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Using smart tech for ADHD

7 replies

stealtheatingtunnocks · 11/11/2023 19:09

Someone told me that the Amazon is Alexa and smart phones are key for managing their ADHD.

I can see the little units with the clock would help as a timer but what do you get them to do?

im separate for hints and tips - I just can’t get elvanse anywhwre

OP posts:
beautifulbrothers · 12/11/2023 11:28

I'm not diagnosed, but I use Alexa for everything: I set reminders for the school run, cups of tea, screen time, etc. I also put absolutely everything into Google calendar and share with DH. He shares his calendar with me too, so I know when he's working away from home, going out with friends, etc. I posted on another thread recently about using Outlook folders/flags/tasks/reminders for work. Someone has recommended this app, but I haven't looked into it in a lot of detail yet.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goblintools

Goblin Tools - Apps on Google Play

Smart tools for the neurodivergent

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.goblintools

BertieBotts · 12/11/2023 17:05

I don't have an Alexa but we have google home.

I use it to find my phone when I lose it, play podcasts to help keep me on task, set timers and reminders, tell me the weather etc.

I use google calendar to keep track of my appointments and daily routine type things and I make appointments with myself in there for tasks like shopping or cleaning.

I use google docs for a master to do list.

Actually probably my best tool is the AI model things - they are much smarter than the smart home things and can help me plan things out, work out what to prioritise etc. Next time you're feeling overwhelmed, try a brain dump into ChatGPT, and see what it spits out.

Offcom · 17/11/2023 13:12

I went for ages using Alexa Routines on an Echo speaker to help me out in the mornings. Had such a great run of success with it, but then I had to move house and although I've tried, I have never managed to get it to work for me again like that.

My routines would be along the lines of Alexa telling me I had ten minutes to laze around, then maybe playing a short meditation or some music, then she would tell me I now had 22 minutes to shower etc, set some upbeat music to start playing after that time period was up, maybe a reminder of how much time I had left to get ready, more music, a reminder to make my bed (or change my sheets, depending on the day) with more music.

I'd have a different routine every weekday and periodically change the music and wakeup times etc., as novelty is a friend of ADHD.

I think it worked because it meant I didn't have to decide what to do, and because a timer really helps me stay on track.

I do still use Alexa/Echo speakers a lot though - being able to voice activate a timer/reminder without reaching for my phone is so great for cooking and those one-off "At 5pm can you remind me to XXX" things I know I'll forget.

I hear you on the Elvanse. . . some supplies are finally getting out there, but it's like "I need to be on Elvanse in order to try and get Elvanse" isn't it. GOOD LUCK!

stealtheatingtunnocks · 21/11/2023 09:07

I lost the thread, got distracted…

tha ks all. I bought some of the speaker things but haven’t opened them yet.

it sounds like a lot of work to programme it in and work that needs to be done daily to keep on top of it. Which is daunting. However, it is 9am and I have been a walks since 6 so why am I still in bed, cosy and comfy and scrolling, instead of going for the walk up the hill I was planning?

being othansised enough to get elvanse? Yes, it would be funny if it wasn’t such a mess!

tha ks all. I’ll try and figure it out.

OP posts:
stealtheatingtunnocks · 19/01/2024 09:47

I’m setting up my Alexa’s today. Wish me luck!

OP posts:
beautifulbrothers · 19/01/2024 13:28

Good luck! I couldn't log into my Alexa app for about a month before Christmas and life was so much harder. We use ours all the time and it makes so many things so much easier. Her interpretation of my reminders are sometimes interesting though. 😂

Let us know how you get on! x

Offcom · 19/01/2024 17:14

Good luck with it! Hope you find a system that works for you

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