Typically,ADHD symptomsemerge in childhood, but some people go undiagnosedand untreateduntil adulthood.
Although well-intentioned, these suggestions often require the sameexecutive functioning skillsthat ADHD interferes with.
People with ADHD are often pressured to stick to schedules and systems that work for neurotypical brains.
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If you have difficulty sticking to a particular system, it is okay to let go of that expectation.
Notice what tends to work for you, and lean into that.
But people with ADHD might struggle to remember to return their keys to the hook or follow thatorganizational system.
Then, designate that location as the spot where your keys go.
Visual cues can keep important things at the forefront.
Keep a schedule where you’re able to see it.
A whiteboard allows you to jot down what you oughta remember each day.
Others might require silence to maintain focus.
Through trial and error, figure out what works for you.
Then, set up your workspace to fit those needs.
Remember that your needs might change over time, so be flexible and change your system as needed.
Regular changes to the environment or workspace can keep the brain engaged.
People with ADHD tend to thrive in positions where they do a variety of tasks.
This makes teacher, engineer, and small business owner allgood jobs for people with ADHD.
In these roles, their duties vary so they remain interesting and novel to the ADHD brain.
If something works for you and is not harmful, that is okay.
When starting a task or project, remember that you do not have to finish it all at once.
you might do part of a task and then take a break.
Instead, tell yourself that it is okay that you will not remember it.
Now, you could write it down and set a reminder for yourself.
Having several reminders or cues can help you follow through and remember what you are doing.
Try Body Doubling
Body doubling refers to having another person present while you complete a task.
They’ve found it helpful when doing activities such as studying, doing dishes, and exercising.
National Institute of Mental Health.Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: What it’s crucial that you know.
Proceedings of the 25th International ACM SIGACCESS Conference on Computers and Accessibility.
