When parents decide that they need to seek the help of an ADHD coach for their child, one of the first questions they ask me is, “How long will this take?”. As much as I would like to give them a straightforward answer, I cannot.
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 mental 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. ADHD has a number of symptoms and levels of intensity. This means that each person’s ADHD is different. Which means there is no single method of treatment.
Where do parents turn for help for their ADHD child?
Parents usually seek help because their child is having difficulty in school, or they may notice that their child is unusually hyperactive. Parents will often turn to their child’s school or to their pediatrician. Schools are equipped to make assessments and provide remedial assistance. The school can provide accommodations designed to meet the child’s needs for an education.
Another option is to seek out a diagnosis. The child’s pediatrician can guide the parents through the options available for diagnosis. These options are varied, but often include neuropsychoeducational evaluations (a set of cognitive and behavioral assessments) and/or medication.
School support and medication can be effective methods of treatment but, sometimes, school supports and medication may be inadequate. Additionally, parents may be reluctant to put their child on medication, so they might look for alternative means of support.
Why ADHD coaching?
Students with ADHD often have trouble with executive functions like focus, time management, selectiveness, procrastination, and self- regulation. In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, a number of symptoms must be present in more than one setting. This means that the child is not only having issues in school, but also at home. Examples of ADHD symptoms that may occur at home are procrastination, inability to initiate actions (like brushing teeth, getting ready for bed, getting started on homework).
An ADHD coach is someone who is knowledgeable about ADHD and who is skilled in the area of coaching across settings. An ADHD coach assists with school, home, and anywhere else where symptoms may arise.
Does ADHD coaching really work?
ADHD coaches have the expertise to work with students so that they can learn to break down tasks into achievable steps. By using a strengths-based approach, a coach encourages a student to use their strengths wisely while facing their challenges. A coach encourages a student to both set and meet goals.
It is important to note that ADHD coaching is not therapy or tutoring. ADHD coaching is a method for establishing routines and habits that contribute to managing the symptoms of ADHD.
Does it work? A number of studies have shown that ADHD coaching is a successful intervention for ADHD students. In a study done on ADHD coaching for college students, clients who received an 8-week coaching program showed significant improvement in study skills learning strategies, self-esteem, and and satisfaction with school and work.
What strategies do students work on with an ADHD coach?
ADHD coaching is designed to provide a student with workable strategies in those areas where they may struggle the most. These include:
• Getting started on homework
• Staying organized (turning homework in on time, losing things)
• Time management (waking on time for school, studying for an exam, showing up for class)
• Managing money
• Seeking assistance from teachers and professors
• Completing chores at home
When a coach works with a student, the two of them collaborate in order to create a relationship that is client-centered and holistic. This collaboration allows the student to use their own voice to identify realistic and achievable goals. The coach and student can then break the goals down into doable tasks.
How long does ADHD coaching take?
Because coaching is a collaborative process, and because every student has different needs, there is no standardized timeframe for coaching. The student and coach need to get to know one another and develop a relationship of trust and openness. The student also has to be able to identify realistic goals. Sometimes, this step can be elusive for students, especially if they have not had any former experience where they were able to determine their strengths and challenges.
Students also have to learn how to be task-oriented. While it seems obvious that they should be skilled at this because homework is a task, this is not necessarily the case. Homework has a beginning and an end, with a clear deadline. When a student is trying to facilitate change in their behavior, deadlines to not work. Instead, a student must learn to put prompts and reminders in place in order to complete an open-ended task.
For some students, they are able to engage in the process right away. They may be able to put strategies in place in the course of one quarter or semester. For others, the process can take much longer. So, the answer to the question, “How long does it take?” is “it takes as long as it takes”.
If you would like to hear more about the value of ADHD coaching and how you or your student can benefit, please contact me.
Meet Coach Diane
I have been an ADHD and executive function coach since 2009. In addition to having my PhD in Human Services: Child Development and Family Studies, I hold a Professional Coach Certification (PCC) with the International Coach Federation. I have been a certified teacher for CHADD’s (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) Parent to Parent program, Impact ADHD’s Sanity School for Parents, and The Nurtured Heart Approach.
