Over 25 years of experience supporting adults with ADHD

Dr. Evelyn Miccio Discusses Adult ADHD Insights in Exclusive Interview with Kaiser Permanente's Look Inside

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. I understand the significant impact ADHD can have on an individual's ability to function effectively in various areas of life, including school, work, and relationships. While psychiatric care is the most common treatment for ADHD, cognitive coaching is an incredibly effective way to help individuals with ADHD manage their symptoms and improve their performance in various areas of life.*

Symptoms of ADHD may include:

  • Inattention: difficulty paying attention to details, difficulty following instructions, difficulty organizing tasks, and difficulty completing tasks

  • Impulsivity: difficulty waiting one's turn, difficulty controlling one's emotions and behaviors, and making hasty decisions

  • Hyperactivity: excessive talking, difficulty remaining seated, and difficulty engaging in quiet activities

Cognitive coaching helps individuals with ADHD develop strategies to better manage their attention and focus, such as breaking tasks into smaller steps, using visual aids, and setting goals. I also teach individuals with ADHD how to better regulate their emotions, improve their communication skills, and increase their self-awareness.

In addition to these specific strategies, I work to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment in which individuals with ADHD can learn and practice new skills. By working with me, individuals with ADHD can learn to identify their strengths and challenges, set goals for themselves, and develop a plan for achieving those goals. This in turn can help individuals with ADHD gain confidence and independence, and improve their overall well-being.

*Sources:

1. Ahmann, et. Al., Perm J. 2019;24:18.256. doi: 10.7812/TPP/18.256. Epub 2019 Oct 23. Health and Wellness Coaching and Psychiatric Care Collaboration in a Multimodal Intervention for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Case Report (2019) (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31710834/ ).

2. Deal, L. S., Sleeper-Triplett, J., DiBenedetti, D. B., Nelson, L., McLeod, L., Haydysch, E. E., & Brown, T. M. (2015). Development and Validation of the ADHD Benefits of Coaching Scale (ABCS). Journal of Attention Disorders, 19(3), 191–199. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054714558118,  https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1087054714558118

3. Gavriel, J. (2016). Cognitive Behavioural Coaching principles and basic tools to support trainees. Educ Prim Care, 2016 Jul;27(4):326-9. doi: 10.1080/14739879.2016.1187092. Epub 2016 Jun 7. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27267216/ ).

4. Gonçalves, P. D., Ometto, M., Sendoya, G., Lacet, C., Monteiro, L., & Cunha, P. J. (2014). Neuropsychological rehabilitation of executive functions: challenges and perspectives. Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science, 2014. (https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=41926 ).

5. ​Goudreau, S. B., & Knight, M. (2016). Executive function coaching as a tool for transition to college for students with ADHD. The ADHD Report, 24(5), 1-5. doi: https://doi.org/10.1521/adhd.2016.24.5.1. 

6. Lungu, et. Al, (2021), MARY ANN LIEBERT, INC. VOL. 27 NO. 1 JANUARY 2021 TELEMEDICINE and e-HEALTH. Effectiveness of a Cognitive Behavioral Coaching Program Delivered via Video in Real World Settings (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7815061/pdf/tmj.2019.0313.pdf )

7. Parker DR, Hoffman SF, Sawilowsky S, Rolands L. Self-control in postsecondary settings: students' perceptions of ADHD college coaching. J Atten Disord. 2013 Apr;17(3):215-32. doi: 10.1177/1087054711427561. Epub 2011 Dec 15. PMID: 22173150. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22173150/ ).

8. Prevatt, F. Coaching for College Students with ADHD. Curr Psychiatry Rep 18, 110 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-016-0751-9  https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11920-016-0751-9 

9. Prevatt, F., Lampropoulos, G. K., Bowles, V., & Garrett, L. (2011). The Use of Between Session Assignments in ADHD Coaching With College Students. Journal of Attention Disorders, 15(1), 18–27. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054709356181 

10. Prevatt, F., & Levrini, A. (2015). ADHD coaching: A guide for mental health professionals. American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/14671-000 

11. Prevatt, F., & Yelland, S. (2015). An Empirical Evaluation of ADHD Coaching in College Students. Journal of Attention Disorders, 19(8), 666–677. https://doi.org/10.1177/1087054713480036,  https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1087054713480036. 

12. Shpigelman, C. (2019). A Proposed Framework for Using the Life-Coaching Process to Enhance the Quality of Life of Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Case Study. (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jppi.12276 ).