What’s Missing in ADHD Support Today – And How Can We Change It?
Jan 23, 2025
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Christal Wang, founder of Shimmer ADHD Coaching, specializes in empowering teens and adults with ADHD through practical strategies. She discusses the shortcomings in traditional ADHD support systems that focus on childhood, emphasizing the need for real-world applications in everyday life. Christal highlights the importance of ADHD coaching over therapy, shares self-coaching techniques, and advocates for a shift towards embracing neurodiversity. The conversation inspires listeners to appreciate their unique strengths and value personal growth on their journey.
ADHD support must evolve beyond childhood interventions to provide practical, real-world strategies for adults navigating work and life challenges.
Cultural perceptions of ADHD significantly impact diagnosis and support, highlighting the need for culturally competent resources that address unique experiences.
Deep dives
The Transition to Adulthood and ADHD Support
Many adults with ADHD face challenges when transitioning from childhood, as the support systems that are readily available for children often diminish once they grow up. Despite the common belief that individuals outgrow ADHD, the need for effective support continues in adulthood, particularly in navigating work and life challenges. This discussion emphasizes the gaps in ADHD support that exist today, highlighting how adults struggle to find appropriate resources that cater to their unique needs. The conversation advocates for a reevaluation of support strategies, encouraging both personal empowerment and the exploration of various available tools.
Cultural Impact on ADHD Awareness
Cultural backgrounds can significantly influence the way ADHD is perceived and addressed, creating barriers to diagnosis and support. For instance, in many Asian cultures, mental health discussions, including ADHD, are often stigmatized, leading to delayed diagnoses and a lack of understanding. Personal accounts reveal that individuals with ADHD may internalize cultural expectations, resulting in additional challenges in seeking help. Addressing cultural competency in ADHD support is crucial to ensure that resources meet individuals where they are and reflect their experiences.
The Role of Coaching in ADHD Management
Coaching emerges as a valuable alternative to traditional therapeutic approaches for individuals with ADHD, focusing on actionable strategies and future-oriented goals. Unlike therapy which often delves into background issues, coaching is designed to equip individuals with tangible skills for daily life and long-term success. Effective coaching addresses specific obstacles and provides a structured format for individuals to create and achieve goals. However, the coaching industry is unregulated, indicating the necessity for quality assurance and alignment with best practices to truly benefit clients.
The Need for a Broader Support System
A significant gap exists in the ADHD support system, primarily rooted in the medical model that focuses on symptom reduction rather than the holistic well-being of neurodivergent individuals. Moving towards a neurodiversity model calls for a more inclusive approach that accommodates various needs and enhances the strengths of individuals with ADHD. The responsibility to create supportive environments extends beyond healthcare providers to educators, employers, and family members, all of whom play a role in fostering environments where neurodivergent individuals can thrive. By embracing this comprehensive view of support, society can better cater to the strengths and challenges of those with ADHD, ensuring they feel valued and understood.
ADHD support has long focused on childhood interventions, therapy, and medication. But for many teens and adults, these traditional approaches don’t always provide the real-world strategies needed to navigate workplaces, schools, and daily life. So what’s missing?
In this episode of Think Differently, Christal Wang, founder of Shimmer ADHD Coaching, joins Dr. Theresa Haskins to explore the gaps in ADHD support today. We discuss how ADHD coaching differs from therapy, why practical strategies are essential for success, and how systemic barriers leave many neurodistinct individuals without the tools they need to thrive. It’s a conversation about shifting perspectives, challenging misconceptions, and building better support systems that truly empower ADHD minds.
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