Discussing ADHD with Jolané Kotzé, a Speech Therapist based in South Africa

ADHD is More Than Hyperactivity

One of the strongest themes throughout the discussion was that ADHD is often misunderstood as simply “children bouncing off the walls.”

Jolané explains that ADHD includes:

• Inattentiveness
• Difficulties regulating attention
• Communication challenges
• Social language difficulties
• Emotional processing differences
• Sensory overstimulation

Jolané emphasizes that modern understanding of ADHD is much broader than older stereotypes.

ADHD is a Neurodevelopmental Difference — Not a Character Flaw

Jolané repeatedly frames ADHD as a neurological difference rather than a “problem child” issue.

Instead of labeling people as “neurotypical” vs “neurodiverse,” she prefers describing ADHD as: “a special power” or a different way of processing the world.

This reframing is one of the central emotional themes of the episode:

• ADHD individuals often process many streams of information simultaneously,
• they can become deeply knowledgeable in areas of interest,
• and many display high creativity, curiosity, and drive.

Jolané and Oliver connect this idea to entrepreneurs, academics, and high performers who often describe themselves as having ADHD traits.

Medication Alone is Not Enough

A major practical insight is that successful ADHD treatment is usually:

• multidisciplinary,
• holistic,
• and collaborative.

Jolané strongly argues against the idea of simply “throwing Ritalin at the problem.”

Instead, she explains that the best outcomes happen when medication is combined with:

• speech therapy,
• occupational therapy,
• behavioral support,
• school accommodations,
• and parental involvement.

Jolané uses a memorable analogy: trying therapy without proper neurological support is like teaching a child to ride a bike without giving them the bike.

ADHD Often Includes Communication Difficulties

This is one of the most important speech-therapy-specific insights in the episode.

Jolané explains that ADHD is highly comorbid with communication impairments, including:

• understanding language,
• using language effectively,
• organizing thoughts,
• conversational regulation,
• and social communication.

Examples include:

• interrupting conversations,
• rapidly changing topics,
• struggling to process multi-step instructions,
• forgetting what they were saying mid-sentence,
• or becoming demotivated because they are constantly corrected.

Small Communication Adjustments Can Make a Huge Difference

The episode gives practical strategies parents and teachers can use immediately:

• break large instructions into smaller steps,
• use visuals alongside verbal instructions,
• allow breaks between tasks,
• reduce cognitive overload,
• simplify task structures,
• and support attention regulation.

These are described as “tiny modifications” that can:

• reduce frustration,
• improve motivation,
• and increase understanding.

Speech Therapy is a Long-Term Process

Another major insight is expectation management.

Jolané explains that:

• speech therapy is not a quick fix,
• language development is extremely complex,
• and therapy may continue for months or years.

She stresses that:

• parents often expect visible speaking improvements quickly,
• but speech and language involve much deeper neurological and cognitive processes,
• including understanding, processing, organizing, and communicating meaning.

She also notes that children may return for support later in life, especially during:

• high school,
• periods of academic pressure,
• or stressful life transitions.

Parents Are Part of the Therapy Process

A recurring theme is that therapy does not only happen during sessions.

Jolané emphasizes:

• therapists may only see a child for 30 minutes per week,
• meaning parents become the “home therapists.”

The best outcomes happen when:

• parents reinforce strategies consistently,
• understand the child’s communication needs,
• and actively participate in the intervention process.

ADHD Does Not “Disappear”

Toward the end of the discussion, Jolané makes an important point:

• ADHD has no known cure,
• it often continues into adulthood,
• and many people will manage aspects of it throughout life.

However, the goal is not to “remove” ADHD:

• the goal is understanding,
• coping strategies,
• self-awareness,
• and learning how to function successfully with it.