Edge Foundation Blog

One of the questions recently raised on Facebook was what is the difference between organizational and ADHD coaching.

Organizational and ADHD coaches do have a lot in common.  The best answer to this question comes in the form of a Tweet from professional organizer, Jeri Dansky:

Coaching is coaching, but not all organizing challenges come from ADHD, and not all ADHD challenges are organizing.

Yes, organizational issues are a hallmark of ADHD, however, there are many other executive functions that an ADHD coach also can help a person address including:

• Scheduling
• Goal Setting
• Focusing
• Prioritizing
• Sticking with it when it gets tough (a.k.a. persistence)
• Impulsiveness

An ADHD coach helps people with ADHD build strategies to work with their strengths to counter their weaknesses. You can’t organize yourself into focusing or being less impulsive. But most people with ADHD do need help getting organized.

Have you used an organizational coach for your ADHD?  Did it work for you? Let us know in the comments.

Much of the ADHD community is preparing for ADHD Awareness Week events (beginning next week on October 16, 2011) that will occur next week and the Edge Foundation is no exception.  We are excited to be a part of several collaborative efforts and want to alert our community to these opportunities and invite you to join us.

Sunday:  Get connected

Join the conversation on Facebook or Twitter and be ready to share the news with your family and friends.

Monday:  7 Facts of ADHD

On Monday we will be posting the 7 Facts of ADHD on our blog.  These facts are the core of this year’s ADHD Awareness Campaign.  We urge you to read and share our post with your friends, families, teachers and colleagues.  These facts are well thought out and supported by solid, scientific research. Together we can start to break down some of the misinformation about ADHD.  To give you a preview, the 7 Facts are:

1. ADHD is Real
2. ADHD is a Common, Non-Discriminatory Disorder
3. Diagnosing ADHD is a Complex Process
4. Other Mental Health Conditions Frequently Co-Occur With ADHD
5. ADHD is Not Benign
6. ADHD is Nobody’s Fault
7. ADHD Treatment is Multi-Faceted

Tuesday:  ADHD doesn’t have to always be serious

Feel a little overwhelmed by all the serious discussion on the facts of ADHD?  Why not step to the lighter side for a moment and vote for your favorite ADHD T-shirt Slogan!

Wednesday:  Read a good book (or at least order one!)

365 ways to succeed with ADHD, you will learn from 81 ADHD experts – including our very own Robert Tudisco — what you need to succeed with ADHD…all in bite-sized ADD-friendly format. There is a full year of tips and strategies to succeed with ADHD, written with parents, children, adults and college students in mind.  Order using this link on Amazon, and a portion of all of your purchases that day will be donated to the Edge Foundation!

Thursday:  Take a virtual tour of the ADHD Awareness Expo

Robert Tudisco and the Edge Foundation will be one of the featured exhibitors in this free on-line resource fair.  Rob will join the event by video to share some of the Edge Foundation’s best tips and strategies of how to live successfully with ADD / ADHD.  The Virtual Expo is brought to you by Tara McGill cuddy and Rory Stern.

Friday:  Learn more about the Shire ADHD Coaching Scholarship

In 2011 Shire launched a unique project – The ADHD Scholarship Program – offering scholarships to individuals diagnosed with ADHD to go on to secondary education programs. In this episode, host Jeff Copper interviews Michael Skoien, vice president of patient and customer excellence for Shire Pharmaceuticals, and Robert Tudisco, executive director of the Edge Foundation, about this unique program. The show airs live, Friday, October 21, 2011, at 8 pm ET.  But will also be available in recorded format for your later listening pleasure on Attention Radio.

The show airs live, Friday, October 21, 2011, at 8 pm ET.  But will also be available in recorded format for your later listening pleasure on Attention Radio.

Saturday:  Run with Rob

In case you haven’t heard, Edge Executive Director, Robert Tudisco, is running the New York City Marathon this year on behalf of the Edge Foundation.  Saturday is a great day to get some exercise!  But if you want to run with Rob without leaving your chair, you can click on over to Team Edge and make a donation!

Dear Coach:

What is the difference between what a coach can provide my college student versus what on campus services can do?

Noreen

Dear Noreen,

An important difference between a coach and an on-campus service provider is that when working with a coach your child is the client. The on-campus support, while good, is always part of the school. This is a significant difference because a student needs a person who is on her side. If she perceives someone from a campus office is working on behalf of the school’s objectives for the student instead of what the student wants for herself, it can put up a barrier to their relationship.

A student may not want to visit the on-campus service provider or disability office because of a perceived stigma.  You and your coach are the only people that have to know you are getting help.  Thus it is more private and may be more comfortable for your student.

The goals of coaching are set by the student — not the teacher, advisor or the parent. The student and coach develop a plan to work toward those goals and the coach provides structure, support and accountability along the way. A coach steps in when a student is no longer willing or able look to his parent for structure, support and accountability — either because he has moved into a developmentally-appropriate independence phase or has moved away from home.

Unlike tutoring or mentoring, coaching empowers the student to develop structure support and accountability on their own. Most coaches also work with the students to understand how to work around their weaknesses and maximize their strengths.

Was this post helpful?  If so you might be interested in these other answers in our Ask the Coach series.  Or ask your own question in the comments, and we’ll do our best to answer it!

Dear Coach,

I’m tired of the ADHD label.  Hyperactivity just means you have an active brain.  It’s not a sickness.  I’m fed up with being called sick when I know I’m extraordinary.  I say ADHD is a myth that bad parents use to excuse themselves from trying harder to provide their children with enough stimulation.

Sincerely, Joan

Editor’s note:  Responding this month is our Executive Director, Robert Tudisco.  As you probably already know, Robert is quite extraordinary.  In addition to being our Executive Director, he also maintains a law practice specializing in disability rights, runs marathons, and also just happens to have ADHD.

Dear Joan,

In response to your comment about hyperactivity, I don’t necessarily disagree with you.  Hyperactivity in and of itself is not a bad thing.  In fact many individuals with ADHD, like myself, are kinesthetic processors, which means we need to move in order to think.  I, myself, fall into this category and I use running as a means to process information.  The problem lies in the chronic nature of the condition and its severity.  While many students need to move in order to think, in some settings it can be disruptive, depending on how and where it manifests.

Hyperactivity is only one symptom of this neuro-biological condition and is not present in all people diagnosed with ADHD. (The diagnosis for the condition without hyperactivity is often referred to as ADD, or AD/HD inattentive type.)  And in many cases some of the hyperactivity decreases after puberty.  ADHD is a very real medical condition, not a sickness, that affects the portion of the brain that regulates executive functioning which controls prioritization, time perception, impulse control, organization etc. While I agree that those with ADHD have many talents, they also have very real challenges that they face on a daily basis.

From personal experience, I can tell you that the diagnosis is not a label, but a relief to understand that there is a reason for the difficulties and challenges we face on a daily basis and ways to develop our talents and learn to navigate around our weaknesses.

It is also important to understand that ADHD is an inherited genetic condition and is not caused by bad parenting.  However the way that someone parents a child with ADHD matters a great deal.  It is important for parents to educate themselves, not just on the term, but to understand what it means and more importantly, how it manifests itself in their child in order to provide the type of structure, support and accountability that their child needs.

Was this post helpful?  If so you might be interested in these other answers in our Ask the Coach series.  Or ask your own question in the comments, and we’ll do our best to answer it!

Once and a while it’s useful to dust off the mission statement and give it an airing. Edge Foundation’s primary mission is to provide students with ADHD access to qualified, professional coaches. However, we often are approached by people who fall outside of our primary service target.  And do we serve them? Absolutely.

Students.  ADHD. Coaches.

Students:  people just like you.

Edge coaches know that the same approach doesn’t work for everyone.  As the old saying goes, if the shoe doesn’t fit, don’t blame the foot!  Edge ADHD coaches work with people just like you, every day, and help them find solutions that work for their lives – not for their parents, neighbors or friends.  Yes, our core clients are high school and college students with ADHD, but we also work with:

• Middle school students – we have coaches who are qualified to work with middle school-aged students.  Give our match coordinator a call (1-888- -718-8886) to help you get started.
• Adult learners – Any student is eligible for a coach. Edge coaches work with graduate students, doctoral candidates, technical college learners, returning students, adult learners, working students  — you get the picture.
• Non-students – sometimes a young person has decided to take a “gap year” or is considering vocational school.  Do we work with them?  Of course.  You don’t have to be going to school to benefit from coaching.   Coaching has proven to be an effective means for dealing with ADHD symptoms and can give a young person the edge necessary to achieve his or her full potential in all life pursuits.

ADHD:  And what if you don’t have ADHD?

Research has show than executive functioning is an important part of academic success. Experts agree that successful students usually have four qualities that help them achieve their goals:

1. Sticking with things even when the going gets tough (perseverance),
2. Ability to delay gratification and focus on the big picture,
3. Time management and organizational skills, and
4. Striking the right balance between fun and work.

ADHD coaches help clients learn skills that boost executive functioning. People with ADHD usually have executive function deficits in attention, planning and organization, prioritization, impulse control, memory, time management, and higher-order conceptual thinking.  But you don’t have to have ADHD to be struggling with one or more of those executive functions.

Do any of these things sound familiar?

• Do you do your homework but forget to hand it in?
• When finally clean out your backpack or room, do you find things you’ve “lost”?
• Do you have trouble getting to sleep on time?
• Are you often late and just can’t seem to get out the door on time?
• Do have trouble staying focused on the things you know you “should” be doing?
• Do you get bored in class?
• Do you procrastinate then swear to yourself you won’t do it next time — only to find yourself doing it all at the last minute, again?
• When faced with a task, do you know what to do first and what to do next?  And can you get yourself to do it?  And finish it?
• Do you do well on one test and practically flunk the next?
• Have your grades tanked?
• Are you overwhelmed?  Discouraged?  Behind?

While these are all hallmarks of ADHD, not everyone who has these issues has ADHD.  Yet all of those issues are ones that Edge coaches are trained to help you with. You don’t need to have an ADHD diagnosis to start working with a coach on these issues.

Coaches:  How does an ADHD coach help?

A coach is your advocate. He or she gets to know you and finds ways to help you succeed in your life.  You and your coach talk regularly and check in about how your life is going. Your coach can help you find strategies to stay organized and remember important things. Your coach can help remind you to take care of yourself and show you ways to stay focused. Your coach can also help you improve your relationships with friends, classmates, teachers, and family members. Your coach is there to talk to, strategize with, and advocate for you as long as you want.

Have you had your friends or family say to you, “If you’re so smart, why can’t you just do x?”  Do you feel you are not living up to your potential?  An Edge coach can help you.

You challenge lies not in trying hard enough.  After all you are probably already trying pretty hard, that’s why you’re here.  And it’s not that you aren’t smart enough either!

The problem lies in having a brain that just works differently, and so needs a different approach to managing these every day responsibilities?  An Edge coach can teach you a fresh perspective.

So, are you ready to learn more? Help us fulfill our vision of all people with ADHD reaching their full potential.  Sign-up today and take the first step to getting your life under your control, and find your edge!

Dear Edge Coach,

Can you use an ADHD coach if you are attending vocational school instead of college?

Signed,

Julia, Future Dental Assistant

Dear Julia,

Absolutely!  ADHD coaches can help you reach your dreams whatever the program you are attending — technical school, vocational training, trade apprenticeship programs, undergraduate degree, community college, or a university doctoral or master’s degree program.

Coaching offers strategies to help with seven areas that can hold a student back from success:

1. scheduling,
2. goal setting,
3. confidence building,
4. organizing,
5. focusing,
6. prioritizing, and
7. persisting at tasks.

Although we talk a lot about ADHD and college at the Edge Foundation, we don’t care much about what school you are attending or even if you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD for that matter!  If these are the things you struggle with, an Edge Coach can make a big difference in your life.

Was this post helpful?  If so you might be interested in these other answers in our Ask the Coach series.  Or ask your own question in the comments, and we’ll do our best to answer it!

Download our Free College Survival Guide or get monthly news you can use from Edge’s newsletter.

So you’ve seen the video and read the research that demonstrates that ADHD coaching helps students be more successful in school – and now you’re ready to take the plunge and get a coach. You’re probably wondering how we find a coach that’s matched to your needs.

First and foremost, it is all about the connection you make with your coach.  It’s up to you – not your parents – to make the final decision about whether a coach feels right for you. And it all starts with the “Coach Match” process.

You already know that the Edge Foundation has recruited and trained some of the best coaches in the profession. If you choose an Edge Coach you know you are getting a seasoned life coach who is specially trained in working with teens and young adults with ADHD, someone who has been trained and mentored in this unique coaching specialty.

The Edge Foundation ADHD Coach Match Maker

Start by completing the Sign Up form. Don’t worry if the form looks intimidating or asks you questions you aren’t ready to answer.  You can always give Denise, our Coach Match Maker, a call to get your questions answered.

We ask you questions because we want to find out as much as we can about your specific needs.  Many people with ADHD, for example, have other issues they need addressed – like dyslexia, anxiety or depression.  The more information you provide us about your specific background and needs, the better the match Denise will be able to make.

Don’t worry, all the information you provide to us is confidential and won’t be shared with anyone without your permission.

If your parents are involved, we’ll also talk to them – with your permission of course – because they probably know you better than anyone else than you.

An ADHD coach suited to your needs and situation

After Denise has gathered all of the available information about what you are looking for, she’ll make a Coach Match.  She’ll send you background information about a coach picked specially for you. You’ll also be provided her contact information.  Before you agree to working with a coach, you’ll have an opportunity to interview with him.  You’ll have a chance to get to know the person a bit and see if he feels comfortable.  If you think the match is a good fit,  you’re done.  If you want to interview other coaches, Denise will help you with that.

We want to make it as painless as possible

Denise knows each one of our coaches well and strives to make it easy for you by making a good match for you the first time.

Some people are overwhelmed by the idea of interviewing coaches and ask us to pick someone for them. We can do that.  Other people want to interview several coaches to get a better feel for the differences between them.  We can do that too.

Bottom line, we have dozens of talented, well-trained, and experienced coaches for you to work with.  We are commited to finding a coach suited to your need and confident that you’ll find a good match at Edge.

Other resources:

• For more testimonials visit ADHD Coaching Testimonials
• Want to learn more about how coaching can help you succeed in college?  Get our free ADHD College Survival Guide.
• What to look for in an ADHD coach

Dear Edge Coach,

I don’t have ADHD, but I could really use some help getting on top of my school deadlines.  Could I sign up for an Edge coach even though I don’t have ADHD?

Signed, Robin M.

Dear Robin,

Absolutely!

People all over the world recognize the benefits of life coaching in their pursuit of career and life goals. Many CEOs and top business executives use coaches to help them manage successfully and effectively when the stakes are very high.

If a coaching gives CEOs their edge for success, then the same strategies can be employed to help students successfully manage their lives and reach their full potential too.

Coaching offers strategies to help with seven areas that can hold a student back from success:

1. scheduling,
2. goal setting,
3. confidence building,
4. organizing,
5. focusing,
6. prioritizing, and
7. persisting at tasks.

Although we talk a lot about ADD and ADHD at the Edge Foundation, we don’t care much about labels and diagnoses. If these are the things you struggle with, an Edge Coach can make a big difference in your life.

Was this post helpful?  If so you might be interested in these other answers in our Ask the Coach series.  Or ask your own question in the comments, and we’ll do our best to answer it!

Download our Free College Survival Guide or get monthly news you can use from Edge’s newsletter.

Dear Friend of the Edge Foundation:

We are taking this opportunity to thank you for the interest and support you have provided to the Edge Foundation in past years.  At this time of year when many of us are deciding about making end of year contributions, we hope you will choose to support the academic success of high school and college students with ADHD, many of whom are struggling to stay in school and complete their education.  Edge supports these young adults through our research-proven intervention of personal coaching.  Your continued support will help us provide that critical support to every student who needs it.

Edge’s year in 2010 was highlighted by the completion and release of the results of a two year, groundbreaking scientific study on the efficacy of coaching for college students with ADHD.  The study, which involved students on 10 college campuses across the U.S., showed conclusively that Edge Foundation coaching has a very significant impact on the ability of college students with ADHD to regulate their own behavior and meet the challenges of living with the disorder.  As a result of the excitement already generated by these results in the ADHD support community, CNN is taping a segment featuring our study, which will air in January 2011.

As powerful as the study results are, they alone cannot help us make this intervention accessible to all students without the necessary funding. Your tax deductible gift will help the Edge Foundation educate the public about this highly effective intervention and will enable us to help students, who would not otherwise be able to afford coaching on their own, to develop the structure, support and accountability that is crucial to students with ADHD.  With your continuing support, we will succeed at our mission of helping students with ADHD achieve their full academic, professional and social potential.

To make your donation to Edge, please click on this link which will bring you to the support page on our website.  http://www.edgefoundation.org/store/donations/

Thank you for your consideration of this request.

Happy Holiday!

Neil Peterson                                                                          Robert Tudisco
Founder & CEO                                                                       Executive Director

P.S.  As a thank you for your contribution of $100 or more, we would like to send you a copy of Embracing the Edge, written by Edge Foundation founder and CEO Neil Peterson.

Dear Edge Coach,

I hear ADHD coaching is done over the phone.  How can you do a good job when we’ve never met in person?

Sincerely,

Julie M.

Dear Julie,

For many people the idea of working on the phone, instead of meeting in an office, is just strange. Although there is no prohibition against meeting in person, all of our coaches are trained to work on the phone. We do this for several reasons:

• Using the phone takes transportation issues right out of the equation. You can get to your appointment just by picking up the phone – it’s a lot easier to be on time for your appointments!
• There are just not that many ADD/ADHD Coaches. By working on the phone, you still have access to coaching, even if there isn’t a coach in your community. And, you can “take your coach with you” where ever you go.
• A 30-minute appointment takes exactly 30 minutes. No commuting to and from the appointment, or waiting in the waiting room. Coaching appointments are therefore easy to fit into a busy schedule.
• A coach and client can stay in much closer touch through the phone and email than they can if they only connected in an office. It is this extra contact that very often makes the difference in being able to stay on task and follow through.

You can also meet with your ADHD coach on Skype!

If you have more questions about coaching, please feel free to contact us. Click on the “Get More Info!” button at the top of the page and fill in the form. Someone will get back to you by the end of the next working day.

Do you have a question you’d like to ask our coach?  Please leave it in the comments.

You might also be interested in these other questions the Edge Coach has answered:

• What should I look for when I select an ADHD coach
• What makes an Edge ADHD coach stand out among the crowd?
• Can a class replace an ADHD coach?
• Help!  My son doesn’t want an ADHD coach. What should I do?
• What should I do about my terrible memory?
• 26 special education terms you need to know
• What’s the difference between an ADHD coach and a tutor?
• Can a 9th grader get an ADHD coach?
• ADHD College Survival Guide