Mind Coach and the World Congress on ADHD
Since my return from Amsterdam, my head has been buzzing with ideas based on the information and conversations at the World Congress on ADHD. I learned so much about the latest research on ADHD, but also that we still have a very long way to go. If I were to summarize my takeaways, I’d say:
Scientific research is absolutely needed for credibility on an international scale. There is a huge gap between the studies conducted in labs on a molecular level and the “lived experience” of ADHD. In fact, most of the attendees were neurotypical researchers with little to no personal experience with ADHD. They use the term “lived experience” to speak about people living with ADHD. Yes, I did feel like a lab rat in many of the sessions. We need to bridge the gap between the laboratory results and real-life outcomes.
Access to diagnosis and treatment varies greatly from country to country. In conversations with clinicians from around the world, the Unites States, Canada and Australia appear to be leaders in the field. The names and brands of stimulant medications vary, if they are even available at all. Many countries lack awareness and education about ADHD to a great extent. In places where medication is available, it is often limited to just one or two dosage options. The situation is particularly tragic in developing nations. The World Federation hopes to convince the World Health Organization about the crucial need for treatment to improve functional impairment due to ADHD.
We need to educate the scientific community, clinicians, and medical professionals about ADHD coaching. I had the opportunity to debunk myths, clarify the definition of real ADHD coaching and how it complements other ADHD treatment. I shared evidence with many doctors showing how true ADHD coaching improves patient outcomes. There was significant interest in the training and credentialing process for ADHD coaching, especially since PAAC is an international credentialing body. Consequently, PAAC has the opportunity to grow and increase accessibility, particularly in terms of foreign languages and solutions for developing nations with limited finances and internet access.
The theme of this year’s congress was “Modernizing the Concept of ADHD.” It was the first time that research has been presented on the positive traits associated with ADHD rather than just focusing on functional impairment. This is my coaching approach! We were encouraged to shift from viewing only ADHD risk to the role of protective factors and resilience, from ADHD symptoms to functioning, wellbeing and quality of life, from ADHD deficits and weaknesses to strengths, and from statistical ADHD genetic associations to biological mechanisms. Bravo! The World Federation is finally acknowledging what ADHD coaches have known all along.
Facts:
This year there were more than 1500 attendees from 78 countries registered for the Congress.
As of today, there are over 6,000 individual World Federation members, with 60% from Europe.
The top 3 countries represented are Germany, Australia and Switzerland.
Read the Purpose, Mission and Goals of the WF here: https://www.adhd-federation.org/about-us/Who-we-are.html
If you’re having trouble focusing on the positives of your Turbo brain, Mind Coach is here to help. Reach out today for a free twenty-minute consultation.