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ADHD & AI (ChatGPT) – A Marriage Made in Heaven

Troy Lowndes

Written By: Me - Troy Lowndes 1/11/2023


Preamble


Earlier today, while mowing the lawn, I found myself lost in thought, trudging up and down the front verge in my usual methodical manner. My mind drifted to a recent “town hall” presentation by Sam Altman of OpenAI, talking about ChatGPT. That event was only a few days ago, and though I won’t dive into the details, I was genuinely impressed by some of the fresh ideas discussed.


What really caught me off guard was just how engaged I was throughout that entire video. Normally, I'd skip through any dull parts—but I didn’t. I was hooked from start to finish. Of course, being me, I promptly forgot half of it and got sucked into an endless loop of YouTube shorts soon after. Still, something clearly stuck in my mind, because I found myself mulling over AI while pushing my mower around. Maybe the idea floated back up because I was frustrated with the grass and wished a robot could do it for me.


While on that train of thought, I started considering not just my ADHD, but also other forms of neurodiversity—people who are dyslexic, autistic, bipolar, etc. That triggered a whole cascade of ideas: everything from designing the perfect automated lawn mowing service to maybe just hiring Jim’s Mowing. But the concept that really lit a spark was this marriage between ADHD and AI, especially ChatGPT. The thought just felt huge—like a brand-new doorway opening in my mind. That’s how this piece got its name.


ADHD & AI (ChatGPT) – A Marriage Made in Heaven.

About Me


Five or six months ago, at the ripe young age of 48, I received an official ADHD diagnosis. It was a real game-changer—like flipping on a light in a dark warehouse. Before that, I was bogged down by a pretty grim self-image. I saw myself as fundamentally flawed: constantly fumbling, hopelessly disorganised, struggling with written work, typed communication, and sometimes even being dismissed as lazy or unreliable. Those harsh views were like heavy weights strapped around my ankles, keeping me from appreciating my own strengths.


Yet, despite all of that, there was always a quiet voice inside that said, “Hang on a minute. You’re creative. You’re practical. You’re a real jack-of-all-trades who can pick up almost anything if you put your mind to it.” I just had no framework to reconcile those positive traits with all my perceived failures. It wasn't until I got the ADHD diagnosis that I could finally see these different aspects of myself as part of one big picture. Suddenly, it all made sense.


Before the diagnosis, I might have had these thoughts floating around, but communicating them? That was another story. I couldn’t really talk about my ideas or struggles in a way that anyone else could truly understand. Now, not only can I see how ADHD plays a role in all this, I can actually voice these insights so people “get it.”


The Benefits of an AI Partner


So, let's talk about why this marriage of ADHD and AI—particularly ChatGPT—feels almost predestined. Here are a few reasons why folks with ADHD (myself included) might find an AI companion so beneficial:


  1. Instant Responses: With ADHD, there’s a tendency to lose focus if we don’t get immediate feedback. ChatGPT answers straight away, which feels like someone is right there, engaged in real time.

  2. Structured Interaction: ChatGPT keeps the conversation on track. There are fewer opportunities to be lured away by random distractions because you’re locked into a text-based back-and-forth.

  3. Customized Learning and Assistance: The AI can tailor its responses to what you’re interested in. If you have ADHD, you know how crucial it is to keep that spark of interest alive for as long as possible.

  4. Reduced Distractions: Because the conversation sits within a single app or browser tab, you're less likely to bounce around the internet like a pinball (though, let’s be honest, we still have to fight the urge).

  5. Task Management and Reminders: Need a list broken into chunks? A daily schedule? A nudge to stay on track? ChatGPT can do that, saving you from the avalanche of undone tasks.

  6. Emotional Support and Understanding: While not a therapist, ChatGPT can provide a non-judgmental space to vent or bounce ideas around. In a pinch, it feels like a friendly sidekick that won’t roll its eyes if you go off on a tangent.


Of course, it’s not magic. Professional advice, therapy, and medication (if needed) are all still vital. ChatGPT is a piece of the puzzle, not the entire solution.


A Bold Prediction


Let me just put this out there: The cpnvergence of AI tools with ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions is going to be groundbreaking. Mark my words. After only a day of actually taking this idea seriously—tinkering with AI and letting my imagination run—I believe we’re on the cusp of a life-changing period for a lot of people.


When you have sausages for fingers, you need to learn to play with your feet.”

Translation: If the ‘normal’ route isn’t working for you, find another way. AI might be that other way.


The Right Tools – Endless Possibilities


Let’s theorise a bit further. Think about the synergy created when we pair ADHD (or any neurological difference) with a technology like ChatGPT:


  • Complementary ToolAI doesn’t replace human insight or therapy, but it can fill in gaps. Imagine having a personal assistant that’s on-call 24/7, never gets tired, and doesn’t judge.

  • Accessibility and InclusivityFor those who find reading pages of text overwhelming or can’t focus in a traditional setting, AI offers a more flexible approach—voice prompts, summarized answers, bullet points. It’s an equaliser.

  • Enhancing Traditional TherapiesPicture therapy sessions supplemented by AI-driven exercises at home, self-assessment quizzes, or daily motivational messages that keep you engaged between appointments.

  • Empowerment and IndependenceFor many people who’ve felt reliant on others for reminders or direction, AI can nudge them toward independence by taking over mundane tasks and letting them focus on their real passions.

  • Data-Driven InsightsAn AI that interacts with you regularly can pick up on patterns in your behaviour or mood over time. Shared with a professional (with full consent, of course), that data could revolutionise personal care plans.

  • Need for Cautious OptimismNone of this is a silver bullet. Privacy concerns are real. So are questions about AI biases and the importance of human empathy. Still, the potential here is enormous.


Standing at the Crossroads


My Question: Given my ADHD diagnosis and the massive potential I see with AI, I find myself at a crossroads, trying to figure out my next steps. I’ve often felt that my life would be different—easier, more directed—if I’d discovered certain tools or insights earlier. Now that AI is on the scene, I see possibilities everywhere. Is this really as big as it feels?


ChatGPT Response (Expanded Explanation): Yes, this convergence of AI and ADHD can be transformative. We’re effectively supercharging your innate creativity and adaptability with a structured, always-on assistant that helps soften your weaker spots. Think of it like a customised Swiss Army knife: it can tackle almost any task, from brainstorming to project management. But it’s also crucial to acknowledge that AI isn’t a magic wand. It's a guide, a helper, a powerful tool—but human support networks, therapy, and in some cases medication remain integral parts of the story.


A New Way Forward


My Question: Continuing this line of thought: AI seems to amplify our strengths and give us coping strategies for our weaknesses. It’s given me new clarity around future goals, especially when I compare it to how lost I sometimes felt in the past. So what does everyone think about this? Are we looking at the dawn of a new era in how people with ADHD (and neurodiversity in general) navigate daily challenges?


ChatGPT Response (Elaborated): The short answer? Quite possibly, yes. This could be a tipping point for inclusive tech design. By focusing on how AI can adapt to each user, we might see a wave of custom learning environments, therapeutic aids, and productivity tools that fundamentally change how neurodiverse people tackle everyday life. But remember, we still need human touch—therapy, friendships, real-life experiences. The AI can handle the routine stuff, freeing you to pour your energy into meaningful, creative pursuits.


Leveraging Our Strengths


My Question: I keep returning to this idea: pairing something like my ADHD with AI is almost like having a secret weapon. Suddenly, the tasks that used to trip me up are easier to navigate, and the stuff I’m naturally good at is taken to a whole new level. Anyone else see this as a massive leap forward?


ChatGPT Response: This marriage really does feel revolutionary. By automating certain tasks, AI helps lighten the load of ADHD-related struggles—like remembering appointments or filtering out distractions—and it magnifies strengths such as creativity and problem-solving. If you’ve spent years spinning your wheels, AI can jump-start your momentum. Still, it bears repeating: while this technology can be a game-changer, it’s not a substitute for professional medical advice or therapy. It’s a powerful ally, but still just one aspect of a broader management toolkit.


My Final Question


Given what we’ve discussed, and knowing my interests in ADHD, AI, and all these opportunities they seem to present, what sorts of career or business pathways might be most exciting or rewarding for me?


ChatGPT Response (With Added Nuance):


  1. AI-Driven Assistive Tech: Design or collaborate on tools specifically geared toward ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions. Imagine an app that listens to user voice notes, summarises them, and turns them into to-do lists in real time.

  2. Specialised Coaching or Counselling: Leverage your personal experience to guide others, showing them how AI can fit into their management strategies. You could be the bridge between AI’s potential and an individual’s daily reality.

  3. EdTech for Neurodiverse Learners: Work on educational platforms that adapt content to a student’s attention span, interests, and cognitive style in real time.

  4. Advocacy and Public Speaking: Travel, talk, and fire people up about the possibilities. Share your journey—failures, triumphs, and how AI can revolutionise neurodiverse support.

  5. Research & Development: Dive into the data side of ADHD management, building evidence-based tools that can help professionals deliver more targeted interventions.

  6. Tech Consulting: Help schools, workplaces, or community groups integrate AI solutions that genuinely assist neurodiverse individuals instead of just ticking an “inclusion” box.

  7. Content Creation & Blogging: If you enjoy writing or speaking, share your ongoing discoveries in a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel. People resonate with firsthand experiences, and you’d be helping to normalise ADHD in the tech space.

  8. UX Design for Neurodiversity: Create ADHD-friendly interfaces—clean layouts, minimal clutter, user-friendly flows. It’s a growing niche that can have a huge impact on user engagement and satisfaction.


Conclusion


As I ponder all of this, I see us standing at an exciting juncture. On one side, we have ADHD and other forms of neurodiversity—conditions that have historically been misunderstood and under-supported. On the other side, we have advanced AI tools like ChatGPT, brimming with potential. When these worlds collide, sparks fly. Whether it’s through personalised reminders, real-time brainstorming, or a thousand other yet-to-be-invented possibilities, AI could radically uplift the daily experience of people with ADHD.


But let's keep one foot on the ground. AI isn’t a cure or a replacement for genuine human empathy or professional care. It’s an incredible tool—like discovering a new superpower—yet we still need community, therapy, and self-awareness. It’s in blending all these elements together that we’ll find a fresh route forward, one that’s filled with hope, possibility, and a renewed sense of direction.




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