ADHD is a common hurdle that many young adults face. According to the DSM 5, “ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by impairing levels of inattention, disorganization, and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity.” This means that students with ADHD commonly struggle with executive function and future planning tasks, motivation, focus (especially if the required tasks have multiple steps or are not engaging), and basic organization skills.
In real life, this looks like a child who forgets appointments and due dates (not to mention where he last put his keys!), has a disorganized room or locker, speaks out of turn or is impulsive, and has a hard time getting started on long projects or maintaining stamina. This is very stressful for both parent and child.
For an ADHD brain, if it’s not happening NOW, it’s not important. If this sounds like you or someone you know, chances are you’ve considered therapy or tutoring–but did you know that an ADHD life coach can more effectively help your child plan and execute daily life activities in a more organized, goal-oriented, and timely way? By working in close partnership with your child, our Utah-based life coaching for ADHD can help your child learn practical skills to decrease daily frustration and stress.
What Is ADHD Life Coaching and How Can It Help?
Think of an ADHD coach as a strategic personal assistant and cheerleader. Your coach will develop tailored strategies to help you make and keep your goals–whether it be turning in homework on time, getting better grades, or organizing your week, so nothing gets overlooked or missed.
Let’s consider this illustration of how an ADHD coach can help.
Take sixteen-year-old Sarah. Sarah finds it hard to stay organized–her backpack, room, and car are full of papers, discarded cups, and clothes. Because she lives in such disorganization, she often forgets to turn in assignments even after she’s done them. She usually underestimates how long it will take to finish an assignment and ultimately just gives up. Sarah is passionate about art and wants to build a portfolio so she can study design in college, but she doesn’t know where to start. On top of this, Sarah is managing family obligations, friends, and extracurriculars. Her goals feel out of reach.
Sarah’s parents decide to enlist the help of an ADHD coach. During the first few sessions, the coach helps Sarah create an organizational system designed for her. This digital organizational system uses a color-coded app to track assignments, reminders, and deadlines, which syncs to her phone calendar. They also set small goals, like dedicating a half-hour each Saturday to her art portfolio. The coach also introduces Sarah to a time management strategy called time-blocking, where she sets aside specific chunks of time for different tasks, with breaks in between to help with motivation and focus.
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Within a few months, Sarah starts to feel more in control of her life and is progressing well towards her future goals. Because of the digital organization app and accountability with her life coach, Sarah is turning in assignments on time, making steady progress on her portfolio, and learning to balance her responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.
These tailored strategies, helpful organizational tools, and accountability can also work for young adults struggling with independence, college readiness, or career refinement.
Key Qualities to Look for in an ADHD Life Coach in Utah
You might be wondering what you should look for in an ADHD coach and what qualifications they should have. Besides being able to develop a good rapport with your child, good coaches have the following key qualifications and skills:
- Credentials–Look for an ADHD coach who has completed accredited training programs from reputable organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or the Professional Association of ADHD Coaches (PAAC). Coaches with certifications from these two organizations meet rigorous coaching and ethics standards.
- Experience–Good coaches will have experience working with your child’s specific age group. It’s also a good idea to seek testimonials from previous or current clients.
- Specialization in ADHD coaching–Look for an ADHD coach who has taken educational courses focusing on areas like time management, executive function challenges for teens and young adults, and organizational skills.
- Continuing Education–Look for an ADHD coach committed to furthering their education by staying abreast of the latest ADHD research and coaching strategies.
Finding the “right” ADHD life coach in Utah takes some research, but it is worth the extra effort. The right ADHD life coach for you will tailor strategies and personal guidance that meet your child’s needs.
An ADHD life coach differs from a therapist because they are solely focused on helping your child develop practical strategies–like effective time management or homework organization–. In contrast, therapists focus more on the emotional aspect of ADHD, often spending time trying to uncover underlying mental health concerns.
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Benefits of Working With a Utah ADHD Life Coach for Young Adults
- Familiarity with local resources. Choosing a Utah-based ADHD coaching can give you better access to local resources, support groups, and community programs. They also understand the current culture and local educational systems.
- Targeted strategies. ADHD coaching, unlike therapy, is goal-oriented, future-focused, and practical. Coaches are concerned with practical skill development (like time management, task completion, follow-through on commitments, and goal planning) rather than focusing on psychological treatment or discovering underlying mental health concerns.
- Skill development for everyday challenges. Life is stressful for ADHD youth. Giving them practical skills and organization tools will help a young adult manage daily responsibilities and academic commitments.
- Results-focused accountability and emotional support. Your coach is a trusted friend who will require frequent check-ins within a structured environment to help your child stay accountable to their goals and responsibilities. Coping strategies for the emotional highs and lows (handling frustration and disappointment) of ADHD are also taught.
Finding the Best ADHD Life Coach in Utah
Many coaches have similar training and expertise–like the qualifications we’ve listed above–but only a few will connect deeply with your child. When it comes to teens and young adults, buy-in is really important, and you don’t get that unless your child can develop a connection with their ADHD life coach.
When it comes to finding the best ADHD life coach in Utah, look for coaches who offer an initial consultation that will address their communication style and approach to goal setting, accountability, and skill development. Do you like their approach, and more importantly, will their approach work well for your child’s personality? Pay particular attention to testimonials that showcase effectiveness–these are windows into how the coach can help a child manage everyday life.
If you’re in Utah, consider if the coach offers in-person sessions. These are always best, but virtual coaching can also offer flexibility if your family has a tight schedule or your child is more comfortable meeting online.
Common Questions About ADHD Coaching
Is ADHD coaching effective for young adults?
Yes! Studies show that ADHD coaching can be effective for young adults. In a recent study, researchers found that young adults who received at least 8 weeks of coaching showed significant improvement in all ten designated areas of skill development and self-esteem.
How can ADHD coaching help with motivation and procrastination?
ADHD coaches help students break down goals into accomplishable steps, design tailored organization systems, and create accountability.
Do ADHD coaches work with parents and families, too?
Yes! It is very common for ADHD coaches to work with parents and families, as ADHD can impact family relationships. With understanding comes compassion, and your ADHD coach will help you understand exactly what you can do at home to support your ADHD child.
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How is ADHD life coaching different from traditional counseling or therapy?
ADHD life coaching focuses on outcomes and is action-oriented. Coaches work with your child to develop practical strategies–like effective time management, personal goal setting, or homework organization–. In contrast, therapists focus more on the emotional aspect of ADHD, often spending time trying to uncover underlying mental health concerns.
What specific skills can ADHD coaching help develop?
ADHD coaching can help your child develop skills in time management, organization, prioritization, motivation, goal-setting, self-advocacy, career refinement, and emotional regulation.
How do I know if ADHD coaching is right for me or my child?
If your child struggles to get organized and is overwhelmed by school or transitioning into adulthood, an ADHD coach can help. Many of the skills that ADHD coaches work to develop in your child are practical skills that he will use his entire life. It is ideal for those who are ready to actively work on developing these core skills and welcome accountability.
Why Choose Octagon Mentoring for ADHD Life Coaching in Utah?
ADHD life coaching is the absolute best for individual support and guidance. Research shows that it’s very effective, reinforcing how uniquely life coaching is suited to helping young adults with ADHD develop crucial life skills.
Andrew Taylor, Octagon Mentoring’s founder and CEO, said it best: “At the end of the day, our goal is to empower the young person to be the driver of their own life, with positive and healthy support from the family system.” Our mentoring services for young adults and teens are tailored to the individual and designed to help them get the most out of their lives.
Have more questions? Contact us today for a free consultation!
