By Christine Wincentaylo, General Member
I got diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at the age of eighteen. I was in my second year of university. It took me over six months just to complete the questionnaire because I kept putting it off and said: “I would deal with it later.”
Finally, I gave my papers, and wow, I was shocked to be told that I had been diagnosed with ADHD.
I remember telling my aunt and mother about wanting to be tested for ADHD, and they told me I didn’t have it because my cousins who had it were very hyper, and I was nothing like them.
My journey with my ADHD has been challenging yet rewarding at times. I wish I had known some of these tools before I got diagnosed, and even now, I am always learning about new resources to help me.
Welcome to the ADHD guide of all the tools that helped me!
Read & Write – Google Chrome Extension
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Helps read websites
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Offered in Multiple languages
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I prefer using papers in a PDF version and then using Read & write; it works better for extension
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You can highlight words and keep them saved for the next time you review a paper or article
** I recommend going to your Access and Disability Resources office, which offers training on how to use Read & Write**
Taking Omega 3’s weekly (especially on days I know I will be busy)
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Personally, It has helped me with improving my impulsivity, attention, and memory
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Omega 3’s have helped me lower the dose of medication I am on
** I am not a doctor; this is from my personal observation and experience. Do ask your doctor or medical specialist for information on Omega 3’s and its impact **
Setting timers for my days with less structure, which are usually my weekends
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I set them for 15mins, then 20min, then back to 15mins
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I take breaks between these timers and then continue doing work for the set amount of time
Get a medication container to help schedule your medications for each day
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It helps me remember to take them in the morning
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Creates a new thing for my schedule
Bag of fidget toys
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I have a bag for fidgets everywhere I go, especially for school. I have it in my backpack, and sometimes other people need one too, so I occasionally give one to someone else in my class.
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Here are the fidgets that work for me: tangle palm, fidget rings, squishies
Watching “How to ADHD”
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It has helped me learn more about my brain.
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Shares different techniques to help with an ADHD brain
Whiteboard for writing reminders
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I have a whiteboard in my room, I thrifted mine for $5, but usually, you can find them anywhere between $4-10 at different stores.
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I write reminders and due dates for payments or things I need to buy and erase them after its completed
