Some children need extra support to reach their full potential, and for families navigating ADHD, finding the right resources is key.
In this article, we speak with Jana Landolt, ADHD Support in Basel, an ADHD and life coach in Basel.
Jana, can you tell us about yourself and what inspired you to start Animo Coaching?
I am an ADHD and life coach as well as an author. I run my practice, Animo Coaching, in Basel and online. Well, I was a primary school teacher for many years and met many children who did not seem to fit into the system. I loved their energy, their ideas, and their special ways of thinking.
Over time, I realized most of them had been diagnosed with ADHD. To better support them, I pursued further training as an ADHD coach alongside my qualifications as a life coach and psychological counselor. Soon after, I opened my practice, Animo Coaching.
What services do you offer in your practice?
I primarily work one-on-one but also support parents and families through courses, training, and webinars. I specialize in ADHD in girls and women and recently published my first book, Different and Right! (Anders und richtig!) for girls. In addition, I run women’s coaching groups and organize meetings for girls and young women with ADHD.
Many of our readers are international families who have just relocated or are planning to relocate to Basel.
What should these families know about support for children with ADHD in Switzerland?
Well, to be honest, Switzerland is not great at supporting neurodiversity (yet). The good news is that there is help and support, but it is mostly on a private basis.
I suggest families start with seeing a pediatrician to establish a clear path for treatment and school support. The pediatrician might refer you to the children’s hospital, the Universitäts-KinderspitalbeiderBasel (UKBB), which offers services for children with ADHD, such as concentration training in small groups. However, as far as I know, all courses are in German.
I highly recommend contacting the ADHD organization, Elpos. They have branches throughout Switzerland and provide addresses for specialists, courses, webinars, and everything you need to find further support. You can also reach out to children and youth services or school psychologists, who can help you discuss your concerns.
For adults, there is ADHS 20 Plus, and for broader information and support, ADHS Schweiz. Keep in mind that much of the information is in German.
In Basel, there is also a specialized clinic called Unablenkbar (Indestructible) and a handful of skilled ADHD coaches and therapists.
What support options or programs are typically available in Swiss schools for children with ADHD?
Unfortunately, there are no specific support programs for children with ADHD that I am aware of. However, schools do have special needs teachers and psychomotor therapists who support children alongside regular lessons, either in class or on a one-on-one basis. That said, resources are limited, and the demand for additional support is high.
The support children with ADHD and their families receive largely depends on the understanding and skills of their class teachers. School social workers and psychologists are also available to provide counseling, but they do not offer specific programs for ADHD.
With an ADHD diagnosis, your child is entitled to what is called a Nachteilsausgleich (disadvantage compensation) for tests and exams. This ensures that children with ADHD have equal opportunities to succeed in education despite difficulties with focus, organization, or task completion in a typical classroom setting.
In practice, the Nachteilsausgleich accommodations may include:
- Extended time for exams or assignments.
- Breaks during exams to help the child refocus.
- Modified tasks or assignments tailored to the child’s attention span and ability to process information.
These measures aim to reduce the impact of ADHD-related challenges and help children perform to the best of their abilities without being unfairly disadvantaged.
The specific accommodations are typically decided in collaboration with parents, teachers, and special education professionals, and they vary depending on the canton and school. To claim the Nachteilsausgleich, you will need an Attest (certificate) from the office for support and integration, the FachstelleFörderung und Integration in Basel. You can contact this office for the exact procedure, or ask your child’s teachers for guidance.
A key part of your work involves coaching parents, families, and teachers. Why is it important for the broader support system to understand ADHD, and how do you guide them?
One of the most important aspects is understanding ADHD — both for the person affected and for those around them. This understanding helps with developing appropriate strategies and responding in ways that truly support the individual. A neurodivergent brain requires individual strategies and should not be forced into a mold designed for linear, neurotypical thinking.
An environment that does not understand ADHD can create great stress, which can intensify symptoms and worsen problems. With understanding and the right support, a secure and reliable bond can be built, which is crucial for the healthy development of the child.
I advise and coach parents individually in one-on-one sessions, helping them understand and support their child. Since ADHD is largely hereditary, one of the parents is often affected as well, and we take this into account during coaching.
Understanding ADHD is an important step in creating the right environment for a child to thrive. With the right strategies and support, families and educators can help neurodivergent children overcome challenges, build confidence, and reach their full potential.
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ADHD Support In Basel
If your family is navigating ADHD and you are looking for guidance, feel free to contact Animo Coaching:
www.animocoaching.com
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