Five sentence summary Meant to be a catch-all space for tools, apps, etc. that make writing easier when you have ADHD or other conditions affecting executive functioning. Please feel free to share your own suggestions and experiences. Reference managers, more intelligent word processors, assistive technology like speech-to-text and text-to-speech, as well as tools designed for ADHD folks like Goblin.tools can all make the process of writing a little smoother. This post is meant to be updated regularly (as regularly as my ADHD allows) to share computer applications, phone apps, websites, and other tech that can make writing easier for folks who have trouble focusing, organizing, and motivating themselves to write. I have a table below with each technology, how it may help, as well as the types of systems the tech works with (Windows? Android phones?) and then the cost. I break down the tools more and explain how I've used them (or what I've heard). If you have suggestions for tools that have helped you with ADHD or another condition that has issues with executive functions, please let me know! I am happy to link to blogs, websites, etc. and give credit where it is due!
Reference managers I don't know how anyone writes academic papers on a regular basis without a reference manager. These have given me so many hours of my life back. Personally, I use Zotero. I like it because it's free (so I can recommend it to students and others) and no subscription means I don't need to learn a new software when I change institutions. It also integrates with Google Docs. Using a reference manager means the formatting is taken care of for me. As long as I make sure the original entry for the reference is correct, I can easily switch from APA to to MLA to Nature to whatever other style I need. I click a button. It formats. Brain saved. I click another button and the reference list at the end is updated. Again, this is a huge win for my brain. I spend little to no time formatting, organizing, or compiling references. Goblin.toolsGoblin.tools is a series of web-based tools that that can help ADHD folks with writing and they're all free. If you only investigate one item in this post, the Goblin.tools are worth your time. One of the tools I find most helpful with my ADHD is Magic ToDo which will break down a task, such as write a review paper, into a checklist of components. It's great for when you're overwhelmed by a task and having trouble starting. In the screenshot below, I gave it the task "Lit review on water conservation practices" and it broke it down into parts for me. It also allows you to add items if there are steps missing that you want on the checklist. If you navigate away from the page, come back and your progress is still there! There's also Formalizer, which changes the tone of your text, as well as Estimator, which estimates how long a task may take. Compiler is designed for doing a brain dump. Feeling overwhelmed because you have a million thoughts in your head? Paralyzed by the amount you have to accomplish? Use Compiler to get it all out. All of the Goblin.tools are customizable in the sense that you and adjust how ADHD/neurospicy you are feeling. These tools were made for folks with executive functioning issues. Note: Goblin.tools is based off of ChatGPT. Connected Papers Connected Papers is a website that shows how a paper is connected to other papers through citations. The free version allows three uses per month. I find visualizing papers this way to be a great help for my ADHD. It helps me confirm I'm not missing any major sources or ideas. Yes, I can scan over my works cited but having the same information in multiple forms lessens my chances of missing something. Google Docs I like Google Docs because I can easily see any changes I've made or someone else has made. I don't need to have twenty drafts saved. This helps me organize because fewer files means fewer things to lose. Also, in terms of co-authors, I would much rather have everyone working in a Google Doc than email drafts back and forth. No need to worry if folks have seen the latest changes or if I forgot to update a figure after sending them a draft, they can just see the most recent changes themselves. Obsidian Obsidian is a bit like a replacement for Word, but it might also replace your notes app, your to do list app, and others. I have not tried Obsidian yet but lots of ADHD folks love it. Ryan Randall wrote about using it and there's a good thread on Reddit specifically about ADHD and Obsidian. It works without an internet connection and there are lots of plugins and ways to customize it. It also has version history, so you don't have to remember all the edits you made. Obsidian allows you to tag items, which can help with organizing and keeping track of ideas. That said, a common concern is how challenging Obsidian can be to use. It may require some time to learn it, and it's not that intuitive. Also, if you want your items to sync, you'll have to pay extra. Multiple folks recommended Nicole van der Hoeven's videos on Obsidian for those looking to learn the program. Craft An alternative to Obsidian is Craft, which involves less coding than Obsidian. If you're not looking to be tech-savvy today or just want something simpler to use, try Craft. It has a daily notes feature and you can tag items. (Thanks Naomi Lawson Jacobs for recommending this!). I think with any of these programs, Craft, Obsidian, Notion even, you're going to have to try a few and find one that works best for you. You can get as complicated as you want, although the process of organizing, adding tags, linking items, etc. can be an excellent distraction from actually writing. Be self-aware. Speech-to-text Speech-to-text apps and function on your device(s). For days you don't want to type or those moments when you feel like you have a million ideas rushing at you all at once, speaking those ideas out loud and recording them can be a lot easier than sitting down at a computer or jotting everything down by hand. I've used my iPhone and the notes app to throw a bunch of ideas out on paper. I admittedly haven't used speech-to-text for writing an entire manuscript (have suggestions? tell me!). I know Microsoft has the dictate tool and Google Docs also has the capability to do speech-to-text (instructions here). I cannot recommend IncludEdu more highly when it comes to finding assistive technology. It's a website designed for students, but I see no reason why it doesn't work well for adults as well. You can find free tools like speech-to-text apps and you can search by Google, Apple, and Microsoft. You can also search by issue, like working memory, processing difficulties, understanding spoken and other communications from others. The website is updated regularly too. Text-to-speech On the other hand, maybe text-to-speech or read out loud would be helpful for catching typos or errors you aren't spotting. Maybe your motivation is low but listening to how your introduction flows is feasible. For ADHD folks, gaining the same information from a visual and an auditory source simultaneously can be a big help with focus. Again, I recommend IncludEdu for finding the right option. Microsoft Word has a read out loud feature built in as does Google Docs. There's also Natural Readers, although the free version likely won't get you far. It's available as an app for your phone, as an online website, and as a Chrome extension. With any of these services, I highly recommend playing with the speaker voice, the accent even, and the speed of the reading. It takes some time to get used to, in my experience. It's worth playing around and trying to get used to the slightly robotic voice. What did I miss? If there is a tool that has helped your ADHD when it comes to writing, please let me know! For more writing tips in general, see Writing tips for those who can't organize, focus, or motivate. Main points:
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AuthorThere's a reason theADHDAcademic is an anonymous account and there's a reason why this website will remain anonymous. That said, there are some basics it might be helpful to know about me: DISCLAIMER: I am not a medical professional or a lawyer of any kind. All text, graphics, and content on this website are for educational purposes only. Any and all content should not be substituted for medical or legal advice. Although I strive to provide the most accurate, current, and scientifically sound information, content should never be substituted for professional advice. Always consult a medical and/or legal professional before making any decisions. Links are provided only for reference and do not necessarily imply endorsement.
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