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Feel Like Torture? 15 Writing Tips for College Students with ADHD

Time out of hand, papers everywhere. Assignments late or undone. There are definite ways to make a change. The question is: What are they?

College students with ADHD often have a severe impact on their studies. Inattentiveness leads to a disorganized writing process. They struggle keeping ideas in their mind long enough to remember what they want to say. Difficulty maintaining focus on their train of thought results in challenges so they don’t veer off course.

Unstructured thought results in difficulties organizing content. Multitasking is a skill lacking in most people. This is especially true for people with ADHD.

Writing tasks require the manipulation of ideas and details. Simultaneously, they must keep in mind the big picture being communicated. With the time and frustration taken to complete assignments, there is virtually no time (or energy) to create success.

Writing on the university level can be a wonderful way to express creative ideas. The challenge for students with ADHD is that they are 5 times more likely to have writing problems. Getting their ideas and thoughts on paper can be a real struggle.

Face greater responsibilities.
Have less structured time.
Encounter new social situations.
Difficulty with limited language skills.
Take longer getting started with writing assignments.

The writing process involves planning, analyzing, and organizing thoughts. Editing incorporates prioritizing and sequencing information. The same is true for both high school and college. Having difficulties organizing thoughts is the major challenge.

Several studies have found that college students with ADHD struggle organizing their thoughts. This can be exasperated by an executive functioning disorder. Starting with a simple systems gives them freedom to manipulate ideas. Working with several techniques to customize the process for individual skills and challenges.

Advanced Outline – Begin with Introduction and Conclusion as placeholders.

Cornell Notes – Asking questions, then answering them.

Sticky Note Outline/Brainstorm Board – Create small easy-to-manage pieces.

Adding to the challenges for students with ADHD are difficulties with working memory. They need strategies to remember what they’re writing about. Sequencing is important, deciding what they want to do next. High school skills can benefit how to apply grammar, capitalization, and punctuation rules. Having specific tools help in the long run.

Read and highlight in different colors.
Makes notes and doodle them.
Look up relevant samples.
Use mnemonics to create funny ways to remember information.
Provide 2 to 2.5 hours of study time per credit hour.

The differences between high school and college writing starts at the beginning. Students with ADHD can pull off good grades at the secondary level. However, odds are that these same strategies won’t work in college. They should use accommodations to support their efforts, especially extra time to complete assignments.

The middle of the college stage requires executive functioning skills. This pattern of chronic difficulties in executing daily tasks is common in people with ADHD. Targeted strategies can help.

Have some idea about what you want to write about.
Figure out how many hours you’ll need to work.
Block out hours on a schedule.
With a deadline in mind, sit down and do it.
Go digital by starting the process on a computer (mind-mapping, outlining)

Look for help from their professor. Start with ways to begin and how to proceed. Use an essay template as an example to show how to write and revise it.

Classmates are a great resource when starting and completing assignments. Both can share language and perspectives. Consider social skills throughout the interaction. Approach calmly, asking instead of demanding. Beginning conversations are important. It’s in the how.

Not everything works every time. Mix it up and see what happens. Taking multiple breaks and getting enough sleep are a good start.

Things can seem darkest before the dawn. Don’t let the challenges that ADHD presents stop your college progress. Asking for help sets the groundwork for future success.

Think of college like a job…one that YOU pay for.

For most students with ADHD, writing assignments are torturous.

Because students with ADHD often have trouble separating dominant (main) ideas from less dominant (subordinate) ideas, even starting a writing assignment can be an arduous and anxiety filled experience.

But none of these difficulties needs to keep your ADHD child from writing successfully in school. Use the eight strategies below to help your child write more easily and successfully.

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ADHD College Students: Use This Strategy To Write Papers

ADHD College Students : Here at ADHD Collective, we love highlighting the experiences and perspectives of like-minded people with ADHD. Izzy Walker started attending the weekly coworking sessions we launched in March 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic began. She showed up week after week and put in the hard work as she neared the semester’s end at University. When she accepted my invitation to share what she learned with our readers, I was thrilled, and I know you will be too. Please share Izzy’s helpful tips in your social circles, if you know a college student with ADHD who could benefit.

ADHD and College

Making it to university was a milestone I often thought I would never make. However, my experience was gloomy. Everything was disproportionately difficult, lectures were a confusing din, and every assignment was a mammoth struggle.

I changed university naively thinking it would be different somewhere else. It wasn’t. But it was there at my new university that my story of hope began, as one friend saw the immense struggle I was having and suggested that it could be ADHD.

This conversation was a catalyst for change, and set the ball rolling for me in my journey. It led to a heck of a lot of personal research, but also a meeting with an Educational Psychologist who after a series of testing gave me the diagnosis of ADHD and Dyspraxia .

When I read these words I felt an odd, overwhelming sense of relief. I wasn’t dumb, lazy, incapable, or ‘just not cut out to study’.

School reports year after year would echo the words, ‘distracted and distracting’, ‘capable but often off-task’, and ‘constantly questioning’. On paper I was doing well, the product of my work was good, so no flags had been raised, but deep down behind closed doors I was not doing well, the process was far from good. This has been the case throughout the whole of my education, and I just put it down to my capability.

Since diagnosis I have finished my 1 st assignment, and then my 2 nd , and then my 3 rd , and I am now looking onwards to my final year before being a qualified teacher. This time with hope and acceptance of who I am and who I can be with the right strategies and support in place.

Here are some that I have found the most game-changing when working on projects/assignments:

Give Yourself a New Deadline

I set myself a deadline a few days (at least) before the actual one. I have a real tendency to be scrambling right to the last minute and this helps avoid a lot of stress.

The whole point of this was to prevent a lot of unnecessary scrambling and stress. This also gave me time to edit (more on that later).

adhd paper make deadline five days before

As much as you can, it’s helpful to treat this earlier date as your actual deadline. One way I did this was only scheduling this earlier date on the calendar so it felt more real.

By finishing 5-6 days early, it offered me a window of time for editing and getting it ready to turn in. It also gave time to improve the paper should I have any middle of the night revelations…which I so often do!

Break Your Paper Down into Smaller Pieces

When I was presented with a 5,000 word assignment I felt immediately overwhelmed. I broke the assignment down into sections and assigned a word count to each one.

when I considered what my paper actually entailed, it didn’t seem so bad. Here's what the requirements consisted of:

Introduction - 1 section
Argument FOR - 3 sections
Argument AGAINST - 3 sections
Conclusion - 1 Section
Total length of the paper had to be 5,000 words.

It may seem very overly meticulous, but by spending 30 minutes doing this prevented what could have been HOURS of cutting back word count in the editing stages, and could also run the risk of having no clear structure.

I am a waffler, so without this structure, I would probably have gone WAY over the word limit anyway.

I also went one step further by writing a title for each of the points (on my plan only) and any key things I wanted/needed to mention.

For example, in an assignment on why outdoor learning should be a part of the primary curriculum, my points would be titled ‘educational benefits’, ‘health benefits’ and ‘social benefits’.

The contrary points could be titled ‘behavioural issues’, ‘lack of funding’, and ‘lack of training’. By breaking it down into bite size chunks I felt it was much more manageable.

Focus on One Section a Day

After breaking it down, I dedicated a day to each of the sections. For example, intro – Monday, section 1 – Tuesday, etc.

From my experience, I have found that having a specific measurable target makes it almost like a game. I found it very motivating watching the word count for that section going down as I typed.

By scheduling the sections out and putting them in my calendar, it allowed me to know when this assignment could realistically be finished by, rather than taking a guess and hoping for the best.

When I woke up, I was thinking, 'I have to write 650 words today!’ rather than ‘oh my goodness 5,000 words!?

I would recommend doing this step as soon as you get the assignment and the deadline date…even if you do nothing else towards it, so that you know when you must start.

Set a Mid-Way Checkpoint

it will save you a LOT of time in the editing stages if you do a little editing as you go along.

With the word count on this particular assignment being so big, I thought it would be wise to set a mid-way checkpoint to read through everything so far and make changes as necessary.

Normally, this would be done at the end but I knew I would have lost all interest and motivation by this point…so it would be better to save myself such a huge job. This also filled me with confidence because when I was writing the second half of the assignment and needed the extra boost, I knew that the first half was to a good standard.

Do Something Every Day (No Matter How Small)

I’m not going to lie, not everyday was as straightforward as ‘write one section a day’.

Some days I was crippled by demotivation, lethargy and not wanting to do ANYTHING.

The key times I noticed this was if I had worked too hard the previous day or if I had hit a difficult part. Believe me, working TOO hard is a THING.

My biggest piece of advice is…know your limits!

I’m no ADHD scientist, but I find my brain must be working harder because of the increased effort I am investing to even stand a chance of being able to concentrate.

Whilst I may feel just about fine at the time, the next day it takes its toll…big time…and maybe the work I did in my ‘overtime’ wasn’t even of the best quality anyway.

"If you just aren’t feeling it, do just one sentence, or find just one piece of theory. Just do one something ..."

This is another reason why my structured plan was really useful because it prevented me from unnecessarily going overboard…and meant that there was no real reason to anyway as I was already on track to finish on time.

If it’s the latter reason, that I’ve hit a difficult part, then there is nothing worse than putting it off another day because this ‘mental wall’ will just get HIGHER.

What did I find useful? If you just aren’t feeling it…do just ONE sentence, or find just ONE piece of theory you just use. Just do ONE something…so then you can feel at least partially accomplished and it’s not a blank section for when you do get back to it.

Best case scenario…that ONE something, could roll into TWO or THREE or FOUR somethings…and before you know it that section is done. Often it is just starting that is the difficult bit.

But worse case scenario…you tried and you can give it another shot tomorrow when your brain is a bit fresher. Productive days happen, utilise these and ride the waves…as do unproductive days…don’t allow the guilt to creep in.

Declutter Your Workspace

I even went to the extreme of removing the pen pot off the desk…in front of me all I had was paper, 1 pen, my lamp, and my laptop.

Minimalism has been a saviour for me during this time of discovering what works for me and what doesn’t. I’ve come to the conclusion that reducing physical clutter consequently reduces mental clutter. I also found the inverse to be true too, clearing my physical space gave me mental clarity.

declutter your work space for mental clarity

Whilst this is a visible practice in much of my life, it is especially apparent with my workspace . You’d be amazed what I can get distracted by when writing an assignment…even something as small and monotonous as a pen pot!

Firstly…I would recommend to ALWAYS have a work station with a proper chair when you are writing an assignment and never work from your bed. You must set yourself up for success.

Secondly, I have only the bare essentials in front of me…a pen, a lamp, paper, and my laptop. By keeping it minimal it also means it is easily portable if you want to ‘hot seat’ in your own house if you get bored of that scenery!

Use ADHD Coworking Sessions (and the Pomodoro Technique)

At the start of lockdown I stumbled upon a weekly coworking group ran by Adam from ADHD Collective. I can honestly put down a lot of my success to this…it was amazing!

Firstly, I felt so understood because the group was aimed at people with ADHD. This meant that everyone could share their experiences and not feel judged, but instead find themselves in a supportive community where they could also ask advice.

Each session was 2 hours long and attracted between 4 and 12 people, depending on the week.

It would start with each person sharing (with specifics) what task they wanted to achieve within the next 25 minute block.

coworking and pomodoro technique sense of urgency

By being specific it allowed for a strong element of accountability because at the end of the block, Adam, the ADHD coach and group host would check your progress and whether you had achieved what you wanted to achieve.

Working in 25 minute blocks is often referred to as the Pomodoro Technique . Whilst everyone else in the group is sharing their progress, it gives your brain the opportunity for a short break before starting the next block.

By having short bursts of activity I was able to concentrate and thus achieve more than I would have done if I tried to work for hours without breaks.

Additionally, having the accountability was an incentive for me because it was motivation and almost turned it into a game to try and get the activity finished in time.

I hope these college writing tips give you several options that might help you with your ADHD experience.

Now over to you!

Share the tools, strategies, and tips in the comments below that have helped you in your own journey with ADHD and college writing!

Izzy Walker

Izzy Walker is a trainee teacher in her final year at University in Newcastle, UK. When not studying, she can be found on spontaneous adventures, and meeting new people! To follow her as she navigates through the adventures of ADHD, student life, and teacher...find her on Instagram at @if.walker

Thank you so much.

I am an over 50 returning student trying to finish my undergraduate degree. I never knew I had ADHD until I started taking classes that required retention, organizing, and WRITING. At times, I even wondered if I lacked the skills to even finish. I, at times, self sabotage myself of success because of my struggles. I truly appreciate you sharing your experience. I’ve become desperate and will try anything at this point. I’m just glad to know that others understand my journey. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for this! In addition to these, I also find it really helpful to keep a “Random thoughts” notepad near me to jot down unrelated urges as I have them. Things like “refill water bottle” or “text Casey back” will still be there in 25 minutes, and knowing in advance that thoughts like ‘this will only take a second’ are lies makes them easier to put on the back burner.

Wow. Thank you, so much, Izzy. I developed ADHD only 3 years ago from a medication. I also decided to go back to college as a mom of 3 boys and the mental exhaustion and burnout is no joke. Papers have been the most challenging and this is the single most helpful tool I’ve found yet. I could feel the relief wash over me as I read through your guide. I feel inspired to tackle my papers in a new way now.

Hi, I am a mid-career student here going back for an MA part-time, while also working. I’ve never been formally diagnosed, but I tick all the boxes and I know now it is why I struggled with papers in college the first time around and why I developed so many systems to be organized in my work life. Was feeling a little burned out today while writing an academic paper and was looking for advice. I was amazed to see that your system is very similar to what I’ve been doing for myself to get through paper-writing! It’s reinforcing in a very good way. Thank you for sharing this. Best of luck to everyone with finding the solutions and tricks that work for them.

Hi Espy, appreciate the comment. Very cool to hear your intuitive system is similar (nice intuition!). If an additional accountability/community component would ever be useful, you’re always invited to our Wednesday ADHD Coworking Sessions. They’re free and we do them every Wednesday (you can sign up for upcoming sessions here: https://adhdcollective.com/adhd-coworking-session-online/ ). Would love to have you, Espy!

7 Productivity Hacks for Writers with ADHD

Last Updated on April 20, 2024 by Dr Sharon Baisil MD

Writers with ADHD often face productivity challenges thanks to symptoms like mind-wandering , impulsivity , and hyperfocus . Their brains seem to have minds of their own. While their thoughts race with creative ideas and insights, organizing these sparks into coherent written work can feel overwhelming.

Though ADHD presents real struggles, the right tools and techniques can help harness that energy into writing success. This article covers seven researched tips – leveraging apps , software , timers , and simple analog practices – to boost productivity for writers with attention deficit and other learning differences .

Whether you’re working on an essay , crafting code , or trying to structure your to-do list , these ADHD writer hacks will tame distractions to drive sustained progress. Let’s get started!

1. Use Body Doubling for Motivation & Focus

Writers with ADHD often feel “ motivation blindness,” struggling internally to persist despite having a sincere desire to finish writing tasks. Here, “body doubling” offers a clever hack…

The key premise: pair up in person or hop on a video call to co-work silently on independent tasks. While no active collaboration occurs, simply having a peer’s quiet presence boosts productivity for those with ADHD – “forcing” extra mental focus.

Body doubling leverages ADHD’s hyper-sensitivity to environmental stimuli. Facing another human – even virtually silent – chases away digital distractions. It kickstarts momentum.

Cozy office with two writers demonstrating body doubling, one using a laptop and another with a notebook, in a creatively inspiring setting.

“Accountability feels good…We’re pack animals at heart, so it makes sense that working alongside someone would prime our brains to focus,” explains ADHD coach Eric Tivers on Additude.

So next time you’re staring at a blank page, phone a friend or set up a co-working call. Deploy shared focus to unstick yourself. The pressure of an audience works wonders to spark and sustain writing progress.

2. Set Up Strict Blockers & Website Blocking Tools

Digital distractions constantly hijack writers with ADHD – every ping pulls mind-wanders into black holes of browsing. Even anticipating these interruptions stifles creative flow.

Enter website blockers: strict nannies limiting access to trigger sites/apps that tend to hook hyperfocus (a symptom dubbed as “ attention surplus disorder ”). They forcibly fend off time-suckers.

Effective options range from apps like Freedom or FocusMe for custom blocking schedules to browser extensions like StayFocusd (Chrome) and LeechBlock NG (Firefox), enabling quick timeout triggers when certain sites are activated (ex, block social media for 1 hour if you open YouTube).

Treat site blockers as sensory earmuffs, constructing focus tunnels to enter writing flow.

Focused writer's workspace with website blocker app on screen, featuring a neat desk with planner and coffee, embodying productivity and discipline

Apps like brain.fm provide ambient soundboards with options ranging from gentle rainstorms to lively cafes that hit the neural sweet spot. They offer subtle auditory nudges acting like muses rather than music distractions.

Or self-curate writing playlists filled with instrumental focus tracks. Many video game soundtracks like Skyrim or Zelda deliver epic yet ambient progression suited for concentration.

Customized audio backdrops boost mood while meeting sensory needs critical for sustained writing stamina. They also drown out random noises that may sporadically sidetrack.

Takeaway: Surround yourself with strength

Mastering productivity with ADHD requires understanding unique neurological needs around stimulation while boldly creating environments that nourish personal powers.

The hacks covered above offer starters – little life design tweaks fine-tuned to writer challenges that yield big results compounding over time.

Keep chasing discoveries and customizing the creative cockpit.

Stay curious and be compassionate to yourself. Your differences are actually secret superpowers in disguise.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can tools like speech recognition software help writers with conditions like dyslexia.

Great question! Writers with learning differences like dyslexia often get tangled up in mechanics instead of ideas. Speech tools empower them to get thoughts flowing freely without worrying about spelling, grammar, etc. Programs like speech recognition software give them a jumpstart by allowing hands-free drafting to capture ideas. Then, they can go back to edit and polish writing later. This saves cognitive load for dyslexic minds juggling multiple challenges. It lets them play to their strengths!

Do productivity hacks for ADHD writers also help obsessive perfectionists prone to writer’s block?

Absolutely! Whether it’s relentless mental critique or endlessly polishing instead of progressing, perfectionism can paralyze writing. Tools like website blockers short-circuit distraction loops while timers keep writers moving forward imperfectly. The key is finishing drafts first before refinements. Speech apps also enable quick vocal brainstorming to bypass initial over-analysis. The aim is to separate generative and editing mindsets. Perfectionists need that structured separation to overcome writing barriers.

How can speech tools help dyslexic children with creative writing assignments?

Speech-to-text software can provide vital support for a dyslexic child facing writing tasks. By allowing them to speak their ideas out loud instead of struggling in frustration to pen ideas down manually it liberates their creativity. These children often have amazingly unique perspectives and insights. Yet spelling hang-ups obstruct translating this into words. Speech tools remove this barrier – helping dyslexic students showcase their true talents through hands-free drafting. Whether it’s an English assignment or group project collaboration, speech recognition gives them an equal platform to participate. Their voices get heard – literally!

Should writers rely solely on built-in automated spell-checkers?

While auto spell-check programs can catch typos on the fly, solely relying on them is risky. They won’t highlight correctly spelled words used incorrectly or other intricate errors. And since spell-checkers lack context, they may auto-replace words, changing the intended meaning. So lean on them lightly during drafts as an assist rather than authority. You should still actively check work later, or use additional tools like Grammarly for deeper checks. We all make mistakes – software included – so the most diligent option is leveraging technology as an aid while retaining a human gut check on writing.

Most Read Articles in 2023:

Hi, I am a doctor by profession, but I love writing and publishing ebooks. I have self-published 3 ebooks which have sold over 100,000 copies. I am featured in Healthline, Entrepreneur, and in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology blog.

Whether you’re a busy professional or an aspiring author with a day job, there’s no time like now to start publishing your ebook! If you are new to this world or if you are seeking help because your book isn’t selling as well as it should be – don’t worry! You can find here resources, tips, and tricks on what works best and what doesn’t work at all.

In this blog, I will help you to pick up the right tools and resources to make your ebook a best seller.

ADHD is my superpower: A personal essay

Our clinical and medical experts , ranging from licensed therapists and counselors to psychiatric nurse practitioners, author our content, in partnership with our editorial team. In addition, we only use authoritative, trusted, and current sources. This ensures we provide valuable resources to our readers. Read our editorial policy for more information.

Thriveworks was established in 2008, with the ultimate goal of helping people live happy and successful lives. We are clinician-founded and clinician-led. In addition to providing exceptional clinical care and customer service, we accomplish our mission by offering important information about mental health and self-improvement.

We are dedicated to providing you with valuable resources that educate and empower you to live better. First, our content is authored by the experts — our editorial team co-writes our content with mental health professionals at Thriveworks, including therapists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and more.

We also enforce a tiered review process in which at least three individuals — two or more being licensed clinical experts — review, edit, and approve each piece of content before it is published. Finally, we frequently update old content to reflect the most up-to-date information.

Two kids with adult in front of mountain

A Story About a Kid

In 1989, I was 7 years old and just starting first grade. Early in the school year, my teacher arranged a meeting with my parents and stated that she thought that I might be “slow” because I wasn’t performing in class to the same level as the other kids. She even volunteered to my parents that perhaps a “special” class would be better for me at a different school.

Thankfully, my parents rejected the idea that I was “slow” out of hand, as they knew me at home as a bright, talkative, friendly, and curious kid — taking apart our VHS machines and putting them back together, filming and writing short films that I’d shoot with neighborhood kids, messing around with our new Apple IIgs computer!

The school, however, wanted me to see a psychiatrist and have IQ tests done to figure out what was going on. To this day, I remember going to the office and meeting with the team — and I even remember having a blast doing the IQ tests. I remember I solved the block test so fast that the clinician was caught off guard and I had to tell them that I was done — but I also remember them trying to have me repeat numbers back backwards and I could barely do it!

Being Labeled

The prognosis was that I was high intelligence and had attention-deficit disorder (ADD). They removed the hyperactive part because I wasn’t having the type of behavioral problems like running around the classroom (I’ll cover later why I now proudly identify as hyperactive). A week later, my pediatrician started me on Ritalin and I was told several things that really honestly messed me up.

I was told that I had a “learning disability” — which, to 7-year-old me, didn’t make any sense since I LOVED learning! I was told that I would take my tests in a special room so that I’d have fewer distractions. So, the other kids would watch me walk out of the classroom and ask why I left the room when tests were happening — and they, too, were informed that I had a learning disability.

As you can imagine, kids aren’t really lining up to be friends with the “disabled” kid, nor did they hold back on playground taunts around the issue.

These were very early days, long before attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was well known, and long before people had really figured out how to talk to kids with neurodiversities . And as a society, we didn’t really have a concept that someone who has a non-typical brain can be highly functional — it was a time when we didn’t know that the world’s richest man was on the autism spectrum !

Growing Past a Label

I chugged my way through elementary school, then high school, then college — getting consistent B’s and C’s. What strikes me, looking back nearly 30 years later, is just how markedly inconsistent my performance was! In highly interactive environments, or, ironically, the classes that were the most demanding, I did very well! In the classes that moved the slowest or required the most amount of repetition, I floundered.

Like, I got a good grade in the AP Biology course with a TON of memorization, but it was so demanding and the topics were so varied and fast-paced that it kept me engaged! On the opposite spectrum, being in basic algebra the teacher would explain the same simple concept over and over, with rote problem practice was torturously hard to stay focused because the work was so simple.

And that’s where we get to the part explaining why I think of my ADHD as a superpower, and why if you have it, or your kids have it, or your spouse has it… the key to dealing with it is understanding how to harness the way our brains work.

Learning to Thrive with ADHD

Disclaimer : What follows is NOT medical advice, nor is it necessarily 100% accurate. This is my personal experience and how I’ve come to understand my brain via working with my therapist and talking with other people with ADHD.

A Warp Speed Brain

To have ADHD means that your brain is an engine that’s constantly running at high speed. It basically never stops wanting to process information at a high rate. The “attention” part is just an observable set of behaviors when an ADHD person is understimulated. This is also part of why I now openly associate as hyperactive — my brain is hyperactive! It’s constantly on warp speed and won’t go any other speed.

For instance, one of the hardest things for me to do is fill out a paper check. It’s simple, it’s obvious, there is nothing to solve, it just needs to be filled out. By the time I have started writing the first stroke of the first character, my mind is thinking about things that I need to think about. I’m considering what to have for dinner, then I’m thinking about a movie I want to see, then I come up with an email to send — all in a second.

I have to haullll myself out of my alternate universe and back to the task at hand and, like a person hanging on the leash of a horse that’s bolting, I’m struggling to just write out the name of the person who I’m writing the check to! This is why ADHD people tend to have terrible handwriting, we’re not able to just only think about moving the pen, we’re in 1,000 different universes.

On the other hand, this entire blog post was written in less than an hour and all in one sitting. I’m having to think through a thousand aspects all at once. My dialog: “Is this too personal? Maybe you should put a warning about this being a personal discussion? Maybe I shouldn’t share this? Oh, the next section should be about working. Should I keep writing more of these?”

And because there is so much to think through and consider for a public leader like myself to write such a personal post, it’s highly engaging! My engine can run at full speed. I haven’t stood up for the entire hour, and I haven’t engaged in other nervous habits I have like picking things up — I haven’t done any of it!

This is what’s called hyperfocus, and it’s the part of ADHD that can make us potentially far more productive than our peers. I’ve almost arranged my whole life around making sure that I can get myself into hyperfocus as reliably as possible.

Harnessing What My Brain Is Built For

Slow-moving meetings are very difficult for me, but chatting in 20 different chat rooms at the same time on 20 different subjects is very easy for me — so you’ll much more likely see me in chat rooms than scheduling additional meetings. Knowing what my brain is built for helps me organize my schedule, work, and commitments that I sign up for to make sure that I can be as productive as possible.

If you haven’t seen the movie “Everything Everywhere All At Once,” and you are ADHD or love someone who is, you should immediately go watch it! The first time I saw it, I loved it, but I had no idea that one of its writers was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult , and decided to write a sci-fi movie about an ADHD person! The moment I read that it was about having ADHD my heart exploded. It resonated so much with me and it all made sense.

Practically, the only real action in the movie is a woman who needs to file her taxes. Now, don’t get me wrong — it’s a universe-tripping adventure that is incredibly exciting, but if you even take a step back and look at it, really, she was just trying to do her taxes.

But, she has a superpower of being able to travel into universes and be… everywhere all at once. Which is exactly how it feels to be in my mind — my brain is zooming around the universe and it’s visiting different thoughts and ideas and emotions. And if you can learn how to wield that as a power, albeit one that requires careful handling, you can do things that most people would never be able to do!

Co-workers have often positively noted that I see solutions that others miss and I’m able to find a course of action that takes account of multiple possibilities when the future is uncertain (I call it being quantum brained). Those two attributes have led me to create groundbreaking new technologies and build large teams with great open cultures and help solve problems and think strategically.

It took me until I was 39 to realize that ADHD isn’t something that I had to overcome to have the career I’ve had — it’s been my superpower .

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Published Jul 15, 2022

The information on this page is not intended to replace assistance, diagnosis, or treatment from a clinical or medical professional. Readers are urged to seek professional help if they are struggling with a mental health condition or another health concern.

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How To Study With ADHD: Tips For College Students

Studying with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be difficult. However, finding strategies designed for support may help you succeed in an academic environment. Some students with ADHD may struggle with focus, organization, and time management. However, different study techniques may improve productivity, like breaking tasks into steps and using reminders.

Different learning tools and approaches may also help students overcome common obstacles. For example, multimodal learning techniques, such as combining reading with listening to recorded notes, may support memory retention. Finding a system that works best for you and staying consistent could be the first steps to improving your focus and daily routine.

What is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?

In adult and adolescent psychiatry, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder and form of neurodivergence that affects brain processes related to attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. This condition is often diagnosed in childhood but continues into adulthood and is lifelong. There is no cure for ADHD, but symptoms can often be managed with professional support and lifestyle changes.

What are the core ADHD symptoms?

People with an ADHD brain often have difficulty focusing on tasks and may be easily distracted by unrelated stimuli. They may have trouble organizing activities and remembering routine tasks. Hyperactivity develops as constant fidgeting, an inability to stay seated, and excessive talking. Those with impulsivity problems might interrupt others or make decisions without considering the consequences. While these behaviors can appear in anyone occasionally, they are more intense and common in people with ADHD.

Symptoms of ADHD can affect academic performance, social interactions, and overall daily life. ADHD can occur alongside other mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which can further complicate daily life. When functioning challenges impact someone’s productivity, they might consider seeking professional support.

How ADHD symptoms can affect students

ADHD symptoms can affect students' abilities in many areas. Challenges might include poor working memory, inconsistent academic performance, and procrastination, among others.

Poor working memory

If you’re a student with ADHD, you may have problems with working memory , finding holding and using information in the short term difficult. For example, you might forget instructions almost immediately or struggle to remember facts during tests. In addition, working memory problems may affect long-term retention of information. These problems may be challenging if you want to recall previous lessons or concepts. As a result, studying might feel overwhelming, especially during intense study sessions or exams.

Procrastination

Procrastination is a common problem with ADHD. You might put off starting assignments until the last minute, which can be due to becoming overwhelmed by the task or easily distracted by other activities. Procrastination may lead to rushed work and unnecessary stress.

Disorganization

Disorganization can cause problems for students with ADHD. You might lose track of study notes, assignments, or important dates. Disorganized study spaces and schedules may lead to missed deadlines and forgotten tasks.

Inconsistent academic performance

ADHD often leads to different academic results. Some days, you might perform well, while other days, you might struggle. Getting inconsistent grades may be confusing and frustrating for you and your professors. This inconsistency can also make it hard to predict your academic performance. The changes in performance might be due to varying levels of motivation. On good days, you might feel motivated and focused. On challenging days, any task might seem like climbing a mountain.

Difficulty following instructions

Students with ADHD often struggle to follow instructions, including verbal and written directions. You might miss key steps or misunderstand the requirements of an assignment. This difficulty can come from a lack of focus or a tendency to get distracted during important explanations.

Trouble completing tasks

Finishing tasks may be a hurdle for students with ADHD. You might start one task with enthusiasm but struggle to complete it. You might lose interest, get distracted, or become overwhelmed by different assignments.

Exercises to strengthen working memory

Specific exercises like chunking, visualization, repetition drills, and mind mapping may strengthen your working memory. Each method improves your ability to store and retrieve information efficiently during different tasks.

Chunking involves breaking down information into smaller, manageable parts. For example, if you’re trying to remember a phone number, you can split it into sections like "123-456-7890" instead of recalling all ten digits. Consider grouping related concepts together to help them stick in your memory. Some people find chunking particularly useful for subjects that require memorization, like history or biology.

Visualization

Visualization can mean creating mental images to represent the information you want to remember. If you're studying a list of vocabulary words, imagine vivid and humorous images that connect with the meanings. The brain often remembers images better than words alone. You can also use diagrams and charts to visualize complex information, improving recall during tests or projects.

Repetition drills

Repetition may also strengthen short and long-term memory . Repetition drills involve reviewing information repeatedly until it becomes ingrained. Use flashcards for subjects like vocabulary or key facts, and test yourself frequently. Spacing these drills over days or weeks may support better retention than cramming the night before an exam. Combine repetition drills with other techniques, like chunking, to maximize their effectiveness.

(H3) Mind mapping

Mind mapping is a visual tool that may help individuals organize information to mimic how the brain works. Start with a central idea and use keywords or images to branch out with related topics. For instance, if you’re studying for a history exam, you can place the main event in the center and branch out with crucial dates, figures, and impacts. Mind mapping may be particularly effective for subjects with complex concepts, such as sociology or literature. These exercises may be practiceal ways to boost working memory, supporting more effective studying and information retention.

Other study strategies for students with ADHD

You may also use other strategies that focus on your strengths and work with your needs. For example, you could try studying with a partner, taking frequent breaks, setting specific goals, and creating a dedicated study space.

Study with a partner

Studying with a partner, tutor, or ADHD coach may make study sessions more interactive. Partners can help each other stay focused and on track. Sharing notes and discussing study materials may also make learning more dynamic. You can receive and provide instant feedback and clarification on complex topics. By explaining concepts to other students, you can reinforce your learning. Try to choose partners or groups who are equally motivated and can help you get the most out of the study session.

Take frequent breaks

Frequent breaks may help you stay focused and productive. The Pomodoro technique , which involves studying for 25 minutes and then taking a five-minute break, may be especially effective. This method may prevent burnout and keep the mind fresh. After four study intervals, a longer break of 15 to 20 minutes can be taken. Study breaks can involve activities that relax the mind, like stretching or taking a short walk. Avoid distracting sounds and environments during breaks, as returning to studying may be more difficult for you.

Set specific goals for each session

Setting clear, specific goals for each study session may help you stay focused and motivated. Instead of vague goals like "study history," set targets such as "review chapters three and four" or "complete practice problems." By setting goals, you can break down tasks into manageable chunks. Use tools like checklists to track progress. Rewarding yourself after achieving goals may offer motivation and make studying less draining.

Create a dedicated study space

A dedicated study space with few distractions can be an optimal learning environment. Try to make this space quiet, free from clutter, and with your study materials within reach. Tools like noise-canceling headphones may reduce distracting sounds. In addition, avoid studying in places associated with relaxation or entertainment, as these places may make maintaining focus more challenging.

Use graphic organizers

Graphic organizers like mind maps, charts, and diagrams may be helpful tools for organizing information visually. By breaking information into visual chunks, graphic organizers may make processing and recall more efficient. Students with ADHD may benefit from color-coding notes and using symbols to highlight key points. You can use these tools while taking notes or reviewing study materials.

Resources for support for college students with ADHD

Finding adequate support when managing ADHD in college can be difficult. Colleges often offer a range of services that may provide support and guidance, such as the following:

On-campus health centers: Some universities have health centers that provide counseling and mental health services. These centers may provide personalized support for students managing ADHD.
Online therapy platforms: Online therapy platforms can provide convenient access to licensed therapists. Students can access therapy sessions from the comfort of their dorm rooms.
National mental health organizations: Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provide resources and support for students with ADHD. NAMI offers information on managing symptoms, finding local support, and advocacy.
Student support groups: Some colleges have peer support groups and clubs focused on mental wellness. These groups may offer a sense of community and understanding among students with similar challenges.
Specialized colleges: Certain colleges, such as Beacon College and Landmark College , focus specifically on students with learning differences. These schools provide tailored programs to help students succeed academically.
Online resources and tools: Some websites offer tips and strategies for managing ADHD in college. These sites may help students with learning study habits and organizational skills.
Crisis hotlines: Immediate support is available through various crisis hotlines, such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline . This hotline offers support for any student in distress.

Finding resources may help students manage ADHD. Support is available through online platforms, national organizations, or campus services to help students succeed academically and personally.

Finding a therapist

Finding effective and accessible care can be challenging. Students with ADHD might benefit from using an online therapy platform like BetterHelp for accessibility. By leveraging digital platforms, finding affordable care and connecting with a therapist may be more accessible. Therapists can provide support that fits a student's schedule, potentially making maintaining consistent therapy sessions easier. With online options, students can receive specific types of therapy that help them manage symptoms and improve focus.

Studies have shown that online therapy may be effective for people with ADHD. Researchers analyzed six studies involving 261 people with ADHD to see if online therapy for ADHD could be effective. They found that online interventions improved attention and social skills, with attention scores improving by an average of 0.73 points and social function scores improving by 0.59 points compared to those on a waiting list.

Studying with ADHD can be challenging, but the right strategies may help you succeed in your studies. You can try techniques like setting goals, taking regular breaks, and setting up a calm study space. Try to use techniques that play to your strengths. By experimenting with these methods, you may be able to manage ADHD symptoms and improve your ability to learn and retain information. Consider contacting a therapist online or in your area for tailored mental health support in this process.

Exploring Student Stress And How To Cope As A Stressed Student Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson , MA
Signs Of Academic Burnout And How To Manage Them Medically reviewed by Julie Dodson , MA
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ADHD Adults

ADHD Tips You Haven’t Tried Yet

What helps adults and parents manage life with adhd these 80 reader-submitted adhd tips — high tech and low tech — might seem quirky but try them to see your adhd in a new light..

ADHD minds are creative minds. We see solutions where others see only insurmountable, exhausting problems. This is especially true when those “problems” are idiosyncrasies associated with ADHD. Case in point: An ADDitude reader recently shared with us this everyday life hack: Set your coffeemaker to brew at 7 am — and remove the pot. If you don’t get up, you will have a kitchen counter covered in java. Brilliant!

Here, find a wide range of creative tips — straight from the ADDitude community — for handling the challenges that life throws at adults and parents living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD or ADD ).

For Adults: ADHD Tips For Disorganization

I carry a colorful wallet, so I can find it quickly in my handbag.

A few times a year, I get a clutter companion to help me sort clutter into four piles: “keep,” “toss,” “donate,” and “age.” I revisit the “age” items three months later, and make a decision then.

I invite people over for dinner or a visit, so I have to clean up to get ready for them.

[ Get This Free Download: 11 ADHD Coping Mechanisms ]

I create a document “hot spot” for time-sensitive documents. I place up to five papers there, each representing a different task that needs to be attended to within the next 24 hours.

I stay organized by hanging a list of tasks to do on the inside of my front door. I see it several times a day, including every time I leave the apartment.

I attach electronic fobs to my keys and other important items. I press a button on the base unit and follow the beeps to my keys.

I keep a small plastic baggie in my purse for receipts and another in the glove compartment of my car.

[ Take This Test: Are Your Clutter and Disorganization Out of Control? ]

I store items that are used together near each other, so I don’t have to run around to get the things I need to do a job. I keep wrapping paper, tape, scissors, and ribbons in the same closet.

I clean up in stages. I’ll dust everything one day, clean the sink and toilet while my daughter is in the bath, and vacuum all the rooms on another day.

I turn on music and keep moving while I clean and tidy up from room to room.

I write important things down on brightly colored paper. It’s easier to find an orange or green to-do list if, and when, I misplace it.

After I clean up my dining room table, I set the table, so that I won’t put stuff on it again.

I write myself a note and stick it right in my pocket. When I reach for something in that pocket, I see what I need to do.

For Adults: ADHD Tips For Impulsive Moments

I say the Serenity Prayer a lot. In situations in which I might be impulsive, I tell myself to “play the tape forward.” It makes a huge difference for me.

My wife has been good at helping me be aware of my impulses. My biggest strategy is delay. I let a totally urgent impulse (usually a purchase) wait for a few days, up to a few months. If it’s really important, the “need” will still be there.

I turn an imaginary key in my pocket to “lock” my mouth when I want to say something impulsively.

I start each day with a five-minute mindfulness session, and I set a daily intention, which I focus on throughout the day. For instance: “Today I will notice my emotions and urges before acting on them.” I also set a reminder to do this, to keep me focused on it.

To curb impulsive shopping, I ask myself: Do I really need it? Do I absolutely love it? Do I know exactly where it will live at home? If I want to make an impulsive clothes purchase, I have rules: It has to fit me perfectly, look great on me, and I have to have a place in mind to wear it. If I answer no to any of these questions, I don’t buy it.

My impulse buys have been greatly reduced by using my smartphone camera! I take a picture of anything that looks awesome that I want. Later on, I look at the picture or show it to my husband, and decide if I still want it.

I mentally erase the faces of people that I have an urge to say something personal to. This helps me address the problem, not the person.

Google Keep is my favorite “jot down idea” app, because I can set reminders for my habit. When I jot down what I want to say, the impulsive feeling is quelled.

I plan ahead. I make sure I know who, what, where, and when before I go to an event or a meeting.

One of my favorite relaxation techniques has always been to clean house. It keeps me focused and physically engaged. When I clean something, anything, and make it look like new, I feel not only satisfaction but accomplishment.

When I am stressed, I read through e-mails that are unimportant. It distracts me, so I can calm myself down.

Meditation. It calms me, and helps me clear my brain of life’s challenges. I feel like I can start fresh.

Music and exercise! I was a dancer for 10 years, so turning on music and moving my body settles me very quickly. I also run, do strength training, or get outside, no matter what the weather is like. The smells, sounds, sun on my skin, and the beauty that surrounds me calm me immediately.

Listening to audio books satisfies my desire to read, and lets me think about the book, not the rest of the world.

The more I look at my phone, the less I can settle my mind. By putting the phone down, I unplug from social media and the Internet, reminding me that it’s only a small part of my life.

I garden for two hours a day.

I do Zumba. I have to focus so hard on getting the steps right that I can’t think about anything else.

My Bible and Christian and classical music calm me. I have memorized many verses that remind me of my worth in God’s eyes. I also refer to verses that remind me that I can do what I need to do.

Going for a walk in the woods helps, as does planning some time in the day when I’m allowed to just daydream.

For Adults: ADHD Tips For Getting Things Done

The Google calendar on my smartphone, with its reminder notifications and e-mails, is a lifesaver for me. Because it is on my phone, I am likely to have it with me at home, at work, or on the run.

E-mailing myself is a good way to keep track of work that has been accomplished or is underway. My e-mails remind me of things to do while my mind is focused on something else.

Call me old-fashioned, but sticky notes and making lists are key for me to remember what I need to do.

As an online college student, I paste my school assignments for the week into an e-mail I send to myself. As I complete assignments, I remove them from this list. It is impossible to lose the list.

I have one notebook that I write everything in.

My smartphone is my backup brain! Forget paper organizers. I take pictures when I see something that catches my interest that I want to do something about. I don’t have to write down a phone number or other information.

Google Calendar helps you organize your schedule by blocking out your time in different colors — very helpful for people with ADHD who need things to stand out.

A family calendar keeps everyone’s activities written down in one place. “Mom’s Taxi” is doing much better at dropping off and picking up the kids because there’s a calendar hanging up in an obvious place.

I use a Passion Planner . It’s a regular, pen-and-paper planner, but it has monthly “check up” questions to see how my month was. I can assess how I did with managing my time and get positive quotations to inspire me.

I use a pen/paper/calendar approach. Writing things down helps me to remember them, and hanging the calendar in a busy area gets me to notice when things are happening/due.

For Parents: ADHD Tips on Discipline

When my son acts up, I take a time-out. I say, “I need time alone” and go to another room for a few minutes. Now he occasionally does this, too.

I never let my out-of-control child cause me to respond to him in kind. I talk to him in a calm voice.

I sit down with my child and make up reward coupons. The coupons are for whatever he loves to do — stay up late on a weekend night, eat pizza, earn $5. The point is to motivate the child to learn self-control.

I help my daughter feel valued, loved, and competent. When I do that, she is more likely to listen to me when I ask her to do something or not do something.

I keep my words to a minimum when I discipline my son. Words are like tires. Each time they rotate against the pavement, they lose tread and become less efficient at starting, stopping, and steering.

When I give my son commands, I use the same basic sentence structure for each one. For example, “Justin, you need to turn off the television” or “Justin, you need to put your shoes in your closet.” He soon realizes that any time he hears his name followed by “you need to,” he must comply.

I have a plan in place for when my teen misbehaves. If he skips school, calls me names, or breaks curfew, I know what I will say and how I will act, so I can deal with things calmly and constructively.

We do not criticize or punish him for things that are not under his control — such as the biological symptoms of ADHD . An adolescent with ADHD who has an emotional meltdown is not being “bad” — he is being emotional.

To avoid getting angry at my son’s misbehavior, I think like a cop. When a policeman pulls you over for speeding, he doesn’t yell at you or tell you how awful you are. He says, “Do you realize how fast you were going? License and registration.” You did the crime, you get the punishment. My son doesn’t intuitively know what’s expected of him and what’s going to happen, so I make a point of telling him ahead of time.

I talk softly, so that my son has to quiet down to hear me. His curiosity causes him to listen up.

For Parents: ADHD Tips For Getting Teachers On Your Team

Be as nice as possible and volunteer frequently for school activities. The school tends to help the child of the parent who is always helping the school.

We work best with teachers when we keep communication lines open. We ask for their suggestions to help us work together effectively. We acknowledge that our children’s needs require extra time and effort from them, and we make sure to thank them.

I e-mail teachers with positive feedback. Homing in on those teachers who accept your child, and encourage him, gets better results than trying to change a teacher who may never understand.

Show respect to the teacher, and he will respect the needs of your child.

I call teachers by their first names. It breaks down the parent-teacher barrier and encourages open discussion and partnership.

I bring a snack to teacher meetings. The teachers appreciate it, and it gets the meeting off to a good start.

I always start the meeting by telling my son, “This is the team that wants to see you do well at school. They want to know what will help you. Can you tell them what you think will help you do your best, and why you think it will help?”

The teacher and I share information, which has made us closer. We use a behavior card that goes from home to school, and back, each day. I send the teacher handy tips that I think are helpful from websites that address attention deficit.

I sometimes give a quick reminder to a teacher about the basics of an ADHD or Asperger diagnosis. It helps to re-focus her to be more positive in working toward a solution.

I calm him down before he starts — whether by playing with putty or a fidget toy . Oral stimulation takes the edge off, too: blowing bubbles, sucking sour candy or applesauce through a straw, or eating crunchy carrots. After this rest period, he is ready to go.

Because our son cannot handle normal household distractions, we take him to our public library every night when he has homework. I play on my computer or read a book while he does his work. He works and I relax.

We make homework a chore that he gets paid for.

I spend 15 minutes in the room with him, reading a magazine or organizing a drawer, until he gets underway with his homework. My presence settles his mind.

Hiring a tutor helped our teen organize and complete his work. He respects her, and his dad and I are no longer the “bad guys” in the homework battle.

Have her do it in school. My daughter was too embarrassed to be in a resource class, so she does her homework sitting outside the counselor’s office.

Joining a homework club has been a godsend. My son gets help right after school, while his meds are still working.

We scheduled an empty period in her school day, when she is most focused, to allow her to do her homework.

My son uses the “shifts approach” when studying. “Shifting” is not multitasking, it is having a student work on a subject until his attention starts drifting. When it drifts, he works on another subject.

For Parents: ADHD Tips For Kids Who Can’t Get To Sleep

I dim the lights in my twin daughters’ room, rock them in the rocking chair, read them a story, sing to them a bit, and then put on a special CD. They know that, when the CD starts, it is time for sleep.

We talk about my son’s day. We put all the good things on an imaginary disk and file it away in his memory bank. I ask him to delete the bad things, and he winds up falling asleep.

My daughter, who has ADHD and ODD , takes 5 mg. of melatonin before bed. It calms her down in 45 minutes, and helps her sleep soundly.

I have my son take a lukewarm bath or shower before bed, then have him read. The routine is reassuring to him and calms him down.

I give him a warm glass of milk and a nice, gentle back massage.

We play classical music and a repetitive video, like an animated ball bouncing across a TV or computer screen.

I turned my child’s bed away from the doorway, so he isn’t disturbed by light coming through it. And I bought a clock with a face that lights up only when it is pressed. Light is disruptive to a sound sleep.

I use a window fan to block out noise from the house and street. Also, I remove scratchy tags from pajamas, and I never combine flannel pajamas with flannel sheets. They stick together, which can prevent a child from settling down.

I have my child focus on her breathing while she visualizes an elevator, gently ascending and descending with every inhalation and exhalation. She is in dreamland in five minutes.

I lower the lights and have my son pray. I tell him to trust God to quiet his mind.

[ Get This Free Download: Sleep Solutions for Kids with ADHD ]

Best Strategies for Living Well with ADHD

Apps 4 u: do more each day.

My daughter uses the app Brili to accomplish routines that used to take more than an hour and required my supervision. With the app, she knocks things out in 40 minutes without supervision.
I struggle with finances, and my husband and I fight about them a lot, especially when I make impulse purchases. The app YNAB (#CommissionsEarned) is a godsend.
I am always late for something — business meetings, dates, and so on — because I always start out late. Waze is a great traffic app that gets me to work and other places on time.
Out of Milk helps me organize grocery lists. With this app, I scan in and categorize my household inventory, and set up specific lists for each place I will need to shop.
We all forget our password from time to time, even if we don’t have ADHD. LastPass is a lifesaver when this happens. I create a master password, and the app gives me access to the 40 passwords I use.

APPS 4 U: Calm Down

Headspace and Calm provide guided meditation. After a couple of minutes of listening, my brain is much calmer.
I use an app called Breathe2Relax. It never fails to slow me down and come back to the present.
I use BOLD Tranquility , which is like taking a 15-minute nap. It leaves me refreshed. I also listen to Yoga Nidra when my mind is racing. Its guided meditation scripts are calming.
Naturespace delivers 3D nature sounds. The sound is so realistic that I feel like I’m actually at the beach, meadow, wherever.

APPS 4 U: Manage Time

I love IQTell, which I use on my smartphone, iPad, and laptop. All of my e-mail and tasks are in one place, and as I receive new e-mail, the app allows me to turn it into tasks, projects, contacts, and calendars.
Google Keep. It allows me to make a list and to set a reminder based on date and exact time.
CalenMob syncs my school assignment calendar, Google Calendar, and Outlook Calendar into one place, so I don’t have to check three calendars. This has cut down on double- and triple-booking myself.
The Pocket app saves links to articles I want to read later.
I love Cortana. My phone is connected to my car through Bluetooth, so if I’m driving and remember something I need to do, I speak to Cortana to set a reminder.
I use the Home Routines app. I check off my tasks, and the next day, the app resets them for me, based on what I have accomplished the day before. It’s invaluable.
The biggest helper I have is an app called ColorNote. I can talk or type a new note at any time and put whatever I want into that note. Otherwise, I can’t remember where I put things I wrote down or what program I put them in.

NOTE : Please note that all names, models, prices, links, and specifications were accurate and items were in stock at the time of this article’s last update on January 31, 2022.

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#CommissionsEarned As an Amazon Associate, ADDitude earns a commission from qualifying purchases made by ADDitude readers on the affiliate links we share. However, all products linked in the ADDitude Store have been independently selected by our editors and/or recommended by our readers. Prices are accurate and items in stock as of time of publication

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Understanding Mental Fatigue in ADHD

Simply Managing ADHD Symptoms Can Be Exhausting

Maria Korneeva / Getty Images

The stereotypical image of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is someone brimming with energy, like the energizer bunny. They have so much that they can’t sit still or focus on one task for very long.

That stereotype is an oversimplification at best and entirely inaccurate for millions of people with ADHD at worst.

In fact, emerging research shows that one of the most prevalent symptoms of ADHD is not excess energy but the lack of it in the form of mental fatigue.

What Is Mental Fatigue?

Mental fatigue refers to a feeling of cognitive and emotional exhaustion that manifests as feeling too tired to think. Any kind of cognitive effort, from responding to a text message to deciding what TV show to watch, becomes impossibly overwhelming. Your motivation to complete tasks, even ones you’d normally be excited about or at least comfortable with, is all but nonexistent.

Temporary episodes of mental fatigue can happen to anyone after a period of intensive mental effort. Just like physical exercise makes you physically tired, mental exercise makes you mentally tired.

While it can happen to anyone, people with ADHD are more likely to experience mental fatigue and, specifically, more likely to experience it on a frequent or chronic basis.

One study found that as much as 62% of people with ADHD meet the criteria for fatigue. Similarly, another study found that people with chronic fatigue were more likely to also have an ADHD diagnosis.

The Link Between ADHD and Mental Fatigue

Researchers suspect that the reason mental fatigue is so prevalent in ADHD may be related to how cognitively demanding coping with ADHD is. While a neurotypical brain is wired to intuitively tune out environmental distractors, control impulses, and sustain attention , many of the mechanisms required to do those things are dysregulated in ADHD, including weak alpha wave modulation and a dysregulated dopaminergic system .

The result is that someone with ADHD exerts more cognitive effort to achieve the same level of productivity that someone without ADHD can achieve almost effortlessly.

Think About It

That extra effort exerted every single day makes someone with ADHD prone to becoming fatigued more often, seemingly without a clear “justification” for being exhausted.

Signs of ADHD-Related Mental Fatigue

Some of the most common symptoms of mental fatigue look eerily similar to ADHD:

Decreased productivity
Difficulty making decisions
Excessive daytime tiredness (or feeling like you’re already exhausted from the moment you wake up)
Forgetfulness
Lack of focus
Lack of motivation
Poor emotional regulation, which can look like sudden outbursts, irritability, and mood swings

Given how closely those symptoms mirror ADHD, how can you tell the difference between your everyday, garden-variety ADHD-induced executive dysfunction and an episode of mental fatigue? One clue is that your typical ADHD symptoms become worse than usual. Beyond that, you might experience some of these more ADHD-specific signs of mental fatigue:

Struggling to fall asleep even though you’re exhausted
Medication and coping strategies that usually help seem less effective
Negative thoughts and low self-esteem become even worse than usual
Mental fatigue is prolonged or frequently recurring

Another telltale sign of ADHD-related mental fatigue is the lack of a specific stressor or source of this current episode of fatigue.

For people without ADHD, fatigue is usually brought on by a situation that demands more cognitive effort than usual:

An unusually large or difficult workload
An emotionally challenging event like a death or a painful breakup
A change in circumstances that make your current responsibilities more challenging, like having children or a pandemic that forces you to adapt to a new working routine

While all of those can undoubtedly trigger fatigue in someone with ADHD as well, you may also experience episodes that seem to come out of the blue .

Remember, coping with ADHD is cognitively demanding, so even when nothing about your daily routine or responsibilities changes, the exhaustion of simply managing your ADHD can accumulate until it develops into mental fatigue.

Recovering from Mental Fatigue

With mental fatigue, there’s really only one thing you can do: rest and allow your brain to restore its energy levels. With that said, resting with ADHD is easier said than done, especially if you have sleep difficulties. So here are a few tips to help you get the rest you need :

Choose an enjoyable physical activity

If you’re feeling too anxious or unproductive to sit still and rest, try going for a walk or bike ride. Physical exercise can help your brain recover from fatigue and potentially make falling asleep easier come bedtime, which will further help restore energy levels.

Ask for help

If fatigue makes it difficult to meet even basic needs like feeding yourself, doing household chores, or even caring for your kids or pets, ask for help. Knowing that those important needs are getting met, even when you can’t do them yourself, can help ease some of the worries you might be feeling.

If the thought of asking for help makes you feel like a burden , try easing that guilt by reassuring the person that you can do the same for them later when they need support. Everyone gets overwhelmed now and again, so there’s bound to be an opportunity to repay the favor.

Get outside or take some space for yourself to practice mindfulness

If you’ve hit a wall, staring at the unfinished work isn’t going to change anything. Step away, switch activities, and get outside if you can. Don’t bring your phone with you. Try practicing mindfulness to focus on your present surroundings and your present feelings. Name what you see and what you’re feeling right now, physically and psychologically.

If your brain is trying to spiral into negative thoughts about the future or turn this moment into a sign that you’re a failure, do your best not to fixate on those thoughts. Let them pass, and try to return to your focus on the present moment.

Switch to low power mode

If you can’t take a complete break from all of your responsibilities, find ways to switch into a “low power mode” where you temporarily take some things off your plate so that what little energy you can muster is being spent on the most important tasks. That might include asking for help with certain chores or responsibilities.

It might also look like stockpiling ramen or leftover takeout food so you don’t have to cook, canceling plans, and giving yourself permission to slack on some chores.

Preventing Mental Fatigue

When you have the bandwidth for it, it’s helpful to adopt some lifestyle changes that can prevent you from reaching that point of mental fatigue in the first place. Here are some things to try:

Reduce decision-making and steps where possible

We make thousands of little decisions every day and the cumulative effort of those decisions adds up, especially when executive dysfunction makes even basic decisions difficult. To prevent exhaustion, find creative ways to eliminate decisions where you can.

For example, make a to-do list for the day , with tasks separated into high-priority, medium-priority, and low-priority columns (or separated by how much anxiety you feel about the fact that the task isn’t done yet). When you can’t figure out where to start or what to do next, just pick a column you want to focus on, close your eyes, and point. That’s your next task.

Be realistic about your workload

It’s easy to over-commit yourself when you have ADHD. Your impulsiveness can make you commit to plans you probably should have skipped. Your shame about a wildly unproductive period of fatigue can make you feel like you have to overcompensate by doing extra work later.

However, preventing a future episode means being unflinchingly honest with yourself about what you can handle. Practice saying no to your own impulses and things that others ask of you.

Make time for mentally soothing activities

Think of a hobby or activity that brings you catharsis or leaves you feeling refreshed afterward. Often, that’s a creative hobby like drawing, playing music, gardening, or even journaling . Sometimes, it’s a sport or physical activity. Sometimes, it’s a repetitive craft like knitting or woodworking.

Whatever it is, set aside time to do it on a regular basis. Start your day with 15-20 minutes of journaling or free drawing. Commit to spending every Sunday afternoon knitting something for a friend (ideally without TV or other distractions).

Rogers DC, Dittner AJ, Rimes KA, Chalder T. Fatigue in an adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder population: A trans-diagnostic approach . Br J Clin Psychol. 2017;56(1):33-52. doi:10.1111/bjc.12119

Sáez-Francàs N, Alegre J, Calvo N, et al. Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in chronic fatigue syndrome patients . Psychiatry Research . 2012;200(2-3):748-753. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2012.04.041

Foxe JJ, Snyder AC. The role of alpha-band brain oscillations as a sensory suppression mechanism during selective attention . Front Psychology . 2011;2. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2011.00154

Wu J, Xiao H, Sun H, Zou L, Zhu LQ. Role of dopamine receptors in ADHD: A systematic meta-analysis . Mol Neurobiol . 2012;45(3):605-620. doi:10.1007/s12035-012-8278-5

Waldera R, Deutsch J. ADHD and physical activity . TPE . 2021;78(6). doi:10.18666/TPE-2021-V78-I6-10563

Lederman O, Ward PB, Firth J, et al. Does exercise improve sleep quality in individuals with mental illness? A systematic review and meta-analysis . Journal of Psychiatric Research . 2019;109:96-106. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.11.004

By Rachael Green Rachael is a New York-based writer and freelance writer for Verywell Mind, where she leverages her decades of personal experience with and research on mental illness—particularly ADHD and depression—to help readers better understand how their mind works and how to manage their mental health.

More From Forbes

Neurodiversity coaching: seven tips for success.

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Personal development, self improvement, personal and career growth, progress and potential concepts. ... [+] Coach (human resources officer, manager, mentor) motivate employee to growth.

Workplace coaching is popular, both as a management style and as an activity to facilitate improved job performance, reduced stress and career progression. A recent report, following research with thousands of business leaders and HR professionals, suggests that Companies with a strong coaching culture are 2.9 times more successful when it comes to engaging and retaining top talent. Bringing in specialist coaches is more appropriate when you have a member of staff who is neurodivergent, or may be disabled, and is vulnerable to missing out on a promotion, or even losing their job. In the UK, the government can even pay for coaching to support disabled people, as part of the “ Access to Work ” program, which aims to prevent needless unemployment.

Within this wider market for coaching, neurodiversity coaching has developed as a niche specialism. Neurodiversity coaching is aimed at improving the integration and productivity of neurodivergent employees. However, it is unregulated, irregularly dispensed and, if it is done badly, can cause more harm than good. Buy beware! Here’s seven tips to bear in mind.

1. Look For “Neuro-Affirming” Style Coaching

Neuro-affirming means the premise that neurodivergent people are not broken, and do not need fixing. Coaches will work with strengths and adjust workflow, environments and promote healthy self-awareness and confidence, rather than trying to change their clients, or teach them to suppress and mask their experiences. Masking leads to burnout long term , neurodivergent people need to work with their patterns of energy, attention, motivation and skill, rather than trying to force or "hack" their way to appear "normal."

2. Combination Of Lived Experience And Professional Training

Coaching firms who do not actively include neurodivergent people in their coaching pool are sending a strong, negative message! However, lived experience is not sufficient for good coaching. Coaches need to learn about contracting, boundaries, supervision and facilitating rather than teaching. A lack of qualifications in general coaching practice is also a red flag. Consider a wide, intersectional lens for lived experience as well, the experience of Black and Brown neurodivergent people is often different to white, similarly gender, gender identity, sexuality, age, class all affect the experience of neurodivergence. It’s not usually necessary to demographically match each coach with each client, but a company which operates inclusively signals the availability of peer mentoring and staff who can build rapport outside of their experience.

3. Reporting Results And Quality Control

All good coaching companies, neurodiversity specialist or not, should be monitoring the impact of their work and reporting results. For neurodivergent people, you can ask for rates of job retention and promotion, rates of improvement and feedback about their experience. As you would with any procurement, consider their governance, aspects such as insurance, complaints, registration with professional bodies, data control, quality management and more.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, 4. functional performance focus.

Research in the neurodiversity coaching sector suggests that the topics do not tend to vary between neurotype, and that whether the clients is ADHD, Autistic, dyslexic, dyspraxic etc there is a lot of commonality. Popular topics are managing emotions, understanding strengths, communication, concentration, memory, time management and organizational skills. Coaches in this sector need to focus on knowing how to work with these topics in order to meet needs. Psychological training gives a strong baseline knowledge of all, this might be needed in addition to standard professional coach training.

5. Expertise In One Neurotype Is Limited

We’ve seen a proliferation of training for coaching one particular neurotype – an ADHD coach, an Autism specialist, a Dyslexia or Literacy coach. These might be helpful for individuals coming to terms with a diagnosis, but inside the workplace a more generalist approach is needed. Firstly, because the likelihood of any employee having symptoms of only one label is low . ADHD and Autism overlap at 67%, most dyslexics have symptoms of dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD etc. Secondly because teaching someone about their neurotype is not linked to improved job performance. To achieve career potential we need to work with areas of functional performance and workplace dynamics, which is specific workplace coaching competence, not a niche discussion based on diagnosis.

6. Rapport Predicts Success

Coaching and therapeutic research has shown time and time again that the most active ingredient in a coaching program is the rapport between the coach and the client. In the workplace, this can also include the manager, sometimes with three-way coaching to explore mismatched perceptions of performance and communication clashes. This is sophisticated work with a vulnerable population. A failed coaching program risks self-blame and despair for the neurodivergent client. Consider it perfectly reasonable to ask for a replacement coach if it isn’t working.

7. Dose Effect: 8 Hrs Minimum, 16 hrs Maximum

The number of hours of coaching, counts. Recent research I conducted in my practice indicates that the most improvements in job performance occur with a minimum of nine coaching hours (remote or in person) and wane after sixteen hours. We have a sweet spot. Coaching a few hours here and there does not produce a strong effect, so cost cutting here is not viable. However, group coaching around common topics is very effective, so if you want to create a sustainable and more scalable coaching resource in our business, go for groups rather than reduced hours. Similarly, coaching programs that go on forever are limited in impact, they might indicate that mentoring, buddying or therapy is a more appropriate support.

All good coaches engage in supervision. Coaching neurodivergent people can bring up difficulties related to childhood trauma, exclusion and marginalization. Neurodivergent people are more likely to be unemployed than the general population. For these reasons it is incredibly important for employers to vet coaches and check in on progress if purchasing this service for your staff. On the positive side, coaching is rated very highly as a disability adjustment activity, and managers report a significant improvement in performance , when it is delivered well.

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I’m a personal finance writer with ADHD. These 5 tips help me crush my financial goals.

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As a personal finance writer, my job is to empower people by giving them tools to make financial decisions that will positively impact their lives. But I’ll be the first to admit that, as a person with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), I often have difficulty following a lot of common personal finance advice myself.

People like me with ADHD struggle with executive functioning skills, and that can have a massive impact on their quality of life, including on the ability to manage finances. People with ADHD have extreme difficulty engaging in tasks they find boring or unpleasant (like budgeting), have difficulty keeping track of details (like when bills are due) or have poor impulse control (like overspending).

Living with ADHD can be challenging, and if it affects your ability to manage money, that can impact much more than just your day-to-day finances — it can affect your mental health , too.

Before I was diagnosed with ADHD, I tried countless common strategies to manage money, only to feel frustrated and hopeless every time. Since then, I realized I was following advice for people without ADHD. But my brain worked differently, and I had to manage my finances differently, too.

These are just a few methods I use to manage money as a person with ADHD. Whether you have ADHD or you just want to try some new budgeting strategies, consider these steps to start paying down debt, save more and budget like a pro.

5 tips for meeting your financial goals when you have ADHD

“Out of sight, out of mind” isn’t always best.
Make budgeting as manual as possible.
Give yourself frequent rewards.
Put up roadblocks to avoid impulsive spending.
Lean on your support network.

1. ‘Out of sight, out of mind’ isn’t always best.

Traditional budgeting advice heavily emphasizes setting bills on autopay from your checking account and forgetting about them. While that’s great advice for many people, it never worked for me. If I don’t check my bank account frequently, I won’t realize until weeks or months later that I forgot to cancel a subscription or that a regular bill jumped in price.

Keep in mind: Did you know some services let you change your own monthly billing date? I set my own dates for my internet, car loan and more. This helps me space out all my bills equally throughout the month and avoid feeling overwhelmed on the first of the month.

My solution? A homemade budgeting spreadsheet, where I track my bills, monthly spending, debt repayment progress and monthly budget. I’m paid biweekly, and every payday, I sit down and pay all my bills for the upcoming two weeks, then move money into savings . Whatever is left is free to spend. That way, I know exactly how much money I have for food and discretionary spending over the next two weeks. By managing my money this way, I feel in control of my own finances and feel more confident making financial decisions. (You can also try this by setting up split deposits , if your bank offers them.)

This is an example page of my personal budgeting spreadsheet, which lets me track money coming in, which bills are coming up, which bills I’ve paid and how much money I have left after bill payments.

If that isn't for you:

2. make budgeting as manual as possible..

By “manual”, I mean holding money literally in your hands in order to better understand your cash flow. Spending exclusively on debit and credit cards is very easy — sometimes too easy. Some ADHDers find it harder to stay on track of their spending when they can swipe a card for every purchase.

I use a physical planner for all my weekly meetings and to-do lists, and my desk is covered in sticky notes, notebooks and other bits of paper. If that describes your process, why not make your budgeting physical, too? Try pulling your discretionary funds in cash after you pay bills. Grab some envelopes, label them and divide your funds, just like you would with a budgeting spreadsheet.

For example, if you have $500 every pay period after bills, you might put $100 in cash in an envelope marked “Savings,” $300 in “Food and household” and another $100 in “Fun money.” This is also called cash stuffing , and it’s a great way to help ADHDers who have a hard time visualizing money. Don’t just visualize your funds — hold them.

3. Give yourself frequent rewards.

Making savings goals isn’t usually someone’s idea of an exciting Friday night. ADHDers often have a hard time focusing on topics that don’t interest them or don’t have immediate rewards, so it can be hard for some to prioritize staying on budget or saving money. But while saving isn’t immediately rewarding (at least, not as much as spending money), it’s an important tool for meeting your financial goals.

So, why not reward yourself for your goals now? If you want to save more, try setting rewards for yourself at specific savings amounts, such as every $300 or $500 saved. Make your rewards small (along the lines of a meal out, rather than designer clothing), and make them frequent. If you only set rewards once you save $10,000, it will be harder to find the motivation.

David DeWitt, a certified financial planner with ADHD who specializes in financial planning for people with the disorder, says his clients have a hard time wrapping their heads around far-off possibilities, like buying a house. They need smaller goals to stay grounded.

“When it comes to money, we’re really wired to (have) steep discounts on future rewards and very high premiums on near-term rewards,” DeWitt says. “Things that we can see and feel and can tangibly wrap our head around — we place a higher value on that, because it’s in our mind.”

Consider apps like Habitica or Do It Now , which are habit trackers that let you gamify your habits to battle monsters and dress up characters. Making an extra debt payment can feel a little more exciting if it gives you the points to slay a dragon.

4. Put up roadblocks to avoid impulsive spending.

Impulse spending can be a major problem for ADHDers. The urge to get something now, even if it’s out of your budget, can sometimes be too strong to ignore.

If you struggle with impulse spending, consider the 24-hour rule : If you’re tempted to buy something online, leave it in your cart for at least 24 hours. The next day, you might find that you were less excited about the actual item and more excited about the thrill of buying something fun.

I’ve also had success doing no-spend weeks , where I swear off buying anything except for groceries and other household necessities for a week, to tamp down on my monthly spending. Meeting my goal and ending the week successfully without buying anything extra can be a great boost in motivation.

DeWitt says he wasn’t able to buck his own overspending habit until he was able to understand his own values. It wasn’t until he began to weigh the benefits of buying something now versus the security of savings that he could begin to change the habit. But it’s not an overnight process, he says.

“If you really are an impulse spender who’s in a habit, expect it to take a long time, like over a year of continuously having to go forward, take a step backward, keep addressing it. But it will pay off if you keep at it,” DeWitt says.

5. Lean on your support network.

Unfortunately, talking about money is still taboo for many Americans. But as an ADHDer, I find that my goals are much easier to meet when I lean on my family, friends and support system.

If you have ADHD, you may be familiar with how working on a project is much easier when someone’s holding you accountable. Use the same principle in your personal finances — pair with people in your life who have similar financial priorities. You can swap budgeting tips, share the best deals in your city or even start a savings challenge.

These conversations can be tricky to start, but because I’m more comfortable talking about my situation than I am asking about someone else’s, I’ll ease people into the conversation by asking for advice for myself. For example, I’ve approached friends in the past (typically other ADHDers, who understand my situation) and said something like, “I’ve been struggling with saving more. Do you have any hacks you’re using right now?”

Friends have offered tips on spending less on groceries, saving money on books and other helpful advice. They wouldn’t have known to mention those tips if I hadn’t asked. More often than not, after I asked, they shared their own struggles with paying down debt and saving more.

Learning to manage your personal finances can feel alienating, especially if you’re trying brand-new methods. But you may be surprised how many people, with ADHD or without, can relate to the struggle to stay focused on your goals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Bottom line

Whether you have ADHD or not, staying on top of your personal finances isn’t always easy — or as immediately rewarding. These are just a few tips that work for me, but you might find a different approach works better for your brain. There’s no one way to approach your personal finances. Learn what works best for you, and use those skills to write your own budgeting rulebook.

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What Should We Do About Google?

An illustration, in pixelated old-school video game style, of David and Goliath.

Mr. Wu is a law professor at Columbia, a contributing Opinion writer and the author of “The Curse of Bigness: Antitrust in the New Gilded Age.”

A federal judge held last week that Google has a monopoly on online search and has been illegally defending that monopoly for years. The verdict is important and correct, yet it leaves open an important question: What should the remedy be?

Judge Amit Mehta, in his 277-page decision, found that Google used a variety of means to hold on to its monopoly power and inflate prices paid by advertisers (and ultimately, consumers) to use Google’s search platforms. The remedy, which will be decided by the same judge after hearings begin in early September, needs to tear down the barriers that protect Google’s monopoly; if the judge delivers little more than a slap on the wrist to the tech giant, this verdict — a historic victory for the Biden administration’s antitrust division — will mean very little.

The government’s case centered on payments, which in 2021 totaled more than $26 billion, that Google pays Apple and others to be the default search engine on their products. In doing so, Google kept Apple out of the search market and, the judge ruled, weakened its other competitors. But if the court merely decrees that Google now abandon those agreements, it won’t be enough to unlock a long-monopolized market. It might even help Google in the short term by saving it some money.

Likewise, a remedy that attempts to restore competition in search by forcing users to click through multiple search-engine alternatives would most likely be ineffective and annoying — worse than the status quo.

A truly effective remedy need seek not only to punish Google for its past offenses but also open markets by meaningfully restraining the company from similar conduct in the future. The best way to do that is to ensure that a new generation of companies can compete fairly not just in the search market but also in new markets — especially the emerging markets for artificial-intelligence-driven tech services. That sort of remedy would return antitrust law to its historical role as a form of industrial policy that restrains monopoly to promote economic growth and innovation.

As a model to emulate, consider the remedies imposed on AT&T, the greatest tech monopoly of the 20th century. In 1956, the Justice Department settled a major antitrust suit against AT&T by requiring the company to stay out of computing — and to license, free, all of its 7,820 patents. That remedy was a blockbuster that gave rise to a new generation of companies that developed two essential American industries: general-purpose computing and semiconductors.

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If you fill out the outline completely, you've basically written an essay that needs reformatting, and doing one little thing (picking your three main points; writing some background info; etc) is not as daunting as writing a full paper. I also find it helpful in time sensitive situations such as exams. 4. Award.
How to write an essay with ADHD : r/ADHD
Eat something. Food helps you concentrate, especially if you're doing that ADHD thing where you've completely forgotten to eat for the past couple hours. I like sucking on hard candy and tictacs in particular to help me fidget and get rid of excess energy. I also find that it helps me multitask and distract me enough to start writing.
ADHD Is My Superpower: A Personal Essay
A Warp Speed Brain. To have ADHD means that your brain is an engine that's constantly running at high speed. It basically never stops wanting to process information at a high rate. The "attention" part is just an observable set of behaviors when an ADHD person is understimulated. This is also part of why I now openly associate as ...
How To Study With ADHD: Tips For College Students
Researchers analyzed six studies involving 261 people with ADHD to see if online therapy for ADHD could be effective. They found that online interventions improved attention and social skills, with attention scores improving by an average of 0.73 points and social function scores improving by 0.59 points compared to those on a waiting list.
Time Management and ADHD: Tips for Success
Time blindness is the lack of perception of time. Research shows those living with ADHD have difficulty estimating how long a task will take or how long they just spent on a task. Experts found ...
ADHD Tips for Living Well: 80 Coping Skills for Managing ADHD
Here, find a wide range of creative tips — straight from the ADDitude community — for handling the challenges that life throws at adults and parents living with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD). For Adults: ADHD Tips For Disorganization. I carry a colorful wallet, so I can find it quickly in my handbag.
Tips for Writing Essays? : r/ADHD
We're an inclusive, disability-oriented peer support group for people with ADHD with an emphasis on science-backed information. Share your stories, struggles, and non-medication strategies. Nearly a million and a half users say they 'feel at home' and 'finally found a place where people understand them'.
The Link Between ADHD and Mental Fatigue
Researchers suspect that the reason mental fatigue is so prevalent in ADHD may be related to how cognitively demanding coping with ADHD is. While a neurotypical brain is wired to intuitively tune out environmental distractors, control impulses, and sustain attention , many of the mechanisms required to do those things are dysregulated in ADHD ...
Neurodiversity Coaching: Seven Tips For Success
Here's seven tips to bear in mind. 1. Look For "Neuro-Affirming" Style Coaching. ... ADHD and Autism overlap at 67%, most dyslexics have symptoms of dyspraxia, dyscalculia, ADHD etc ...
I'm A Personal Finance Writer With ADHD. These 5 Tips Help ...
Whether you have ADHD or you just want to try some new budgeting strategies, consider these steps to start paying down debt, save more and budget like a pro. 5 tips for meeting your financial ...
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