Living with executive dysfunction can be mentally taxing. Carrying more of the mental load means things can fall to the wayside easily. The ADHDer cannot always rely on their brain alone to manage day-to-day life without giving it the support it needs. This is where support systems come into play.
A support system uses tangible tools or strategies to help relieve foreseeable problems before they become bigger ones. Support systems are especially helpful in areas of constant need—when you know what needs to be done, but for whatever reason, it just isn’t getting done. Sometimes these needs are easy to identify; other times, a caregiver or coach may notice the invisible struggle first.
How to Identify Where You Need Support
Ask yourself:
● Does the lack of support increase mental strain?
● Does the task take more time than it should
● Does it feel more physically or mentally draining than expected?
● Do you often make “always” or “never” statements, such as “I always lose my keys” or “I never turn my work in on time”?
● Do others frequently comment on the same challenge, such as “You are always late” or “You are never prepared”?
Once an area of need has been identified, the next step is finding a system that works for the individual. Buy-in is key. The person using the system should have ownership in creating the solution.
How to Build Buy-In
● Help the individual identify the area of need.
● Allow them to help design their own system, with guidance from a caregiver or coach when needed.
● Offer the level of assistance they prefer. Some people like daily reminders; others want only minimal check-ins.
● Make the system motivating and acknowledge progress when you see it.
It is also important to remember that you may need to try a few systems before finding the right fit. If the first system “doesn’t work,” that simply means it may not be the right one for you. An Executive Function Coach can help brainstorm, adjust ideas, and introduce new options.
Examples of Support Systems
“Where are my keys?!”
Try a key hook, key bowl, or designated spot next to the door. Make sure it is visible and easy to use the moment you walk in.
The “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” cleaner:
If you get distracted every time you leave a room to put something away, use baskets for items that belong in other rooms. Stay focused on the room you are cleaning, then put the basket items away afterward.
To Do / In Progress / Finished
Use a physical or digital system to visually track tasks. Post-it notes can work well because they make progress visible. Seeing the “Finished” section fill up can boost both motivation and momentum.
How Do I Know What Works—and How Do I Stick With It?
The easier the system, the better. Complicated systems with too many steps are harder to maintain and often fall apart quickly. A successful system should be clear, manageable, and make sense to the person using it.
User buy-in is critical for long-term success. Trial and error are expected, so having a few options can be helpful. A coach can also provide additional ideas and resources to help identify the right system for each need.
The goal is not to create a perfect system. It is to create one that makes daily life easier—and that you will actually use.
Contact Dynamis Learning at info@dynamislearningacademy.com to set up a time to chat about your child’s needs. We are happy to help with skills that students need for school and life.
Living with executive dysfunction can be mentally taxing. Carrying more of the mental load means things can fall to the wayside easily. The ADHDer cannot always rely on their brain alone to manage day-to-day life without giving it the support it needs. This is where support systems come into play.
A support system uses tangible tools or strategies to help relieve foreseeable problems before they become bigger ones. Support systems are especially helpful in areas of constant need—when you know what needs to be done, but for whatever reason, it just isn’t getting done. Sometimes these needs are easy to identify; other times, a caregiver or coach may notice the invisible struggle first.
How to Identify Where You Need Support
Ask yourself:
● Does the lack of support increase mental strain?
● Does the task take more time than it should
● Does it feel more physically or mentally draining than expected?
● Do you often make “always” or “never” statements, such as “I always lose my keys” or “I never turn my work in on time”?
● Do others frequently comment on the same challenge, such as “You are always late” or “You are never prepared”?
Once an area of need has been identified, the next step is finding a system that works for the individual. Buy-in is key. The person using the system should have ownership in creating the solution.
How to Build Buy-In
● Help the individual identify the area of need.
● Allow them to help design their own system, with guidance from a caregiver or coach when needed.
● Offer the level of assistance they prefer. Some people like daily reminders; others want only minimal check-ins.
● Make the system motivating and acknowledge progress when you see it.
It is also important to remember that you may need to try a few systems before finding the right fit. If the first system “doesn’t work,” that simply means it may not be the right one for you. An Executive Function Coach can help brainstorm, adjust ideas, and introduce new options.
Examples of Support Systems
“Where are my keys?!”
Try a key hook, key bowl, or designated spot next to the door. Make sure it is visible and easy to use the moment you walk in.
The “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” cleaner:
If you get distracted every time you leave a room to put something away, use baskets for items that belong in other rooms. Stay focused on the room you are cleaning, then put the basket items away afterward.
To Do / In Progress / Finished
Use a physical or digital system to visually track tasks. Post-it notes can work well because they make progress visible. Seeing the “Finished” section fill up can boost both motivation and momentum.
How Do I Know What Works—and How Do I Stick With It?
The easier the system, the better. Complicated systems with too many steps are harder to maintain and often fall apart quickly. A successful system should be clear, manageable, and make sense to the person using it.
User buy-in is critical for long-term success. Trial and error are expected, so having a few options can be helpful. A coach can also provide additional ideas and resources to help identify the right system for each need.
The goal is not to create a perfect system. It is to create one that makes daily life easier—and that you will actually use.
Contact Dynamis Learning at info@dynamislearningacademy.com to set up a time to chat about your child’s needs. We are happy to help with skills that students need for school and life.