Managing and normalising emotions and behaviour: a conversation analytic study of ADHD coaching

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most commonly diagnosed disorder in childhood with worldwide prevalence estimated around 5% (Polanczyk, de Lima, Horta, Biederman, & Rohde, 2007). Those that are given a diagnosis of ADHD often present with emotional and social difficulties, including poor emotional regulation and a greater excessive emotional expression, especially for anger and aggression (Wehmeier, Schacht, & Barkley, 2010). Such difficulties impact on self-esteem and self-concept, although this impact has rarely been addressed in research (Ryan & McDougall, 2009; Wehmeier et al., 2010). Instead, research has focused on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment (Barkley, 2006), or behaviour management for parents or carers to reduce and manage undesirable behaviour (Gavita & Joyce, 2008).