Ep 74: ADHD Under Pressure: How to Break the Cycle of Bullying and Rebuild Self-Worth (ft. Brooke Schnittman)

Episode 74

Hi everyone! Today we’re exploring the connection between ADHD and bullying.

Research consistently shows that children with ADHD are more vulnerable to bullying than their neurotypical peers. For instance, a study utilizing data from the National Survey of Children's Health found that 47% of children with ADHD reported being victims of bullying, more than double the prevalence in the general population PMC.

This increased susceptibility isn't just a childhood issue—it extends into adolescence and adulthood, affecting self-esteem and mental health. Adolescents with ADHD who experience bullying are at a significantly higher risk for anxiety and depression compared to their peers without ADHD.

My guest today, Brooke Schnittman, knows this firsthand. Brooke is an ADHD coach, speaker, and host of the podcast, Successful with ADHD. She works to help adults turn their challenges into strengths. In our conversation, she shares her own story of being bullied from childhood into adulthood, how it shaped her understanding of ADHD, and what helped her begin to rebuild a sense of self-worth.

This episode isn’t just about surviving bullying - it’s about understanding how those experiences shape the brain and the stories we tell ourselves, and how healing becomes possible through awareness, coaching, and connection. I also share some additional strategies - both for parents and adults - that can help build proactive protection and resilience in environments where bullying or exclusion might occur. I hope you enjoy!

Here are the show notes:

Learn More About Brooke

https://www.coachingwithbrooke.com/about-brooke

Successfull with ADHD Podcast

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/successfull-with-adhd/id1674069554

Bullying: What Parents and Teachers of Children with ADHD Need to Know

https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/ATTN_06_12_Bullying.pdf

Bullying Resource Center

https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Bullying_Resource_Center/Home.aspx

How to Demobilize a Bully in 5 Steps

https://www.additudemag.com/stop-bullying-adhd-upstander/?srsltid=AfmBOoozI6FRhewOLn8ICHuypgxNjYuz4icT8UfTDNIPcYINmIxqmwt3

Put Down the Stick, Pick Up a Feather: Adult ADHD & Self-Criticism