Why Choose an ADHD Coach?
ADHD coaching encompasses a collaborative and goal-oriented approach aimed at enhancing executive functioning skills, self-regulation, and overall well-being.
Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often seek guidance and strategies to navigate the challenges that accompany their executive functioning concerns. While traditional therapy approaches can offer valuable insight and coping mechanisms, the role of an ADHD coach has gained recognition for its specialized focus on practical strategies and personalized support.
Stacy Walsh, Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), brings a unique perspective to understanding and empowering individuals with ADHD to thrive in various aspects of their lives. From the standpoint of an SLP, who frequently works with individuals to improve communication and cognitive skills, Stacy recognizes the interconnectedness between executive function deficits and challenges in language processing, organization, and social communication.
The following strategies can be implemented to address these challenges:
1. The use of declarative language rather than imperative language– builds resilience, flexibility, emotional regulation, and positive relationships over time. Focuses on process not product. Decreases prompt dependency.
2. A focus on nonverbal working memory – the ability to hold an image/information. and use it to effectively accomplish a task.
3. The importance and use of visual imagery and self-talk to increase impulse
control, perspective-taking, flexible thinking, and situational awareness.
4. Understanding “time blindness” – we must teach the future and visualize before doing.
5. Understanding the value of play and exercise.
6. Strategies for understanding cause & effect – conditional thinking. (IF it’s going to look like that – THEN this is what I need to do NOW)
7. A Growth Mindset versus Fixed Mindset.
8. Movement from prompt dependence to independence.
9. Utilizing visual schedules.
10. Breaking tasks into manageable steps, and implementing tools for prioritization
11. Development of methods to incentivize non-preferred tasks
ADHD COACHING
ADHD coaching can assist individuals in identifying and leveraging their strengths while addressing areas of challenge. In Stacy’s work as an SLP, she emphasizes the importance of building on an individual’s strengths to foster confidence and resilience.
Additionally, social communication skills are essential for navigating relationships, both personally and professionally. Stacy’s SLP perspective emphasizes the importance of effective communication strategies and social pragmatics. She collaborates with individuals to enhance their social skills, such as active listening techniques, perspective-taking, and conflict-resolution strategies.
ADHD coaching sessions can play a vital role in empowering individuals with ADHD to thrive in varied aspects of their lives. By addressing executive function deficits, enhancing communication skills, and fostering emotional well-being, ADHD coaching can support individuals in realizing their potential and achieving their goals at home, at school, or at work.
ADHD coaching sessions entail:
1. Collaborating to determine strengths and needs and how to best develop learning skills to meet your goals
2. Meeting for therapy to discuss strategies, tools, and support for home and school/work.
3. Documenting progress based on data collection
4. Discussion of accommodations for home, school, or work
How ADHD Affects Kids and Teens
ADHD presents differently in children and teens depending on gender and natural tendencies or personalities. Common symptoms include:
- Impulsive behavior
- Difficulty paying attention
- Trouble with time management
- Struggling to sit still
These symptoms often affect academic performance, making it difficult for children with ADHD to complete homework or stay organized in school. For example, a child with ADHD might frequently misplace assignments or forget to bring necessary materials to class.
They might also struggle with social interactions and navigating relationships. This is due to their inability to focus effectively, causing them to miss parts of conversations and details about people they meet.
Mental health professionals diagnose ADHD by observing children and speaking to them in various situations. They may also talk to parents and teachers to gain additional insight and manage anxiety that can be found with ADHD.
Common diagnostic tools for ADHD include questionnaires and behavior rating scales. A treatment plan may involve behavioral therapy with coping strategies to improve organizational skills and promote positive behaviors.
How Rehabilitation Coaching Can Help Kids and Teens
Coaches help children and teens develop better study habits, improve time management skills and set achievable goals. For instance, a coach might work with a student to create a color-coded calendar for tracking assignments and tests. This support can lead to significant improvements in school and daily life.
Coaches work closely with the child, their family and educators to create a supportive environment. With the right support, children with ADHD can better manage symptoms, enhance their academic performance and build self-confidence.
Through coaching, they might learn mindfulness techniques to reduce impulsive behavior, such as taking deep breaths before speaking or acting. These techniques can help calm their minds and improve focus.
ADHD in Adults
Unfortunately, ADHD doesn’t go away with age. Adults with ADHD often deal with the same core symptoms as when they were younger. If they don’t receive a diagnosis until adulthood, they may find it harder to manage their symptoms because they have learned to adapt.
These symptoms can affect work performance and daily life, leading to missed deadlines and unfinished tasks. For instance, an adult with ADHD might frequently procrastinate on important projects or find their workspace cluttered and disorganized. Many adults with ADHD also experience heightened anxiety, which can complicate their symptoms.
Mental health professionals diagnose ADHD in adults through comprehensive sessions and a review of their history. They look at the individual’s past behaviors and current challenges to understand how the full scope of the disorder impacts their everyday life.
Benefits of Coaching
Rehabilitation coaching helps adults create routines and set realistic goals so they can celebrate small successes and establish a feeling of accomplishment.
A coach might assist an adult in breaking down large tasks into smaller, manageable steps and setting reminders to stay on track. This type of support can be transformative, helping adults improve their productivity and reduce stress.
By working closely with a coach, adults with ADHD can build skills to enhance their work performance and overall quality of life.
Want to learn more? Contact us today to set up a consultation with our Coach Stacy!