adhdcoachsheila

adhdcoachsheila

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ADHD Coach helping neurodivergent humans thrive with emotional tools, advocacy & self-compassion 🌈

08/15/2026

Domestic tasks are especially hard for ADHD.

They're not interesting, they're not challenging, you usually have to do them alone, and there's no novelty. You just do the same thing over and over and over until you dye.

So so many ADHDers think "if I only had time, I would take care of my house!" and then they take a vacation from work and they're thinking "I'm going to clean my house!" and then they don't, and they feel bad about themselves, because it had nothing to do with how much time you had - it just sucks.

It actually can make it worse if you have too much time, because we really tend to thrive with momentum. So having more time to do the things that you've been avoiding might actually make you avoid them more. Or you just get nothing done as opposed to getting the stuff done that you like but still avoiding the stuff that you don't.

So instead it's a lot better, to try to make the things you've been avoiding more relaxing more fun.

Involve other people, involve novelty, and if you can, put on some music.

Be creative.

Because if putting it in your calendar hasn't worked before - it's probably not gonna suddenly work now.

For more support visit sheilahenson.com

08/14/2026

If you want to put away your laundry, you're going to have to eat.

If you want to answer that email, you're going to have to sleep.

If you want to get those dishes done, it's going to really help if you move your body a little bit.

In order to get tasks done, we need to use our executive functions.

If your body, your nervous system, and your brain thinks that you're not safe, it's not going to let you use those executive functions in the way that they need to be used.

There's a lot of things about feeling safe that we can't control. but there are a lot of things we can. Like making sure that we eat, sleep, and move regularly.

Ideally we're also spending time with people that we feel safe around
and in spaces that we feel safe in. We're also taking care of our sensory needs, whether that's seeking or avoiding.

Taking care of yourself will make you more productive.

Meeting your needs first will help you get the thing done.

08/12/2026

I wanna tell you guys about bamboosles!

With ADHD it can be very difficult to do something consistently without a buddy. That's why body doubling is so powerful, and having accountability buddies. It's just that's how ADHDers roll for the most part.

So I have this whole system with a trainer and some friends and other supports to get me to go to the gym consistently.

My trainer and I have this little "understanding"

Because if he cancels I won't go.

Even though I like the gym, I just won't go, because of transitions and exhaustion and other things that go along with my ADHD and executive dysfunction.

So instead of canceling, I've asked him to do this thing that he calls "bamboozling", where he will not text me until the moment of our appointment so I'm already in my gym clothes, and probably at the gym or on the way there. Then he'll send me a text that says

"You've been bamboozled!" and then "I had a doctor's appointment,
have fun at the gym, here's your plan."

And so that happened to me this morning - I got bamboozled!

And I thought to myself "I totally would have just slept in if he hadn't done that"

I wonder if there's other situations where there can be this kind of "bamboozling" for our own good. Like having your friends or whoever
trick you into doing stuff that you want to do but can't get yourself to do.

Do you have any examples of that?

Where could you fit bamboozling into your life?

Photos from adhdcoachsheila's post 08/12/2026

Task Paralysis

From the outside, when we get stuck, it can look like we are entitled, apathetic or uncaring, just relaxing or even lazy.

On the inside, though, we can be feeling stressed and ashamed, confused, depleted, exhausted and frustrated, especially with ourselves.

Many call this part of executive dysfunction "Task Paralysis" - because our motivation and ability to move forward becomes temporarily paralyzed. Even things that seem simple or easy can feel completely insurmountable in the moment.

There are many paths out of Task Paralysis, but the first step is always self-compassion.

To learn more visit sheilahenson.com/events

Photos from adhdcoachsheila's post 08/10/2026

Let’s Bust Some Myths About Executive Function!

There are a ton of misconceptions out there about neurodivergence, executive function, and “laziness.”

Think you can spot the myths? Let’s find out with a game of True or False!

True or false:

If you’re struggling to initiate or finish a task, it’s important to find the right motivation. Once you have that, you’ll have no problem getting something done.

..

False!

You can have all the desire in the world to do something, but having the ability to get something done is a whole other story.

True or false:

Bribing yourself a reward can help with executive function issues because you have something to look forward to after you do the task.

..

False!

Rewards and punishments can often make it even harder to get things done, because you’re adding shame or dissapointment on top of everything else. Plus, you can just give yourself the reward wothout ever doing the thing - no one is stopping you!

True or false:

Changing your environment by removing distractions or even moving to a different room can help kick you into gear and actually get work done.

..

True!

Even something as simple as putting your phone out of arm’s reach can help stop you from checking it too often, and moving to a new room can reset and clear your brain enough so you can focus. Really!!

Let me know how many you got right in the comments! ↓

Interested in learning more?

Join our webinar on Task Initiation August 22nd and learn practical tips tailored specifically for ADHDers and those struggling with executive dysfunction.

Sign up today at sheilahenson.com/events, because if you don’t do it now… when will you?

08/10/2026

So, what's it like to work with me as an ADHD coach?

Well, I've been in this field for over 20 years, so I have a lot of experience
with a lot of different things. That means that I can really tailor my approach to each individual client.

With my one on one clients, I often help them understand their brain,
what their brain needs, help them get their needs met, learn self-advocacy, and problem solve. This could be around getting their closet organized,
having healthier relationships, or getting that big promotion.

When I'm working with families, I focus a lot on communication, and helping everyone get their needs met as best they can, knowing that there will be some conflicting needs.

And when working with businesses, organizations, or schools, I'm looking at how everyone's working together. I'll be looking for points of tension, or misunderstandings, and I'll be making sure that everyone in the group feels confident to move forward together.

I'm also a certified mediator, and so I can facilitate mediations as necessary
this also comes in handy with couples and families.

I pull from a lot of different ideologies and modalities but I'm a real big fan of Ross W Greene's idea of "people do well if they can." My job is to help you curate an environment in which you can do well, whether that's at work at school, or at home.

I help people to accommodate their disabilities and struggles and to really utilize their strengths.

So if you'd like to talk more about how your life could be a little bit less stressful, then just book a consultation with me on my website.

sheilahenson.com

08/08/2026

This is just a reminder that rest does not need to be earned.⁠
It's just a normal neccessary part of being a person.

07/22/2026

We truly are a culture of people-pleasing weenies and it's not doing anyone any good. ⁠

We need to start self-advocating - which means it's time to learn to say "NO" to things we don't care or have capacity for so we can say "YES" to the things that really matter.⁠

This does not mean becoming miserly and isolated - it means becoming discerning and proactive. ⁠

💡This is why I created the Tools for Self-Advocacy Workshop.⁠

🌈 You can find that here: sheilahenson.com/events

07/20/2026

With ever-rising inequality, overt fascism, housing insecurity, and feeling less and less capacity, how do we create the world we want to live in?⁠


A world that not only stops actively trying to harm us, but one in which we can thrive?⁠


What does activism look like through a neurodiversity and accessibility lense?⁠


Paule Wood in a black shirt ⁠


🐿️Who is Paulé Wood?⁠


Paulé Wood (they/them) has a background in Human Centered Design and has been professionally designing complex systems for two decades. Storytelling is a powerful and ancient practice; they have coached and facilitated workshops to help people break out of fixed and outdated thinking using storytelling, from environmental economics to queer/trans community. ⁠


Learn more at sheilahenson.com/events

Photos from adhdcoachsheila's post 07/18/2026

If you're looking for support with ADHD, I can help!

Maybe your family, business, or school needs support creating positive change in behavior and communication.

Or maybe you're trying to balance the needs of your ADHD with other needs due to autism, trauma, or a chronic illness.

Maybe you just want to finally get that garage cleaned out.

With over 20 years experience with behavior, communication, and neurodiversity, I can provide support, insight, and a practical game plan to meet your personal and professional goals.

Book a consultation to see how I can help.

sheilahenson.com

***

“I am ADHD and autistic and had attended Sheila's courses in the past and while these helped me greatly personally, it was the business side that was a gamechanger.

She coaches me and several people from my company weekly, which has led to a relevant reduction in miscommunication between neurodivergents and neurotypicals in the workplace.

Sheila taught me how to set clear boundaries and expectations so the work can happen smoothly and efficiently. I'm now leading my company with clarity and focus and we are killing it.”

- Miguel

***

“Sheila has been so helpful to me both personally and professionally.

She facilitated a workshop for my neurodivergent therapy group regarding executive functioning and my clients still discuss her presentation to this day.
She has such a wealth of information and presents it in such a way that isn't intimidating or dismissive.

I've also had the pleasure of seeing her for coaching and I can say my brain is much better at organizing and showing up better in my life thanks to the work we have done together. Highly recommend her services!”

- Diadra

***

“I didn't realize how little thought I applied to the WAY I think (and feel) until I was put in touch with Sheila.

She gives voice and attention to issues in the world that are both ubiquitous and yet often overlooked.

I have no doubt there are people she can help that may not yet realize it, and my hope is for more of them find her so they can benefit from her insight.”

- Ian

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