ADD Coaching Competencies

There are certain unique skills, abilities and knowledge all ADD coaches must possess that are the hallmarks of our profession and help distinguish us from other helping professionals. Even though there is currently no standard training, licensure, or certification of ADD coaches, the savvy consumer knows that ADD coaches must possess this core set of standard ADD coaching competencies.


The following are core ADD coaching competencies:

  • The ability to use a structured goal-setting and goal-achievement orientation as the primary method of working with clients
  • The ability to use a conceptual coaching framework within which the day-to-day coaching work takes place
  • The skill to create a partnership with clients for the purpose of realizing their goals and hopes
  • Training and facility in ADD coaching skills including active listening, questioning, strategizing, planning & goal setting, designing actions, monitoring progress, and creating accountability
  • Knowledge about ADD - including a thorough understanding of the neurobiological nature of ADD and co-morbid conditions, and the impact these conditions have on the client's quality of life
  • Familiarity with current literature and research about ADD and ADD coaching
  • Commitment to stay abreast of rapidly expanding information on ADD and ADD coaching, demonstrated by ongoing professional reading and regular attendance at professional conferences, workshops and trainings
  • A fund of ADD coaching tools, strategies and interventions and the skill to use them appropriately to assist clients in areas like daily living, time management, organizational skills, and work and/or school issues. (The term "daily living" refers to areas like sleep, eating, exercise, medication management, and social skills)
  • The ability to help clients move back and forth between the big picture and the detail
  • Skill in helping clients self-advocate
  • The ability to collaborate with psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, educators, employers, etc. on the client's behalf
  • Consistently demonstrating professional ethics
  • Knowledge needed to give appropriate professional referrals
  • Skill to explain coaching logistics - frequency of contact, fee structure and coaching format

Consumers will benefit by using this information in conjunction with the questions in "What to Look for in a Coach" to determine whether prospective coaches have the competencies the consumer requires.