Episode 64 | Understanding ADHD In Children & Youth

In this episode, Janet speaks with Dr. Ryan Sultan, a child psychiatrist and researcher specializing in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Dr. Sultan helps unpack what it really means to understand ADHD as a neurodevelopmental condition, and why symptoms can emerge as early as preschool. He explains how differences in brain development affect attention, regulation, behaviour, and self-esteem, and why ADHD is often misunderstood as simply a problem of willpower or discipline.

Drawing on clinical practice and long-term research, the conversation explores how ADHD is diagnosed across childhood and adolescence, how it can overlap with anxiety, learning differences, and emotional regulation challenges, and why careful, collaborative assessment across home, school, and community settings matters.

Janet and Dr. Sultan also discuss treatment decisions, including when medication is considered, the role of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and the importance of teaching practical skills like organization, emotional awareness, and social regulation.

This episode offers parents and educators a grounded, compassionate lens for thinking about ADHD. Rather than framing it as a quick diagnosis or a single solution, it emphasizes early understanding, thoughtful support, and interventions that help children build confidence, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.

To learn more about Dr. Sultan and his work please visit his ⁠⁠⁠website⁠.⁠