The 5 PAAC Essentials

At PAAC we recognize that people, including coaches, who have been diagnosed with ADHD, process, learn, and succeed in their own unique ways. In alignment with this awareness, we have developed an ADHD Coach credentialing process that focuses, not on the form, but rather the essence of what constitutes effective and empowering ADHD coaching.

We describe each Essential in a) a word or two, b) a short paragraph to give the Essential greater dimension, and c) a number of individual words or concepts that may exist in the greater field of each Essential. The five PAAC Essentials are pieces of a whole that, when practiced together, create a clear context for ADHD coaching, while leaving abundant space for individuality and creativity. We hope that, taken together, the spirit, color, and purpose of each Essential opens up what is possible in an ADHD coaching relationship.

Safety: With a deep understanding of the highly sensitive nature of most individuals with ADHD, the coach created an environment of acceptance and trust where the client could be open, honest, and free from fear and judgment.

Space…Connection…Trust…Acceptance…Care…Energy…Humor…Authenticity…

Appreciation…Celebration…Relaxation…Breathing…Understanding

Collaboration: Taking into account the client’s awareness of self and her/his ADHD, the coach flexibly supported the natural flow of the coaching conversation. The client benefited from the coach’s active collaboration.

Engaged Presence… Partnership…Flow…Agenda…Resources…Championing…Spirit… Integration…Highest self…Purpose…Shared resources…Who of coach/client…

Co-creation…Harmony…Exuberance…Truth telling…Education

Wonder: With a keen awareness of the importance of interest and novelty to the ADHD brain, the coach used questions, challenges, and collaborative brainstorming to help the client successfully explore current concerns and opportunities while looking to areas of personal growth and development.

Inquiry…Possibilities…Creativity…Limiting Beliefs…Assumptions…Knowing…Self Awareness…Brainstorming…Curiosity…What if?…

ADHD Lens: With a deep understanding of ADHD traits, behaviors, patterns, challenges, and current neuroscience, the coach proactively partnered with the client to discover the unique workings of her/his brain and how he/she can best employ that understanding. The client became clearer about what it takes to succeed in his/her unique way.

Knowledge…Awareness…Mindset…Strengths…Processing Styles…Interest…Pause…

Structure…Sensitivity…Focus…Impulsivity…Rumination…Time Sensitivity…Now/Not Now…Sleep…Diet…Exercise…Meditation…Medication…Co-morbidity…Executive functions…Working memory…Assistive technology

Action: With a recognition of executive function challenges prevalent in the ADHD brain, the coach supported the client in the process of planning and taking actions that resulted in learning, accomplishment, and empowerment.

Planning…Goal setting…Growth…Experiments…Requests…Challenges…Accountability…

Winning strategies…Due dates…Games…Body Double…Prioritize…Initiate…Sustain… Transition…Follow through