357 ADHD and Emotional Regulation: The 3 Layers That Change Everything, with Jenna Free, CCC

If ADHD feels overwhelming, frustrating, or impossible to manage at times, you are not alone. And you’re not failing. In this episode, we’re looking at something that often gets missed in ADHD parenting and support… the nervous system. So many ADHD behaviors like procrastination, emotional outbursts, shutdown, or even people-pleasing aren’t just “symptoms.” They’re signs of a nervous system stuck in fight, flight, freeze, or fawn. When the nervous system is dysregulated, your child’s thinking brain goes offline. Executive functioning drops. Emotional regulation becomes incredibly hard. And no amount of consequences, rewards, or logic can fix that in the moment. That’s why we need a different approach. I’m joined by ADHD therapist Jenna Free to talk about the three layers of regulation that can truly shift how ADHD shows up in daily life. We walk through how to build awareness in the body, how thoughts and beliefs can keep the nervous system stuck in urgency, and how behavior patterns like all-or-nothing thinking are actually rooted in survival mode. This conversation is especially important for parents of neurodivergent kids with ADHD, autism, or anxiety who are navigating meltdowns, big emotions, and constant overwhelm. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of emotional regulation, nervous system regulation, co-regulation, and connection-based parenting strategies that actually support your child’s brain. Most importantly, you’ll feel seen, validated, and supported. If this resonates, I invite you to like, subscribe, and share this with another parent who needs it. You’re not alone in this journey, and small shifts can make a big difference. 🔗 Show notes and resources: https://parentingadhdandautism.com/357 🌟 Subscribe for more expert guidance and real-world strategies for raising neurodivergent children, teens, and young adults. Explore more resources and support at https://ParentingADHDandAutism.com