AI for ADHD: Does it work? And some digital tools that might help
Thanks to AI, it suddenly seems like you do not need to remember everything. We get it. It seems easy to replace professional therapeutic services with an app.
The hype is real and for good reason. The instant, tailored responses of AI gives your brain dopamine. And novelty!
You’re probably asking: do you even need an ADHD coach or counsellor when ChatGPT and other large language models promise to do all the same things?
We’ve tested it out and found out. Here are the verdicts:
AI can be a valuable companion on your journey.
But you also need real people in your corner. Sometimes, you need the professionals.
How AI helps with ADHD
The synergy between human care and AI can be powerful.
You can have a virtual supporter who is helping to remind you what you have been learning, helping you to put it into practice.
Here's what AI is good at:
Task management
Tools like Goblin Tools can help break down the busywork into manageable steps.
Scheduling
Your memory isn't broken; it's just different. AI assistants can manage complex schedules and even adjust when interruptions occur.
Tiimo's AI Planner can create structured, flexible plans that actually work for you.
Learning support
Generative AI (like ChatGPT or Gemini) can bypass the boring bits. Like turning dense text into friendly formats or explaining complex concepts in multiple ways.
NotebookLM can turn loooooong documents into podcasts or audio conversions. It’s great for digesting necessary but tedious information.
Memory
Tools like Otter.ai can help catch the runaway ideas.
This can be a huge relief if you have a hard time taking notes or remembering details from a meeting.
The cost of convenience
There is no easy way to say this: there is always a price to be paid for convenience.
Using AI like a therapist or a friend is incredibly tempting and there’s a real biological reason why. The immediate interaction is a quick hit of dopamine.
Research suggests that over-reliance on AI for complex tasks can erode your critical thinking skills.
This instant gratification bypasses the effort normally required to plan, initiate and execute tasks.
When you outsource to an algorithm, your brain doesn’t do the necessary deep work that strengthens neural connections.
If AI does all the heavy lifting, then you risk losing the resilience you're trying to build. That's why we need humans to remind us that sometimes, you need to do the work.
The coach's role
AI is brilliant at creating a schedule, but it can’t provide the accountability, compassion, or follow-through that leads to lasting change.
Beehyve’s coaches work with you to:
Select the right tools: Instead of signing up for every new app, your coach can help you test and choose specific tools that fit your unique wiring.
Interpret the data: AI can track your mood, but your coach helps you understand the “why” behind your patterns.
Provides accountability: We provide the compassionate, non-judgmental accountability that AI cannot.
Ready to find the right tool for your brain?
If you're ready to partner with a human who gets it, get in touch with one of our coaches.
