Rebecca Schnitzer, ET/P; M.A.; PACC
6009 Belt Line Road, Bldg. A, Suite 101   Dallas, Texas  75254
Preston Grove
(469) 708-7622
 

          If you are an adult currently living with ADHD, diagnosed or not, a multitude of challenges often present themselves. Maybe ADHD wasn't 'a thing' back then. The difference being that we have more to lose as adults; in relationships, friendships, career choices, possible illegal activity, and drug abuse, as these things are often elevated in the ADHD population. In this same population, often seen are co-morbidities of bi-polar disorder, anxiety, depression, and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Adult patient/clients who have hit a ceiling--perhaps a failed marriage, a lost job, repossession of a vehicle, but who have made the choice to work with a licensed mental health professional, can work towards a sustainable plan to track, encourage, and hold you, the adult client, ultimately responsible for your own outcomes. Whether you choose to work with a Life Coach, an ADHD Coach, an educational therapist, a cognitive behavioral therapist, or a psychiatrist, these multidisciplinary professionals all have similar goals of improving quality of life with less suffering. A rudimentary understanding and successful implementation of the Executive Functions, would be discussed and stressed in each, as well as        their critical role in quality of life!

A cognitive behavioral therapist, and other highly specialized disciplines, would most likely focus on the "whys" and "how's" of the individual's past, which can be an enlightening, meaningful and worthwhile experience for the client. This type of therapy is critical for some because if we don't understand the past, we are destined to repeat it. This type of therapy is typically a more lengthy and complex commitment than ADHD Coaching. My expertise is in Early Childhood Disorders, Educational Therapy and ADHD Coaching for elementary, middle school, high school, and college- bound students. On the occasions I work with an adult, it is often with the parent of a student client.

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Complete prefrontal cortex (PFC) development, the time when the frontal lobe/cortex has attained its apex of development, is ~ 25 to 28 years old, and plays a crucial role in executive functions including decision-making and stress controllability. For the typical adult (without ADHD), the brain's frontal lobes, may continue to mature until we reach age 35. For the neurodivergent brain with ADHD, (the critical window of development from middle school through young adulthood), there is about a 30% lag time of social-emotional development. This delay may cause dysfunction related to these cognitive deficits. To develop a better, more reliable and usable EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS skillset; one that work with you, not against you, ask yourself the following questions:  

 

• Did you get things done during the time you had?

• Did you make progress towards finishing anything, completely?

• Did your productivity match your stress level?

There are adult ADHD/Executive Functioning workbooks and information GALORE on the internet, as well as quite a few YouTube Channels and podcasts dedicated to the subject of Adults Living with ADHD. There are in-person, adult groups that meet to discuss their own challenges. 

 

The organizations listed below are just some who serve adults with ADHD. There may a be a local chapter in your area or a virtual meeting:

 

• adda.org--website will guide you through the steps of finding a Certified coach.

• PCA Professional Coach Association    http://professionalcoachassociation.com

• AAPC American Association of Professional Coaches Http://aapcoaches.com

• addca.com  Has a list of Professional Coaches

• ACO ADHD Coaches Association

• CHADD--Children and Adults with ADHD--local chapters

 

In cases of anxiety, depression with suicidal thoughts or ideations, a licensed, medical professional should be notified immediately..

I WILL PERIODICALLY UPDATE THIS PAGE TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES.