In this episode, ASCY’s Nicole Colterman is joined by Aaron Bailey, Aaron is a certified ADHD Life Coach, educator, and advocate with both professional and lived experience in ADHD and neurodiversity. With over a decade of work across education, mental health, and coaching, including running his own practice, Aaron brings deep insight and practical support to the ADHD community

Together, Nicole and Aaron explore what ADHD truly is: a neurodevelopmental difference, not a behavioural choice or a character flaw. Aaron clearly explains how differences in brain chemistry, particularly dopamine, impact attention regulation, impulsivity, emotional expression, time perception, working memory, and executive functioning. The conversation reframes behaviour as communication, encouraging educators and caregivers to shift from asking “what’s wrong?” to “what’s happening in the brain?”

Aaron also shares practical, developmentally appropriate strategies that support children in early learning settings, such as visual supports, movement, predictability, novelty, interest‑based approaches, and reducing cognitive load. Many of these approaches benefit all children, which is especially important given that ADHD is often undiagnosed in the early years and children may not yet have the language to describe their needs.

This episode is a strengths‑based, compassionate conversation that reminds us: when children struggle, it’s not because they won’t, it’s because they can’t yet. With understanding, empathy, and brain‑based support, we can remove barriers and help children show us who they really are.

Guest Bio: Aaron Bailey is a certified ADHD Life Coach with advanced training from the ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA). He holds a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) credential from the International Coaching Federation (ICF), as well as his Professional Certified ADHD Coach (PCAC) designation from the Professional Association for ADHD Coaches.

Aaron also holds a Diploma in Child and Youth Services and a Bachelor of Human Services. Over the past decade, he has worked extensively in the ADHD, learning disabilities, and mental health field, including roles at Queen’s University, as an Educational Assistant in the Yukon, and as the owner of his own coaching and education‑based practice.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• ADHDfolk on social media: @ADHDfolk
  Created by Aaron Bailey, ADHDfolk shares strengths‑based, educational content on ADHD, brain chemistry, motivation, executive functioning, and everyday strategies.
  
• ADHDfolk YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@ADHDFolk
  Short, accessible videos that explore ADHD through neuroscience, lived experience, humour, and practical supports.