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How to Better Communicate Via Text With ADHDers!

User Profile: Heather225
Heather225 July 9th, 2025

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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!

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User Profile: Heather225
Heather225 OP July 9th, 2025
If you have ADHD and advice you'd like to impart, or more tips to share, please do below!!
User Profile: AnnaSilverberg
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.
✨💙✨
User Profile: BlessedGodsagent
BlessedGodsagent July 11th, 2025

Great analysis

User Profile: tamokim
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.

User Profile: LightWinter3974
LightWinter3974 November 2nd, 2025

@Heather225

Aww thanks for writing this really helpful post H🥹

User Profile: JasGab200519970
JasGab200519970 December 12th, 2025

@Heather225

Simple Simon time - yes makes sense! Thank you H :)

User Profile: GooseOnTheWind
GooseOnTheWind December 14th, 2025

This was really helpful! Thanks for those great ideas!