If you know me or have been following this blog (all two of you), then you will know that I have a high-functioning form of Attention-Decifit Disorder. Most days I can control it with my medication and therapy tips from my psychologist, some days I’m just crazy. Haha.
But this is actually a practical post. If you or someone you know struggles with ADHD or ADD, then introduce them to a wonderful thing called the Internet. Serious. It has changed my life.
How can the Internet help those with ADHD/ADD:
1.) Online banking — everything is right there. You have no idea how frustrating it is for those of us with ADHD/ADD to have to remember all the fine details when it comes to banking. For example, writing down every purchase…not going to happen. We forget, get into too much of a hurry, or make a mistake in the writing down process. This is no excuse of course, but if you know that you have a weakness then you need to use all the tools necessary from keeping you from succumbing to that weakness. Hence, online banking works wonders. I can go on there everyday, see what transactions have been posted, which ones are still pending, and how much is in your savings, loans, etc. You can also transfer funds from checking into savings, or vice versa…which means that the ADHD/ADD person doesn’t have to plan and/or schedule ANOTHER errand in their otherwise hectic day. They can do it from their desk at work, their iPhone or their home computer while completing other tasks as well.
2.) Online shopping – the store without all the overwhelming stimuli. If you are like me, walking into a store with people milling about, clothing in disarray, and most of the time, general confusion throughout the store, it can be extremely overwhelming. If you haven’t already come with a list of what you want/need, then you will wandering around aimlessly throughout the clothes store as you try to arrange outfits or get the needed basics. I have counteracted this by doing three things: shopping with my fashion savvy friend, shopping at mid-day (less customers and they have had enough time to organize the store a little better), and, something I just discovered, online shopping. I actually prefer this because a.) it’s less overwhelming, and b.) I can find the exact size, the exact color and the exact style without having to rummage through assorted racks or tables. It’s perfect. You go online to your favorite store. Find the items that you need or want, find your size (and for someone at 5′9, it’s fantastic to find TALLS in the cute styles) and then checkout. It’s that simple. Plus, you cut down on the impulse purchases because you know exactly what you want without other distracting items.
Online Bill Pay – This has been a God-send to those who deal with ADHD/ADD. You can schedule your automatic payments (which cut down on late-fees) or you can just pay it yourself w/o the hassle of stamps, envelopes, checks, etc. Which for someone who has ADHD, if you can streamline a process and create FEWER steps for the person then you will have a much better chance of success then if you don’t. With regular bill pay you have to
*remember to NOT lose the bill statement
*remember the actual date
* remember to buy stamps
* remember to NOT lose the envelope and if you do lose the envelope you have to get one of your own envelopes which means you have to remember to buy envelopes or remember where the envelopes are.
All these steps seem pretty elementary, but if you have ever been in the brain of an ADHD/ADD person it overwhelms them to the point of tears. For me, my problem started with LOSING the bill. Of course, you should always put them in a certain location and always remember to put them in that location BUT if you have been struggling with losing the bill month after month after month then your system is NOT working and you have to evaluate what you are doing. Just because another ADHD/ADDer’s trick or tip works for them doesn’t meant that it will work for you. (Even online banking, shopping or bill pay…if it doesn’t work for you, find something that does) But I digress, online bill pay can immensely help the ADHD/ADDer who struggles with the rudimentary steps in paying bills.
In conclusion, if you struggle with ADHD/ADD then you should find ways that will help you. No matter what they are. If people look at you weird because of your tips or tricks for success, don’t worry about it. You have to do what is right for you. Technology is a great assest, in my opinion. Check it out. See if I am right.
