As the saying goes, “life comes at you fast.” For a person with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it may come a little faster.
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that’s typically first diagnosed in childhood. The most common symptoms are difficulty focusing, impulsiveness, poor time management skills, and over-activity. When untreated, ADHD can negatively impact one’s relationships, work, and self esteem.
But having ADHD doesn’t mean one can’t tick everything off their to-do list and make substantial achievements. People with ADHD brain may only need a bit of direction to reach their goals.
ADHD coaches do just that — they guide their clients toward a more organized, focused, and fulfilling life by tapping into a person’s potential for change and productivity. Being easily distracted or having an excess of energy is a blessing if channeled correctly.
This article discusses what ADHD coaches do for their clients and how to become an ADHD coach. Working in this field of coaching is rewarding, necessary work, and you might be just the person to do it.
What is an ADHD coach?
An ADHD coach is a life coach focusing on clients with this disorder. This non-healthcare professional acts as a guide, helping both adolescents and adults struggling with hyperactive behaviors or an attention deficit find order and life satisfaction.
ADHD coaches deeply understand this condition and its implications on daily life. To combat any hindrances clients are experiencing, coaches help them:
- Set goals
- Practice healthy decision-making
- Prioritize tasks
- Find motivation
- Avoid procrastination
- Get organized
- Plan and schedule events
- Problem-solve
- Implement time management strategies
- Control stress and impulses
- Increase confidence and self-esteem
- Improve memory
- Self-regulate
How to become an ADHD coach
There are no firm ADHD coach requirements, but this doesn’t mean ADHD coaches shouldn’t train for their profession. ADHD coaches fare best when they’re familiar with this condition's ins and outs. There are many ways to prepare, from getting a related degree to pursuing continuing education courses or becoming a certified ADHD coach.
If you’re interested in becoming an ADHD coach, focus on the following.
Understand the brain
ADHD is a psychiatric disorder, so anyone working with individuals struggling with this condition could benefit from understanding how the human brain works. Read up on ADHD symptoms, manifestations, and treatments. Consider getting a Bachelor’s degree in psychology to improve your understanding of this condition.
Whether or not you earn a degree, you can’t practice as a mental health professional in a coaching role. Your role would be to guide your clients without providing psychiatric care.
Get an ADHD coach certification
Gaining specialized knowledge helps with most jobs, and gaining certification offers credibility. Consider taking a program that’ll give you the competencies to help you — and your clients — succeed.
Choose a certification program that meets the ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO)’s criteria to appear on the List of Professional ADHD Coaches. Here are a few coaching programs and training providers recommended by the ACO:
- ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA)
- ADHD Coach Training Center (IACTCenter)
- Live ADHD Free Coach Training Program by Carol Gignoux
- ADHD Parent Coach Program
Gain experience
Before starting your coaching practice, build a network of ADHD coaches for support and learning opportunities. Shadow and assist an established ADHD coach to find out what the work entails. You’ll better understand the coaching process, roadblocks you may hit, and materials necessary for successful sessions. This experience will allow you to create a more accurate business plan.
Make a business plan
Write a plan detailing your services, prices, and target audience. Consider your financials, economic goals, and start-up costs.
Keep learning
Good coaches dedicate themselves to lifelong learning. ADHD coaches should stay up to date with the latest research about this condition. Going to conferences for coaches or about emerging research will help you learn about the latest developments.
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The profile of a good ADHD coach
Here are a few coaching skills and inclinations that help people naturally succeed in this role:
- An interest in psychology: Coaches aren’t therapists, but this field engages with mental health conditions, so having background knowledge is valuable.
- Enthusiasm about helping people with ADHD: Perhaps you have a family member with ADHD, or you have it yourself. Personal interest provides the passion necessary for helping people live more focused, hindrance-free lives.
- A talent for communicating with others: Coaches are guides and educators. This means they must be able to listen carefully, remember key details, and apply what they hear to action plans that help clients reach their goals. Coaches must also be able to communicate information concerning ADHD, should they need to educate newly diagnosed clients.
How much do ADHD coaches earn?
No matter what, we know you’ll have a rewarding career as a coach. But you also deserve to take care of your living expenses and enjoy work-life balance. It’s important to choose a profession that provides financial peace of mind.
ADHD coaching salaries range vastly, depending on how you charge your services. Generally, these coaches make approximately $70,000 USD per year.
You can project your salary by considering the types of coaching sessions and packages you offer, your prices, and how much you expect to sell. When creating a business plan, set income goals and price your services accordingly, considering the average session price in your area. You don’t want to undersell your services or offer overly competitive rates.
Stay organized as an ADHD coach
After launching your business, you’ll need time to tackle the ever-growing number of administrative tasks. Set a good example for your clients by staying organized with a customer relationship management (CRM) system like Practice.
Our platform allows you to store client data, send documents and messages, and receive payment — all in one place. Try it today.
