Burnout in Children and Teenagers with Dr Samantha Hiew

What does burnout look like in ADHD children and teenagers?

In this episode of All Aboard ADHD, Claire is joined by Dr Samantha Hiew to discuss the signs, causes, and prevention of ADHD burnout in children and teenagers. Sam - a highly sought-after neurodiversity keynote speaker and trainer - founded ADHD girls at the age of 40, after a decade of crisis living with undiagnosed ADHD. Sam seeks to humanise neurodiversity, bridging the empathy gap between those who are neurodivergent and neurotypical to foster a sense of connection, understanding, and belonging

Claire and Sam begin by discussing what causes burnout: typically various sources of long-term stress, sensory overload, and social and academic pressures. Sam also shares some insight into Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) and how this can play a part in triggering burnout. They then go on to discuss the symptoms parents can look out for in their children, for example, emotional challenges, sleep issues, and defiant behavior. 

Understanding and recognising burnout in our ADHD children and teenagers is key to prevention, so Sam shares some great examples of how we as parents can work to better support our kids to avoid burnout. For instance, creating supportive routines, ensuring the right kind of nutrition, and supporting our children's self-esteem. For children and teenagers already experiencing burnout, Sam emphasises how crucial rest and self-care are as tools.

Sam also highlights the importance of self-compassion and the need for a holistic approach, including school adjustments and support from a trusted adult. She also sheds light on the significance of recognising and addressing burnout early, to ensure we support our children to avoid long-term mental and physical health issues. Finally, Sam encourages parents to seek support via community and the right resources, so that they feel less alone in their journey - of course, that is the whole ethos of this podcast!

This episode is a must-listen for parents of children and teenagers with ADHD who want to get ahead of burnout and learn practical strategies to support their kids.

Below are the article links mentioned in this episode:

ADDitude - Why it Takes So Long to Mature

ADHD Embrace - Teaching Children with ADHD

You can also find out more about Sam and her work here.