Coaching ADHD Clients in the Workplace: Disclosure, Accommodations, and Advocacy
Workplace Accommodations Matter
Coaches, learn how to support ADHD clients as they navigate workplace challenges, from disclosure decisions to advocating for accommodations and overcoming internalized stigma. This guide includes practical tools and resources to empower both clients and coaches, helping ADHD professionals thrive in their careers while fostering a more inclusive workplace.
Common ADHD Client Challenges
Fear of Disclosure:
Many clients fear stigma and discrimination if they disclose their ADHD. This fear stems from a workplace culture that often prioritizes productivity over individuality, making accommodation requests feel risky.
Helping clients decide if and how to disclose their diagnosis requires finesse. Coaches must guide clients in assessing their workplace culture and preparing for potential pushback.
Shame Around Meeting Demands:
Over 90% of adults with ADHD report difficulties with time management, focus, and organization—challenges that lead to missed deadlines and reduced productivity.
Many clients feel shame about their ADHD, making them reluctant to ask for help. Coaches need strategies to help clients reframe these feelings and embrace their strengths.
Burnout and Lack of Support:
Without adequate accommodations, ADHDers often push themselves beyond their limits, resulting in burnout. Many workplaces lack the understanding and resources needed to help these employees thrive.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) offers protection, but many coaches lack in-depth knowledge of these rights, making effective client advocacy challenging.
How Coaches Can Help
Reframe Stigma: Help clients view their ADHD as a strength and see accommodations as tools to maximize their unique abilities.
Get ADHD Educated: Get ongoing coach training through a trusted resource. Understand legal frameworks like the ADA and workplace advocacy tools to better understand your clients' rights.
ICF CCEUs: Offers continuing education for coaches seeking expertise in ADHD coaching. ICF NYC Coaching for ADHD, a monthly peer-led forum, and a WhatsApp group.
ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO): Provides training, conferences, and a network for ADHD-specific coaching practices.
ADDitude Pro: A resource hub featuring scenarios, tools, and strategies for ADHD coaches.
Offer Practical Tools: Equip clients with practical scripts, checklists, and strategies to approach their employers confidently.
Disclosure Scripts and Role-Playing: Help clients build confidence by rehearsing conversations with HR or managers using scripts and mock scenarios. Encourage them to use AI and audio journaling to help build the scripts and practice them.
Accommodation Checklists: Provide clients with industry-specific accommodation options, from flexible deadlines to noise-canceling headphones.
Workplace Advocacy Guides: Develop clear, step-by-step resources for requesting accommodations and handling potential pushback.
Resources for ADHD Clients: There are many resources you can offer, but at the end of the day, they need to continue this journey themselves.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN): Offers practical examples of ADHD-friendly accommodations and guidance for workplace conversations.
ADDitude Magazine: Features articles and tools for improving workplace performance tailored specifically to ADHD challenges.
ADHD Workplace Accommodation Ideas
Time Management and Organization
Flexible deadlines for non-urgent tasks.
Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello) with shared access.
Structured daily schedules with built-in breaks.
Calendar alerts for task deadlines and meetings.
Allowance for a virtual assistant, if possible.
Workspace Modifications
Noise-canceling headphones or access to quiet workspaces.
Adjustable lighting to reduce sensory overload.
Ergonomic office location set up for comfort and focus.
Permission to use fidget tools or stress balls.
Ability to work from different locations for energy management.
Communication and Feedback
Regular check-ins with supervisors for prioritization and feedback.
Clear, written instructions for tasks and projects.
Regular, structured feedback sessions to track progress.
Allowance for recording meetings or providing follow-up summaries.
Use of visual aids, charts, or diagrams in presentations.
Task Completion Support
Help or tools to break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Flexible or hybrid work hours to accommodate peak productivity times.
Access to software for time tracking and reminders
Designated co-workers for task clarification and collaboration.
Emotional Regulation and Stress Management
Greater access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
Permission for wellness breaks throughout the day.
Workplace mindfulness programs or allowance for tools.
Professional Development
Manager training to ensure empathy and understanding.
ADHD-focused productivity training or workshops.
Access to coaching or mentoring programs within the organization.
Opportunities for role adjustments to align with strengths.
Closing Thoughts
Workplace accommodations can transform your ADHD clients' careers, unlocking their potential and preventing burnout. As a coach, you're uniquely positioned to guide them through disclosure, advocacy, and empowerment. With the right resources and tools, you can help them thrive—not just survive—in their careers.