Our Services

Communication Training or Coaching for Adults with ADHD

01.

Professionals

02.

Adults with ADHD

03.

Adults with ASD

04.

Teens

Adults with ADHD

Adult ADHD is a condition that impacts executive functions such as attention, memory, time management, impulsivity, and more. It can also affect speech, voice, conversation skills (through these executive functions), and social interactions. Individuals with this condition often demonstrate high levels of functioning, creativity, and resilience despite facing certain challenges.

Current research and experts in psychology indicate that “coaching” can be a valuable approach for adults with ADHD to help mitigate deficits in cognitive abilities and interpersonal skills.


The speech-language pathologists at Well Said: Toronto Speech Therapy are trained professionals who have experience working with adults with ADHD on communication “coaching” on executive functions (cognitive abilities) and social skills (interpersonal abilities).

If you have received a diagnosis of adult ADHD or believe you exhibit traits associated with it, our therapy services may be well-suited for you.

Commonly Addressed Conversational Skills for Adults with ADHD

FeatureCharacteristics Associated with ADHD in AdultsSkill Development Area
Turn-Taking (verbal and SMS)Dominating conversations (>50% of talk time);
Not giving the other person an 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 MaintenanceMaking it of interest to others
people to maintain their attention		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

Adults with ADHD need to develop an understanding of the way they communicate with others and how this influences the way others interact with them. 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 others’ impressions.

 

Commonly Used Approaches

We are influenced by the Young-Bramham program, which informs our services for adults with ADHD, while also 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

Attention Strategies

Learning about the different types of attention, where they are used, signs that they are depleated and strategies for compensating.

Read More

Memory Strategies

Developing effective systems that capture key points without losing the conversational thread and routinizing memory aids.

Read More

Time-Management Strategies

Developing conversational efficiency through entering and exiting cleanly, recognizing when discussions are drifting and redirecting.

Read More
OUR APPROACH

Our 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 a 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 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.

02.

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.

03.

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 this 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 self-assessment tool helps clarify your goals.

Try Our SELF-ASSESSMENT QUIZ

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