#it has a very useful smart calendar function that makes my adhd manageable.

[gendernewtral]

the hot new trend is ditching my medical device

please be the hot new trend for next year. Please

[theweightofourworld]

I went to 2 universities, tried 4 different majors, dropped out of everything, and moved back in with my parents before I got diagnosed ADD. In my time away from school I learned a lot.

First thing I realized is that support is the most important thing. Friends, family, support groups, or clubs are all great. I really struggled with this I have to admit. I had to leave behind some old friends who weren’t supporting me in the ways I needed and I really leaned on my parents which I know I’m very lucky to have. This becomes the baseline for achieving deadlines and goals. Check out what resources your college has and it doesn’t hurt to go see an advisor and ask directly about resources. Your brain works differently so all the talk you’ve probably heard about “time management” is not always helpful.

Keep your goals clear, simple, and organized in a way that works for you. Big calendars in every room of my apartment is what I use along with sticky notes and coloured pens for different subjects or classes. I also have a close friend with ADHD who uses digital calendars and sticky notes on her iPad with timers and reminders. If you’re not sure try different ways there’s no right or wrong way because the end goal is the same. If it’s in front of you, you’re more likely to engage with it.

Being a two time college dropout, interest may seem obvious but it’s is essential. Don’t do something for other people. If you are intrinsically interested in something you’re already half way there.

You’ve probably heard lots about timers and reminders, but it’s not always that simple. I’m very bad for just shutting off or setting timers without actually achieving anything. To avoid this I don’t use a smart device to time, I use a little kitchen timer. This way I don’t risk other distractions a phone can come with. I also try to loosely schedule time in my day to just sit and read through everything I have to do without distractions.

When you read through what you have to do, organize it by due date or priority. Once you reach this step take a break. Unless you get into a hyper focus mode, I repeat, take a break. Switch to a different task like making a snack. Just try to avoid using social media for a break because it’s an endless stream of content.

Lower your expectations of yourself. It doesn’t matter if you appear to be “functioning well” the traditional structure of school and college is limiting and there is no shame in asking for accommodations. I’m very guilty of putting things off until the night before and looking back I wish I had talked to some of my professors about leniency for deadlines. Most will understand and adapt without issue because most things don’t get graded right away anyways.

My final tip is that if you have one person in your life who you trust and talk to, ask them to remind you of things. Seriously this is a life saver. Have them set a reminder on their phone for you or make a plan to call or spend a set date with them to check in. Support is so important and the right people will absolutely be willing to help you. Even with all the things I use I always call my mom and tell her my appointment dates. She writes them down and sends me a message or calls me the day of every time.

I hope this helps someone out there and my inbox is always open ✨

me, an autonomous adult in college: *looks up tips for managing adhd on a deadline*

every single result: AS A PARENT to help YOUR CHILD WITH ADHD monitor YOUR CHILD'S behavior and reward HIM for doing work because CHILDREN WITH ADHD need constant support-