Values, Vision, & Mission of ACO

The ADHD Coaches Organization (ACO) is the worldwide professional membership organization for ADHD coaches. We are committed to serving as a resource for ADHD coaches, for our members and for the public. The ADHD Coaches Organization is a 501(c)6 non-profit association created to advance the profession of ADHD coaching worldwide.

The Vision

We envision a world where ADHD coaches are recognized and valued professionals,

Where everyone living with ADHD knows about coaching as an option, and

Where finding the right coach is simple and within reach.

The Mission

The ADHD Coaches Organization:

  1. Sets professional and ethical standards for the ADHD coaching profession.

  2. Promotes the value of ADHD coaching to individuals living with ADHD.

  3. Supports our members through current resources and peer community.

  4. Serves as a trusted ADHD coaching resource for the public and professionals supporting those affected by ADHD.

The Tenets

The ACO is not just a professional association, but also a common meeting ground and resource for all ADHD Coaches and those interested in ADHD Coaching. From the beginning we have operated based on our values, vision, mission, and the following tenets.

  • We do not advocate for any one school or coach. There are many ways to come to ADHD Coaching. If you meet our definition of a Professional ADHD Coach, or if you simply support our mission and wish to be associated with this organization, there is room for you at the ACO.

  • This is a member-driven organization. We offer you many avenues to engage with your colleagues and participate in the organization at any level you wish. Additionally, we seek your opinions so we can grow in ways that best support you, our membership, and our profession.

  • All money collected by the ACO is spent on the costs of being an organization (a small staff, legal fees, banking costs, web presence, online services, administrative assistance, etc.) and on furthering the organization’s mission of promoting ADHD coaches and ADHD coaching worldwide. We spend your money on things that benefit you.

  • We believe in diversity and that our whole is more powerful than the sum of our parts. We respect and value that individuals have different skills, knowledge, viewpoints, and opinions. We hold as important for the growth and well being of our profession that these diverse skills, knowledge, viewpoints, and opinions are shared with the community.

  • We treat each other with professionalism and respect. If one member has an issue with another member, they are encouraged to speak with that person directly (not in email) in an ethical, professional, and coach-like manner to resolve the problem. Arbitrators are available to facilitate the process if needed.

  • We endorse and support certification for coaches through the PAAC, ICF, IAC, and CCE.

The Values

Community – ACO is a nonprofit professional association of ADHD coaches, providing a community for ADHD coaches to come together and grow in supportive and successful ways.

Excellence – ACO values excellence in ADHD coaching, providing an environment that encourages members to develop and excel professionally.

Education – ACO values education, providing current, reliable, and pertinent information about ADHD and ADHD coaching to our members and to the general public.

Advocacy – ACO stands for promoting awareness of ADHD coaching and its value to people living with ADHD.