ADHD Support for Young Children
Parent Coaching & Early Childhood Therapy

Supporting young children with ADHD and other neurodivergent differences can feel overwhelming—especially when behaviors, emotional regulation, and daily routines become difficult to manage.

You may be seeing big feelings, shutdown, or constant pushback—and wondering what your child needs and how to respond in a way that actually helps.

This isn’t about doing more—it’s about understanding what’s happening underneath and finding support that fits your child and your family.

Does this sound familiar?  

  • * Big feelings that feel hard to calm
  •  
  • * Pushback or meltdowns during transitions
  •  
  • * Behaviors that feel confusing or intense
  •  
  • * Strategies that don’t seem to stick
  •  
  • * Wondering if this could be ADHD, ASD?
  •  
  • * Feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to respond?
  • Understanding ADHD in Early Childhood

    ADHD in young children doesn’t always look the way people expect.
    It can show up through emotional regulation challenges, sensory sensitivity, difficulty with transitions, and behavior that feels intense or unpredictable.

    When these patterns are misunderstood, children are often seen as “defiant” or “too much”—when in reality, their nervous system is overwhelmed.

 

Why this matters:

Early childhood is a time of rapid growth and development.

During the first few years of life, children are building the foundation for emotional regulation, connection, and learning.

When challenges are showing up early—whether related to ADHD, emotional regulation, or behavior—support during this stage can make a meaningful difference.

My approach is informed not only by therapy, but also by perspectives from early childhood development, occupational therapy, speech, and relational work—allowing us to look at your child more fully, not just through one lens.

 

 

If you have concerns about your child:

 I know how overwhelming and helpless that can feel. It’s hard not knowing what to focus on, what matters most, or where to start. In our work together, we focus on understanding your child’s behavior through a neurodivergent and ADHD-informed lens—supporting emotional regulation, executive functioning, and the parent-child relationship in a way that actually fits your child.



3 key areas we support you early intervention

Executive Functioning:

Helping with transitions, flexibility, routines, and the day-to-day challenges that can feel especially hard for neurodivergent children.

Emotional Regulation:

Supporting your child in managing big feelings, overwhelm, and reactivity in ways that feel more manageable and connected.

 

Attunement:

Strengthening connection and helping you respond in ways that support both your child and your relationship.

 

. 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the signs of ADHD in young children?

ADHD in young children doesn’t always look the way people expect. It can show up as big emotions, difficulty with transitions, impulsivity, sensory sensitivity, or challenges with focus and flexibility. Many children are described as “strong-willed,” “intense,” or “easily overwhelmed,” when in reality their nervous system is working hard to manage multiple demands at once.

 

 

2. How can I help my child with emotional regulation?

Emotional regulation develops over time and is closely connected to a child’s environment, nervous system, and support. Rather than focusing only on behavior, it can be helpful to understand what’s happening underneath—such as overwhelm, sensory input, or executive functioning challenges. Supporting regulation often starts with co-regulation, predictable routines, and responding in ways that match your child’s needs.

 

3. Do you offer parent coaching for ADHD? 

Yes. Parent coaching is a central part of my work with young children. Rather than focusing only on changing your child’s behavior, we work together to understand what’s driving the behavior and how to respond in ways that support emotional regulation, executive functioning, and connection. This approach is especially helpful for children with ADHD or neurodivergent profiles.

 

4. Is this therapy for my child or support for me? 

In early childhood, the most effective approach often involves working closely with parents or caregivers. Sessions may include parent coaching, guidance, and strategies you can use in everyday situations. This allows for more consistent support and helps create lasting change within your child’s environment.

At the same time, this work isn’t just about your child or your role as a parent—it’s about supporting you as a whole person, including your own nervous system, experiences, and capacity during this season.

 

5. What if I’m not sure whether my child has ADHD?

That’s very common. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to seek support. Many families reach out because something feels difficult or confusing, even if they don’t have a clear label yet. We can start by understanding your child’s patterns, behavior, and needs, and go from there.

 

 

Let’s Get Started

You don’t have to figure this out on your own.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or wanting support that actually fits your child and your family, I’d love to connect.

Together, we can begin to make sense of what’s happening—and find a way forward that feels more manageable and aligned.

 

Email gretchen@parent-childbond.com to schedule your first session.

Serving families with young children and ADHD across Minnesota (telehealth available)

However you identify and whether you are the birth person or witnessing birth, trying to conceive, pregnant or facing fertility struggles. While I specialize in women and children with ADHD, I believe that everybody deserves to be understood, supported and have a space where their experiences are valued.