What is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood behavioral disorder that can continue its progression into adulthood. About half of the adults diagnosed with ADHD have had the condition since childhood. Symptoms in children include difficulty staying focused, over-activity, and impulsivity. Children with ADHD often find it hard to complete tasks and perform up to their peers and often have problems at school. Symptoms in adults can vary from that of children. Adults with ADHD can be restless, impatient, and interrupting, and can have problems at work and maintaining relationships.
Types of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
There are three subtypes of ADHD which include:
- Combined ADHD – Involves symptoms of both lack of attentiveness and over-activity/impulsivity
- Inattentive ADHD – Previously known as ADD involves symptoms of lack of attentiveness and concentration
- Hyperactive-impulsive ADHD – Involves symptoms of over-activity paired with impulsivity without problems with attentiveness
Causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
The exact causes of ADHD are unknown. Some of the likely causes include certain genes, exposure to toxins, and brain injuries.
Diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
A diagnosis can often be made by a specialist based on various psychological tests. After obtaining a detailed history, a specialist will analyze a patient’s behavioral traits in various circumstances, look for specific symptoms, and rule out any other underlying conditions that may exhibit similar symptoms to appropriately diagnose ADHD.
Are You a Candidate for ADHD Coaching?
ADHD coaching may be useful for college students or adults who struggle with completing their assignments or work due to poor time management and organizational skills and self-esteem issues. Children diagnosed with ADHD can also benefit from ADHD coaching. The ADHD coach can provide coaching for the parents and the child to help them learn more about the disease and the best ways to manage its symptoms.
What does ADHD Coaching involve?
ADHD coaching can be done in a one-to-one or a group setting. The sessions may be conducted in person, online, or over the phone. Generally, the ADHD coaching sessions last for 30 minutes to an hour.
The first coaching session is a longer session in which the ADHD coach will ask you certain questions to help you reflect on the areas of your life that you would like to work on and your long-term goals. This will help to guide the direction, frequency, and duration of the coaching period.
In subsequent sessions, your ADHD coach will review your progress, provide feedback and encouragement, and offer practical suggestions to overcome specific challenges as they arise. The sessions may be held weekly for the first 3-6 months and then maybe cut back to monthly sessions depending on your level of progress.
At the end of the coaching period, a final review session will be held to discuss the results of the coaching and what your next steps should be.
Benefits of ADHD Coaching
An ADHD coach can help you with:
- Realistic goal setting
- Planning and scheduling
- Organizational skills
- Time management
- Self-motivation
- Prioritization
- Adoption of positive behaviors
- Memory improvement
- Problem solving
- Relationship and communication skills
- Confidence and self-esteem building