ADHD Coaching & Executive Function Coaching
Most people use ADHD coaching & executive function coaching interchangeably.
At times, I use Executive Function (EF) Coaching and ADHD Coaching interchangeably. There is a lot of overlap between what each of these coaches might focus on, with only some potential differences.
Overlap
ADHD coaches specialize in working with people who have an Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder diagnosis. Whether someone’s ADHD diagnosis is classified as inattentive, hyperactive, impulsive, or combined, they are likely to have some struggles with executive function skills. Executive Function coaches specialize in coaching people around the 10 EF skills. Therefore most EF coaches are likely to be well-equipped to work with neurodiverse clients, like those with ADHD. Both style of coaches are likely to address the following topics (with the accompanying EF skill):
Blurting out and having trouble sitting still in class (self-control)
Zoning out in class or at work (sustained attention)
Difficulty getting and staying organized (planning, organization)
Following verbal directions (working memory, self-control)
Avoiding difficult or boring tasks (task initiation, perseverance).
And the list goes on. There are many ways executive dysfunction and an ADHD diagnosis are likely to overlap.
Differences
There aren’t any explicit differences in these positions. Many - myself included - use these titles somewhat interchangeably. Both types of coaches should feel comfortable working with clients with ADHD and other neurodiversities, but you won’t know until you ask the specific coach about their coaching techniques, experience, and background.
Read more about Executive Function coaching.
How Do I Choose a Coach?
I wouldn’t choose a coach based on the nuances of either title, ADHD or EF coach. I would instead look for a coach that fits your needs & goals and is a good personality match. Personality and building a rapport/relationship with your coach is a big part of coaching. Finding someone you trust, enjoy talking to, and are open to listening to.
How much experience do you have working with _______ ? (I.e., an adult with ADHD-I, a teen with dyslexia, a young adult with OCD & ADHD, a 25 year-old going back to college.)
How do you know if it’s a good match?
How do you work with parents, partners, therapists, employers, schools and/or teachers?
What does a coaching session look like?
What is your approach to coaching?
How do I know if I’m ready for coaching?
How do we know if coaching is “working”? What does success look like?
What if we’re not seeing results or it’s just not the right fit? How do we stop working with you?
How Can Kanter Coaching Help You?
Coaching can help you:
Set goals and create a path towards meeting your goals.
Understand your neurology, and learn how to talk about your strengths, areas of challenge, and needs to others.
Find strategies and structures that best support your neurology.
Understand how to advocate for yourself in social, academic, and workplace settings.
Apply for school or workplace accommodations.
References
ADHD and executive functioning. Edge Foundation. (2011, August 5). Retrieved from https://edgefoundation.org/what-is-executive-functioning-adhd/
ADHD Coaching. CHADD. (2018, December 3). Retrieved from https://chadd.org/about-adhd/coaching/
Barret, K. K. (2018, September 12). ADHD and the case for support through collegiate age. iMed Pub Journals. Retrieved from https://childhood-developmental-disorders.imedpub.com/adhd-and-the-case-for-support-through-collegiate-age-understanding-the-lifecycle-of-developmental-delays-in-executive-function-for.pdf
Cooper-Kahn, J., & Dietzel, L. (n.d.). What is executive functioning? LD OnLine. Retrieved from https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/working-families/what-executive-functioning
Dolin, A. (2022, May 10). How an executive function coach works with ADHD. Educational Connections. Retrieved from https://ectutoring.com/executive-function-coach#:~:text=Executive%20function%20coaches%2C%20sometimes%20referred,to%20ensure%20engagement%20and%20focus.
McCarthy, L. F. (2022, July 13). What is an ADHD coach? ADDitude. Retrieved from https://www.additudemag.com/shopping-for-a-coach/
Sottile, D. (2020, February 23). What is the difference between ADHD and executive function deficits? ADHD and Executive Function Coach. Retrieved from https://adhdcoachdiane.com/difference-between-adhd-and-executive-function-deficits/
