according to an article "Adapting to ADHD through Improvisation"
Several neuroimaging studies have found that the neurological challenges associated with ADHD, lead to too much attention in the wrong areas and mind wandering. Specifically, the default mode network (DMN) is a brain network that connects frontal lobe regions associated with concentration and self-reflection. Hyperactivity in the default mode network can lead to too much attention directed in the wrong areas. In ADHD, overactivity in the DMN can lead to a lack of progress in various tasks due to too much attention being directed to non-productive areas.
This means that we may waste a lot of energy on thoughts that aren't to our benefit. They go on to state that our out of the box thinking leads to improvisation coming naturally to those who are neurodiverse.
Improvisation is the ability to think quickly, problem-solve in real-time, and find the most efficient route to a successful outcome. Improvisation allows individuals who possess it to think outside the box when faced with overstimulating situations, or seemingly impossible hurdles. This skill has been used by countless creatives throughout history to produce amazing works of artistry and innovation alike. A recent article reported that the ability to improvise is linked with the ability to successfully create new concepts and projects, for creative professionals and entrepreneurs.
You could have the most amazing ideas in the world, and have the skills to be flexible, but if you can't get started...improvisation won't help.
AI is changing the way we create, organize, and write. Many think AI will be the great equalizer for many neurodivergent individuals as it levels the playing field in many ways...but you need to know how to use it.
One of my favorite sites to introduce people to AI tools is the Goblin.tools site
goblin.tools is a collection of small, simple, single-task tools, mostly designed to help neurodivergent people with tasks they find overwhelming or difficult.
Most tools will use AI technologies in the back-end to achieve their goals. Currently this includes OpenAI's models. As the tools and backend improve, the intent is to move to an open source alternative.
The AI models used are general purpose models, and so the accuracy of their output can vary. Nothing returned by any of the tools should be taken as a statement of truth, only guesswork. Please use your own knowledge and experience to judge whether the result you get is valid.
Here is what Goblin Tools can do for you:
The Magic To Do - task breakdown tool
Simply type in a task and click the blue magic wand
If you need more detailed instructions it can break each task down even further
This is awesome for figuring out where to start, and what next steps should be...
The Compiler - What if you don't even know where to start...well...
let me introduce you to The Compiler.
Just type in (or copy paste) whatever is on your mind...and it will turn it into actionable tasks.
The Judge - Should I be Offended?
Understanding tone in emails and texts can be challenging. For those of us who immediately assume that the parent's are angry with us....this can help provide some perspective.
Copy and paste the message your are questioning in the Judge...and it will help you figure out how to respond.
The Formalize - Helping you to not offend others.
Want to write a spicy email to a parent...just type in your thoughts and have the Formalizer rewrite it an appropriate tone that won't land you in a parent meeting.
The Estimator - How long will this actually take?
Type in your tasks and let the estimator help you decide what to prioritize, or start based on how long the taks will take.
The Chef - Because deciding what to cook can be one decision too many at the end of the day....type your available ingredients into the Chef and it will find you a recipe
AI is daunting, and I have found that it is only as powerful and helpful as your abilty to construct great prompts.
Initially I used Chat GPT for writing reference letters (and the proposal to do this session) but I am slowly branching out into using it for planning and more.
I love to use it to create an outline and then I go fill in the blanks.
A great place to get started is with the cheat sheets from Khan Academy
I love notebooks...I am alway writing lists, but the multiple books was becoming an issue....enter Rocketbook.
This is an oldschool note taking system that allows you to seemlessly save, sort, and share your notes.
Beyond just a basic notebook, rocketbook has planners and more...
Beacons - changing how we use a whiteboard
Rocketbook now has beacons, 4 corners that you place around notes on a whiteboard or any drawing...scan and it's saved