Real-Life Executive Function Coaching for Young Adults on the Path to Independence
Experience Relief While Championing Your Present & Future Self
Real-Life Executive Function Coaching for Young Adults on the Path to Independence
Experience Relief While Championing Your Present & Future Self
How Executive Function Coaching with LSA Empowers Young Adults
Navigating the transition into adulthood can be especially challenging for neurodivergent young adults who are still finding their way. Many feel stuck, unsure of how to build the life they want. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the demands of living independently, finding purpose-driven employment, and making meaningful social connections, leaving both young adults and their families feeling frustrated and unsure of the future.
At Life Skills Advocate, we understand these challenges firsthand. Our neurodivergent-led team connects with young adults where they are, offering compassionate, executive function support and step-by-step guidance that addresses their unique needs. In doing so, we teach skills like managing time, creating routines, self-advocacy, and navigating social situations, while also helping young adults find direction, build confidence, and ultimately, greater autonomy and independence. Through our supportive, client-centered approach, we empower young adults to take control of their lives.
Take the first step toward greater autonomy and independence—Book a Complimentary Discovery Meeting today!
How Executive Function Coaching with LSA Empowers Young Adults
Navigating the transition into adulthood can be especially challenging for neurodivergent young adults who are still finding their way. Many feel stuck, unsure of how to build the life they want. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the demands of living independently, finding purpose-driven employment, and making meaningful social connections, leaving both young adults and their families feeling frustrated and unsure of the future.
At Life Skills Advocate, we understand these challenges firsthand. Our neurodivergent-led team connects with young adults where they are, offering compassionate, executive function support and step-by-step guidance that addresses their unique needs. In doing so, we teach skills like managing time, creating routines, self-advocacy, and navigating social situations, while also helping young adults find direction, build confidence, and ultimately, greater autonomy and independence. Through our supportive, client-centered approach, we empower young adults to take control of their lives.
Take the first step toward greater autonomy and independence—Book a Complimentary Discovery Meeting today!
"Now, I’m aware of my needs and have options to manage them."
Maya - young adult
Thanks for helping me with all the things I’ve struggled with my entire life! Now, I’m aware of my needs and have options to manage them. The coaching gave me tools to advocate for myself and stop following what others expect. It’s been empowering to cater to myself.
9 Ways Coaching With LSA Supports Young Adults & Families
Discover our approach in addressing common struggles young adults and families seek our support with.
Create a Clear Path to Independence
Many young adults lack direction and feel stuck, unsure of how to pursue a career path or life goals. This uncertainty leads to a sense of aimlessness and frustration.
Our coaches work closely with young adults to uncover their passions, set achievable goals, and build a roadmap toward independence. Through personalized guidance, they gain clarity and momentum toward a future filled with purpose.
Build Essential Life Skills
Life skills such as managing personal hygiene, creating routines, and planning meals are difficult for many young adults, leaving parents concerned about their ability to live independently.
Our coaches help young adults develop daily life skills, from keeping a routine to managing personal care and planning meals. These foundational skills are key to building the confidence and independence needed for adulthood.
Strengthen Executive Functioning
Young adults often struggle with executive functioning, leading to challenges like procrastination, difficulty managing their time, and staying organized.
Our coaches work with young adults to improve their executive functioning skills by providing strategies that help them prioritize tasks, stay organized, and make decisions that move them toward their goals.
Increase Self-Confidence & Resilience
Setbacks and perceived failures can damage self-confidence, leaving young adults feeling discouraged and afraid to try again.
Our coaches help young adults build emotional resilience by identifying strengths and learning how to overcome challenges. With guidance and support, young adults gain the confidence to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward.
Create Connection With Others
Many young adults find it difficult to navigate social situations, maintain friendships, and connect with others, leading to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Our coaches help young adults develop foundational social skills, boost confidence, and build meaningful relationships. Through practical strategies and real-world application, we support them in creating lasting connections and overcoming social challenges.
Ease Dependency on Family
While young adults often strive for independence, many rely heavily on their parents for support, often leading to feelings of guilt, shame and frustration from both sides.
Our coaches help young adults build skills for independent living while acknowledging that it's okay to lean on others sometimes, including family. Through practical guidance, we support young adults in gradually reducing their reliance on parents, creating a healthy balance between independence and connection.
Navigate Employment Challenges
Finding and keeping a job can be a major hurdle, leading to feelings of insecurity and concern about long-term stability, financially and otherwise.
Our coaches provide guidance through the job search process, from applications to interview prep, and offer support with workplace challenges. This coaching helps young adults develop the confidence to secure and maintain meaningful employment.
Overcome Distractions & Manage Time
Many young adults struggle with distractions, especially in the form of screen time, social media, and competing priorities, making it difficult to manage their time effectively.
Our coaches work with young adults to create healthier boundaries around distractions, including screen use, and implement time management strategies that fit their lifestyle. We help young adults stay focused, manage their time, and work towards their goals without feeling overwhelmed.
Build Self-Advocacy & Decision-Making
Many young adults struggle with advocating for their own needs and making confident decisions, which can hold them back in both personal and professional situations.
Our coaches help young adults develop self-advocacy by teaching them how to clearly express their needs, ask for support, and make decisions that align with their values and goals. They gain the confidence to navigate challenges like managing responsibilities at work, seeking accommodations, or negotiating personal relationships with greater independence and self-assurance.
While not all of our clients have ADHD or are autistic, we support many who are. We specialize in addressing executive function challenges that are common for neurodivergent individuals.
Meet The Coaches!
Each with a shared lived experience with neurodivergence and seasoned professional expertise, providing you with empathetic understanding and practical strategies from the very first meeting.
"I feel seen and understood in ways I didn’t expect."
Jordan - Young Adult
It’s really nice to be able to talk with someone who understands and accepts me for who I am. I feel seen and understood in ways I didn't expect. I didn’t feel like I was talking to a superior.
What Can You Expect From Your Coach?
With every client and family we serve, our coaches strive to help them…
Feel Truly Seen & Understood
Our coaches strive to create a coaching relationship built on trust, empathy, and genuine care for our clients' well-being. They listen to and understand not only the challenges our clients face but also those of their entire family.
Why A Client-Centric Approach?
Why A Client-Centric Approach?
The short answer – because it works.
A person-centered approach recognizes the importance of understanding and connecting with each individual on a deeper level.
Research studies (Thomas, 2006) have identified "The Big Four" common factors that contribute to successful change:
- Relationship Factors (30%): Establishing a strong connection between the client and the coach.
- Hope & Expectations (15%): Fostering a sense of optimism and confidence in the process.
- Models & Techniques (15%): Utilizing evidence-based strategies tailored to the individual's needs.
- Extra-therapeutic Factors (40%): Considering the unique circumstances and resources in a person's life.
By focusing on these key elements, our person-centered approach ensures that our coaching is effective and genuinely resonates with the people we serve.
Thomas, M. L. (2006). The contributing factors of change in a therapeutic process. Contemporary Family Therapy, 28(2), 201–210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-006-9000-4
"Coaching has brought peace to our family..."
Linda - Parent
Before coaching, our son was heavily dependent on us for everything. Now, they’re taking initiative, and we’ve been able to step back. Coaching has brought peace to our family, reducing the stress we felt trying to manage everything for him.
The LSA Coaching Session Framework
Our coaching sessions are flexible, yet structured to meet the unique needs of each client, while ensuring a consistent and effective framework:
- Check-in: Assess progress and setbacks, allowing time for reflection and discussion.
- Recap: Review the previous session and achievements to build a strong foundation for growth.
- Formulate: Prioritizing the session goals and activities based on the client's specific needs and overall coaching plan.
- Skill building: Practice and develop essential executive functioning skills with the guidance of the coach.
- Planning: Outline actionable steps and strategies for the upcoming week, fostering a sense of direction and purpose.
- Accountability: Provide regular check-ins throughout the week, offering support as needed.
This approach ensures our clients have ample time to process their experiences, collaborate with their coach, and actively apply the skills they are learning.
The LSA Coaching Session Framework
Our coaching sessions are flexible, yet structured to meet the unique needs of each client, while ensuring a consistent and effective framework:
- Check-in: Assess progress and setbacks, allowing time for reflection and discussion.
- Recap: Review the previous session and achievements to build a strong foundation for growth.
- Formulate: Prioritizing the session goals and activities based on the client's specific needs and overall coaching plan.
- Skill building: Practice and develop essential executive functioning skills with the guidance of the coach.
- Planning: Outline actionable steps and strategies for the upcoming week, fostering a sense of direction and purpose.
- Accountability: Provide regular check-ins throughout the week, offering support as needed.
This approach ensures our clients have ample time to process their experiences, collaborate with their coach, and actively apply the skills they are learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Executive function coaching helps young adults build the critical skills they need for independent living, such as organizing their daily lives, managing time, setting priorities, and making sound decisions. These skills act as stepping stones to prevent the "ripple effect" that occurs when small disruptions—like missing a deadline or struggling with a new job—spiral into larger issues, including decreased motivation, strained relationships, or difficulty maintaining a routine.
For young adults who are struggling to launch, challenges with executive functioning can affect every aspect of their lives. They may find it difficult to manage finances, follow through on job applications, or maintain personal hygiene, all of which can lead to greater stress and feelings of being overwhelmed. This ripple effect can also impact their mental health.
At Life Skills Advocate, our coaches work with young adults to develop practical strategies that strengthen these foundational skills. By addressing executive function challenges directly, we help young adults take control of their lives, reduce the impact of setbacks, and build the resilience they need to thrive as they transition into adulthood.
At Life Skills Advocate, we're more than just a coaching service. We’re a team dedicated to empowering neurodivergent college students through a personalized, student-focused approach. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Shared Experience With Neurodivergence: Our coaches, including our founder, who has personal experience with ADHD, understand the challenges of neurodivergence firsthand.
- Client-Centric Relationships: We prioritize building strong, judgment-free relationships with our clients, understanding their unique needs and goals.
- Holistic: We take a holistic approach, considering the well-being of the entire family, when applicable. We work closely with families to support the student’s development within their broader environment.
- We Go Beyond Executive Functioning: We specialize in supporting executive functioning skills while also addressing the social/emotional aspects of neurodivergence. Our coaching approach supports students in navigating both practical and social/emotional challenges, helping them manage school and life more effectively.
- Inclusive and Safe Environment: We provide a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ clients, understanding and respecting the unique intersection of neurodivergence and LGBTQIA+ issues. Our approach is tailored to support the whole person, recognizing the diverse challenges and experiences our clients may face.
- Gentle Accountability Support: We offer gentle, on-demand accountability support at no extra cost, keeping students motivated and on track.
The first step in our coaching process is to schedule a complimentary 30-minute discovery meeting to discuss the young adult's specific needs and goals. If coaching seems like a good fit, we then arrange a complimentary meet-and-greet to match them with the right coach.
While our coaching program is not bound by a fixed duration, we recommend a minimum commitment of 12 weekly sessions to see meaningful change. However, the exact length of coaching varies based on the individual’s goals and situation.
In the early sessions, we may use various assessment tools to better understand the young adult’s needs, including executive functioning assessments, readiness to change assessments, motivation scales, and "getting to know you" questionnaires. These assessments help us tailor the coaching experience to their unique challenges.
Once paired with a coach, they will participate in sessions customized to their needs and designed to reflect on progress, address challenges, and practice strategies with their coach's guidance.
Depending on the young adult’s situation, we may encourage parental involvement. This could include semi-regular meetings between the young adult, their parents, and the coach to ensure alignment throughout the process, adjust strategies based on family input, and prepare parents to support their child’s progress once coaching concludes.
Additionally, if needed, we provide gentle accountability check-ins throughout the week to help young adults stay on track and make progress in their desired areas. This approach ensures consistent support and empowers them to achieve their goals and move toward independence.
The timeline for a young adult to become more independent varies based on their individual goals, challenges, level of engagement, and other factors. At Life Skills Advocate, we typically recommend a commitment of at least 12 weekly sessions to begin seeing meaningful change. However, independence is a process that evolves over time, depending on how deeply ingrained certain habits are and the complexity of the executive functioning challenges being supported.
It's important to note that "independence" means different things to different people, and it isn’t an "all or nothing" achievement. It’s a journey where young adults grow and develop at a healthy and sustainable pace, and coaching is there to support them along the way.
At Life Skills Advocate, our coaches bring a wealth of diverse experiences to their roles. Each coach has personal lived experience with neurodivergence, which allows them to connect deeply with the students and families they work with
Professionally, our coaches come from a range of coaching or coaching-adjacent fields, including special education, mental health counseling & social work, among others.
We also provide comprehensive internal training and regular professional development to ensure that our coaches are equipped with the latest tools and strategies.
Book Your Complimentary 30-Minute Coaching Discovery Meeting With Amy Below 👇
Hi, I'm Amy and I look forward to meeting with you!
What to Expect During the Discovery Meeting
Welcome 😃
Introduce yourself and learn how coaching with LSA may be able to help.
Goals 🎯
Discuss your goals and expectations to customize your coaching experience.
Overview 🔍
Discover more about our coaching process and how it can benefit you.
Next Steps ✔️
Get paired with the right coach & book a complimentary first session.