When your child is diagnosed with ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), you probably wonder what you can do to help them focus on schoolwork and household chores. Sometimes, you may also feel like you need a little more help and guidance with these things? That's where the support of an ADHD Coach, or ADHD trainer, comes in. Let's take a look at the details.
Who are these ADHD Coaches? What do they do?
Simply put, an ADHD Coach is someone who helps children (and adults) with ADHD overcome the challenges they face in their daily lives. Much like a coach in a sport, this coach teaches the child new ways and strategies to plan daily activities, manage time, set goals, and stay focused .
Imagine your child starting to do homework every day, thinking about one thing at a time, and spending hours trying to finish it. A coach can help you plan your day, make it easier by giving you small goals like, "Okay, let's do this subject first, then take a 10-minute break."
That is, what happens here is to identify a behavior that is interfering with the child's life and is not very useful, and to replace it with a good, healthy, and useful habit, making it a permanent habit.
These coaches not only teach the child to work responsibly, but also provide great support in developing the child's independence skills . Rather than just sitting next to the child and making them work, the most important thing here is to build the skills needed to do their work on their own.
At what age is ADHD Coaching suitable for a child?
This method is usually very successful for children over the age of 13. Experts say that by that age, they are able to set a goal for themselves, saying, "This week I will do this," and take the necessary responsibility for it.
But, don't worry if your child is younger than that. Some coaches work directly with parents, meaning you. They will help you establish good habits, a consistent routine, and a routine for your child at home. This makes things a lot easier for younger children.
How to choose a good ADHD Coach?
This is a very important question. The best thing you can do is to first ask your child's doctor, psychiatrist , or psychologist about this. They will be able to recommend someone experienced and trustworthy in this field.
Additionally, when you talk to a coach, ask him or her these questions.
| Questions to ask | Why is that question important? |
|---|---|
| Do you have experience working with children of this age group? | His/her experience is essential to accurately understand the child's mind and needs. |
| What training and certifications do you have regarding ADHD? | You can verify whether you have accurate, scientific knowledge about the subject. (For example: certificates from organizations such as the International Coaching Federation) |
| What books do you recommend reading about ADHD? | This can measure the depth of his/her knowledge and interest in the subject. |
| What is your educational background? | If you have previously worked as a teacher or educator, you may have a special talent that can help make school work successful. |
Is my child really ready for ADHD Coaching?
This is the most important part. We all need to understand this well.
ADHD Coaching is not the first step, nor is it the only solution. Medication and therapy for the child should always come first.
Before starting a training, consider these points:
- The child's interest: The child's interest and willingness are essential for this. The child must have an inner desire to say, "I want to change, I want to get my work done."
- Other mental health issues : Many children with ADHD may have co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression . These conditions should be treated by a qualified doctor and well-controlled before starting coaching.
- Priority for treatment: If a child is frustrated with himself and does not want any change, he needs therapy first, not coaching. Only after he is mentally strong should he think about training. If the child is in a state of asking for help, he is a good candidate for training.
How long does it take to meet? How much does it cost?
Coaches typically meet about once a week. These meetings can be in-person or via video call.
One of the main challenges with this is the cost. The cost of these services can vary from region to region. Unfortunately, in our country, most of the time, insurance does not cover these types of training services. Therefore, this can be a bit expensive .
So, what do you do if you find it difficult to afford the expenses?
1. Ask the school for help: First, talk to your child's school about this and find out if there is any additional support or services your child can receive.
2. Talk to the therapist: Sometimes the therapist treating the child can provide these types of goal-oriented services. They may also be covered by insurance.
If training is successful, your child will start to be more positive and confident . The child will start to talk about achieving their goals, about the successes they are achieving. As a parent, you will feel less pressured to follow everything, and your relationship with your child will improve. If not, it's time to reconsider the chosen plan.
Take-Home Message
- ADHD Coaching is a method of teaching a child life skills such as organization, time management, and goal setting, not a medical treatment.
- For this, the child's willingness and interest in "wanting to change" are essential.
- Always prioritize medication and therapy as prescribed by your doctor. If you have other conditions such as anxiety or depression, they should be treated before training.
- When choosing a good coach, research his/her experience, training, and certifications. It's best to get a recommendation from your doctor.
- This can be an expensive service, and insurance coverage is often not available. If cost is an issue, consider options available through school or a therapist.
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