Thriving Kids Podcast Discusses ADHD and Learning Disabilities with Orlando Bloom
Actor Orlando Bloom, who grew up with dyslexia, joined the latest Thriving Kids podcast, which explores how caregivers might view the future for children struggling with a learning disorder or ADHD.
Learn More
Dave Anderson, a senior psychologist and vice president of public engagement and education for the Child Mind Institute, joins actor Orlando Bloom on this week’s podcast to discuss the topic.
On the podcast, Bloom discusses growing up with dyslexia, including the challenges he faced paying attention and concentrating in school. He also talks about how he developed workarounds before many of today’s evidence-based supports existed.
The podcast discussion also focuses on how movement, mindfulness, good nutrition, and sleep can help children and adults manage attention and learning challenges.
To accompany the podcast, the Child Mind Institute provided several tips on how to support children with ADHD or learning disorders:
Get them moving - Research shows that even 30 minutes of physical activity a day can help children with ADHD focus better, whether it’s a run before school or a game of tag during recess.
Find their area of excellence - Every child has something they are good at and finding an activity that gives them a sense of mastery can improve their confidence and self-esteem.
Cover the basics first - Emphasize sleep, nutrition, and movement. If children aren’t sleeping well, getting regular exercise, or eating properly, it’s harder for them to focus and regulate emotions at school.
Try mindfulness - Mindfulness practices can help children become less reactive and more focused; even a few minutes a day of paying attention to breathing helps to build a skill they can use for the rest of their lives.
Help them understand their diagnosis - Children do better when they know that a learning difference isn’t a reflection of their intelligence. Help them to understand how their brain works and give them language to talk about their strengths and challenges.
To learn more, listen to the Thriving Kids podcast.