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Jenny Cooke's avatar

That’s really interesting- thank you. I have a colleague with ADHD and this is an approach that might be helpful in the workplace too. We have a dedicated quiet room at one office (officially it’s for a specific team to use, but I have been arguing for anyone who needs silent working space to be allowed in, and I am going to test this later this week!)

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Serena Menken's avatar

Thanks for sharing, Jenny! I’d love to hear how it goes for your colleague when you try it. Sometimes minimizing distractions/ external noises is also really helpful for folks with ADHD, so your idea of using the quiet room is a great one!

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Alycia W Morales's avatar

Thank you for sharing this. My twenty-five-year-old son has recently been diagnosed with ADHD, and he has Tourette's Syndrome, which makes for an interesting combination. He's receiving therapy and has begun using a wonderful ADHD planner to help him focus on his goals and move forward from being stuck in life for several years. He's asked for a body double a few times, and your article has helped me better understand how to serve his needs. I look forward to serving him in this way.

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Serena Menken's avatar

Thanks for sharing, @Alycia W Morales - so glad it was helpful! There’s so much to learn right after the initial diagnosis. Sounds like you’re supporting him well. I’m glad he has a lot of support.

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Cindy Ojczyk's avatar

Setting aside "me" time is often the hardest part of parenting, but it is worth it!

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Serena Menken's avatar

Good point, @Cindy Ojczyk!

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Caitlin H. Mallery's avatar

I think steps for using is effectively help me see some gaps in how I have been working with my ADHD son. Thanks!

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Serena Menken's avatar

Thanks for sharing, @Caitlin H. Mallery!

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JoDee Luna's avatar

This is soooo helpful! I’m going to pass the post on to my daughter whose husband and daughter are ADHD. My granddaughter is also an artist like your daughter. One of her favorite treats is a trip to the arts and craft store.

What you wrote about the flip side being procrastination and self-criticism is a real problem for her. What a wonderful gift you are giving by passing on this helpful information and giving examples of how these strategies can be applied in real life!

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Serena Menken's avatar

Thanks @JoDee Luna - I’m so glad it’s helpful. I’m not at all surprised that your granddaughter is an artist like you - how fun! Hoping your son-in-law and granddaughter get all the support they need.

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Jane Anderson's avatar

Body doubling is ingenious. I have used this technique when I have been procrastinating on tasks. I text a friend, tell her what I need to get done, and have her check in on me after a certain amount of time. Knowing I have to report my progress is a sure fire way to make real progress.

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Serena Menken's avatar

I agree, @Jane Anderson! I hadn’t thought about how I use it in that way too when I was writing this. But when I’m feeling stuck or overwhelmed, I also reach out to a friend for support, commit my plan, and then check in afterwards about how it went. Sometimes even in 30 min chunks can be so helpful. Thanks for sharing!

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