In this episode, Dr. Inyang Takon talks with John Greenall, Consultant Community Paediatrician, coach, father of four and author of Connected Dad. Together they look at why dads can seem distant or reluctant during an autism or ADHD assessment, what is really going on underneath, and how parents and clinicians can bring dads back into the picture.

In this episode you will learn:

• Why dads often see their child's difficulties differently, and why that view still matters
• What John means by "fatherhood is an identity before it's a performance"
• John's three-step framework for dads: calm, confidence, connection
• How to handle disagreements as parents: back each other publicly, talk it through privately
• Why looking after your relationship as a couple is good for your child
• The difference between being given advice and being coached to find your own answers
• Practical ways clinicians can include dads before, during and after an assessment

ABOUT JOHN GREENALL

John Greenall is a Consultant Community Paediatrician, author, coach and father of four, with over 20 years' experience working with children, young people and families. His clinical experience spans neonatal, acute and community paediatrics, with particular interests in neurodevelopment, behaviour, safeguarding and family stress.

Alongside his clinical work, John writes and speaks about fatherhood, parenting and family life, particularly where neurodiversity and additional needs make family life more complex. His book, Connected Dad, helps fathers become calmer, more confident and more connected with their children.

TIMESTAMPS
00:56 Introduction
01:58 Meet John Greenall
03:20 The dad who fainted: how Connected Dad began
06:28 When dads are missing from the clinic room
09:52 Fatherhood is an identity before it's a performance
12:13 Calm, confidence, connection
14:56 When parents disagree about what they are seeing
17:27 Looking after yourselves and your relationship
19:37 Coaching versus advice: you are the expert on your child
22:38 One or two questions clinicians can ask
24:10 Why dads are reluctant to ask for help
26:23 How clinicians can include dads in the assessment
30:08 John's book, Connected Dad
32:14 What's next: While You Wait
34:41 Where to find John
35:10 A message to dads: we do see you

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Connected Dad by John Greenall

Are you a dad (or know a dad) who wants to make a difference but isn't always sure how? Rooted in real stories, clinical experience and evidence-based insight, 'Connected Dad' gives practical tools and a clear framework to help dads grow in confidence and strengthen their relationship with their child as they grow.

Get the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Connected-Dad-Becoming-Father-PublishU/dp/1917829906

Also mentioned:

While You Wait, John's forthcoming co-authored book with Jessica Kingsley Publishers, for families waiting for an ADHD or autism assessment

Dr. Takon's Waiting Well series for parents - find it on www.braindiverse.org

CONNECT WITH JOHN GREENALL
Website: https://www.connected-dad.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohngreenall/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tallmedic/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.greenall.357 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@johngreenall9461 Connected Dad on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Connected-Dad-Becoming-Father-PublishU/dp/1917829906

Support the show

Resources & Connect with Dr. Inyang Takon:

(NEW!): https://braindiverse.org

A Resource Library of tools, tips, tutorials, Apps & Training for Parents, Teachers and Health Professionals

Other links:
Website: https://www.drtakon.com
General Information for Parents and Teachers: https://www.school-doctor.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inyang-takon-paeds/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/early_interventionmatters/
Subscribe: https://neuropaeddoc.substack.com/
Read: https://braindiverse.substack.com/
Questions? Email: eim@drtakon.com
Guest enquiries: podcast@drtakon.com