, and strength-based approaches * The surprising connection between gut health, constipation, and focus *  How food dyes and sugar affect children's behavior (and what to do about it) * The Glow Method: a whole-child approach that includes personalized nutrition, environmental changes, and family support Key Takeaways: ✓ Your child's behavior is communication—not defiance ✓ Food is medicine: addressing inflammation can reduce aggression, improve sleep, and enhance focus ✓ Strength-based approaches work better than deficit-based thinking ✓ Small classroom changes (like reflection corners) can make massive differences ✓ Holistic care + therapy + education = best outcomes for neurodivergent children Connect with Dr. Hokehe Eko: Website: www.glowpediatrics.com If this conversation resonates with you, please share it with educators, parents, and clinicians in your community. Together, we can shift from managing symptoms to supporting whole, thriving children.  Subscribe for more conversations that challenge deficit-based thinking and reimagine what's possible for neurodivergent learners. ADHD #Autism #HolisticPediatrics #Neurodiversity #EducationReform #ChildHealth #ParentingSupport #SpecialEducation #ADHDSupport #autismsupport

Episode 36: "Transforming Education for ADHD Students | Katie Trepanier on Leadership & Learning"

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2334629/fan_mail/new] Educational leader Katie Trepanier joins Dr. Stanley Ekiyor to discuss how project-based and nature-based learning unlock brilliance in students with ADHD.  Key Topics: • Shifting from deficit to strength-based thinking about ADHD • Project-based learning for neurodivergent learners • Building equitable systems in urban schools • Real student transformation stories • Practical shifts school leaders can make today  Highlights: * Why "different ability" matters more than "disability." * The water fountain project: Student voice in action * Post-COVID challenges and solutions * How movement and outdoor learning accelerate growth 👤 About Katie Trepanier: Nearly 20 years in urban education, doctoral candidate at University of Rochester, founder of KTB Innovative Solutions.  Connect: kathleenbtrepanier@gmail.com LinkedIn: Katie Trepanier Facebook: KTB Innovative Solutions ADHD #URBANEDUCATION #PROJECTBASEDLEARNING #EDUCATIONALLEADERSHIP #NEURODIVERSELEARNERS #EQUITYINEDUCATION

Episode 35: "Is It Possible to Build Confidence Without Shame in ADHD?" Shama Akram

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2334629/fan_mail/new] I'm excited to share my latest conversation with Shama Akram, a UK-based ADHD coach specializing in accountability, productivity, and confidence-building for individuals with inattentive ADHD. Key insights from our discussion: 🔹 The critical gap between clinical diagnosis and practical support 🔹 How coaching complements therapy by focusing forward, not backward 🔹 Reframing productivity around energy levels, not rigid schedules 🔹 The importance of celebrating neurodivergent individuality in educational systems Shama's practical framework—planning, prioritizing, and timestamping—offers actionable steps for anyone navigating ADHD in professional and personal contexts. This conversation is essential for educators, HR professionals, managers, and anyone supporting neurodivergent individuals in their organizations. 🎧 Listen to the full episode: [link] ADHD #NEURODIVERSITY #INCLUSIVEWORKPLACE #MENTALHEALTHAWARENESS #PROFESSIONALDEVELOPMENT #COACHING #EDUCATION