A recent study from Wayne State University was able to scientifically measure the benefits of ADHD coaching. The researchers presented their study at the international conference sponsored by the nonprofit organization, Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, which is commonly known as CHADD. This conference is the leading forum for presenting the latest research in ADHD.
In this study, 110 undergraduate students at eight universities and two community colleges were recruited in order to examine whether ADHD coaching improved academic functioning. Half of the students were provided with an ADHD coaching program while the other half were not. Students were randomly assigned to these groups without consideration of whether they were taking medication. The coaching program participants were provided with an intervention aimed at scheduling, goal setting, confidence building, organizing, focusing, prioritizing, and persisting at tasks. As one of the designers of the intervention put it, the coaches helped students plot a course toward their goals.
The results revealed that coaching made a significant difference in students’ ability to assume control of academic tasks such as studying, staying organized, and managing time. The researchers were overwhelmed with feedback that the coaching allowed the students to lead more balanced lives. The students who were provided the coaching reported that they experienced less stress and felt calmer after the coaching. Futhermore, the students who had received coaching showed dramatic improvement on a test of learning strategies, particularly in the areas of time-management and concentration. Overall, the students who were provided with ADHD coaching demonstrated an enormous academic benefit.
I started providing ADHD coaching at the ApaCenter in August and was overwhelmed by the response. The need for this type of intervention is clear with the steadily rising rates of ADHD and the increasing academic demands placed on students. In addition, research that has previously been presented at the CHADD conference as well as in a range of scientific publications reports that ADHD treatment is most effective when medication is provided in conjunction with a therapeutic intervention such as ADHD coaching. Though many people believe medication alone is a solution to difficulties related ADHD, learning the skills necessary to succeed in academic and work settings with this disorder is crucial. If you or your child would benefit from help with time management, study skills, organization, or concentration, I welcome you to contact me at the ApaCenter. We will work together to find the best strategies to overcome you struggles and reach your goals.
Tags: ADHD, coaching, concentration, organization, study strategies, time management
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