Knowledge
Strengths that are often overlooked
Explained understandably, without symptom lists. What AD(H)D changes across the phases of life, where our services end, and the questions that reach us most often.
AD(H)D across the phases of life
AD(H)D does not disappear with growing up — it shows itself differently.
| Phase of life | What moves to the foreground | Frequently overlooked resources |
|---|---|---|
| Childhood | School life demands sitting still, waiting and sequences. Conflicts often arise where structure comes from outside instead of from within. | Perseverance with self-chosen topics, unusual solution paths, a strong sensitivity to fairness. |
| Adolescence | Self-organisation is suddenly expected. Exam periods and apprenticeship searches demand planning and impulse control at the same time. | Enthusiasm, directness, a fine sense for moods in the group. |
| Adulthood | Work, household and family run in parallel. Often the task itself is not the problem, but its beginning and its end. | Crisis resilience, improvisation skills, intense concentration when genuinely interested. |
| As a parent | AD(H)D in two generations at the same time. What the child needs in structure is exactly what is hardest for oneself. | Deep understanding of the child's experience, forbearance without lecturing, lived experience with coping strategies. |
Childhood
School life demands sitting still, waiting and sequences. Conflicts often arise where structure comes from outside instead of from within.
Perseverance with self-chosen topics, unusual solution paths, a strong sensitivity to fairness.
Adolescence
Self-organisation is suddenly expected. Exam periods and apprenticeship searches demand planning and impulse control at the same time.
Enthusiasm, directness, a fine sense for moods in the group.
Adulthood
Work, household and family run in parallel. Often the task itself is not the problem, but its beginning and its end.
Crisis resilience, improvisation skills, intense concentration when genuinely interested.
As a parent
AD(H)D in two generations at the same time. What the child needs in structure is exactly what is hardest for oneself.
Deep understanding of the child's experience, forbearance without lecturing, lived experience with coping strategies.
What NAHVA deliberately is not
Transparency matters to us. That is why we distinguish our services from other offerings completely and without omission — even where drawing the line is uncomfortable.
No psychotherapy or medical treatment
We do not make diagnoses, do not carry out psychotherapeutic or medical interventions and do not adjust medication.
Not an emergency or crisis service
We are not reachable around the clock. In acute psychiatric or medical crises we refer you to the responsible specialist and emergency services.
No conventional coaching
We do not look only at individual goals or performance, but at the whole life context: relationships, family, school, training, work and social environment.
No socio-educational family support under an official mandate
Our support is voluntary, specialised in AD(H)D and independent of official mandates.
No legal advice, no legal representation
Our support does not replace a legal guardianship or legal advice.
No standardised programmes
No one-size-fits-all coaching. We analyse your situation and develop strategies that fit your resources and the reality of your life.
Our support is meant as a complement to existing medical, therapeutic, school and social services. Where it makes sense, we work together with doctors, therapists, schools, authorities and other professionals.
Frequently asked questions
No. We provide support before and after a diagnosis as well as during the waiting time for an assessment. We do not make diagnoses ourselves.
We answer enquiries within two working days. For crisis orientation we keep short-notice appointments available; it is still not an emergency service.
No. Our services are socio-educational support and not medical treatment, which is why they are not covered by basic health insurance. Some supplementary insurances and foundations contribute; on request we issue a detailed invoice.
All information is treated confidentially in accordance with the Swiss Data Protection Act and is not passed on. For particularly sensitive information we recommend Threema.
Yes, online is possible across Switzerland and at no extra cost. We offer on-site appointments in the Zurich, Zug and Aargau regions; travel costs are disclosed transparently before booking.
Excerpt from the community curriculum
Twelve months, two tracks
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