Educational podcast on ADHD from Papillion La Vista Community Schools

Christopher and Deb, hosts of the Papillion La Vista Community Schools Mindshift podcast, interviewed Dr. Ashnu Nanavati, a board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist, about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and how families and schools can support children with the condition. Nanavati described ADHD as an attention dysregulation rather than a simple deficit and said diagnosis relies on a comprehensive clinical evaluation guided by DSM criteria rather than brain scans. She explained the three common presentations — predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive and combined — and noted symptoms must appear across multiple domains such as home and school. Nanavati recommended that parents start concerns with a child's pediatrician and that evaluations typically take two to three hours. She said ADHD commonly co-occurs with anxiety, mood disorders, learning differences and autism, which can complicate diagnosis. On treatment, Nanavati said stimulants are generally the most effective medications but that nonstimulant options exist and treatment plans should be tailored to family values and medical history. She emphasized nonpharmacologic approaches as well, urging parents and educators to identify strengths, reduce stigma and build supportive environments in schools and workplaces. Nanavati closed by saying that destigmatization and workplace flexibility offer hope for people with ADHD to thrive as they grow into adulthood. The episode ends with the hosts thanking listeners and directing them to plcschools.org/mindshift for more content.