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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a health condition that affects millions of people. First manifested during adolescence, the condition persists into the adult years. While medication is one of the resources used to help a person with ADHD enjoy a normal life, there are other tools that help improve relationships, the ability to function, and increase self-esteem. Working with an ADHD coach is a good example. Here is what the right approach to coaching can do for the patient.
Difficulty remaining focused long enough to complete tasks or to absorb information is difficult for a person with ADHD. One of the ways that life coach services help is identifying elements of the physical environment that function as distractions. Those distractions may be occurring in the classroom or at home. To whatever extent is possible, removing those distractions is the first step. Since not all distractions can be removed, techniques designed to harness the strengths of the patient to consciously make the decision to ignore distractions is also part of the process.
Organization is often more difficult for people with ADHD. Tasks like organizing a series of tasks into a pattern that is logical and saves time may not come easily. A life coach can help the patient learn how to structure his or her time so that essential tasks are completed, and they are done in an order that limits the need to back-track or engage in unnecessary repetition. The outcome of the organization is that the patient can look back and see how much has been accomplished and have more confidence in managing whatever tasks remain for the day.
The combination of being distracted and having difficulty prioritizing takes a toll on more than academics. It can also make socializing with others more difficult. The life coach can provide a secure setting where patient is able to develop skills that make it possible to reduce the distraction and concentrate on having a conversation one on one or as part of a group. The organizational aspect also makes it easier to select activities that include time spent with friends and loved ones without feeling overwhelmed. Over time, the patient is able to cope with extemporaneous social situations as well as those that are planned.
Setting goals can be intimidating for anyone with ADHD. One way that a coach will help is to walk the patient through the process of creating a clear process for reaching each of those goals. The point is to take something that seems impossible to accomplish and break it down into a series of tasks that are far less intimidating.
For example, the goal may be to complete a science project in seven calendar days. The process can be broken down so the patient accomplishes one or two tasks daily that lead to finishing on time. One day can focus on securing and organizing the supplies. Each following day may involve devoting a single hour to completing the remaining phases until the project is finished. By the time the seventh day arrives, the project is complete and the goal is reached.
There is no doubt that ADHD coaching in conjunction with counseling and medication can make a positive impact on the patient's life. If you or someone you love is struggling with ADHD, now is the time to consider spending time with a life coach. Doing so could take away some of the frustration and make it easier to cope with whatever life happens to bring your way.
