CHICAGO — Within minutes of being diagnosed with ADHD, local resident Tyler Grant announced Wednesday that he is now a professional ADHD coach specializing in helping others navigate the challenges of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder — despite still being unclear about what the disorder actually is.
“After my diagnosis yesterday afternoon, I realized my lived experience uniquely qualifies me to guide others on their ADHD journey,” said Grant, who spent the morning building a website titled ExecutiveFocusWarriorMindset.com before forgetting the password and starting a second website instead. “I know what people with ADHD are going through because I also sometimes open the fridge and then just stand there.”
Grant is one of a rapidly growing number of ADHD coaches emerging online as diagnoses rise and therapy waitlists stretch months into the future. While many coaches advertise personalized strategies, accountability sessions and productivity frameworks, critics note the field is largely unregulated and that many practitioners have no formal training in psychology or mental health.
Grant confirmed that his own qualifications currently include “having ADHD,” “owning a ring light,” and “once finishing half of a productivity book.”
“My program breaks overwhelming tasks into manageable steps,” he explained. “For example, if your goal is to file your taxes, Step 1 is opening your laptop. Step 2 is feeling proud of yourself for opening the laptop. Step 3 is closing the laptop because you deserve a break.”
According to Grant, clients can choose from several coaching tiers, including a $199 “Basic Accountability Package,” where he sends occasional texts reading “did you start the thing,” and a premium $499 “Hyperfocus Mastermind,” which involves both parties accidentally talking about hobbies for 90 minutes.
Mental health researchers say coaching can help some people build organizational skills and routines but caution that consumers should carefully vet coaches, especially when serious mental health issues are involved.
Grant agreed that careful vetting is important.
“Absolutely,” he said. “That’s why I only accept clients who vibe with my content.”
At press time, Grant had pivoted his business model three times and was preparing to launch a new venture coaching other ADHD coaches on how to stay focused long enough to finish their coaching certification programs.
