How to Choose the Right ADHD Coach for Your Child or Teen

More and more parents are turning to ADHD coaching for their children and teens. It’s encouraging to see coaching becoming better known, but with so many people calling themselves coaches, it can be hard to know where to begin.

As a parent myself, I completely understand what it feels like when your child is struggling. Our first instinct is to look for ways to help, to find solutions, strategies, and support that might make life a little easier for them. So when parents come to me for a consultation, the conversation usually starts with their child’s challenges, school experiences, and what’s been hard at home. That’s such a natural focus. When our kids are having a tough time, we want answers, and we want them quickly.

But here’s something I’ve noticed: while parents often ask about session frequency, cost, or how involved they’ll be, they very rarely ask about the coach’s training or qualifications. And honestly, I get why, it’s not the first thing on your mind when you’re worried about your child.

Still, it’s an important piece of the puzzle. Coaching is not a regulated profession, which means anyone can call themselves an ADHD coach, regardless of whether they’ve had the training and experience to work effectively with children and teens.

That’s why I wanted to write this guide, for parents like you, who want the very best support for their child but may not know what questions to ask or what to look for.

Why Qualifications Matter

Supporting kids and teens with ADHD isn’t something you can just “wing.” It requires a mix of coaching skills, ADHD knowledge, and an understanding of children’s development. A qualified ADHD coach for children should ideally have:

• Coach-specific training and accreditations: This is the foundation. Many ADHD coaches start as life coaches, but it’s important they’ve completed accredited coach training (for example with ICF or PAAC) to learn core skills such as listening, questioning, and partnering with clients.

• ADHD-specific training: Beyond general coaching skills, a qualified ADHD coach should understand the neuroscience of ADHD and how executive functioning challenges show up in real life. This training helps them use approaches that are tailored, practical, and supportive.

• Training and experience with children and teens: Working with young people isn’t the same as working with adults. A skilled coach understands child development, uses age-appropriate approaches, and knows how to flex their style for different personalities and ages. They also have experience collaborating with parents when it’s helpful, while still respecting the child’s own voice in the process.

• Membership in professional bodies: This shows the coach is committed to ethical guidelines and professional standards, not just working in isolation.

• Regular supervision or mentoring: Ongoing feedback and reflection are signs of a coach who takes their growth seriously and wants to provide the best for their clients.

• Professional insurance: This is simply about responsibility and peace of mind, it shows they are running a safe and professional practice.

Questions You Can Ask a Potential Coach

Think of it like interviewing a babysitter or a teacher. You’d want to know they have the right background before you trust them with your child. Here are some simple questions you can use:

• What training or accreditation do you have?

• Do you have specific experience working with kids or teens with ADHD?

• How do you adjust your approach for younger vs. older kids?

• Do you attend supervision or mentoring to keep your skills fresh?

• Are you part of any professional coaching organisations?

• Have you ever been a coaching client yourself?

  
  

A professional coach won’t mind these questions, in fact, they’ll be glad you asked.

Don’t Forget the “Fit”

Even with all the right credentials, coaching only works if your child feels comfortable. That’s why it’s so important for your child to meet the coach before committing.

Pay attention to your child’s reaction:

• Do they feel listened to?

• Do they seem at ease?

• Do they feel like this person “gets” them?

• Does the coach create space for your child to talk, rather than dominating the conversation with explanations?

• Do you notice moments of shared laughter, curiosity, or genuine interest between them?

  
  

These are subtle cues, but they can make a big difference in whether coaching will actually work for your child.

I always encourage parents to let their child have some say. When kids feel like they chose the coach (instead of being told), they’re far more likely to engage and get the most out of coaching.

What Else to Look For

Once you’ve checked the essentials, here are some extra signs that can give you confidence in your choice:

• Testimonials or reviews: see what other parents and young clients have said.

• Style and approach: is the coach playful, structured, flexible, creative? Will that click with your child’s personality?

• Clear boundaries: how will parents be involved, and how will the coach respect the child’s privacy at the same time?

Choosing an ADHD coach can feel like a big step, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The key is remembering that you’re not just looking for strategies; you’re looking for someone your child feels safe with, who also has the skills and training to guide them.

When the fit is right, coaching can give your child not only tools and strategies, but also greater confidence, self-awareness, and a stronger sense of who they are. That’s the kind of support that can last a lifetime.

Mirka