If you spend any time on social media, you’ve probably noticed that ADHD is everywhere. More specifically, ADHD “experts” are everywhere - people who have self-diagnosed or recently discovered their own ADHD and now claim to have the best strategy, the best approach, and the best solution to managing it.
The logic often goes like this: I have ADHD, I figured out what works for me, so now I can help you too. But the problem is, that ADHD is not a one-size-fits-all condition, and what works for one person may not work for another. Even worse, many of these so-called experts end up doing more harm than good, promoting strategies that are not evidence-based, downplaying professional support, and sometimes even making dangerous recommendations.
Let’s break down some of the biggest issues with the rise of ADHD influencers and self-proclaimed coaches, and what you should look out for before taking advice from someone online.
1. Personal Experience ≠ Professional Expertise - ADHD Experts
It’s great that more people are becoming aware of ADHD, especially adults who may have struggled for years without a diagnosis, but just because someone has ADHD does not automatically qualify them to be a coach, mentor, or adviser for others.
A common trend is individuals who have successfully managed their own ADHD symptoms suddenly brand themselves as experts. Their personal journey may be inspiring, but ADHD is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that varies greatly between individuals. The strategies that helped one person might be completely ineffective or even harmful - to someone else.
2. The Devaluation of Professional Support
Another frustrating aspect of the ADHD influencer wave is how many of these self-proclaimed experts downplay or even outright dismiss professional support. Many of them are not qualified because they lack formal education in psychology, psychiatry, nursing, or coaching so rather than admitting they don’t have the credentials, they downplay the need for professional guidance altogether.
This not only spreads misinformation but also discourages people from seeking help from those who do have the right knowledge and training. ADHD is best managed through a combination of structured support, therapy, psychoeducation, client-based coaching, lifestyle adjustments, and evidence-based strategies - not just a single person’s opinion or experience.
3. Unqualified Coaches and Mentors
There’s also been a surge in people offering ADHD coaching with no formal training in ADHD or coaching techniques. ADHD coaching can be incredibly valuable, but it should be done by someone who has studied and understands the condition - not someone who simply has ADHD and assumes that qualifies them to guide others.
Many of these self-proclaimed coaches lack an understanding of ADHD beyond their personal experience, yet they charge people for sessions, give misleading advice, and sometimes even discourage their clients from seeking professional help.
The result? People who genuinely need support are left feeling even more confused, unsupported, and frustrated.
4. The Importance of Psychoeducation
One key area often ignored by self-proclaimed ADHD experts is psychoeducation. Understanding ADHD is essential for managing it effectively, yet many influencers focus solely on quick fixes and personal anecdotes rather than educating their audience on the actual science behind ADHD.
Psychoeducation, delivered by qualified professionals such as psychologists, nurses, and therapists, helps individuals understand how ADHD affects their cognition, emotions, and daily functioning. It equips them with knowledge about executive dysfunction, emotional regulation, and evidence-based strategies for improvement.
Instead of relying on unverified advice from social media, people with ADHD benefit most from structured education programmes and expert-led workshops that teach them about their condition in a meaningful way.
5. From Evidence-Based to Client-Based Change
Another major issue with unqualified ADHD experts is their tendency to push rigid, one-size-fits-all strategies instead of adapting approaches to individual needs. Evidence-based methods are designed through research and clinical trials, ensuring they are effective for a broad population. However, even within evidence-based practice, there must be room for personalisation.
Professionals trained in ADHD management understand how to apply research-backed strategies while adapting them to a client's unique strengths, challenges, and circumstances. Instead of imposing their personal ADHD management style on others, qualified professionals work collaboratively to find what actually works for each individual.
6. The Dangers of High-Pressure Sales Tactics and Unethical Coaching Practices
My personal experience with an unqualified mentor was eye-opening. I entered a programme expecting structured business guidance, but midway through, I realised I had been caught in a high-pressure sales tactic. Despite being a nurse and a trained professional coach myself, I was influenced by the mentor’s overpromise and sales-driven approach.
The pressure to conform to a strategy that wasn’t suited for me led to emotional distress and a deterioration in my mental health. The group dynamic pushed me to fit into an ineffective model, and any resistance or questioning was reframed as "facing my significant life experiences." What was meant to be business coaching turned into an unstructured group therapy session, led by someone who openly admitted, “I want to practise my motivational skills so I’m going to tell everyone what I think.”
The result? Overpromising, underdelivering, and misleading participants by saying one thing and doing another. What I had signed up for and what I received were entirely different. This was a significant learning experience for me - realising the importance of trusting my professional knowledge and expertise instead of getting swept up in persuasive but unqualified coaching.
So, How Do You Check Someone’s Credibility?
With so much misinformation out there, it’s crucial to discern who you take advice from. Here are five ways to check the credibility of someone offering ADHD guidance:
1. Check Their Qualifications
Do they have formal education in psychology, psychiatry, nursing, coaching, or a related ADHD field?
Are they certified/approved by a recognised institution or organisation?
2. Look at Their Experience Beyond Personal Stories
Do they acknowledge the diversity of ADHD experiences, or are they just pushing their own methods?
3. See If They Encourage Professional Help
A credible expert will always acknowledge the role of medical professionals and therapists.
Be wary of anyone who discourages therapy, structured coaching, or professional diagnoses.
4. Evaluate Their Approach to Psychoeducation
Are they providing meaningful information about ADHD?
Do they explain how ADHD affects the brain and behaviour, or do they just focus on personal anecdotes?
5. Watch Out for Sales Tactics
Do they use high-pressure sales tactics or claim they have the “only” effective method?
Check if they have insurance as insurance companies do not offer their service lightly.
Conclusion
It’s fantastic that ADHD is getting more attention and that people are sharing their experiences. However, just because someone has ADHD does not mean they are an expert in treating or managing it for others. Misinformation, unqualified coaching, and poor advice can do real harm - so it’s important to be critical of where we get our information.
If you or someone you know has ADHD, seek support from qualified professionals who provide psychoeducation and evidence-based strategies. Personal experiences can be valuable, but they should never replace expert guidance.
Let’s ensure that ADHD awareness leads to real support, not just more noise.
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