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
Want to learn more? Contact us today to set up a consultation with our Coach Stacy!