An Executive Functioning Coaching Model for the Neurodiversity Paradigm (ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, and others)
Mastering Executive Functioning skills is a challenge for almost everyone. As the attributes that enable us to multitask, solve problems, and adapt; they are essential for academic and professional success in today’s world. They foster resilience and efficient time management, directly impacting our productivity and overall achievement.
Once we recognise them as a set of ‘skills’, it is imperative that we understand that they can be coached, practiced, and, quite crucially, improved.
The exact make-up of the specific skills that comprise Executive Functioning is a subject of ongoing discussion and debate. However, broadly speaking, it is widely accepted that Executive Functioning encompasses a set of cognitive processes critical for managing behaviour, planning, focusing attention, and juggling multiple tasks. These processes are recognized as critical for navigating daily life and achieving long-term goals, involving skills like problem-solving, organization, time management, emotional regulation, and flexibility.
Impairments in Executive Functioning, known as executive dysfunction, can be associated with disorders like ADHD, autism, depression, and traumatic brain injury. Individuals with executive dysfunction may struggle with planning, organization, and self-control, impacting their daily lives. In many cases, though, people who have challenges with Executive Functioning, are extremely intelligent and capable, and with significant potential to achieve and be successful. And whether or not a person is formally diagnosed with any of the above conditions, and whether or not they are medicated; Executive Functioning skills still need to be learned, applied and harnessed.
Our approach is that the Executive Functioning cannot be considered in isolation. We always have to consider someone’s context first, but almost simultaneously identify and understand their other traits. Appreciating how all these elements work in tandem and in a holistic way ultimately defines and enables how a person interacts with others, and views the world generally.
Through this prism, and based on significant personal experience, we developed a coaching and education program that is relevant for anyone clients, whether diagnosed with a ‘condition’ or not, whether medicated or not. Furthermore, this model weaves in some key elements of the latest scientific research and thoughts around how people can address Executive Functioning challenges or traits with a different mindset and outlook.
We are always mindful of an overarching goal to enhance individual flourishing in any setting. Thus, the Intentional Attention methodology uses proven Positive Psychology and Coaching Psychology techniques and interventions. Some, such as ‘Strengths’ assessments and coaching, are integrated with our originally designed concepts. This includes, for example, a module which allows each client to become more aware of their perception and understanding of time. This, in turn enables them to create and refine a personal profile, with a distinct take-away plan and toolbox going forward.