ADHD and Coaching

The brain has natural variations. Individuals have diverse neurological differences that affect how they perceive the world and interact with others. These differences can manifest in neurodiverse conditions such as ADHD. 

An important aspect of ADHD is its impact on executive functioning skills. A simple example may be that someone struggles with attention and focus, as they find it difficult to filter out distractions or they shift attention between tasks. This can impact their ability to start tasks and stay on those tasks. 

Masking

People with ADHD can often mask their condition at work. Masking means hiding parts of a condition to fit in better. Someone might not be aware they're doing it, but it includes:
•    Working longer hours to get the work done.
•    Checking work multiple times to make sure no mistakes have been made.
•    Writing everything down to bolster memory.
•    Making up multiple excuses for why they are often late or distracted.
•    Staying silent in meetings in case they blurt something out.

This can cause mental health problems and can make someone feel exhausted, isolated and that they cannot be themselves.

Coaching People with ADHD

Individualised Support: each person with a neurodiverse brain is unique and requires different types of support. We work together to tailor interventions and accommodations to meet your specific needs and preferences.

Skill-building Activities: provide opportunities for individuals to practice and develop their executive functioning skills in real-life situations. We work together to structure tasks, gain feedback, and reinforce this to help improve your abilities.

Collaborative Problem-Solving: is where we work together in the decision-making process and encourage you to participate in problem-solving activities - all done in a supportive environment.

Positive Reinforcement: is used to recognise and celebrate progress and achievements. This helps motivate you to continue developing your executive functioning skills.

Important Point: it does not matter if you have been diagnosed with ADHD, or any other neurodiversity. It does not matter if you think you have ADHD and are waiting for a diagnosis. It does not matter if you feel you are neurotypical. What matters is how good you are with your executive functions and how those skills affect your daily life. 

Strategies, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps, using visual aids, and providing clear instructions, can help improve things. I believe that there will always be a tool or technique we can learn and use (with practice) that will help us cope better with any skills challenge.

For more information about neurodiversity visit NHS Wales. For ADHD visit the Healthline or NHS.