Scaffolding for ADHD
This was previously posted on pixlz.com which is the home of my reckons. To find out more about how I empower neurodivergent professionals to thrive at work visit http://21cmindset.com
ADHD scaffolding refers to the use of external supports and structures to help people with ADHD overcome executive functioning challenges and complete tasks successfully. Scaffolding is a concept from education, where it is used to describe the support given to learners as they develop new skills or knowledge. With executive functioning challenges it is likely that the scaffolding will be needed ongoing.
Some examples of scaffolding I use:
Note taking
I have a poor working memory and so I am rarely to be seen without a note book, iPad or laptop when working and I will often tell people that if something doesn’t get written down it might not (probably won’t) happen so please remind me when I say I am going to do something to make sure that it is captured. I also use the Tana capture app on my phone to capture using my voice. Capture is the first stage of a functioning task management system.
Timers
Time blindness is a big challenge for me and so I use timers as reminders for specific activities, and a bright digital clock just under my display to help me be aware of the passing of time. My favourite timers are my Apple watch and a little square timer which sits on my desk and works by turning it over to a side with the number of minutes you want the timer to countdown from. Examples of my regular use for timers are a 30 minute countdown once I have taken my first tablet in the morning as I can’t eat for 30 minutes. A timer to remind me if I have another appointment coming up after the current one otherwise I am likely to carry on chatting.
Visual reminders
I make a lot of use of visual reminders. This sometimes takes the form of a sticky note on the fridge written the night before or a bag of things I need to take with me in front of the door.
Checklists
It is not practical to leave everything I might need out to give me a visual cue just in case, if I did there would be too much for me to notice anyway and so I use checklists to remind me of things I need to take with me on a given day. I also use checklists to break down a process to reduce procrastination for example my VAT return for the business.
Body Doubling
I use body doubling quite a bit and run sessions on a Monday and Friday morning. [Body doubling is a productivity strategy in which another person works alongside you (in person or on a video call) as you complete a task you might otherwise find challenging. Having someone nearby may help you stay focused, engaged, or motivated to finish the job.]
Coaching
My coach gives me space to think about and discuss where I might make changes to improve certain aspects of my scaffolding. ADHD makes it impossible to be consistent and so I have to try to stay one step ahead (or no more than one step behind).
If you would like to have a conversation about how I might be able to help you or your team with coaching around scaffolding please contact me via email or directly book a 30 minute call. I look forward to hearing from you.
Originally published at http://pixlz.com on January 17, 2025.
