Our Services

Communication Training or Coaching for Adults with ADHD

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Professionals

02.

Adults with ADHD

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Adults with ASD

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Teens

Adults with ADHD

Adult ADHD is a condition that affects executive functions (i.e., attention, memory, time management, impulsivity, etc) as well as speech, voice, conversational (i.e., through executive functions) and social skills. Adults with this condition are often high-functioning, creative, and resilient despite the limitations. Current research and experts in the field of psychology suggests that “coaching” is a beneficial undertaking for adults with ADHD in order to circumvent deficits in cognitive skills and interpersonal skills. As trained professionals in the areas of executive functions (i.e., cognitive skills) and social skills (i.e., interpersonal skills), the speech-language pathologists at Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy are able to provide this “coaching” service.

If you have been diagnosed with adult ADHD, or feel that you have some qualities of an adult with ADHD, then our therapy services might be right for you. 

Commonly Addressed Conversational Skills for Adults with ADHD

FeatureCharacteristic Associated with ADHD in AdultsSkill Development Area
Turn-Taking (verbal and SMS)Dominating conversations (>50% of talk time);
Not giving the other person equal opportunity to talk		Allowing equal talking times through
(1) insight, (2) self-monitoring, (3) alternatives, (4) practice.
InterruptingInserting idea into someone else’s story; finishing others sentencesTiming speech appropriately, i.e. waiting for others to finish
QuestioningAsking many questions in a row without giving time to answerWaiting for a natural pause in the conversation
TangentialityWandering off the topic and sometimes confusing peopleKeeping the conversation relevant
and to the point
Topic MaintenanceSubject of conversation is tied to
ADHD individual’s interest		Making it of interest to other
people to maintain their attention
EnthusiasmReacting too intensely in communicationTempering responses
Communicating with CompassionTalking about themselves in efforts to connect with other peopleOther ways to connect,
develop listening skills, and ask
questions

Commonly Addressed Speech Skills for Adults with ADHD

FeatureCharacteristics Associated with ADHD in AdultsPossibly Perceived by OthersSkill Development Area
Speech RateSpeaking too quickly“Too intense”Learning to control rate of speech
Speech ClarityMumbling (secondary to speaking to quickly)“Lacking confidence”Learning to control the rate of speech and practicing clear articulation
Intonation High pitch variability, leaning high (i.e., the opposite of monotone)“Dramatic,” “overexcitable,” “passionate,” “dominating”Learning to control and temper pitch variation
VolumeSpeaking loudly (for the situation)“Agressive,” “rude,” “defiant,” “rebel”Learning to quietening to an appropriate volume, modulate volume, monitor volume, use volume strategically and intentionally
Amount Talking too much“Lacking depth,” “superficial” Being more succinct,
learning to summarize
information or get to
the point more quickly

Commonly Treated Goals

It is important for adults with ADHD to develop an understanding of the way you communicate with others and how this influences the way others interact with you. This includes the manner in which you speak, your non-verbals, and your general impression. Through therapy, we can build your awareness of your social behaviour and how it may be influencing other’s impressions.

 

Commonly Used Approaches

We ustilize the Young-Bramham program to inform our services for adults with ADHD, incorporating perspectives from voice, speech, and social skills (i.e., “social-communication”) treatment programs.


Speech Rate

Speech rate refers to the speed at which a person speaks, typically measured in words per minute (WPM). It encompasses both the tempo of speech and how quickly thoughts are articulated verbally. A balanced speech rate is crucial for effective communication; speaking too quickly can lead to misunderstandings, while speaking too slowly may cause listeners to lose interest.

Topic Maintenance

Topic maintenance refers to the ability to keep a conversation focused on a specific subject, ensuring that all participants remain engaged and informed. It involves recognizing when discussions veer off course and skillfully steering them back to the original theme.

Social Rules and Hierarchies

Social rules are the unspoken guidelines that dictate behaviour in interactions, while hierarchies refer to power dynamics among individuals. Understanding these elements is crucial for effective communication, as they shape how people relate to one another as equals, as subordinate, as a leader.

Clear Speech

Clear speech involves articulating words distinctly and at an appropriate pace to ensure effective communication. It is essential for conveying messages accurately and minimizing misunderstandings in conversations. By focusing on clarity, individuals can enhance their communicative effectiveness and confidence in various social settings.

Proxemics

Proxemics refers to the concept of personal space and physical distance in communication between individuals. Being mindful of proxemics can enhance interactions by helping individuals navigate social situations appropriately.

Communicating with Compassion

Appropriate strategies to relate to others without oversharing, dominating or accidentally making the conversation about you.

Talk Time

Discover a framework for thinking about conversations: Talk Time. Gamify your conversations to ensure that each person in the conversation gets a fair share of talk time.

Voice Control

Voice control refers to the ability to manage pitch, volume, and tone during speech. It is crucial for effective communication, as it affects how messages are received. Mastering voice control can enhance clarity and engagement in conversations, making interactions more impactful.

Combined with Other Services

Our one-to-one sessions have a skill development focus. The areas we target include:
cognitive skills (e.g., attention, memory, organization, time-management)
verbal communication (e.g., conversation and listening skills)
non-verbal communication (e.g., body language, gestures and posture)
emotion recognition
modification and regulation of social behaviour in different social settings (e.g., at work, at parties). 

Attention Strategies

Practice sustained focus techniques for long meetings. Learn to notice when your attention drifts and develop quick reset strategies.

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Memory Strategies

Develop note-taking systems that capture key points without losing the conversational thread. Practice memory aids for names, faces, and commitments.

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Time-Management Strategies

Master conversational efficiency—entering and exiting cleanly, recognizing when discussions are drifting and redirecting.

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OUR APPROACH

Our Distinctive Approach To Helping Adults with ADHD

At Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy we have the experience and dedication to help you achieve measurable results and real life improvements. Using client-centred and evidence-based approach, we employ the latest research to achieve your communication goals. 

Our services are covered by most workplace and education insurance plans. Try our “Is ADHD Work for Me?” self-reflection tool below to discover how you might benefit.

Using an evidence-based and adult-centric approach, we will work with you employing the latest research, and with your other health professionals to achieve your goals. 

01.

Experienced Guidance

Our skilled therapists provide tailored programs to address your unique speech and communication needs, ensuring effective and meaningful progress.

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Holistic Techniques

We integrate a variety of techniques for a comprehensive approach, focusing not only on speech but also on building confidence and reducing anxiety.

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Empowered Clients

We believe in empowering our clients through knowledge and skills, fostering independence in their communication journey.

Is This Treatment for Me?

Are you unsure if voice work is right for you? Try our new self-assessment tool by clicking on the box below. A redirect will open to a page with a series of questions. Complete the questions and get a PDF report organizing and visualizing your needs. This report is perfect for clarifying what you need and what your goals are.

Try Our SELF-ASSESSMENT QUIZ

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