Advancing the Evidence for Professional ADHD Coaching: Two New Studies
David Giwerc, MCAC, MCCADHD Education | Coach Training | Research
Two peer-reviewed studies examine outcomes for adults receiving ADHD coaching from credentialed coaches. The research reports improvements in executive functioning, ADHD symptoms, and daily functioning, with a follow-up study examining whether those improvements were sustained six weeks later.
For many years, our profession has needed more research examining the effectiveness of ADHD coaching, particularly for adults with ADHD.
Two studies by Elizabeth Ahmann, Micah Saviet, and Mark Otto, published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, contribute to our understanding of ADHD coaching outcomes and whether improvements are sustained over time.
These two peer-reviewed publications by Elizabeth Ahmann, Micah Saviet, and Mark Otto, published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, report findings from the same research project. The first examines outcomes following 12 sessions of ADHD coaching, while the second explores whether those improvements were sustained six weeks later.
What the Research Found
Study 1: Following 12 Sessions of ADHD Coaching
The first study examined 43 adults who completed 12 sessions of ADHD coaching and the final assessment. The coaching was delivered by credentialed ADHD coaches using a structured coaching approach.
Participants demonstrated statistically significant improvements in executive functioning, ADHD symptoms, and functional impairment, with medium to large effect sizes.
Participants also reported:
- 93% reported greater awareness of their thinking and behavior patterns.
- 90.7% reported a better understanding of how ADHD affects their lives.
- 79.1% reported being better able to manage negative self-talk.
Participants reported an average 70% success in reaching their coaching goals, with satisfaction averaging 8 out of 10.
Study 2: Six Weeks After the Initial Coaching Engagement
The second study followed 42 adults from the original research six weeks after completing their initial 12 sessions of coaching.
The improvements in executive functioning, ADHD symptoms, and functional impairment were sustained. Additional improvements in executive functioning and functional impairment were statistically significant, although small.
Of the 42 participants, 24 continued receiving some coaching during the six-week follow-up period, while 18 did not.
These findings offer useful information about the sustainability of coaching outcomes, although longer follow-up periods are needed.
Why This Matters to ADDCA
The coaching in these studies was delivered by credentialed ADHD coaches who met specific training and experience requirements. Participating coaches held credentials through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the Professional Association for ADHD Coaches (PAAC), or both.
I am especially proud that ADDCA graduates were among the coaches who contributed to this research.
Their participation helped expand our understanding of ADHD coaching outcomes.
At ADDCA, we have always believed in comprehensive coach training, professional certification, and high standards. Research like this contributes to the continued development of our profession.
Building on the Research
These studies provide encouraging findings, but they do not establish that coaching alone caused the improvements. Additional research, including controlled studies and longer follow-up periods, will help us better understand ADHD coaching outcomes.
I want to congratulate Elizabeth Ahmann, Micah Saviet, and Mark Otto for bringing this research to publication and thank the certified ADHD coaches who participated.
These studies add to the growing body of research on ADHD coaching. I hope they encourage further research and continued collaboration among researchers, coaches, and coach educators.
David Giwerc, MCAC, MCC
Founder and President
ADD Coach Academy (ADDCA)
Read the Published Research
Study 1: Coaching for Adults With ADHD: A Prospective Study
Ahmann, E., Saviet, M., & Otto, M. (2026). Coaching for Adults With ADHD: A Prospective Study. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.
Study 2: Coaching for Adults With ADHD: Gains at a Six-Week Follow-Up
Ahmann, E., Saviet, M., & Otto, M. (2026). Coaching for Adults With ADHD: Gains at a Six-Week Follow-Up. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine.
To explore available access and purchase options for the full articles, scroll to the end of each abstract.
