Effectiveness of Personal Coaching for ADHD College Students

The Seattle-based Edge Foundation, started by Flexcar founder Neil Peterson, announced Monday a $1 million study on the effectiveness of personal coaching on college students suffering Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The 27-month study will be led by a faculty team at >Wayne State University in Detroit. Peterson and both his children have ADHD.

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that coaching helps students, but there's never been a rigorous scientific study, said Sharon Field, the study's research director.

Funding comes from a $805,000 grant awarded by the Deerbrook Charitable Trust as well as contributions from >The Foundation of Coaching and the Edge Foundation.

First of all, what is an ADHD coach? They serve the same purpose as a basketball or football coach really. They help people, in this case college students, set and reach goals. They teach students how to navigate the daily issues of ADHD. They provide structure, encouragement and guidance. I suppose it would be similar to having your very own cheerleader! Who couldn't use that?

I think ADHD coaches for college students is a fantastic idea. That would be the perfect time to help prepare them for "the real world." The college years is a time when the majority of students are away from home for the first time. They are experiencing their first taste of freedom. However, along with this freedom, many students find it too easy to get side tracked. They lack the self discipline to stay focused and committed to their school work. This is where having an ADHD coach would benefit them greatly.

I'm excited to see the results of this study. In theory, it seems students could do nothing but benefit from having a coach. What are your thoughts? Have you used an ADHD coach? Was the relationship successful?

For more on the subject of ADHD, visit >Trusera's ADHD Collection. Also, you can read the full story via >The Seattle Times.