Why Life Coaching Works for ADHD
We live in an age where workplaces are becoming more inclusive and sensitive to a more neurodivergent reality. The increase of awareness also brings with it niches in our ever-evolving life coaching practice. Here are some key points why ADHD life coaching is flourishing and will continue its momentum moving forward.
Reason #1: ADHD Life Coaching is now respected as part of the interdisciplinary treatment approach
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. In an 2023 updated article published by ADDitude Magazine mentions that it affects “approximately 11% of children and almost 5% of adults in the U.S.”
Assessment of the condition requires psychiatrists and developmental pediatricians to evaluate symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity in accordance with updated diagnostic and statistical manuals. Contrary to popular belief, most doctors don’t just prescribe medication expecting it to do all the work. Given the sheer numbers, complexity and need of those with ADHD, a whole range of intervention providers including therapists and special education teachers are utilized to tailor-fit treatment. In this context, trust for ADHD life coaching has grown globally as many more trained coaches demonstrate high ethical standards and undeniable results. In a world first, the Australian ADHD Professionals Association (AADPA) in 2022 included ADHD coaching as part of their clinical evidence-based guideline, describing the evidence as “…reflected potential positive outcomes for people with ADHD in supporting their executive functioning, ADHD symptoms, self-esteem, wellbeing, and quality of life.”
Reason #2: Life Coaching Topics are ALSO Typical ADHD issues
The first demo I ever heard from my local ICF chapter would be my first encounter with “non-ADHD” coaching. To my surprise, the topic was about the client’s tendency to be enthusiastic to start projects, but not following through — a common ADHD issue.This isn’t an outlier, though the big difference is that people with ADHD experience such issues with greater intensity. As in the picture below, ADHD symptoms are the just tip of the iceberg, and the deeper issues beneath are well-addressed by coaching:
Reason #3: ADHD life coaches tend to be fit for coaching
ADHD life coaches are people who have ADHD too or if not, have a child or a relative who has one. When they get into training, they are usually already coming from a very open-minded and empathic place, enthusiastic to make a living helping those like themselves. This has led to amazing ICF-Accredited training centers with particular focus on ADHD life coaching, such as the International ADHD Coach Training Center (iACT Center), who bestows the “Certified ADHD Life Coach” (CALC). If you have ADHD and this article resonates with you, consider getting the training / certification to become an ADHD life coach.
Sources
https://www.additudemag.com/what-is-adhd-symptoms-causes-treatments/
