I am often asked, “How do I know if my high schooler needs an ADHD coach?” The short answer is – if you are at the point where you are asking if your child needs an ADHD coach, then you have answered your own question – YES!”.
ADHD is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder. Individuals with ADHD have an on-going pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interfere with daily life. ADHD may also result in difficulties with executive functions (the cognitive processes used for planning and execution). There are three types of ADHD: inattentive (often referred to as ADD); hyperactive-impulsive; and combined inattentive & hyperactive-impulsive.[1]
The amount of tasks required of a high school student is significant – often more than any other time in one’s school career. Even at the college level, students have a greater variety of choices and opportunities that can be implemented in order to manage their environment. High school is the coming-of-age time to prepare for college and, eventually, adulthood. Therefore, if a high school student with ADHD does not learn the strategies needed to manage the tasks expected at this level, the problem is only exacerbated in college. High school students with ADHD need a motivating and supportive system in order to be successful. ADHD coaches use a strengths-based approach to assist students with school-based issues as well as with life skills. Goal-setting, breaking tasks into smaller chunks, and time management skills are some of the tools that an ADHD coach uses in order to help the high school student with ADHD become successful.
Does your child need an ADHD coach? Here are 3 signs that your high school child with ADHD may need an ADHD coach:
1. Your ADHD high school student just can’t get the work done.
As an ADHD coach, I often hear from parents, “My child is so smart, but just doesn’t put in any effort.” If your child has ADHD, it is extremely difficult to complete the work. It is not a matter of intelligence and it is not a matter of willpower. Students with ADHD are often highly intelligent. In a study published by Thomas Brown, 117 students who met the criteria for ADHD had an IQ quotient of 120 or higher.[2] Despite their intelligence, students with ADHD are often unable to perform the tasks needed to complete their assignments. Students with ADHD often have trouble with focus, time management, selectiveness, procrastination, and self- regulation. ADHD coaches have the expertise to work with the student to break down tasks so that they are achievable. By using a strengths-based approach, a coach encourages a student to set and meet goals.
2. You are tired of the constant arguments with your ADHD high school student. Often times, parents feel ready to give up. They have tried rewards, punishments, reasoning, but nothing seems to work. The cycle of arguing and frustration from both parties seems unbreakable, and the relationship has deteriorated. An ADHD coach can work with both the parent and the student in an effort to restore the relationship. The parent and student can work with a coach to enhance their communication skills, further their knowledge on ADHD, and develop strategies. A parent can learn how to be supportive and empathetic, but at the same time encourage their child to be engaged and self sufficient.
3. Your ADHD high school student is demoralized. The challenges of high school wear on a student with ADHD. Teachers, peers, and even parents don’t often understand the difficulties of this disorder. The student may constantly have to deal with criticism and pressure. The frustrations, criticism and inability to succeed can cause the ADHD student to believe that success is unreachable. The sense of failure takes over. An ADHD coach understands how difficult it is to deal with this disorder. An ADHD coach works with the student in an empathetic way while conveying a sense of hope. The strengths-based approach is just that – a method to help students identify and use their strengths in order to be successful and resilient.
If your high school student with ADHD is struggling with inattention or executive function deficits, an ADHD coach is available to help with goal-setting and task management. If you are worried about your relationship with your child, an ADHD coach can work with you on communication and strategy building. If your ADHD child is feeling demoralized and frustrated, an ADHD coach can help your child develop success-oriented techniques. Is it time to call in an ADHD coach for you or your high school student? Contact Diane for a free consultation.
[1] National Resource Center on AD/HD.
[2] Brown, Thomas E. (2011). The Mysteries of ADD and High IQ. The Five Truths About Attention Deficit Disorder. Psychology Today