Tools to Support ADHD

So many tools that you can use as virtual assistants! Here are a few ideas, and note that I am not getting paid to highlight any product nor do I stand behind any of them; I just want to let you know what is out there! Explore!

Would voice-to-text help you with communications or memory?
There are a lot of ways to make audio recordings from your phone, but a transcription to text app, such as like Otter.ai and Dragon, adds another layer of benefits. For lectures or meetings, this is a great way to support your attention and your memory. And remember that your phone has a microphone setting that you can use for the same purpose to send email, texts, or to takes notes. For anyone who finds writing an email harder than speaking, see if dictating your message is easier!

What reminders do you use?
For helping you remember meetings and appointment, appointment apps such as Squareup’s can be configured to send you an email or text an hour beforehand. You could even schedule meetings with yourself.

But it was 8 o’clock the last time I looked! How’d it get to be 10:30?
To keep track of time - and, importantly, make the connection between what you do and how long it takes - use a visual count-down timer like Time Timer, with a phone app, small desk size, or large wall-size.

Establish a bedtime with the help of a sleep-timer buddy
Nothing sets up a good day tomorrow more than a good evening and a good night’s sleep! I came across the “Mella” clock that is a sleep-training device: a little robot-clock with a sweet little face that goes sound asleep at bedtime.

That sleep face is visual cue that it’s time for bed, AND the cute little clock-robot is already out like a night-light!

Could you use a grown-up “fidget”?
If doing something helps you focus, consider a “fidget" such as a finger labyrinth you can get in wood to keep on your desk or as cards to keep in your pocket. Trace the design with your finger or a stylus. There are also labyrinth apps, like Labyrinth Journey, for your phone.