Late Diagnosed ADHD: Executive Function Strategies from Wise Squirrel founder, Dave Delaney, Ep 77

Late Diagnosed ADHD: Executive Function Strategies from Wise Squirrel founder, Dave Delaney, Ep 77

Author: Sarah Kesty, Brain Tools School February 16, 2026 Duration: 47:08

Hello, Team!


If you'd only known then what you know now, right? Dave Delaney, creator of the Wise Squirrels Podcast, knows the sentiment well. When he was diagnosed with ADHD a few years ago, he realized how much his patterns of strengths and struggles made sense. And, he realized, becoming aware of his brain also meant matching up strategies to help him thrive. On the show, he shares about his journey to discover the executive function strategies that work for him, as well as some encouragement for when you have challenging moments. You'll love Dave's positive spirit and insights!


All my love to you, listeners,

Sarah


Connect with Dave:

Wise Squirrels

Dave's Website

The Wise Squirrels Nest

Dave's Substack


PS My book is out in the wild, and it's changing lives! Order Growing Executive Function at ⁠Solution Tree ⁠or on ⁠Amazon⁠.

I'm also training educators and organizations across this beautiful globe, and we're finding improving executive function is game-changing! If that sounds like what your school or organization needs, ⁠reach out⁠! Sarah at sarahkesty.com. #adhd, #ExecutiveFunction, #adultADHD, #tdah, #LateDiagnosis, #add


Ever feel like your brain's filing system is in a state of permanent chaos, or that getting from an idea to action feels like an impossible maze? That's where executive function comes in-it's the mental toolkit we all use to manage our attention, organize our tasks, and plan our days. On The Executive Function Podcast, host Sarah Kesty from Brain Tools School moves beyond dry theory to offer genuinely helpful, fun, and effective strategies. Each episode feels like a practical conversation, whether you're looking to coach yourself through a project, support a teen struggling with organization, or help a child learn to manage their time. Sarah brings a palpable passion to the topic, sharing inspiration drawn from real-world experience with neurodivergence, ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities. This isn't about fixing what's broken; it's about building on strengths and discovering new ways to thrive in daily life. Tune in for a down-to-earth mix of brain science and actionable tips that make the challenges of executive function feel a bit less daunting and a lot more manageable. You'll find this podcast is a supportive resource for families and individuals alike, all delivered with a sense of warmth and understanding that makes complex concepts accessible.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 87

The Executive Function Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Ep 14: Expert Interview: Patty Schetter from UC Davis MIND Institute [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:26
If I've grown over the 16 years I've been teaching, much of it is due to seeds planted by an inspiring, authentic, and upbeat expert named Patty Schetter. This interview with Patty explores her perspectives on supporting…
Ep 12: Decision-Making Strategies that work anywhere! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:19
We decide all day: what to eat, what to listen to (like your favorite podcast here). But how do we teach someone the process of making a decision? I've got a great hack for you this week. Hey Kid is at 20:56. All my love…
Ep 11: Helpless? "Bad kid?" The third option: strategies! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:56
When we ask kids to be good at pretty much everything (all academic areas, plus PE, plus social-emotional skills) without considering where they start or what challenges they face, we push them into one of two roads: 1)…
Ep 9: Results [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:08
If your kid seems genuinely baffled by the results of their actions...this episode is for you! Kids with EF needs often feel like life happens to them, and they need support to see that they indeed have more power than t…
Ep 8: Paying attention...it's not what you think! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 20:03
We’re talking about attention. Not the kind that comes naturally or you want to give freely, but the kind we ask kids to pay. Today I’m going to teach you quick strategies to improve your child’s attention and improve yo…
Ep 7: How to set up a planner or agenda with your child! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:23
Which planner is best for my child with executive function needs? Digital or paper? Or, is it better to make one on our own? Where do you start? This episode explores all of these questions and more! Learn what is essent…
Ep 6: Reflections and Resolutions for students who struggle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:21
New year, new semester...they often mean a fresh start. But, using the same methods to get the "fresh start" just won't work. Learn how to monitor and improve your reactions when your child or student "misbehaves," how t…