In this episode of Caring Well, Dr. Middleton chats with adolescent care counselor Matt Casada about how parents can better understand and support adolescents - especially those dealing with ADHD and executive function challenges. Matt explains why emotional regulation and a sense of safety are essential for attention, breaks down attachment styles and "zones of regulation," and offers practical strategies like sensory resets, visual checklists, and structured homework rhythms. He also highlights common but often missed teen struggles and shares simple daily habits that help kids feel seen, supported, and valued.

WATCH EPISODE: https://youtu.be/5_AtqCaFTN4 

Learn More: https://www.lumencounselingorlando.com

Key takeaways from this episode: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1J5lH_I4MglmFFb4evVDVG66jYgvsj4Dw/view?usp=sharing

Send us a Question: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W39w6aJj5Y4C_RDzzRsnmt7JGs1ZHI3FzBikkobPkjs

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Matt's Journey into Counseling
05:41 Daily Life as a Counselor and Educator
09:03 Working with Teens & Neurodiversity
13:13 Understanding ADHD & Regulatory Relationships
18:55 Assessing Regulation & Zones of Regulation
24:06 Parenting Approaches & Modeling Regulation
29:35 Attachment Theory Simplified
33:54 Attunement vs. Accommodating in Parenting
36:14 Executive Function Explained
44:17 Developing Executive Function Skills
53:30 Challenges Teens Face & Subtle Issues
56:00 Mental Health Conversations for Parents
57:44 Parenting Worries & Focusing on What Matters
01:00:03 Starting Counseling & Setting Expectations
01:01:48 Trends in Adolescent Mental Health
01:08:05 Final Thoughts & Finding Help

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