ADHD Without Medication? What Parents Can Try First (Functional Neurology with Dr. Amber Brooks)
Tue Feb 03 2026
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What if medication wasn’t the first step—but one of many options?
In this episode of Chaos & Caffeine, I’m joined by Dr. Amber Brooks, a functional neurology expert who helps families understand what’s really happening beneath their child’s ADHD symptoms.
We talk about why so many parents hesitate to start medication, what steps families can take before going that route, and how a more natural, integrative approach can reduce chaos without adding pressure, guilt, or unrealistic expectations.
Dr. Brooks breaks down how nervous system regulation, brain function, and root-cause support can play a powerful role in helping ADHD kids feel calmer, more regulated, and better supported—at home and at school.
This episode is especially for parents who:
Want to explore ADHD support beyond medicationFeel overwhelmed by conflicting adviceAre trying to make thoughtful, informed decisions for their childNeed reassurance that there is no “right” or “wrong” path—only the one that fits their familyWe also discuss how to know when it may be time to bring medication into the conversation—and why that choice doesn’t mean you failed or gave up.
If you’re craving clarity, calm, and a plan that actually respects your child’s brain, this conversation is for you.
Connect with Dr. Brooks 👉 Healing Roots Pediatrics
This Month's Sponsors:
👨👩👧👦 Hallowell Todaro ADHD & Behavioral Health Center
A strength-based practice co-founded by Dr. Edward Hallowell that actually gets ADHD. They offer evaluations, therapy, coaching, medication management, and parent support that focuses on what’s strong about your kid, not just what’s hard.
✨ Social Thinking
Social learning that helps kids, teens, and adults understand the why behind social behavior, not just memorize a checklist of “correct” moves. Their tools, curricula, and resources teach social cognition, perspective-taking, flexible thinking, and real-world problem-solving.
📱 Talkspace
Therapy that fits real life. With Talkspace, you can message or chat with a licensed therapist right from your phone, no face-to-face required. Perfect if you’re shy, anxious, overwhelmed, or just communicate better in writing.
🎒 Miacademy
An online learning platform that makes school feel less like a daily power struggle. With engaging videos, games, quizzes, and built-in rewards, Miacademy helps K-8 kids stay motivated while giving parents tools to track progress without hovering.
🛒 Insight Family Market
A thoughtfully curated marketplace created by an educator and parent who actually gets neurodivergent families. Insight Family Market brings together sensory-friendly clothing, adaptive tools, educational supports, and wellness essentials that are chosen with real life in mind — not trends or quick fixes.
Join Our Newsletter and Find All of Our Faves!
📧 Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at chaosandcaffeinepodcast@gmail.com.
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Join Our Newsletter and Find All of Our Faves! What if medication wasn’t the first step—but one of many options? In this episode of Chaos & Caffeine, I’m joined by Dr. Amber Brooks, a functional neurology expert who helps families understand what’s really happening beneath their child’s ADHD symptoms. We talk about why so many parents hesitate to start medication, what steps families can take before going that route, and how a more natural, integrative approach can reduce chaos without adding pressure, guilt, or unrealistic expectations. Dr. Brooks breaks down how nervous system regulation, brain function, and root-cause support can play a powerful role in helping ADHD kids feel calmer, more regulated, and better supported—at home and at school. This episode is especially for parents who: Want to explore ADHD support beyond medicationFeel overwhelmed by conflicting adviceAre trying to make thoughtful, informed decisions for their childNeed reassurance that there is no “right” or “wrong” path—only the one that fits their familyWe also discuss how to know when it may be time to bring medication into the conversation—and why that choice doesn’t mean you failed or gave up. If you’re craving clarity, calm, and a plan that actually respects your child’s brain, this conversation is for you. Connect with Dr. Brooks 👉 Healing Roots Pediatrics This Month's Sponsors: 👨👩👧👦 Hallowell Todaro ADHD & Behavioral Health Center A strength-based practice co-founded by Dr. Edward Hallowell that actually gets ADHD. They offer evaluations, therapy, coaching, medication management, and parent support that focuses on what’s strong about your kid, not just what’s hard. ✨ Social Thinking Social learning that helps kids, teens, and adults understand the why behind social behavior, not just memorize a checklist of “correct” moves. Their tools, curricula, and resources teach social cognition, perspective-taking, flexible thinking, and real-world problem-solving. 📱 Talkspace Therapy that fits real life. With Talkspace, you can message or chat with a licensed therapist right from your phone, no face-to-face required. Perfect if you’re shy, anxious, overwhelmed, or just communicate better in writing. 🎒 Miacademy An online learning platform that makes school feel less like a daily power struggle. With engaging videos, games, quizzes, and built-in rewards, Miacademy helps K-8 kids stay motivated while giving parents tools to track progress without hovering. 🛒 Insight Family Market A thoughtfully curated marketplace created by an educator and parent who actually gets neurodivergent families. Insight Family Market brings together sensory-friendly clothing, adaptive tools, educational supports, and wellness essentials that are chosen with real life in mind — not trends or quick fixes. Join Our Newsletter and Find All of Our Faves! 📧 Have questions or ideas for future episodes? Email us at chaosandcaffeinepodcast@gmail.com. Support the show