CAA CAA Client Goal Setting and Accountability Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which reward schedule is most effective for maintaining motivation in ADHD clients?
- Delayed, large rewards only
- Frequent, immediate, small rewards (Correct answer)
- Random rare rewards
- Punishment-based consequence systems
Correct answer: Frequent, immediate, small rewards
Due to reward pathway differences in ADHD, clients respond best to frequent immediate reinforcement rather than distant large rewards.
Question 2: 'Temptation bundling' as an ADHD coaching accountability strategy involves:
- Avoiding all enjoyable activities until work is done
- Pairing a less preferred task with a preferred activity simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Setting punishments for unfinished tasks
- Using only digital reminders
Correct answer: Pairing a less preferred task with a preferred activity simultaneously
Temptation bundling pairs an unappealing task with something enjoyable (e.g., listening to a favorite podcast only while doing chores).
Question 3: A 'parking lot' technique in ADHD coaching sessions is used to:
- End sessions early when focus drops
- Capture off-topic thoughts without derailing the session agenda (Correct answer)
- Delay difficult conversations
- Park negative emotions for later processing
Correct answer: Capture off-topic thoughts without derailing the session agenda
A parking lot captures tangential ideas that arise during coaching without letting ADHD-driven topic jumps derail the main session agenda.
Question 4: When an ADHD client consistently misses goals, the coach should first:
- Confront the client about effort
- Explore whether the goal or system needs adjustment (Correct answer)
- Immediately reduce session frequency
- Refer to a therapist without discussion
Correct answer: Explore whether the goal or system needs adjustment
Consistent goal misses typically signal that the goal is too large, the accountability system is mismatched, or unidentified barriers exist.
Question 5: 'Externalization' of tasks in ADHD coaching means:
- Sharing personal goals publicly on social media
- Moving tasks and reminders outside the brain using physical tools and systems (Correct answer)
- Externalizing blame for goal failures
- Working only in public spaces
Correct answer: Moving tasks and reminders outside the brain using physical tools and systems
Externalization compensates for working memory deficits by making information visible in the environment rather than relying on internal recall.
Question 6: An ADHD coach's role in accountability differs from a parent or boss because the coach:
- Sets all goals for the client
- Uses questions to help clients develop their own personalized accountability systems (Correct answer)
- Monitors every task daily
- Provides daily check-ins without client input
Correct answer: Uses questions to help clients develop their own personalized accountability systems
Unlike authority figures who impose external control, ADHD coaches use questioning to help clients build self-directed, personalized accountability systems.
CAA CAA Client Goal Setting and Accountability Systems 2
Which reward schedule is most effective for maintaining motivation in ADHD clients?