ASCY

Recently, our Montessori-Inspired Community of Practice gathered at Dundas Valley Montessori to explore math concepts and discover the many ways Montessori materials are used to support and deepen children’s math learning. It was an inspiring evening of collaboration, reflection, and shared passion for meaningful learning experiences.

In this episode, ASCY’s Nicole Colterman is joined by Aaron Bailey, Aaron is a certified ADHD Life Coach, educator, and advocate with both professional and lived experience in ADHD and neurodiversity. With over a decade of work across education, mental health, and coaching, including running his own practice, Aaron brings deep insight and practical support to the ADHD community

Together, Nicole and Aaron explore what ADHD truly is: a neurodevelopmental difference, not a behavioural choice or a character flaw. Aaron clearly explains how differences in brain chemistry, particularly dopamine, impact attention regulation, impulsivity, emotional expression, time perception, working memory, and executive functioning. The conversation reframes behaviour as communication, encouraging educators and caregivers to shift from asking “what’s wrong?” to “what’s happening in the brain?”

Aaron also shares practical, developmentally appropriate strategies that support children in early learning settings, such as visual supports, movement, predictability, novelty, interest‑based approaches, and reducing cognitive load. Many of these approaches benefit all children, which is especially important given that ADHD is often undiagnosed in the early years and children may not yet have the language to describe their needs.

This episode is a strengths‑based, compassionate conversation that reminds us: when children struggle, it’s not because they won’t, it’s because they can’t yet. With understanding, empathy, and brain‑based support, we can remove barriers and help children show us who they really

are.https://open.spotify.com/episode/2iFryvCP2AUGsk6oEUX9zg?si=2b1e2b37f17c4899

Episode 60: A Conversation About Understanding ADHD in the Early Years with Aaron Bailey Can We Talk?: Conversations In The Early Years · Episode