By Jeff Copper, MBA, PCC, PCAC, CPCC, ACG – April 28, 2025
Human development is a complex process that involves physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes throughout a person’s life. As they progress through various stages of life, it is essential to understand the differences between normal and abnormal behavior. It is crucial that mental health professionals differentiate between typical inattention or hyperactivity and symptoms associated with ADHD.
People with ADHD often struggle with maintaining attention, controlling impulses, and hyperactivity. Identifying the differences between normal inattentiveness or restlessness and the symptoms of ADHD is crucial for effective coaching. Without this understanding, individuals with ADHD might be misunderstood, their potential may remain untapped, and they may experience low self-esteem due to the challenges they face every day.
Understanding human development and recognizing the difference between normal and abnormal behavior are fundamental aspects of fostering a supportive environment for those with ADHD. Making this distinction early makes it more likely that an early diagnosis of ADHD could be made. For me as an attention and ADHD coach, this understanding allows me to coach my clients tailored to their unique needs. My goal as an attention coach is to help them pay attention to the right things, so they can develop coping skills, organizational techniques, and behavioral strategies to navigate their challenges successfully.
If you have ADD/ADHD, it’s important for you to understand what’s going on, and my interview with Dr. Alan Graham, “Coaching Attention Deficit Disorder and the Need to Understand Human Development,” can answer questions you haven’t begun to ask. By acknowledging the unique challenges of ADD, you can embrace your full potential and succeed in life. I’d like to hear your thoughts, so please leave a comment. Click the player below to listen to the interview: