May We Introduce You To: The National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO) & The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD)
by Lee Gehrls, R&D Coordinator (Volunteer)
editing & research by Adam Gehrls (Vice President)
Reading Time: 3 Minutes
Most of us are aware there are benefits to working with a certified ADHD Coach to help tackle the daily challenges that ADHD can present at home, work and school. But did you know that there are professionals who help those with ADHD improve their organizational skills? This month I want to introduce you to this additional resource: the Certified ADHD Organizer.
While Certified ADHD Coaches and Certified ADHD Organizers can overlap in some ways, they aren’t identical. According the ADHD Coaches Organization, there are three distinct elements:
- Client-centered coaching: Coaches promote self-awareness and identify the client’s own goals to provide structure and accountability.
- Skills Coaching: Both coach and client work together to build on the client’s strengths and to recognize the challenges they face in their lives.
- Education: Coaches educate the client on ADHD and its life-long impact. They also provide relevant evidence-based information and ADHD-specific resources.
A Certified ADHD Organizer helps people to follow through on organizational tasks. The following article from ADDA shows how organizers differ from coaches:
- Most ADHD adults know what they need to do but struggle with applying that knowledge.
- Professional ADHD organizers help ADHD clients develop solutions specifically designed for them.
- Organizers provide a structure of encouragement and support to assist adults with ADHD manage the emotional challenges of organization.
ADDitude Magazine’s ‘Ask the Experts’ feature has discussed Certified Professional Organizers before:
Q: What Do I Do When I’m So Overwhelmed I Can’t Do Anything? by Leslie Josel. Updated March 28, 2022
Q: “Should I Hire a Professional Organizer?” by Leslie Josel. Updated May 9, 2025
Both Certified ADHD Coaches and Certified ADHD Organizers help those with ADHD navigate their life. And just as there are organizations like the ACO dedicated to ADHD Coaching, there are two organizations that focus on Professional Organizing:
The National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO), and the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD).
The National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals (NAPO)
NAPO provides continuing education and online courses through their NAPO University, as well as educating potential clients on the benefits of working with Organization and Productivity Professionals, many of whom can be found in their online Professional Directory. NAPO provides Professional Organizer certification as part of their services. Many of these services and educational opportunities include working with ADHD clients.
NAPO consists of local chapters and they maintain a page dedicated to listing each local chapter available within a state, including one chapter in Minnesota. The Minnesota chapter of NAPO has its own website and maintains a directory of Professional Organizers working in the state.
The Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD)
The ICD engages in research, education, and strategy development to help people who deal with chronic disorganization. It is a community composed of Professional Organizers, Productivity Specialists, and other associated professionals who learn what affects those with chronic disorganization. They know that the brain has a huge impact on the ability to organize and be productive, and issues such as ADHD change organizational skills.
The ICD provides training and resources in the medical, educational, and neuroscience communities to better prepare those professionals to assist clients who have organizational needs. They include certification of various specialties at different levels, including specialist certificates and online exams that involve managing ADHD.
We encourage you to check out these two groups and the services they offer to learn the differences between ADHD Coaches and ADHD Organizers, and add that information to your ADHD toolbox.
Disclaimer: This document is for information purposes only. A-D-A-M℠ does not receive compensation from the above stated apps or any other organization. If you are considering applications or other products be sure to do your research, as there are alternatives that could be better suited for your needs. Always consult your primary healthcare and/or mental healthcare provider on the treatment of ADHD and related conditions.
Disclaimer: A-D-A-M℠ provides information about Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the form of resources, including articles, books, videos, and websites, as well as links to directories to help you find health professionals, services and facilities that provide services for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. This information and these directories are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only; they do not constitute an endorsement or an approval by A-D-A-M℠; and to the best of A-D-A-M’s knowledge are true and accurate at the time of publication. A-D-A-M℠ makes no claim, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the contents found in this information and in these directories, and expressly disclaims liability for errors and omissions. Although great care is given to the composition and contents provided, A-D-A-M℠ cannot guarantee the correctness of the nature and contents of the information. Any person or entity that relies on any information obtained through these resources does so at his or her own risk.
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