New on ADHDKC Conversations with Sarah Kesty: Why Bright Kids Struggle (and What Actually Helps)
- Sarah Kesty
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Why does my child know what to do...but still can’t seem to do it?
If you’ve ever watched your bright, capable child forget assignments, get overwhelmed by simple tasks, or shut down when school gets stressful, this episode is for you.
In our newest ADHDKC Conversations episode, we sit down with Sarah Kesty—executive function coach, educator, author, and host of the Executive Function Podcast—to unpack one of the most misunderstood parts of ADHD: executive function.
Sarah has spent nearly 20 years helping neurodivergent students and families build practical, brain-friendly systems that actually work. In this conversation, she shares strategies that can reduce conflict at home while helping teens build the independence we all want for them.
In this Conversations with Sarah Kesty, you’ll learn:
Why executive function is much more than organization and time management
Why knowing what to do is not the same as being able to do it
The difference between a lack of skill and a lack of will
Why bright students often struggle despite their intelligence
How parents can move from being the “manager” to becoming a trusted “consultant”
Why visual reminders and calendars work better than repeated verbal reminders
What to do instead of lecturing when your child is overwhelmed or dysregulated
How allowing kids to experiment with their own systems—even imperfect ones—helps them become more independent
How understanding their own brain can replace shame with confidence
One of our favorite takeaways:
“If they can’t do it, assume it’s a lack of skill, not will.”
That simple mindset shift can completely change how we respond to our children—and how they begin to see themselves.
Sarah also gives us a preview of her upcoming ADHDKC Parent Group presentation, where she’ll share even more practical executive function strategies parents can start using immediately.
Resources from ADHD KC Conversations with Sarah Kesty
About Our Guest
Sarah Kesty is an executive function, ADHD, and autism coach, educator, author, and speaker dedicated to helping neurodivergent individuals thrive. She is the founder of Brain Tools School and host of the Executive Function Podcast.
A 4-time Teacher of the Year, Sarah brings nearly two decades of experience supporting students and families in building real-life executive function skills that make daily life smoother and more manageable.
She specializes in translating research into practical, actionable strategies that families and educators can use right away. Her work has been featured in publications such as Psychology Today, Edutopia, and state and national education organizations.
Sarah’s engaging, down-to-earth style focuses on creating brain-friendly systems, inclusive environments, and sustainable strategies that empower teens and young adults to build independence and confidence.
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