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Cogni-Link Coaching

Specialized coaching for adults with Autism & ADHD.

Unlocking Potential: Our Mission

Empowerment

Helping you thrive in every aspect of your life

Specialized Support

Expert coaching for Autism, ADHD, and AuDHD (dual diagnosis)

Compassionate Approach

Strengths-based growth with practical, personalized strategies

Personalized Coaching Services

One-on-One Coaching

Tailored support for adults with autism, ADHD, addressing your specific needs and challenges.

Goal-Focused Development

Strategic planning for relationships, employment, independent living, and overall wellbeing that builds on your unique strengths.

Options

Group coaching sessions, support available soon. Currently taking a wait list. App tracker coming soon! Choice of virtual and limited in-person appointments at the Madison, WI office.

Treatment Approach: Practical, Strengths-Based, & Collaborative

Identify

Discover practical goals and obstacles while leveraging your unique strengths

Build

Create actionable plans that develop executive functioning and problem-solving

Collaborate

Work together to implement strategies and build skills for daily life

Our Coach

Specialized Training

As a executive functioning coach, I have extensive education and experience in ADHD, Autism, and executive function coaching.

Ongoing Development

Regular ongoing training ensures I stay current with the latest research and effective support strategies.

Tailored Approaches

Experience developing custom strategies that work specifically for autistic minds and ADHD challenges, respecting your unique cognitive style.

Our Coach: Deanna Houck. MS, LPC, NCC, NPT-C.

Education & Certification

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (Wisconsin)
  • NBCC Board Certified Professional Counselor
  • M.S. in Educational/Professional Counseling
  • Certificate in Neuropsychotherapy
  • Certified Health and Life Coach

Specialization

I support adults with ADHD and Autism in building healthier relationships, regulating emotions, and conquering anxieties through Neurodiverse Affirming Care.

Compassionate

Bringing empathy and understanding to every coaching relationship.

Creative

Developing innovative strategies tailored to your unique needs.

Curious

Always exploring new approaches to support your growth journey.

With nearly 30 years of experience across various care settings, I combine therapy blueprints with coaching accountability to create lasting positive change.

A Glimpse into Your Coaching Experience

Initial Assessment

Comprehensive goal mapping and strengths assessment to establish your personal roadmap

Skill Development

Sessions focused on time management, planning, social skills, and emotional regulation

Practical Implementation

Concrete tool-building for organization, burnout prevention, and accountability

Progress Review

Regular tracking and plan adjustments to ensure continued growth and success

Success and Outcomes

Independence

Clients report greater self-sufficiency and confidence in managing daily responsibilities

Work-Life Balance

Improved ability to manage professional obligations while maintaining personal wellbeing

Social Connection

Enhanced communication skills leading to more meaningful relationships and social integration

Self-Advocacy

Stronger ability to express needs and navigate systems to access appropriate support

Start Your Journey with Cogni-Link Coaching

Free Consultation

Begin with a no-obligation introductory session to discuss your goals and determine if we're the right fit for your needs.

Simple Intake Process

Complete our streamlined assessment to help us understand your specific challenges and strengths before beginning sessions.

Personalized Support

Choose virtual or in-person coaching with flexible scheduling options for individuals and families seeking lasting change.

Differences Between ADHD and Autism

Understanding ADHD

Often presents with challenges in time perception and impulse control.

  • Underestimates time needed for tasks
  • Struggles with task initiation and completion
  • Experiences quick emotional shifts
  • Shows difficulty with sustained attention

Understanding Autism

Often presents with challenges in cognitive flexibility and social processing.

  • Prefers consistent routines and structure
  • May develop specialized knowledge in specific areas
  • Processes sensory information differently
  • Benefits from clear, direct communication

Our Coaching Approach

We tailor strategies to your unique neurocognitive profile.

  • Identify your specific executive function patterns
  • Build on inherent strengths and interests
  • Develop personalized systems that work with your brain
  • Practice collaborative problem-solving techniques

Sugar, Syrup, and Shutdowns: The Sweetener Effect on ADHD and Autism Brains

The Sugar Trap

Processed sweeteners cause rapid blood sugar spikes and crashes. particularly high fructose corn syrup and it's derivatives.

For ADHD/Autism brains, this contributes to executive function decline.

Brain Impact

Affects task initiation, working memory, and emotional regulation.

Creates a cycle of dopamine seeking and dysfunction.

Smarter Swaps

Choose honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar or better yet stevia or monk fruit.

Learning to pair complex carbohydrates with high quality protein and fats to stabilize the glucose response.

Even small changes to sweetener habits can improve focus, planning, and emotional regulation for adults with ADHD and autism. It is a good idea to consult with a dietician or nutritionist to eat correctly for your body and nutritional needs.

Books for Adults with ADHD

🔹 Core ADHD Management

  1. "Driven to Distraction" by Dr. Edward Hallowell & Dr. John Ratey
    – A classic introduction to ADHD in adults, now updated with neuroscience insights.
  1. "Delivered from Distraction" by Hallowell & Ratey
    – Companion to the above, with deeper guidance on treatment options, coaching, and mindset.
  1. "ADHD 2.0" by Hallowell & Ratey
    – Covers new brain science, nervous system regulation, and how to turn ADHD into a strength.
  1. "The ADHD Effect on Marriage" by Melissa Orlov
    – Focuses on how ADHD impacts adult relationships and offers actionable repair strategies.
  1. "You Mean I’m Not Lazy, Stupid, or Crazy?!" by Kate Kelly & Peggy Ramundo
    – An empowering and practical survival guide for adults with ADHD.

🧠 Executive Functioning Skills & Coaching

  1. "Smart but Scattered Adults" by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare
    – A workbook-style guide with self-tests and step-by-step EF strategies.
  1. "The Executive Functioning Workbook for Adults" by Rebecca Moyes
    – Activities and prompts for organizing, planning, and emotional regulation.
  1. "Your Brain’s Not Broken" by Tamara Rosier
    – A coaching-based approach to emotional regulation, motivation, and productivity for ADHD adults.

💬 Communication & Emotional Regulation for ADHD

  1. "Taking Charge of Adult ADHD" by Dr. Russell Barkley
    – Evidence-based, practical, and straightforward tools for managing ADHD in daily life.
  1. "Mindfulness for Adult ADHD" by Lidia Zylowska
    – Combines mindfulness, self-awareness, and neuroscience to improve attention and self-control.
  1. "Neurodivergent Magic" by Page Layle (forthcoming, based on her popular TikTok & podcast)
    – A modern, affirming view of ADHD and Autism intersectionality, especially for women.

💻 Web-Based Tools & Resources

Coaching & Skill Building

  • HowtoADHD.com: Jessica McCabe’s videos, community, and resources.

Self-Assessments & Support

  • CHADD: Advocacy, diagnosis info, treatment updates.
  • CADDRA: Clinical guidelines and Canadian-specific ADHD tools.

Books for Adults with ADHD + Autism (AuDHD)

🔹 Neurodivergent Identity & Late Diagnosis

  1. "Unmasking Autism" by Dr. Devon Price
    – Explores the impact of masking in Autistic adults, especially those who are also ADHD, queer, or AFAB. Empowering, inclusive, and research-informed.
  1. "Divergent Mind" by Jenara Nerenberg
    – Focuses on women and AFAB individuals with ADHD, Autism, HSP, and anxiety—offers affirming insight into sensory sensitivity and executive dysfunction.
  1. "Odd Girl Out" by Laura James
    – A memoir of late-diagnosed Autism and navigating life as a woman masking her differences.
  1. "I Think I Might Be Autistic" by Cynthia Kim
    – Gentle, relatable guide for self-discovery, especially for adults who suspect they may be Autistic.

🔹 Emotional Regulation, Sensory Issues, Executive Function

  1. "Your Brain’s Not Broken" by Tamara Rosier
    – Written by a coach who combines ADHD science with emotional regulation techniques. Extremely relevant for AuDHDers.
  1. "Smart but Scattered Teens" / "Smart but Scattered Adults" by Peg Dawson & Richard Guare
    – Practical executive function strategies, including for individuals with co-occurring ADHD/Autism traits.
  1. "The Autism-Friendly Guide to Self-Employment" by Niall McLaren
    – For neurodivergent adults navigating work settings that support their executive functioning and sensory needs.
  1. "The Independent Woman’s Handbook for Super Safe Living on the Autistic Spectrum" by Robyn Steward
    – Safety, self-advocacy, and navigating neurotypical spaces, including dating and independence.

💬 Relationships, Communication, and Boundaries

  1. "The ADHD Effect on Marriage" by Melissa Orlov
    – Excellent for those in ADHD/Neurodiverse relationships, with practical communication strategies.
  1. "Neurodivergent Love" (Podcast & Community) by Mona Kay
    – Focused on Autism + Neurotypical couples, often with ADHD overlap. Emotional regulation and attachment lens.
  1. "Love and Asperger's" by Kate McNulty, LCSW
    – Offers guidance for romantic relationships with insight into both partners’ neurotypes.

💻 Online Resources & Communities for AuDHD Adults

🧠 Advocacy, Education & Peer Support

  • Neurodivergent Insights by Dr. Megan Anna Neff – Excellent graphics, courses, and workbooks for AuDHD identity and sensory burnout.

Top 5 Tips for Navigating Neurodivergent Relationships

1

Understand Different Communication Styles

Recognize that neurodivergent individuals may process and express information differently. Direct communication with clear expectations often works best, reducing assumptions and misinterpretations that can lead to relationship strain.

2

Create Sensory-Friendly Environments

Be mindful of sensory sensitivities when planning activities or shared spaces. Establish "sensory check-ins" and develop a system for communicating when environments become overwhelming without triggering shame or guilt.

3

Respect Executive Function Differences

Develop systems that accommodate executive function challenges rather than expecting neurotypical approaches to time management, planning, and organization. Collaborate on strategies that work for both partners' unique brain wiring.

4

Practice Flexible Expectations

Understand that energy levels, social capacity, and emotional regulation may fluctuate. Build in recovery time after social events, work commitments, or sensory-heavy experiences, and avoid scheduling back-to-back demanding activities.

5

Cultivate Neurodiversity-Affirming Language

Frame differences as just that—differences, not deficits. Avoid pathologizing language that suggests neurodivergent traits need "fixing." Instead, celebrate the unique perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and creativity that neurodivergent thinking brings to relationships.

Remember that every neurodivergent person is unique. These strategies should be customized to your specific relationship dynamics, communication patterns, and individual needs. Couples coaching can help develop personalized approaches that honor both partners' neurotypes.

Introducing Cogni-Go

Your on-the-go support tool for ADHD and daily overwhelm — now in beta!

Cogni-Go is a companion app designed specifically for adults managing ADHD. With 29 pages of practical tools built right in, it's always there when you need it most.

Cogni-Go is currently in beta testing. We'd love your feedback as we continue to improve the experience for our community.

Daily Check-Ins

Start your day with a quick emotional and focus check-in to set yourself up for success.

Focus Sessions

Guided focus timers to help you get started and stay on track without burning out.

Emotional Resets

Calming tools and prompts to help you regulate when things feel overwhelming.

Gentle Support

Encouraging nudges and strategies tailored to how your brain works.

Ready to try it?

Try the Beta →

Connect with Cogni-Link Coaching

Phone

Reach us directly during business hours for questions or to schedule your first session from 8:00AM-2:00PM Monday-Fridays.

Text messages get faster responses.

608-477-2962

mailto: [email protected]

You can visit us by making an appointment.

Our office is conveniently located in the west side of Madison.

525 Junction Rd. Suite 6500

Madison, WI 53717

Schedule

Take the first step toward executive function mastery. Initial consultations available weekly.



Privacy Policy Highlights

At Cogni-Link Coaching, we value your privacy and are committed to transparency about how we handle your personal information. The following highlights our key privacy principles and practices designed to protect your data while providing our specialized coaching services.

Data Protection

We use encryption and secure protocols to protect your information.

  • All session notes and personal data are stored in HIPAA-compliant systems
  • Regular security audits ensure your information remains protected
  • Limited staff access to sensitive information on a need-to-know basis

Your data is only retained as long as necessary for service delivery and legal compliance. We maintain a detailed data retention schedule and securely delete information when no longer needed.

Your Rights

Access, delete, or correct your personal information at any time.

  • Request a complete copy of all data we hold about you
  • Submit corrections to ensure accuracy of your records
  • Exercise your right to be forgotten with complete data deletion
  • Restrict how we process certain types of your information

Opt out of marketing communications with a single click. We respect your communication preferences and make it easy to adjust them as needed. You can also specify which types of updates you wish to receive.

Our Commitment

We comply with HIPAA, GDPR, CCPA and coaching ethical standards.

  • Regular staff training on privacy best practices
  • Transparent notification process for any data incidents
  • Careful vetting of any technology partners or service providers
  • Annual review and updates to our privacy practices

We never sell your personal information to third parties. Your relationship with Cogni-Link Coaching is built on trust and confidentiality, which we uphold through strict data sharing limitations and clear consent processes for any necessary information sharing.

We recognize that adults with ADHD and autism spectrum conditions may have specific privacy concerns. Our coach, Deanna Houck, is available to discuss any questions about how your information is handled in the coaching relationship.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected] or 608-477-2962. We aim to respond to all privacy inquiries within 48 business hours.

Full policy effective 6/23/2025. Previous versions of our privacy policy are available upon request.

🔒 LEGAL DISCLAIMER TEMPLATE FOR EXECUTIVE FUNCTION COACH WEBSITE

Disclaimer & Terms of Use

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional psychological, medical, or legal advice.

By using this site, you understand that Cogni-Link Coaching DBA of Houck Training LLC provides coaching/counseling services only, but does not diagnose, or cure any mental health condition. Results are not guaranteed. Services are not a substitute for care needed by a psychologist, medical doctor, or other specialists. Always consult with your medical team.


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