How to Better Communicate Via Text With ADHDers!
Heather225
July 9th, 2025

ADHD brains process information differently, and what might seem straightforward to some can be overwhelming or difficult to absorb for others. ADHD often involves challenges with executive functions like attention, working memory, and inhibition. Since our community operates entirely by text, I wanted to make this post to provide tips on how you can help make communication more structured, concise, and visually accessible, to help our ADHD folks process information and have better conversations on both ends!
Keep it Concise & To the Point:
- Think "Executive Summary": Start with the most important information first. What's the core message?
- No More Wall-of-Texts: Break down long paragraphs into shorter ones. Aim for 2-3 sentences per paragraph maximum.
- Less is More: Can you say it in fewer words?
Structure for Scan-ability & Clarity:
- Use Headings: These act like signposts, guiding the reader and breaking up the text into manageable chunks.
- Bullet Points & Numbered Lists Are Your Best Friends: For instructions, key takeaways, or multiple items, lists are gold. They're visually less daunting and easier to process.
- Bold Key Information: Highlight crucial words, deadlines, or actions. This draws the eye to what's most important. (This is great in forum posts!)
- Whitespace is Wonderful: Don't cram text. Give your content room to breathe with margins and space between paragraphs and sections.
Simplify Language:
- Plain Language is Power!! Avoid complex vocabulary or overly formal language. Use everyday words that are easy to understand.
- Short Sentences: Break down complex sentences into several simpler ones. This reduces cognitive load.
- Avoid Ambiguity: Be direct and specific.
Getting things done!
- Make the Request Clear: If there's something you want them to do, state it clearly and upfront.
- Separate Actions: If there are multiple actions, list them individually. "First, do X. Then, do Y."
- Provide Checklists: For tasks, a simple checklist can be incredibly helpful for tracking progress and ensuring nothing is missed.
By utilizing these tips to adjust the way you approach conversation, you can make a huge difference in how well your message is understood and remembered! Thanks for helping us help you!

AnnaSilverberg
July 10th, 2025
@Heather225
Wow!
This is just perfect! I absolutely love it!
One thing I'd like to add is repetition.
We need reminders: If we haven't completed the task, please nudge us.
We can forget easily: Out of sight, out of mind. It's just how our brain works.
But we are also really creative, excellent solution seekers and we do manage
to get the tasks done, we just need a little nudges here and there sometimes.
✨💙✨
This is just perfect! I absolutely love it!
One thing I'd like to add is repetition.
We need reminders: If we haven't completed the task, please nudge us.
We can forget easily: Out of sight, out of mind. It's just how our brain works.
But we are also really creative, excellent solution seekers and we do manage
to get the tasks done, we just need a little nudges here and there sometimes.
✨💙✨
✨
BlessedGodsagent
July 11th, 2025
Great analysis
tamokim
July 20th, 2025
I have ADHD myself which I admitted only recently after a couple of years of denial. Guess mine is a bit different. I’m all for reading and writing miles long texts but I get extremely anxious when I think of working. And most of the works are projects of my own choice.
LightWinter3974
November 2nd, 2025
@Heather225
Aww thanks for writing this really helpful post H🥹
JasGab200519970
December 12th, 2025
@Heather225
Simple Simon time - yes makes sense! Thank you H :)
GooseOnTheWind
December 14th, 2025
This was really helpful! Thanks for those great ideas!