Built by a Clinician.
Raised by Real Life.

Heart Lab Kids exists because connection shouldn’t require a manual. But sometimes, a little science and a lot of heart can make it clearer.

Ashley with her daughters Charlotte and Audrey

Hi, I’m Ashley.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years in children’s mental health. I’ve spent my career working with kids and families, specializing in ADHD, anxiety, and the big feelings that come with growing up.

I’m also a mom to two girls who both have ADHD. My oldest is gifted and has OCD. Parenting them has taught me more than any textbook ever could.

Heart Lab Kids grew out of what I kept seeing in my office and living at my kitchen table: parents who were trying so hard, but couldn’t figure out why their love wasn’t landing the way they meant it to.

That’s the gap Heart Codes are designed to close.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker ADHD Certified 15+ Years Experience Children’s Mental Health

What Are Heart Codes?

Heart Codes are a child-friendly framework for understanding how kids give and receive connection. Grounded in attachment theory and developmental psychology, adapted for real families.

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Every child has a primary way they feel loved

Some kids light up with a hug. Others need to hear you say it. Some want your undivided time, a small surprise, or your help with something hard. That’s their Heart Code.

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It changes with age and development

A toddler Hugger looks different from a teen Hugger. Heart Codes are age-specific because kids are. Our tools meet your child exactly where they are right now.

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It’s backed by research, not guesswork

Heart Codes draw from attachment theory, developmental psychology, and the clinical patterns I’ve seen across thousands of sessions. This isn’t a personality quiz. It’s a connection tool.

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Five Heart Codes, one framework

The Hugger (touch), The Cheerleader (words), The Companion (time), The Gift-Giver (surprises), and The Helper (service). Each one comes with age-specific strategies you can use today.

Why Neurodivergent Families Are Central to This Work

Connection doesn’t always look the same in neurodivergent homes. A child with ADHD might show love through energy and chaos. An autistic child might connect through parallel play or shared interests instead of eye contact and hugs. Sensory processing differences can make traditional expressions of affection feel overwhelming rather than comforting.

I know this personally. I’m raising two kids with ADHD. One is also gifted with OCD. I’ve lived the disconnect between what parenting advice says should work and what actually does.

Heart Codes were designed with these kids in mind from the start. Not as an add-on. Not as a special section. The framework itself accounts for sensory differences, processing styles, and the way neurodivergent kids give and receive love on their own terms.

ADHD Autism Sensory Processing Giftedness Twice-Exceptional

What We Stand For

Every parent is already trying. Heart Lab Kids just helps you try in the way your specific child actually needs.

No guilt. No one-size-fits-all advice. Just practical, research-backed tools that meet your family where you are.

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Research-Backed

Grounded in attachment theory and developmental psychology

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Age-Specific

Tools that grow with your child from toddler through teen

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Zero Guilt

You’re already doing a good job. We’re here to help you feel it

Ready to Find Your Child’s Heart Code?

It takes two minutes. It might change everything.

Take the Free Quiz