Is ADHD coaching is finally getting the recognition it deserves for its role in supporting neurodivergent people? Well, maybe.
Evidence is emerging that ADHD coaching works
There is more and more evidence emerging that it works. Researchers like Elizabeth Ahmann, Micah Saviet, and Lisa Joy Tuttle have been demonstrating clear benefits for many years. The UK Government even provides Access to Work funding for coaching for neurodivergent adults.
Like any unregulated sector, who really knows what goes on in the name of ‘coaching’? I suspect (and have some first hand evidence) that ‘coaching’ often masquerades for ‘telling’, or maybe at best ‘training’ or ‘mentoring’.
Whilst education is absolutely vital alongside coaching, there isn’t a ‘right way’ to be ADHD, or autistic, or any other aspect of neurodiversity. There are strategies many find helpful, of course, but often the work is deeper. On self-acceptance, self-belief and on relationships with others. Professional coaches can be great at that, but may lack confidence in working with neurodivergent clients.
New study shows the state of the profession
A new study from Maggie Sibley and colleagues at University of Washington points to some of this. Sibley shows a boom in ADHD coaching in the US since the pandemic, where 72% of coaches surveyed had ADHD themselves. How fantastic that so many people want to help, and step into the obvious gaps between medication and therapy.
However, nearly 40% had done no recognised qualification or professional insurance, and 90% (90%!!!) had no formal supervision.
New writing on ADHD Coaching
My chapter on ADHD coaching has just been published in the new Routledge ‘Nature & Outdoor Coaches’ Handbook‘. Whilst too early to capture Sibley’s study, it does summarise the state of play in the sector – and highlight how we can support ADHD Adults through coaching in new and imaginative ways.
Such as? Such as working in a nature-based way, enabling people to feel calm and regulated, freeing up their ability to concentrate, and generating self-compassion.
And working in a way which is also based on good science and psychology, feedback from experienced and trained practitioners, and an emphasis on safety, autonomy and respect – not fixing.
Links and resources
If you are interested in my chapter, let me know, I’m happy to share the accepted manuscript.
If you are interested in ADHD coach training check out Esther Barrett and Alex Conner and Sally Cater’s work.
If you are interested in ADHD coaching, contact me!