Unlocking ADHD and ODD: Practical Solutions with Dr. Rachel Schwartz

The Collaborative IEP

What really works when a child has ADHD and/or ODD? In this insightful (and delightfully real) conversation, I sit down with Dr. Rachel Schwartz—a special educator, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and PhD in cognitive and physical disabilities—to unpack practical, research-backed strategies for kids who need more than “preferential seating and extra time.”

Together, Dr. Rachel and I explore:

• Top-down vs. bottom-up strategies—and why matching the right approach matters.
• The role of executive functioning, motivation, and social skills in everyday success.
• How sleep, nutrition, movement, medication, and therapy all play a part in regulation.
• The misunderstood link between ADHD, ODD, anxiety, and perfectionism.
• Why regulation always comes before academics—and how parents and educators can shift expectations to support learning.

This isn’t a cookie-cutter checklist—it’s a compassionate, practical roadmap for supporting kids (and sometimes ourselves) with ADHD and ODD in ways that actually work.

📌 Resources Mentioned by Dr. Schwartz:

• https://www.additudemag.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopw5WRjHlN6F4NPP_3yz9Np3S-TFVa-gzDpaKdNxVe8pHWnvRP0
• https://www.russellbarkley.org
• https://chadd.org
• https://a.co/d/16ga60Y
• https://a.co/d/6L6FdTq

If you’ve ever wondered why the usual interventions don’t always click—or how to better advocate for tailored supports—this episode is packed with the wisdom and tools you need.