ADHD teens and college students have a special set of struggles in a time that most people find to be a tough time in their lives. Science shows the ADHD brain does not develop certain executive functions (like impulse control and managing emotions) at the same rate as a neurotypical brain does. This means the transitions that are a part of life at these ages are literally more difficult for someone with ADHD.

Think of it like high school basketball teams. Larger schools have a Freshmen team, a Junior Varsity team, and a Varsity team. Why do they do that? Because in most cases, the Freshmen are shorter, less coordinated, and not as physically mature as the Juniors and Seniors that typically make up the Varsity team. However, with a strong coach, some of the physical differences can be overcome and a Freshman can enjoy making the JV or Varsity team.

Young ADHD adults are in that same situation. There are parts of the brain that literally take longer to grow to maturity when someone has ADHD. It can be hard to transition into college (think Varsity team) when you have important parts of your brain that are not as mature as those of your peers. However, with some solid coaching and regular practice, you can make the transition successfully.

Coaching provides tools and techniques that result in the difference between being overwhelmed or being able to cope. These tools are different from having an organizer or system of reminders. In coaching, the tools are developed with the person being coached so that their personality, processing style, and specific ADHD needs are met.

Sometimes the most important thing that a coach provides is the space to explore options with someone other than a parent. At a time when it is normal to not like being told what to do, a coach asks what a client would do and allows the client to explore the potential outcomes of an action. Coaching provides the pause and freedom they need to fully understand the potential outcomes of their actions before they commit to them.

If you are a parent reading this and thinking it may help your teen or young adult, give them the opportunity to decide if it might be helpful for them. Being coached can lead to great results, but achieving great results is not easy. The person being coached has to be committed to the process for themselves, not to make someone else happy.

If they are open to it, set up a free discovery session. We can do a discovery session with parents and client or separate calls. Contact us now.