Is your child bright but still struggling to read?

Do they guess at words, avoid reading altogether, melt down during homework, or insist they're "bad at reading"? If you're raising a child with ADHD, it can be incredibly difficult to know whether these challenges are caused by attention, dyslexia, or something else entirely.

This week on Chaos & Caffeine: An ADHD Parenting Podcast, Danielle Kelly sits down with reading specialist, Certified Academic Language Therapist, and Home Reading Coach founder Faye Bankler Casell to break down what every ADHD parent needs to know about reading difficulties.

Together, they discuss:

• The difference between ADHD and dyslexia
• Why so many bright kids struggle with reading
• Early warning signs parents shouldn't ignore
• What the Science of Reading actually means (without the educational jargon)
• Why traditional reading practice often isn't enough
• Practical, research-backed strategies parents can use at home
• How to protect your child's confidence while building stronger reading skills

Whether your child has ADHD, dyslexia, learning differences, or simply isn't making the reading progress you'd expect, this episode will help you understand what's really happening—and what you can do next.

Because struggling to read doesn't mean a child isn't smart. It means they deserve instruction that works for the way their brain learns.

🎧 Subscribe to Chaos & Caffeine for weekly conversations with leading ADHD experts, psychologists, educators, researchers, physicians, and parents who are changing the way we support neurodivergent kids.

Connect with Faye 👉 Home Reading Coach

This Month's Sponsors:

🌎 bina school

A small, global online school built for kids who need learning to be more flexible, personalized, and human.

🦘 Ted Kangaroo

Sensory tools that help kids wiggle, focus, and regulate—without another battle. Use code: CHAOS20 to save 20%.

🩵 Parker & Talia

Sensory-friendly clothing and socks made for kids who can’t just “ignore” the tag, seam, texture, or waistband.

📚 Reading.com

Helping struggling readers build confidence and parents keep their sanity one lesson at a time.

🎲 DSS Games

Helping families put down the screens, laugh together, and actually enjoy spending time with each other again.

🎓 Inclusive Expectations

Special education advocacy and personalized support helping parents navigate IEPs, school meetings, and accommodations with more confidence.

🌱 MaryRuth Organics

If you’ve got a kid who treats vegetables like a personal enemy, MaryRuth Organics might become your new best friend.

Join Our Patreon and Find All of Our Faves!

📧 Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at chaosandcaffeinepodcast@gmail.com.

Support the show

Danielle is the host of Chaos & Caffeine, a fast-growing ADHD parenting podcast where she interviews leading psychologists, clinicians, researchers, and neurodivergent advocates about what actually helps ADHD kids thrive in the real world. Through science-backed conversations and very real mom-in-the-trenches storytelling, the show helps parents navigate executive function challenges, emotional regulation struggles, learning differences, and the everyday chaos of raising neurodivergent kids.

Each week, Danielle translates complex ADHD research into practical tools parents can actually use — from building routines that support developing brains to helping kids strengthen focus, flexibility, and self-regulation skills.

Listen to the podcast and explore expert interviews at:
https://linktr.ee/chaosandcaffeinepodcast

Danielle frequently speaks and writes about ADHD parenting strategies, executive function development, emotional regulation, screen use and attention, learning challenges like dyslexia, and building resilient neurodivergent families.

If your child has ever completely lost it because their socks feel wrong, a tag is driving them CRAZY, the waistband is uncomfortable, or the shirt they wore perfectly happily yesterday is suddenly absolutely unacceptable… this episode is for you. 😂

For ADHD, autistic, and sensory-sensitive kids, getting dressed isn't always a simple part of the morning routine. Seams, tags, fabrics, waistbands, textures, fit, and even tiny changes in how clothing feels can become genuinely overwhelming—and what looks like stubbornness or defiance from the outside may actually be a child trying to communicate that something feels WRONG.

This week on Chaos & Caffeine: ADHD Parenting Podcast, Danielle Kelly sits down with Valerie Bernal, founder of Parker & Talia, to talk about sensory sensitivities, clothing struggles, and why getting dressed can become such a huge source of stress for neurodivergent kids and their parents.

We talk about:

• Why some ADHD and autistic kids are extremely sensitive to clothing
• Tags, seams, waistbands, fabrics, textures, and other common sensory triggers
• Why a child may tolerate an outfit one day and refuse it the next
• Sensory discomfort vs. behavior or defiance
• How clothing battles can affect regulation and the entire morning routine
• Supporting bodily autonomy and listening when kids tell us something doesn't feel right
• Helping sensory-sensitive children build confidence and independence
• Valerie's journey to creating Parker & Talia
• How sensory-friendly clothing can remove one unnecessary struggle from a neurodivergent child's day

Because when our kids are already navigating a world that asks their nervous systems to adapt ALL DAY LONG, maybe getting dressed doesn't need to be another freaking battle.

Connect with Valerie 👉 Parker & Talia

This Month's Sponsors:

🌎 Bina School

A small, global online school built for kids who need learning to be more flexible, personalized, and human.

🦘 Ted Kangaroo

Sensory tools that help kids wiggle, focus, and regulate—without another battle. Use code: CHAOS20 to save 20%.

📚 Reading.com

Helping struggling readers build confidence and parents keep their sanity one lesson at a time.

🎲 DSS Games

Helping families put down the screens, laugh together, and actually enjoy spending time with each other again.

🎓 Inclusive Expectations

Special education advocacy and personalized support helping parents navigate IEPs, school meetings, and accommodations with more confidence.

🌱 MaryRuth Organics

If you’ve got a kid who treats vegetables like a personal enemy, MaryRuth Organics might become your new best friend.

Join Our Patreon and Find All of Our Faves!

📧 Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at chaosandcaffeinepodcast@gmail.com.

Support the show

Danielle is the host of Chaos & Caffeine, a fast-growing ADHD parenting podcast where she interviews leading psychologists, clinicians, researchers, and neurodivergent advocates about what actually helps ADHD kids thrive in the real world. Through science-backed conversations and very real mom-in-the-trenches storytelling, the show helps parents navigate executive function challenges, emotional regulation struggles, learning differences, and the everyday chaos of raising neurodivergent kids.

Each week, Danielle translates complex ADHD research into practical tools parents can actually use — from building routines that support developing brains to helping kids strengthen focus, flexibility, and self-regulation skills.

Listen to the podcast and explore expert interviews at:
https://linktr.ee/chaosandcaffeinepodcast

Danielle frequently speaks and writes about ADHD parenting strategies, executive function development, emotional regulation, screen use and attention, learning challenges like dyslexia, and building resilient neurodivergent families.

Does your ADHD child actually have the school support they need—or have you been told they’re “doing fine” because their grades look okay?

For parents of neurodivergent kids, navigating IEPs, 504 Plans, school accommodations, evaluations, and special education services can feel like learning an entirely new language while simultaneously trying to advocate for the person you love most.

This week on Chaos & Caffeine: ADHD Parenting Podcast, Danielle Kelly sits down with Kelly from Inclusive Expectations to help parents understand how to advocate for their ADHD and neurodivergent children at school.

We’re talking about:

• Signs your child may need additional school support—even with good grades
• IEP vs. 504 Plans and navigating the accommodation process
• What to do when the school says your child is “doing fine”
• What school data parents should actually be asking for
• Turning ADHD and executive-function challenges into meaningful accommodations
• How to prepare for an IEP or 504 meeting
• Advocating confidently without creating a parent-versus-school battle
• Making sure accommodations actually work in your child’s real school day

If you've ever walked into a school meeting surrounded by acronyms and wondered, “How the hell am I supposed to know what my kid needs?”—start here.

You don't have to become a special education expert overnight. But you CAN learn how to ask better questions, understand the information in front of you, and become a powerful member of your child's educational team.

Connect with Kelly 👉 Inclusive Expectations

This Month's Sponsors:

🌎 Bina School
A small, global online school built for kids who need learning to be more flexible, personalized, and human.

🦘 Ted Kangaroo
Sensory tools that help kids wiggle, focus, and regulate—without another battle. Use code: CHAOS20 to save 20%.

📚 Reading.com

Helping struggling readers build confidence and parents keep their sanity one lesson at a time.

🎲 DSS Games
Helping families put down the screens, laugh together, and actually enjoy spending time with each other again.

🌙 Moonbuddy

Helping kids calm their nervous systems without another screen in sight. Use code: CHAOSANDCAFFEINE10 to save 10%.

🌱 MaryRuth Organics

If you’ve got a kid who treats vegetables like a personal enemy, MaryRuth Organics might become your new best friend.

Join Our Patreon and Find All of Our Faves!

📧 Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at chaosandcaffeinepodcast@gmail.com.

Support the show

Danielle is the host of Chaos & Caffeine, a fast-growing ADHD parenting podcast where she interviews leading psychologists, clinicians, researchers, and neurodivergent advocates about what actually helps ADHD kids thrive in the real world. Through science-backed conversations and very real mom-in-the-trenches storytelling, the show helps parents navigate executive function challenges, emotional regulation struggles, learning differences, and the everyday chaos of raising neurodivergent kids.

Each week, Danielle translates complex ADHD research into practical tools parents can actually use — from building routines that support developing brains to helping kids strengthen focus, flexibility, and self-regulation skills.

Listen to the podcast and explore expert interviews at:
https://linktr.ee/chaosandcaffeinepodcast

Danielle frequently speaks and writes about ADHD parenting strategies, executive function development, emotional regulation, screen use and attention, learning challenges like dyslexia, and building resilient neurodivergent families.

IEP meetings. 504 plans. School accommodations. Special education services. If you're raising a child with ADHD, figuring out what support they're actually entitled to at school can feel like learning an entirely new language—and then being expected to confidently advocate in a room full of professionals.

That's why we're kicking off our ADHD Kids & School series with one of our favorite conversations with special education advocate Karen Mayer Cunningham.

Karen is funny, bold, incredibly knowledgeable, and exactly the person you want in your corner before walking into an IEP or 504 meeting. In this episode, we're breaking down how parents can become stronger advocates for their neurodivergent kids, understand the special education process, ask better questions, and push for the accommodations and services their children need to succeed.

We talk about navigating IEP and 504 meetings, communicating with schools, understanding your role as a parent, advocating when your child is struggling, and getting past the fear that you're being "difficult" simply because you're asking for support.

Because here's the thing: advocating for your ADHD child isn't about demanding special treatment. It's about making sure they have meaningful access to an education that works for the way their brain learns.

Whether your child already has an IEP or 504 Plan, you're preparing for your first school accommodation meeting, or you're wondering whether your struggling ADHD child needs more support, this episode is your confidence boost before walking through those doors.

☕ Chaos & Caffeine: ADHD Parenting Podcast is your no-BS guide to raising neurodivergent kids, featuring ADHD experts, researchers, therapists, educators, advocates, and parents who actually get it.

Subscribe and follow our ADHD Kids & School series for practical strategies to help your child navigate school, executive functioning, accommodations, behavior, emotional regulation, learning challenges, homework, and more.

Connect with Karen 👉Special Education Academy

This Month's Sponsors:

🦘 Ted Kangaroo
Sensory tools that help kids wiggle, focus, and regulate—without another battle. Use code: CHAOS20 to save 20%.

📚 Reading.com

Helping struggling readers build confidence and parents keep their sanity one lesson at a time.

🎲 DSS Games
Helping families put down the screens, laugh together, and actually enjoy spending time with each other again.

🌙 Moonbuddy

Helping kids calm their nervous systems without another screen in sight. Use code: CHAOSANDCAFFEINE10 to save 10%.

🌱 MaryRuth Organics

If you’ve got a kid who treats vegetables like a personal enemy, MaryRuth Organics might become your new best friend.

Join Our Patreon and Find All of Our Faves!

📧 Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at chaosandcaffeinepodcast@gmail.com.

Support the show

Danielle is the host of Chaos & Caffeine, a fast-growing ADHD parenting podcast where she interviews leading psychologists, clinicians, researchers, and neurodivergent advocates about what actually helps ADHD kids thrive in the real world. Through science-backed conversations and very real mom-in-the-trenches storytelling, the show helps parents navigate executive function challenges, emotional regulation struggles, learning differences, and the everyday chaos of raising neurodivergent kids.

Each week, Danielle translates complex ADHD research into practical tools parents can actually use — from building routines that support developing brains to helping kids strengthen focus, flexibility, and self-regulation skills.

Listen to the podcast and explore expert interviews at:
https://linktr.ee/chaosandcaffeinepodcast

Danielle frequently speaks and writes about ADHD parenting strategies, executive function development, emotional regulation, screen use and attention, learning challenges like dyslexia, and building resilient neurodivergent families.

If you're an ADHD mom, chances are you've become an expert at taking care of everyone else... while putting yourself dead last.

Sound familiar?

In this episode of Chaos & Caffeine, I'm joined by Loretta Lee—coach, speaker, caregiver, and passionate advocate for helping parents move beyond survival mode. Together, we're having the honest conversation so many neurodivergent parents need to hear about caregiver burnout, mom guilt, boundaries, self-care, and protecting your mental health while raising ADHD and neurodivergent children.

We dive into why so many ADHD moms feel exhausted, how the invisible mental load affects our relationships and parenting, and practical ways to begin prioritizing yourself without feeling selfish.

Inside this episode we discuss:

☕ Why ADHD moms experience burnout differently

☕ The hidden mental load of raising neurodivergent children

☕ How to set healthy boundaries without guilt

☕ Why self-care isn't selfish—it's essential

☕ Practical strategies to protect your mental health

☕ Finding yourself again outside of motherhood

If you've ever wondered whether you're doing enough, carrying too much, or simply trying to survive another day of ADHD parenting, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone.

Because taking care of yourself isn't taking away from your family—it's one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

Connect with Loretta 👉 Loretta Lee

This Month's Sponsors:

🦘 Ted Kangaroo
Sensory tools that help kids wiggle, focus, and regulate—without another battle. Use code: CHAOS20 to save 20%.

📚 Reading.com

Helping struggling readers build confidence and parents keep their sanity one lesson at a time.

🌙 Moonbuddy

Helping kids calm their nervous systems without another screen in sight. Use code: CHAOSANDCAFFEINE10 to save 10%.

🌱 MaryRuth Organics

If you’ve got a kid who treats vegetables like a personal enemy, MaryRuth Organics might become your new best friend.

Join Our Patreon and Find All of Our Faves!

📧 Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at chaosandcaffeinepodcast@gmail.com.

Support the show

Danielle is the host of Chaos & Caffeine, a fast-growing ADHD parenting podcast where she interviews leading psychologists, clinicians, researchers, and neurodivergent advocates about what actually helps ADHD kids thrive in the real world. Through science-backed conversations and very real mom-in-the-trenches storytelling, the show helps parents navigate executive function challenges, emotional regulation struggles, learning differences, and the everyday chaos of raising neurodivergent kids.

Each week, Danielle translates complex ADHD research into practical tools parents can actually use — from building routines that support developing brains to helping kids strengthen focus, flexibility, and self-regulation skills.

Listen to the podcast and explore expert interviews at:
https://linktr.ee/chaosandcaffeinepodcast

Danielle frequently speaks and writes about ADHD parenting strategies, executive function development, emotional regulation, screen use and attention, learning challenges like dyslexia, and building resilient neurodivergent families.