ADHD - AI Assistant - Jim Livingstone - ADHD Optimist

ADHD & AI Assistant

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to make a huge difference for people with ADHD. From smart apps to virtual assistants and even personalised therapy, it could be a real game-changer for anyone dealing with ADHD’s everyday challenges.  

You might think of AI as something from science fiction, controlling robots or self-driving cars. But it’s not all about high-end technology. It has taken off in recent years and people are now using it for many things. 

Imagine having a virtual assistant that sends you reminders for appointments or helps you create a to-do list. It can do that. It can also suggest ways to manage your time better, like breaking big tasks into smaller ones.

Some apps and tools are designed specifically to support people with ADHD. They offer personalised strategies and tips to make daily life easier in our busy world.

 Using AI to help with ADHD is easier than you might think. You can use it for a range of everyday tasks. Here are a few ways that you can use it to improve your daily life:

The great thing about AI is that it learns from you. Over time, it can understand your needs better and offer more personalised advice. So, the more you use it, the more helpful it becomes.

To get started, you usually need to download an app or use a built-in virtual assistant on your device. Then, follow the instructions to set up reminders, create lists, and explore the features that can benefit you the most. 

Imagine a tool that could help organise your day, remind you of tasks, or even provide emotional support when you're feeling overwhelmed. For many individuals with ADHD, this isn’t just a possibility—it’s a reality.

Task Reminders 

You can send reminders for important things, like appointments or homework. You can set these up on your phone or computer. Just tell your virtual assistant what you need to remember and when, and it will give you a nudge when it’s time. Social media apps such as Snapchat now have AI assistants built into them.

Time Blocking

Time blocking is a technique where you divide your day into blocks of time, each dedicated to a specific task or activity. This method is particularly useful for people with ADHD, as it helps structure the day and reduces the likelihood of getting sidetracked.

AI tools like TrevorAI excel in this area by automatically creating a time-blocked schedule based on your tasks and deadlines. The AI can also adjust the schedule in real time, offering flexibility if unexpected tasks arise.

Memory Aids

Memory challenges are common for individuals with ADHD, who often struggle with retaining information or recalling important details at critical moments. AI can serve as an external memory aid, helping you keep track of important information and recall it when needed.

Emotional Support

ADHD often comes with emotional challenges, including anxiety, frustration, and a sense of being overwhelmed. AI can provide emotional support by offering a non-judgmental space to express feelings, providing advice, and offering coping strategies. 

AI chatbots, like those integrated into mental health apps, can engage in supportive conversations that help individuals manage their emotions. These chatbots use natural language processing to understand and respond to user input, offering advice, encouragement, or just a listening ear.

While not a replacement for therapy, these bots can provide immediate support when needed, helping alleviate anxiety or stress.

Simplifying Complex Concepts

AI tools like ChatGPT or https://saner.ai/ can simplify complex subjects by breaking them down into more digestible pieces. For example, if a student struggles to understand a complicated theory in a textbook, they can input the topic and receive a simplified explanation. This process makes learning more accessible and less frustrating, especially for those with difficulty focusing on dense or lengthy texts. 

Summarising Information

In addition to simplifying concepts, AI can summarise large volumes of information, making it easier to study or review. For instance, if you have a lengthy article to read, they can provide a concise summary, highlighting the key points and saving you time. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with ADHD, who may find it difficult to stay focused on long readings.

The University of Huddersfield is also working on a project to develop a solution for diagnosing ADHD in adults, shortening the time people will need to wait for a diagnosis.

By leveraging these AI tools and technologies, you can create a more structured and supportive environment that may help alleviate some ADHD-related challenges. Always consult with mental health professionals for personalised advice and strategies.

Here are some prompts and links to try in AI: 

• Help me create a daily schedule with reminders for tasks and appointments.

• Set up a medication reminder for (medication name) at (specific times).

• Add ‘buy groceries’ to my to-do list and prioritise my tasks for today.

• Recommend techniques to improve my focus and productivity while studying or working.

• Provide time management tips to help me stay on track during the day.

• Suggest ways to minimise distractions and stay focused on tasks.

• Help me set SMART goals for the week and track my progress.

• Optimise my morning routine to make it more efficient and less stressful.

• Set reminders for short daily breaks to practice mindfulness or relaxation exercises.

• Recommend educational apps or resources to improve my time management and organisational skills.

Remember The Milk : A task management app that helps you organise your to-do lists effectively.

TickTick : A versatile to-do list and task management app with features like reminders, calendar integration, and collaboration tools. 

HyperJar : A money management app designed to help you manage your budget and save for specific goals.

PocketGuard : A budgeting app that tracks your spending, bills, and provides insights to help you manage your finances effectively.

Rain Rain Sleep Sounds : An app that provides sleep sounds, including rain and nature sounds, to help you relax and fall asleep.

TrevorAI Excels in this area by automatically creating a time-blocked schedule based on your tasks and deadlines.

Todoist : A task management app that helps you organise tasks, set reminders, and track progress.

Saner.ai Can simplify complex subjects by breaking them down into more digestible pieces. 

Trello : A visual project management tool that allows for easy tracking of tasks using boards and cards.

Focus@Will : An app that provides music tracks to improve focus and productivity.

Focus Booster : A Pomodoro timer app that helps you work in short, intense bursts followed by breaks.

Headspace : A mindfulness app that offers meditation and mindfulness exercises tailored to improve focus and reduce anxiety.

Calm : Another excellent mindfulness app with features like meditation, sleep stories, and relaxation music 

Habitica : A gamified task management app that turns your goals and habits into a role-playing game, making it fun to stay on track.

Microsoft To Do : A simple and intuitive task management tool integrated with Microsoft’s ecosystem to organise your tasks across devices. 

Evernote : A note-taking and organisation app that can help you capture ideas and store information systematically.

SimpleMind : A mind-mapping tool that helps you visualise tasks and ideas, which can be particularly useful for brainstorming.

Sleep Cycle : An app that tracks your sleep patterns and provides insights on improving your sleep quality.

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This site is not intended to provide and does not constitute medical, legal, or other professional advice. The content in this newsletter is designed to support, not replace, medical or psychiatric treatment. Please seek professional help if you believe you may have Mental Health Issues.