ADHD & LIFE COACHING
“I help children, adults, and families with ADHD and other unique traits move forward.”
What is ADHD coaching, and who can it help?
Before we talk about ADHD coaching, let’s agree on what ADHD is. It’s one of the most misunderstood terms in today’s vocabulary, for a good reason. ADHD involves a unique and complex brain wiring that may look very different from person to person and has many interpretations based on the specific angle we view it.
In this article, let’s skip the medical explanation of the diagnosis. The intensity and impact of ADHD on each individual may be very different. For some, it may require medication and work with a medical professional. For others, it’s a matter of figuring out the unique brain wiring, which may be considered both “a gift and a curse” and presents many opportunities and struggles.
What is ADHD, anyway?
The name ADHD itself is confusing. It stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It implies that there is a “deficit.” My secret desire is that one day the community will rename it to something like “Attention Regulation Difference.” It would more accurately describe variability between lows and highs of attention. The H stands for hyperactivity, which may not always be observable or obvious and may come in various forms.
For an AD(H)Der, their “interest” (and usually a genuine, authentic internally driven interest) is the main driver for attention. When they are in the “zone,” their productivity may be extremely high, sometimes off the charts.
As soon as an AD(H)Der is out of this “interest” zone, no matter how important the task is, the brain may have extreme difficulty activating itself or sustaining attention. In fact, for many ADHDers, depending on the intensity, it could be so cognitively, emotionally, and physically challenging that it may feel like enduring physical pain or even torture.
Moreover, this “interest” zone may not be predictable or consistent. It’s very situational. What may be engaging in one moment may not be in the next. These constant (and often highly intense) fluctuations between zones typically cause confusion, frustration, and added pressures for the impacted person and their family. Imagine having to grow when continuously second-guessing own abilities, jumping from low to high productivity (and back to low) all the time!
Many people, even professionals who have not been trained in ADHD, may not fully realize the unique characteristics of an ADHD brain and its impact on the person’s life, self-esteem, relationships, belief systems, and general growth and development.
In addition to the “interest” aspect of ADHD, many other traits usually accompany it. There are so many patterns that vary from person to person, both in their struggles and their strengths. In one way or another, these qualities are often related to the brain’s executive functions. They might include emotional self-regulation, hyperactivity (cognitive and physical), impulsivity, distraction, focus, decision-making, time management, short-term working memory, and more.
Where does an ADHD coach come in?
Given the complexity of the unique patterns briefly touched upon above, working with an experienced coach specializing in ADHD may be very impactful.
According to the Professional Association of ADHD Coaches (PAAC), ADHD coaching is a specialty life coaching skill set that empowers clients to manage their attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Those who could benefit from ADHD coaching include persons who feel, think they may, or know they have ADHD or ADHD-like qualities. Others who may benefit from ADHD coaching are those related or connected to someone with ADHD.
An experienced, well-trained ADHD coach will work with the individual (and often with the entire family) to help figure out what works for their uniquely wired brain, remove the barriers to growth, and develop systems and skills to realize their potential.
ADHD coaching is an opportunity to make a substantial difference in life by going from struggles to possibilities. This transformation process often change one’s relationship with their brain’s wiring. Learning to overcome blocks and take advantage of one’s unique qualities may reduce and balance lifelong habits of working against one’s system.
Learn more about ADHD coaching with Mark
Mark Lubarsky
Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement®
ADHD and Life Coaching
I’m a Life/ADHD/Executive Function coach.
I help children and adults with neurodiversity, and other unique traits grow, overcome obstacles and realize their full potential. My approach is to help my clients figure out how to use their unique brain-wiring in a way aligned with their passions, dreams, and values.
I’m also an Anat Baniel Method® NeuroMovement® practitioner, using this powerful somatic method with children 0-10 years old. Many of the kids I see have been diagnosed with or suspected of ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing, or other neurodevelopmental needs.
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