Looking for an organizer specializing in ADD/ADHD? Interested in specializing in ADD/ADHD as an organizer?
Stephanie Eyster with
remedy., one of our very own ADD/ADHD specialists, penned some helpful information on ADD/ADHD and how organizing can support individuals with ADD/ADHD.
ADD/ADHD Is...
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and replaces what was once known as ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder).
It is a condition that affects both adults and children and symptoms include:
- inattentiveness
- impulsiveness
- hyperactivity
How Professional Organizers Support Adults with ADD/ADHD...
Professional Organizers can support adults with ADD/ADHD by explaining the organizing process in depth to lower anxiety levels. Organizers can also break large projects down into smaller objectives, so clients feel less overwhelmed.
Organizers can also develop routines during the organizing process that allow clients to sustain the organizing systems established. A professional can also create an appropriate reward system, so achieving an objective is fun and personally rewarding! 
How Professional Organizers Support Children with ADD/ADHD...
Professional Organizers support children with ADHD by providing structure, developing routines, and laying out expectations. ADHD children work well when their environment and schedule are structured.
Why? Structure takes the guess work out of knowing what to do and when. The children build confidence when they can successfully follow a routine to achieve an objective or when they are familiar with an expectation.
Helpful Tools...
A Timer
When working on the actual physical organizing with a client with ADHD, a timer can be your most valued tool. Set the timer for 15 to 30 minutes then allow the client to take a 5 minute break in between.
A Calendar
A calendar of any kind is a very important tool for a client with ADHD. The calendar can be on their smart phone or in paper form. All activities and appointments must be represented on this calendar and it's important that they have only one calendar to reference. When working with several calendars at once, appointments are often missed or overlooked.
A "To Do" List
"To do" lists are equally as important to a client with ADHD. This can come in the form of a planner or utilizing a "to do" list app on their smart phone.
For Organizers...
How Can I Specialize?
What are Some Local Resources?
- The NAPO Austin Chapter library has several resources that address clients with ADHD (Come to our monthly meeting for library access!).
- Organizing Solutions for People with ADHD by Susan C. Pinsky is an excellent book that guides organizing processes for ADHD clients.
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Photo 1 by Annie Spratt
Photo 2 by Brooke Lark
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