The Ethical Compliance Framework

for ADHD & AuDHD Coaches 

Setting the standard for safe, effective, and neuroaffirmative coaching practice.

As the first and only set of publicly accessible guidance developed specifically for ADHD and AuDHD coaching, our Ethical Compliance Framework reflects our commitment to doing things differently - with integrity, transparency, and lived experience at the core.

Since launching, ADHD Works trained over 500 coaches across the globe.

Together, we’re shaping a new standard of coaching that prioritises safety, intersectionality, and inclusion at every level.

What is the ECF Framework?

Setting the standard for safe, effective, and neuroaffirmative coaching practice.

The Ethical Compliance Framework outlines the values, expectations, and professional standards we hold for all ADHD and AuDHD coaches trained through our programmes.

It’s designed to protect both coaches and clients, while setting the benchmark for inclusive, evidence-informed, and neuroaffirmative coaching practice.

What does the Ethical Compliance

Framework cover?

  • Contracting

    Clear, accessible & transparent contracting is essential in ADHD and AuDHD coaching, outlining the foundation of the coaching relationship.

    It’s commonly misunderstood, but especially important when working with neurodivergent clients who may have differences in processing and communication.

  • Confidentiality

    Confidentiality underpins the psychological safety and trust within any coaching relationship.

    When working with neurodivergent clients, clear boundaries around confidentiality become even more important.

    Many clients may have distinct processing styles, communication needs, or past experiences that make transparency and trust essential.

  • Coach Wellbeing

    Coaching can be hard work - and you can’t give from an empty cup.

    It’s imperative that coaches look after their own wellbeing as much as their clients’, actively avoiding masking, compassion fatigue and burnout.

  • Psychological Safety & Duty of Care

    Creating psychological safety is a core ethical responsibility - especially in ADHD and AuDHD coaching, where mental health challenges can easily arise.

    Clients should feel respected, believed, and emotionally safe throughout coaching.

    Coaches should feel confident in appropriately signposting or referring when issues fall outside of their scope.

  • Intersectionality & Inclusion

    If you’ve met 1 neurodivergent person, you’ve met 1 neurodivergent person.

    Coaching should honour the intersecting identities that shape each client’s experience of neurodivergence, approached with cultural competence.

    Coaches have a responsibility to consider systemic barriers, remain aware of their own biases, and avoid assumptions - creating safe, inclusive spaces.

  • Children & Young People

    ADHD and AuDHD coaching can be highly effective for young people - but working with children and adolescents requires additional care, responsibility, and ethical consideration.

    Young clients are inherently more vulnerable due to their age and stage of development.

    Coaches working with neurodivergent children should ensure appropriate safeguards are not only in place, but also clearly communicated and understood by all parties involved.

  • Professional Practice

    Coaches have a moral responsibility to act with honesty, accountability, and integrity in all areas of their work, from client relationships to business practices.

    This is especially important when working with neurodivergent clients, who may be more vulnerable or experience blurred boundaries due to differences in communication, trust, or power dynamics.

  • ADHD Works

    ADHD Works takes ethical integrity seriously - not just in training our coaches, but throughout their careers.

    This Framework helps clients identify ADHD Works certified coaches, offering an additional layer of safeguarding and accountability by ensuring these standards are upheld in real-world practice.

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