How ADHD Coaching Transformed My Career

It’s quite ironic. Throughout my education, I was labeled as a “gifted & talented” (GT) student, yet I struggled to maintain focus during classes until I reached college. Back then, it would have been hard to believe I would eventually find the discipline to pursue a Doctorate in Behavioral Healthcare.

By high school, I was frequently skipping classes. Thankfully, attendance only counted for a minor portion of my grade, allowing me to keep my As while missing lectures. I’d submit assignments while teachers were away, ensuring I never failed a class.

But, there’s a catch—teachers always find a way to inform your parents. Despite my clever strategy, it didn’t prevent an awkward appearance in truancy court. I often skipped class to engage in activities I shouldn’t have, like re-studying material that had already been covered.

High school felt surreal: I was repeatedly told I was smarter than average yet struggled immensely to get through lectures or complete essays without doodling or feeling restless within minutes. I excelled on standardized tests in quiet settings, but in the chaos of a full classroom, I often felt lost. One local truancy court judge even called me “the smartest dumb kid [he’d] ever met.”

That remark stuck with me—it was a lightbulb moment, realizing my experiences weren’t unique to me.

> If it’s that peculiar… there must be a solution, right?

Despite my struggles, no one thought to evaluate the GT kid for anything beyond her intellect after the truancy incident. I often ponder if an earlier diagnosis would have occurred if I had been failing. Instead, I was viewed as a conceited student who thought she was too brilliant for class.

To add some context, I grew up in a small West Texas town during the late 90s and early 2000s. Mental health awareness was minimal, and resources were scarce—recognition of intellectual disabilities and mental health issues was as rare as snowfall.

The Diagnosis

Fast forward to my 20th year, when I received my diagnosis of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

> Finally, it all made sense.

This marked the beginning of a lengthy health journey, but that’s a tale for another time. It felt as if someone had unlocked a door I never knew existed. Being labeled as above-average intelligence no longer felt like an error; I simply had an attention disorder.

A flood of emotions surged through me upon hearing my diagnosis—fear, excitement, shame, sadness, irritation, and relief.

Do you understand the frustration of loving to read but feeling that reading didn't reciprocate that love? I spent countless hours re-reading chapters and faced grounding for skipping classes.

I needed to speak with the authorities on dyslexia and ADHD for some reparations!

What Is Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

ADHD is a developmental disorder distinguished by patterns of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can severely disrupt daily life. As a disorder of executive functioning, ADHD affects memory recall, emotional regulation, organization, time management, impulse control, and attention.

Symptoms of executive dysfunction associated with ADHD include:

• Impulsivity — a lack of self-control, often acting without thinking.
• Inattention — a notably low attention span; easily distracted.
• Hyperactivity — an abnormally high level of energy.

Such challenges can lead to memory lapses, disorganization, distractions, punctuality issues, low motivation, and risky behaviors.

The 3 Types of ADHD

In the 90s, ADHD and ADD were seen as distinct; one involved hyperactivity, while the other didn’t.

Today, both are classified as ADHD, with three primary types:

• Combined — the most prevalent, characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and distractibility.
• Impulsive/Hyperactive — the rarest, focusing solely on hyperactivity and impulsivity without distractibility.
• Inattentive/Distractible — characterized by distractibility and inattention without hyperactivity.

Even now, many women remain undiagnosed with ADHD until later in life, often due to missed opportunities for diagnosis in childhood.

Just Knowing Isn’t Enough—Getting Accommodations In College

With newfound clarity regarding my brain, I felt ready to tackle community college. I thought I had everything I needed until my first lecture revealed otherwise. After discussing my situation with a professor, I was directed to the college’s disability services. I learned I wasn’t alone in navigating my academic responsibilities with ADHD.

Accommodations available for college students include:

• Extended testing time
• Extended assignment deadlines
• Distraction-free testing environments
• Necessary adaptive equipment
• Frequent breaks

This is just a glimpse. Thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), students like me have these rights.

As I left the disability services office, a flyer caught my attention: “ADHD Coaching.”

What Is ADHD Coaching?

ADHD coaching is a relatively new intervention led by individuals with either mental or behavioral health coaching certifications or relevant degrees. Unlike therapists, these coaches don’t hold clinical licenses, yet are often referred by therapists. They may work alongside psychotherapy to enhance outcomes.

This collaborative method allows therapy to delve into underlying issues like co-existing psychiatric conditions (anxiety, depression, PTSD, etc.), while coaching imparts skills to navigate and thrive with your diagnosis. Medication can also complement this approach if necessary.

ADHD coaching emphasizes:

• Organization
• Goal Setting and Achievement
• Building Motivation
• Developing Actionable Steps
• Executive Functioning Improvement
• Impulse Control
• Time Management
• Social Skills
• Self-Esteem

The coaching objectives vary based on the individual’s needs and ADHD type.

Interestingly, my ADHD coach was the first to highlight the advantages of having ADHD.

ADHD Coaching Gave Me My Confidence Back

I believe I was exceptionally fortunate with my ADHD coach, who was not only certified in executive functioning but also diagnosed with ADHD herself. This common ground fostered a connection I hadn’t anticipated, alleviating any concerns of judgment.

When she pointed out that some individuals with ADHD utilize their inattention and hyperfocus to excel in unique ways, I was convinced—I had already committed to coaching!

Before this, I felt as if my only options were to manage my symptoms and seek accommodating workplaces. It seemed like life had dealt me a poor hand right from the start. However, when my coach began debunking the myths I had been taught about ADHD, she ignited a new sense of hope.

Two dispelled myths made a significant difference:

• You Can’t Handle Detailed Work. This is false—if the work is interesting, individuals with ADHD can excel in detailed tasks. Hyperfocus can manifest in tasks that captivate your attention for extended periods.
• You Can’t Focus Enough to Be Productive. This is also incorrect. While inattention poses challenges, those with ADHD can learn to compartmentalize and split their attention to their advantage.

If you doubt me, consider how I managed two jobs, internships, and full-time studies during my undergraduate years without falling apart!

Remarkably, friends often tell me I excel at multitasking. It appears I juggle numerous academic and professional responsibilities with ease. However, the reality is that I rely on the same tools and strategies my ADHD coach taught me.

I utilize spreadsheets, journals, calendars, reminders, to-do lists, timers, and a newfound confidence in my abilities that I previously lacked.

A Secret to Career & Academic Success

Fortunately, I received ADHD coaching while studying addiction counseling. One day, as I expressed concerns about my focus affecting my counseling skills, my coach remarked:

> “As a therapist, you need to pay attention to more than just words, and you will excel at that.”

She was spot on. Remarkably, right after, we covered the significance of active listening in my class, alongside being mindful of body language and environmental factors.

Clients often don’t articulate their needs or feelings verbally, and subtle cues, like a tapping foot or wringing hands, can provide valuable insights while building rapport.

Outcomes

My impulsivity and inattention have evolved into a more analytical and detailed-oriented approach. Today, I am an addiction counselor, behavioral therapist, doctoral student, and business owner, with a behavior analyst license in progress—achievements partly attributed to my ADHD. Most of my professional and academic peers are unaware of my ADHD unless they get to know me personally.

The heightened self-awareness that often accompanies ADHD has allowed me to transform my challenges into catalysts for success. Over time, I’ve learned to engage in intentional focus, striking a balance between hypofocus and hyperfocus. Finding equilibrium between high and low-interest activities, strengths and weaknesses, and the right environment is crucial for thriving with ADHD.

Whether ADHD symptoms serve as barriers or facilitators is often context-dependent. At times, my focus and energy levels enhance my performance at work but may create obstacles at home.

Be kind to yourself as you seek balance. I still communicate and think rapidly in casual settings, and holding back interruptions can feel like an impossible task at times, but now my ADHD is an asset rather than a hindrance.

> Signed, > > The “Smartest Dumb Kid”

Thank you for reading! I’m Naya, with 13 years of experience in behavioral health. I’m a creative clinician specializing in mental health, addiction, intellectual disabilities, and psychological wellness. Follow me for more unique insights on these topics!

Referenced Health Story:

Navigating Genetic Chronic Conditions: An Integrated Approach, A Personal Story medium.com

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Resources:

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Adults: What You Need to Know www.nimh.nih.gov

The Positive Aspects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Qualitative Investigation link.springer.com

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children www.hopkinsmedicine.org

Coaching - CHADD chadd.org