APPENDIX

EXAMPLE TOOLS FOR YOUR ADHD TOOLBOX

Below are some example strategies or “tools” for managing your ADHD. Cut out the tools that work for you, and keep them in a physical “toolbox” that you can refer to as needed. Shoeboxes make perfect toolboxes! You can also make your own tools by writing down any additional strategies that help you.

Keep a pile of favorite candy or small treats in a bowl while working/studying. Set a timer for 20 minutes and have one treat each time the timer ends.

Keep “before” and “after” photos of organized spaces to remind myself what the space should look like and what I am capable of.

Keep dry-erase markers in the bathroom to jot important notes or positive messages on the mirror.

Set my phone home screen to contain a screenshot of my weekly to-do list.

Practice reflecting back what others are saying in conversations to make sure I hear them correctly and help commit what they have said to memory.

Have I committed any thinking errors this past week? What can I tell myself to dispute any irrational thoughts?

What successes have I experienced this past week? Make a list of what I have done well and put it on the fridge!

Think about any tools that worked for a time but I am not using currently. Is it time to dust any of them off to use again?

Use Google/Apple home devices to set reminders, make shopping lists, and more!

Use highlighters to color code types of activities/subjects in my planner.