Have you ever felt drawn to help others navigate the unique challenges and strengths that come with ADHD, yet wondered what it truly takes to call yourself an ADHD coach?

In this episode, we explore one of the questions we're asked most often;

How to become an ADHD coach.

As more people receive ADHD diagnoses, many coaches are curious about how they can ethically and effectively support this community. Through our discussion, we share insights from our experience as accredited training providers and as coaches who work extensively in the neurodivergent space.

We begin by unpacking the difference between being a coach who works with clients who have ADHD and being an ADHD specialist coach. That distinction matters, because it shapes how you present yourself in the market and the depth of knowledge you need to support clients responsibly.

We discuss why true ADHD coaching requires more than a quick online certificate. Coaching neurodivergent clients demands strong foundational coaching skills and a deep understanding of neurodivergence, trauma, and inclusivity. Ethical practice starts with accreditation, understanding professional standards, codes of conduct, and trauma-informed approaches.

We also reflect on the importance of seeing clients as whole people, not as a label or diagnosis. While ADHD may influence how someone experiences the world, it doesn't define them. In every coaching conversation, we meet individuals with careers, relationships, goals, and emotions that extend far beyond their diagnosis.

A powerful part of our conversation focuses on lived experience. Many aspiring ADHD coaches are themselves neurodivergent, which brings empathy and connection, but it can also blur professional boundaries. We explore how to honour that lived experience without projecting it onto clients and how supervision and reflective practice protect both coach and client.

As we close, we talk about the routes available for coaches who want to deepen their expertise, from our Level 7 Coaching Qualification to our Neurodivergent Inclusive Coaching Essentials and full Neurodivergent Inclusive Coaching Programme. Whether you're starting your coaching journey or looking to specialise, this episode offers a grounded view of what ethical, inclusive ADHD coaching looks like in practice.

Timestamps:

• 00:48 – The difference between an ADHD coach and a coach working with ADHD clients
• 02:35 – Understanding co-occurring conditions and the importance of inclusivity
• 04:29 – Why short ADHD coach training courses can be misleading
• 05:47 – Seeing the whole person, not just the diagnosis
• 09:55 – Accreditation, CPD and what ethical practice looks like
• 12:02 – The role of lived experience in building trust and navigating boundaries
• 14:20 – How neurodivergence changes the way we interpret client behaviour
• 15:34 – Recognising gaps in your knowledge and choosing the right training
• 16:59 – Celebrating the growing demand for inclusive coaching

Key Lessons Learned:

• Ethical ADHD coaching begins with strong, accredited foundational coaching skills.
• ADHD rarely exists in isolation; understanding co-occurring conditions is vital.
• Lived experience can build trust, but reflection and supervision protect the coaching relationship.
• Trauma-informed and inclusive practice are essential for supporting neurodivergent clients.
• True specialism requires depth, time, and commitment, not a quick online course.
• Clients want coaches who understand their individuality, not their label.
• Accreditation demonstrates professionalism and builds client confidence.
• Continuous professional development ensures you evolve with the growing field of neurodiversity.
• Inclusive language and awareness create safer, more empowering coaching spaces.
• The future of coaching lies in understanding and celebrating neurodiversity, not reducing it to a niche.

Keywords:

ADHD coach, ADHD coaching training, neurodivergent inclusive coaching, ICF accredited coaching, ethical coaching, trauma-informed coaching, neurodiversity in coaching, ADHD coaching certification UK, inclusive coaching practice, professional coach accreditation,

Links & Resources:

• igcompany.com/ndessentials
• igcompany.com