How is ADHD/Neurodivergent Coaching Different from Other Coaching Practices?

Traditional coaching, as defined by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), emphasizes client autonomy, self-discovery, and avoiding direct advice. However, ADHD coaching often includes elements of education, strategy-sharing, and even some directive support, given the unique challenges ADHD presents. The key is to integrate these elements in a way that still aligns with coaching principles, ensuring the client remains the expert in their own life.

Here’s how you can introduce strategies, education, or advice while still empowering your client:

1. Ask for Permission

Before offering strategies, check in with the client:

• "Would it be helpful if I shared a strategy that has worked for others in similar situations?"

• "I have some knowledge about how ADHD can impact focus—would you like to hear a bit about that?"

This respects the client’s autonomy and keeps the conversation collaborative.

2. Normalize and Validate First

Instead of leading with advice, start by acknowledging their experience:

• "What you're describing makes a lot of sense given how ADHD affects executive function."

• "You're not alone in this—many people with ADHD experience something similar."

This reduces shame and sets the stage for exploring solutions together.

3. Offer Information as a Menu, Not a Prescription

Instead of saying, "You should do X," frame it as a range of possibilities:

• "Some people find time-blocking helpful, while others prefer body doubling. Would you like to explore those or something else?"

• "There are a few strategies that might help with this. Would you like to brainstorm together to see what fits you best?"

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This keeps the client in the driver’s seat.

4. Use a Collaborative Problem-Solving Approach

Instead of imposing a solution, explore it together:

• "What has worked for you before?"

• "What kind of structure or support feels good to you?"

• "Let’s experiment—what small step could you try this week?"

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This builds self-awareness and agency rather than dependence on external advice.

5. Frame Advice as Hypothesis, Not Authority

Rather than presenting solutions as the answer, present them as possibilities:

• "One possible approach might be..."

• "You could experiment with..."

• "What do you think about trying…?"

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This reinforces that the client has the power to choose what works for them.

6. Encourage Self-Reflection & Ownership

After introducing a strategy, follow up with:

• "How does that sound to you?"

• "What might get in the way of this working for you?"

• "How could we tweak this so it fits your strengths and preferences?"

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This helps the client internalize the learning and adapt it to their unique needs.

7. Balance Support & Challenge

ADHD clients often need both compassion and accountability. A coach can:

• Celebrate small wins to build momentum.

• Gently challenge limiting beliefs ("What if we reframe that as a skill-building opportunity rather than a failure?").

• Help them create experiments rather than rigid rules ("Let’s try this for a week and see how it feels—no pressure if it doesn’t work!").

  
  

Bottom Line

Empowering ADHD coaching is about guiding, not dictating. When done collaboratively, sharing strategies and insights can enhance the client’s autonomy rather than diminish it. ADHD coaching isn’t just about teaching—it’s about helping clients integrate knowledge in a way that strengthens their self-trust and agency.