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FAQs

Some of the commonly asked and answered questions below. If you require more information then please contact us using the methods below.

Can my GP diagnose ADHD?

Diagnosising ADHD is a specialisation. Typiclaly, GPs do not have the necessary qualifications to diagnose neurological conditions such as ADHD. Your GP would refer you to a specialist in the NHS for diagnosis that can lead to many years before becoming diagnosed.

Do I get a refund if I don't have ADHD?

No. You are arranging for a private ADHD assessment as you believe that you have the symptoms of ADHD. To make such a diagnosis there is an investment of time by the specialist clinician who will arrange for you to undergo a series of assessments, provide you with a diagnosis report and have a consultation with you. There are some other conditions that can have signs and symptoms similar to ADHD and the clinician will be required to exclude these other conditions when determining whether you have ADHD. If you do not have ADHD it may be that you have a different physical or mental health condition that may require treatment in any case.

Do I need a GP referral first?

No. You can get an ADHD assessment without any involvement from your doctor. However, it is a good idea to liaise with your doctor before getting an assessment just to rule out other possible causes of ADHD-like symptoms. For example, low blood sugar can cause problems with concentration and fatigue while elevated blood sugar can cause hyperactivity.

How should I prepare for my ADHD assessment?

After booking, your clinician will ask you to undertake any preparation. It's helpful if, before your assessment, you can think of the symptoms you have which make you think you have ADHD. Try to recall the experiences you had at school, with your family when you were younger, and socialising generally. If you have any school reports for instance, that my be useful. Also, think about everyday things you find difficult that other people find easy: things such as timekeeping, forgetfulness, getting distracted easily, getting bored, daydreaming, fidgeting and having more energy than you can control, problems getting to sleep, staying asleep, and getting up in the morning. The more of these kinds of examples of the problems which can be put down to ADHD the more certainty we can put into your assessment.

How do I get started

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Simply use the Buy button on this page. Your Coach will be assigned to you within a couple of working days and you will start the programme within 3-5 working days.

What makes Cogmed different from casual “brain training” apps?

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Three things make Cogmed Working Memory Training different:

Rigorous Evidence
The efficacy of Cogmed is based on over 120 peer-reviewed articles published in scientific journals.
This makes Cogmed the most evidence-based cognitive training programme available.
Sustainable ChangeCogmed is not about teaching strategies for coping with attention deficit, but about increasing attentional capacity itself.
Research shows that gains in attention and behavioural outcomes are sustained over time.
Qualified Coaches
Cogmed is provided exclusively by qualified Coaches, trained in the Cogmed method.
Support given by us as your Coach. It's essential for motivation and compliance, which is necessary to achieve the desired effects.

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Is there scientific evidence Cogmed is effective?

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Yes, plenty over the last 20 years.

Proven Effect on Working Memory and Attention
Cogmed is a personalised digital training program, designed to improve the brain systems responsible for attention and working memory.

Working memory is closely related to control of attention, and uses, in part, the same regions of the brain. Cogmed training is specifically developed to target these brain regions. It is the only digital tool that has been shown to improve attention in everyday life. The improvements are equivalent to two years of normal cognitive development of working memory in children.

Long-lasting Effect
Many conditions are associated with cognitive impairments affecting working memory and attention. Through peer-reviewed studies, using neuropsychological testing, it has been shown that Cogmed training can significantly reduce these cognitive impairments in individuals.

This includes children and adults with ADHD. In many cases, the behavioural improvement remediates the cognitive function into the normal range. Most importantly, research shows that the effects of Cogmed training are long-lasting.

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How long does it take?

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The Cogmed program takes roughly 20 hours to complete in full, and the baseline configuration is to train 50 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for 5 weeks.

It's possible to adjust the daily training length to 25 or 35 minutes, and to train 3 or 4 days per week instead. With these adjustments, it can take anywhere between 5 and 13 weeks to complete Cogmed.

All configurations have been designed to yield similar effects at the end of training. As your Coach, we will set the treatment protocol to be the most suitable for your needs, ability, and schedule.

Who does Working Memory training suit?

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Research shows that Cogmed can benefit individuals both with and without cognitive impairment.

However, people who struggle with symptoms of attention deficit, are likely to experience more significant benefits in their everyday life.

Someone with ADHD is likely to be good candidates for Cogmed.

What can Access to Work pay for?

Access to Work individualises the grant based on information provided during the application and assessment process. So, grants vary between individuals based on requirements. However, we see the following are frequently funded for our clients:

a productivity support coach who specialises in ADHD in the workplace
a day-to-day virtual assistant support worker
sit-stand desk
noise cancelling headphones
Remarkable tablet
memory training

How can the VA Service support ADHD Coaching?

If you have ADHD Coaching with us alongside your Virtual Assistant then you will find this to be a powerful combination as your Coach and Virtual Assistant will both be aligned to your goals and ambitions, working together to support your success.

How often can I get activity reports from my Virtual Assistant?

During our onboarding process we will ask for your preferences in how the service is delivered to you, including your reporting preferences. Your virtual assistant can provide an activity report to you weekly or monthly as you prefer.

How is the service quality maintained?

Your VA is closely supervised to ensure adherence to our policies and standards of professionalism. We also seek feedback from clients on a monthly basis.

How quickly can I expect a response from my virtual assistant?

Response times vary but are typically within minutes to a few hours during business hours.

How do we collaborate on tasks and documents?

Included in your VA package is task management software so that you can keep a track of your VA's work on your behalf. You can opt to have our VA use your own software if you prefer. We also have secure file sharing through Microsoft Teams. Again, your own shared folder can you used if you prefer.

Where is the Virtual Assistant based?

Our Virtual Assistants are UK based.

What type of Virtual Assistant can I expect to have?

Our Virtual Assistants have a university bachelor's degree or above and are trained in working with employees, managers and business owners with ADHD. The Virtual Assistant is an 'all-rounder' who can help with many different tasks.

What type of tasks can the VA undertake for me?

There are many tasks that your Virtual Assistant can undertake. Some tasks are more relevant to supporting employees, some are more relevant to business owners, some tasks are relevant to all types of clients. Categories of task are administrative, customer support, design and creative, finance, HR, marketing, planning and focus, research and sales. The Virtual Assistant is, an assistant, not a specialist. Your VA can help source experts if that is what you require to augment your support.

Can a Virtual Assistant be funded by Access to Work?

Yes, Access to Work has funded a Virtual Assistant for many of our clients. Access to Work will make a determination of whether to award such as grant and to what level based on your Access to Work application. We have a Done For You application service that can take the burden from you of managing the Access to Work application. This service is offered only to new and existing clients. Ask us about this.

How will my Virtual Assistant keep in contact with me?

During our onboarding process we will ask for your preferences in how the service is delivered to you, including your communication preferences. This includes the means of communication, days and times. You can vary your preferences at any time.

How many hours a week could a VA be funded by Access to Work?

Although this can vary, we typically see 8-10 hours of support per week being funded. If you require more hours then you have the option to top-up the difference. Many clients find the 8-10 hours to be a great help.

Who is eligible for an Access to Work grant?

Access to Work grants are available to adults with ADHD who are struggling to be fully productive. You can claim Access to Work whether you're self-employed, are starting a company, run your own company or are an employee.

What qualifies as work?

You need to have a paid job (or be about to start or return to one). A paid job can be full or part-time and can include: employment self-employment an apprenticeship a work trial or work experience an internship a work placement You cannot get Access to Work support for voluntary work.

What if I disagree with a decision or want to complain?

If you disagree with the decision, call the Access to Work helpline to ask someone to reconsider your application. You can also call the helpline if you're unhappy with how your case has been handled or the service you've received.

What is the amount of grant I can expect to get?

There is no set amount for an Access to Work grant. How much you get depends on your specific case. The grant will only cover the support needed to let you stay in work or in self-employment. There is an annual cap on the total amount of support that can be provided under Access to Work; this is currently set at £66,000.

What if my circumstances change after the decision has been made?

You must tell Access to Work by calling the helpline if your circumstances change. This could be if, for example: your name, address, contact details or workplace address changes you change jobs your disability, illness or health condition changes

What if I regularly work out of the country?

If your job is normally based in Great Britain, but you are asked to travel out of the country as part of your duties, Access to Work support would be provided but may be limited.

What Access to Work will not pay for?

Access to Work will not pay for reasonable adjustments. These are the changes your employer must legally make to support you to do your job. Access to Work will advise your employer if changes should be made as reasonable adjustments.

What if I change jobs after a grant has been awarded to me?

If you change employers, you may be able to transfer equipment to your new employer. You cannot automatically transfer awards for support workers or travel. You would need to contact the Access to Work team to discuss your new arrangements.

What can the grant be used for?

The grant can be used for help and tools that make your work easier, such as our ADHD education, training, coaching, virtual assistant services, software and more.

I receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), can I get Access to Work?

You can get Access to Work and ESA at the same time if you work less than 16 hours a week. There are rules about working while claiming ESA. You can ask us for advice and support

How to claim money from my grant?

You can claim money from your grant online or by post. To claim money from your grant online, you'll need to create an Access to Work portal account. To claim money from your grant you'll need to provide: the dates you had support invoices or receipts showing the cost of your support bank details for the person or company who will receive the money from the grant You may also need the details of a workplace contact who can confirm the support you're claiming for.

How should I prepare for my ADHD assessment?

You don’t need to undertake any special preparations. Although it’s helpful if, before your assessment, you can think of the symptoms you have which make you think you have ADHD. Try to recall the experiences you had at school, with your family when you were younger, and socialising generally. If you have any school reports for instance, that my be useful. Also, think about everyday things you find difficult that other people find easy: things such as timekeeping, forgetfulness, getting distracted easily, getting bored, daydreaming, fidgeting and having more energy than you can control, problems getting to sleep, staying asleep, and getting up in the morning. The more of these kinds of examples of the problems which can be put down to ADHD the more certainty we can put into your assessment.

Does my financial status matter?

It does not matter how much you earn. If you get an Access to Work grant, it will not affect any other benefits you get and you will not have to pay it back. You or your employer may need to pay some costs up front and claim them back later.

Can I apply if I am a UK civil servant?

No, you cannot directly apply for Access to Work. If you are a UK civil servant then apply through one of these two organisations: Able Futures https://able-futures.co.uk/individuals or Maximus https://atw.maximusuk.co.uk/

Are there any other diagnosis costs?

There are no other diagnosis costs. If you choose to try ADHD medication then you will need to see the psychiatrist for follow up appointments whist trialling the medication. This process is called 'titration'. Patients typically require three titration appointments that are £295 each. Due to the nature of the ADHD medication you will need to follow-up appointments with the psychiatrist each subsequent year. Also, in the unlikely event that your GP is unwilling to enter into a shared care agreement to prescribed your medication then you will need to purchase prescriptions every month from the psychiatrist.

Do I get a refund if I don't have ADHD?

No. You are arranging for a private ADHD diagnosis as you believe that you have the symptoms of ADHD. To make such a diagnosis there is an investment of time by the consultant psychiatrist who will arrange for you to undergo a series of assessments, provide you with a diagnosis report and have a consultation with you. There are some other conditions that can have signs and symptoms similar to ADHD and the psychiatrist will be required to exclude these other conditions when determining whether you have ADHD. If you do not have ADHD it may be that you have a different physical or mental health condition that may require treatment in any case.

Can I renew my grant?

You'll need to renew your Access to Work grant before it ends if you use it to pay for ongoing support (for example, coaching). Your decision letter will say when your grant ends. You can apply to renew it 12 weeks before this.

How to claim money from my grant?

What if my circumstances change after the decision has been made?

What qualifies as work?

Who is eligible for an Access to Work grant?

What is the amount of grant I can expect to get?

What if I change jobs after a grant has been awarded to me?

What if I regularly work out of the country?

If your job is normally based in Great Britain, but you are asked to travel out of the country as part of your duties, Access to Work support would be provided but may be limited.

What if I disagree with a decision or want to complain?

What can the grant be used for?

The grant can be used for help and tools that make your work easier, such as our ADHD education, training, coaching, virtual assistant services, software and more.

Can I renew my grant?

What Access to Work will not pay for?

I receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), can I get Access to Work?

You can get Access to Work and ESA at the same time if you work less than 16 hours a week. There are rules about working while claiming ESA. You can ask us for advice and support

Does my financial status matter?

Can I apply if I am a UK civil servant?

Can I apply for Access to Work if I am a UK civil servant?

No, you cannot directly apply for Access to Work. If you are a UK civil servant, then apply through one of these two organisations: Able Futures https://able-futures.co.uk/individuals or Maximus https://atw.maximusuk.co.uk/

How well does the trainer understand ADHD in organisations?

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The trainer is an ICF accredited coach who works with ADHD business owners, senior executives, managers and employees who have ADHD. The trainer has decades of corporate experience as a senior transformation consultant and leader at some of the world's best known companies.

How will the course measure its impact on managers?

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The course uses a number of before and after measures to determine how far the participants have progressed in terms of knowledge and ability to practically apply the knowledge in their teams.

Is the course content up-to-date and evidence-based?

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Yes, the course content is based on the latest research and best practices related to ADHD in the workplace. It is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its relevance and effectiveness.

Can this training help our managers promote mental well-being for employees with ADHD?

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Yes, the course includes a section on stress management and mental well-being for employees with ADHD. Managers will learn to recognise the impact of ADHD on mental health and how to implement strategies that reduce stress and foster a supportive environment.

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How will the course team dynamics around ADHD employees?

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The training course emphasizes the importance ofcreating an inclusive and understanding work culture. It will provide insightson how to communicate the value of accommodations to the team and foster anenvironment that values neurodiversity, ultimately promoting teamwork andacceptance.

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What strategies will be provided to manage and support employees with ADHD effectively?

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The course offers a range of practical strategies,including tailored communication techniques, accommodations, time managementtools, and executive functioning support. Participants will also learn conflictresolution skills and ways to build on employees' strengths to compensate forchallenges associated with ADHD.

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How will this course help our managers identify employees with ADHD accurately?

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The course covers comprehensive information on thesigns and symptoms of ADHD, enabling managers to recognize potential indicatorsin their staff. They will also learn how to differentiate ADHD-relatedchallenges from other performance issues. Armed with this understanding,managers can take appropriate steps to provide support and accommodations.

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What value will this training course add to our organisation?

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This training course will equip your managers with the knowledge and skills to identify, manage, and support employees with ADHD.By fostering an inclusive and understanding work environment, your organisation can harness the unique strengths of employees with ADHD, leading to increased productivity, enhanced team dynamics, and a more positive workplace culture. It will also help to avoid potential legal damages from falling foul of employment legislation.

Will the results last?

Our Coaching Programmes are designed to help you identify what your brain needs to produce the results you desire. Through your coaching sessions, your insights and actions lay the foundation for sustainable positive results. We help you to identify the best structures for you to maintain your gains in the long-run.

Who is the Mental Fitness Programme for?

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If you're experiencing negative emotions, finding that you're not achieving what you thought you could or you're getting adverse feedback from others, then you could find that the Mental Fitness Programme has the answers and solutions you're seeking. The Mental Fitness Programme is designed to benefit anyone who experiences self-sabotage and negative emotions and who wants to improve productivity, relationships or wellbeing.

What's the fastest I could complete the course?

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You could go through all the modules within a week. That's the power of hyperfocus!

Who is suitable for One-to-One Coaching?

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Our coaching packages are specifically designed for ADHD impacted entrepreneurs, corporate managers, and professionals. Your coaching sessions will be tailored to meet your specific needs and goals, helping you make the impact you want in all areas of your life.

What results can I expect?

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Participants let us know that the Programme and has made a deep and lasting impact on their performance, relationships, happiness and general wellbeing. Data collected from the Programme support this with 90% of participants better using their emotional energy, 92% have improved teamwork, 83% have more self-confidence, 85% are happier, 82% enjoy better relationships and 91% are now manage stress better. What's more, benefits from the Mental Fitness Programme apply to all areas of work and life.

What ways can I fund the coaching?

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There are various ways to fund your ADHD coaching. Entrepreneurs and professionals will typically purchase coaching through a business. As the coaching is a business expense, coaching is then tax deductible, which reduces the net cost of the coaching. Employed clients often seek coaching funding from their employers. Companies often having budgets set aside specifically to support staff. In the UK entrepreneurs, professionals and managers and employees have the potential to have most or all of the coaching funded via a government scheme. Lastly, you can choose to make a single payment for the coaching programme (for ease of personal admin) or pay by instalments (for affordability). Feel free to discuss this with the options with the coach during the taster coaching session. Please contact support about ways we can help you to maximise a government grant that covers ADHD coaching.

How long do I have to complete this?

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There's no time limit. You can take the course at a pace that fits with your goals and circumstances. If you are planning to take the Mental Fitness Programme or One-to-One Coaching then it will help your goals to complete this course before progressing.

What benefits can I expect?

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Through the coaching process, clients report a deepening self-awareness, improvement in performance and enhancement in their quality of life. The coaching programme can help you move from frustration, stress, and struggle to being more productive and happier across all areas of your life.

Is this an open or closed-group course?

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Where there are at least 5 individuals from your company attending then we can deliver this as a closed-group course specific to your staff.

Is this a standalone programme?

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You can take the Mental Fitness Programme as a standalone resource if you wish. The course has a profound effect on participants and offers life-changing insights and strategies for improving wellbeing and performance. The Programme also provides an excellent foundation before starting One-to-One Coaching with us. By taking the Programme before coaching you and the coach will have an additional toolkit to then access throughout the coaching relationship. In this way, you will be able to deepen the gains and benefits you took from the Mental Fitness Foundation Programme.

Will this help me in growing my business?

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Where you lead your business follows. So your own performance, mental resilience and productivity directly impacts the success potential or your business. FocusFlow™ is especially suitable for entrepreneurs as it can incorporate your personal coaching and business factors. Executives and employees undertaking FocusFlow™ will enjoy coaching on personal performance and workplace productivity.

How much effort does it take?

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There is work for you to do between coaching sessions. A coach cannot sprinkle magic dust on you and make things happen. You’ll see the results you want, faster, when doing the fieldwork between coaching sessions. Some of that work is simply reflecting on what you see differently and how you can apply it. Other work will be the actions that you committed to taking as a result of the session. You will also have the support of your coach at all times during this journey.

Are there prerequisites for the mental fitness programme?

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There are no prerequisites. The Programme delivers the content in bite-size chunks each week designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of your saboteurs and the mental fitness strategies to overcome them.

How long is the mental fitness programme?

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The Programme lasts 6 weeks. You will be in a small cohort that has 1 x 1 hour coaching a week. You will also be given access to an app that helps you to incorporate the learnings on a day-to-day basis.

How long is the programme?

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The Programme lasts 6 weeks. Each week you will have a 1-hour video to watch. There are also daily Mental Fitness practices delivered through a mobile app, these are around 15 minutes a day. These aspects of the Programme you can do when it suits you schedule. There is also a weekly group coaching call, led by the Programme's coach.

How is the mental-fitness-programme-delivered?

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It's a technology-supported programme with content and live meetings. Each week there's a 1 hour webinar talking through the saboteurs and strategies, which participants can access at a time that suits them. A companion mobile app delivers 15-minute of micro content and exercises daily for participants to practice what they've learnt in that week's webinar. There's also a weekly coach-led Q & A meeting relating to the content and exercises.

How long does the coaching last?

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Our coaching packages are a 6-month minimum commitment. This ensures that you have the space and opportunity to experience truly valuable change and for the results to occur. You can choose between two or three sessions per month depending on your desired pace of change.

How long does it take to see results?

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Clients start having benefits from the very first session itself. As the sessions advance, you will find that the benefits are cumulative and begin to move you forward faster.

How is the programme delivered?

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It's a technology-supported programme with content and live meetings. Each week there's a 1 hour webinar talking through the saboteurs and strategies, which you can access at a time that suits you. A companion mobile app will deliver 15-minute of micro content and exercises daily for you to practice what you learnt in that week's webinar. There is also a weekly coach-led Q & A meeting relating to the content and exercises.

Are there coaching prerequisites?

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If you're open-minded and ready to take action then you're ready for coaching. You can go straight into One-to-One Coaching with us or take our preparatory courses. Our clients report that taking the Self-Paced ADHD Course and the Mental Fitness Programme before coaching provided an excellent foundation to get even more from the coaching experience.

How is coaching different to therapy?

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Coaching is for people who are ready for a change and are willing to take action. Individuals may seek the support of therapy when working through emotional challenges. Therapy can help to answer the ‘Why’ questions. Coaching focuses more on ‘What’ a client wants and ‘How’ to get there. Many clients choose a coaching only approach to ADHD, some undertake coaching and therapy in parallel.

ADHD Coaching vs other coaching?

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Life coaching and executive coaching deal are based on general coaching models suitable for the "neurotypical" majority. As well as having life and executive coach training, our ADHD coaches have additional, special training to use tools, skills and techniques designed to help ADHD clients to produce better outcomes and quality of life.

How will our organisation benefit?

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Leading organisations already recognise the benefits of Emotional Intelligence competences, particularly for leaders. The Mental Fitness Programme builds upon Emotional Intelligence through Neuroscience and Positive Psychology to address 10 key mental processes that sabotage individual and team performance. The Programme teaches simple strategies and 5 proven modalities for leaping forward in terms of performance, collaboration and wellbeing. Participants report that the Programme and has made a deep and lasting impact on their performance, relationships, happiness and general wellbeing. Data collected from the Programme support this with 90% of participants better using their emotional energy, 92% have improved teamwork, 83% have more self-confidence, 85% are happier, 82% enjoy better relationships and 91% are now manage stress better. What's more, benefits from the Mental Fitness Programme apply to all areas of work and life.

How does coaching take place?

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Coaching sessions take place virtually over video calls. In addition, you will be able to reach out for support between meetings. You will also have access to specialist assessments, an action planner, online journal, specialist worksheets and everything else needed to take advantage of coaching from the comfort of your home or office.

Do I need to be in coaching?

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No. You can certainly take the learnings and insights from this course and undertake self-work. Many people taking this course then go on to take our Mental Fitness Programme or have Coaching as a way to accelerate the change they desire, in a structured setting with support and accountability.

How can I find out more?

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Scroll to the bottom of this page and click the button 'Speak to a Learning Consultant'. You can choose a day and time to discuss all aspects of this programme and how it can be delivered to your organisation.

Will I be able to focus and concentrate?

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The course has been produced in an engaging and bite size format specifically for an ADHD audience. Each module has videos, so it's a bit like watching YouTube or TikTok (which we know our ADHD clients love). Besides. you can always pause and come back to the content any time you wish.

Can I sample some coaching?

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Yes. We offer a free coaching taster session in which we can help you to identify coachable goals, the hidden obstacles and possible areas of improvement. In this way you are able to experience coaching first-hand and we are able to assess our mutual fit for a coaching relationship. Based on our conversation, we are able to discuss a high-level plan for your coaching. Click 'FREE Coaching Taster' button in the top menu.

Are there prerequisites for participants?

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There are no prerequisites. The Programme delivers the content in bite-size chunks each week designed to give you staff a comprehensive understanding of the saboteurs and the mental fitness strategies to overcome them.

Are there prerequisites for FocusFlow?

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No. FocusFLow is designed to take you from minimal/no knowledge about ADHD through to having in-depth knowledge across many aspects relevant to daily living, relationships and work.

Are results measured?

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Yes. When participants are onboarded their Mental Fitness will be assessed. The companion app will provide feedback to participants through the programme on how they are building their positive mental muscles. At the conclusion of the course the participants will be surveyed to measure their change in Mental Fitness and how this relates to essential workplace behaviours.