As the mother of a child with ADHD, Christina Esposito, PsyD ‘04, EdS ‘06, understands the unique challenges that the disability can have on parents and families. In 2020, Dr. Esposito fused her expertise in clinical psychology and school psychology to found Branch Upward, an ADHD and behavioral coaching service focused on teaching parents strategies to empower their children.
“ADHD is so often misunderstood by parents and teachers,” says Dr. Esposito. “It’s a hidden disability. These poor kids are told to just try harder or work harder, but the kid is dancing as fast as they can.”
While schools and individual therapists can provide resources and accommodations for children with ADHD, Dr. Esposito noticed a lack of professionals who could help with everything – from the child’s academic needs, to their social needs, to their needs at home. With a focus on coaching, Dr. Esposito is able to teach practical, forward-focused strategies to parents and families in a collaborative environment.
To make her approach work, Dr. Esposito requires parents to be involved in her sessions. She explains, “Parents often don’t realize how their actions impact the child. When I work with mom, dad, and other family members to teach them to react differently, it greatly reduces some of the behavioral outbursts and ADHD symptoms in the child.”
One way that Dr. Esposito gains greater insight into a family is by meeting with them in their homes. “Kids are more apt to be themselves and let their true colors show when they’re at home,” Dr. Esposito explains. “I get more insight into the family dynamic and how to make small changes that parents don’t even realize could help them in their everyday lives.”
While at PCOM, Dr. Esposito says she learned the importance of collaborating with other professionals. Beginning with when she noticed her daughter struggling with ADHD and now as a coach, Dr. Esposito frequently works with pediatricians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and even professional organizers.
“Children with ADHD sometimes struggle with transitions throughout the day. I partner with a professional organizer to come into the home to determine how we can set up the child’s room, desk, or mudroom to make that transition easier,” explains Dr. Esposito.
Besides collaborating with other professionals, Dr. Esposito enjoys a high level of collaboration with the parents she works with. “In coaching, I try to give day-to-day skills that are going to make the family’s lives easier,” she explains. “If I’m working with a mom and child on a strategy in a session, and she tries practicing those strategies in between sessions, she can shoot me a text to let me know if it’s working or not working. We can easily try something new.”
As a fellow parent of a child with ADHD, Dr. Esposito feels she’s able to easily connect with and empathize with her clients. “I’ve sat on that side of the table. I known what it’s like to watch your child struggle. If someone like me would have been available when I was in their shoes, I would have hired them in a heartbeat,” Dr. Esposito says.
