Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 07/08/2026We need to stop seeing neurodevelopmental conditions (and mental health conditions) as character flaws. However, the response shouldn't be to frame them as gifts or superpowers. They can and do have negative impacts, but they can and do have neutral or even protective elements too at times 0115
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 06/08/2026Executive functioning isn't one skill, it's MANY that overlap and interact with one another. Learning to cope with executive dysfunction isn't as simple as learning one skill or accommodating one developmental gap. It's repeated, constant learning and adaptation over an entire lifetime 0111
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 05/08/2026Anxiety and excitement are two sides of the same coin. They're both energizing emotions often fueled by adrenaline. The difference is that anxiety focuses us on our worries, fears, and our past giving us energy to spiral, while excitement focuses us on our hopes, dreams, and our future (1/4) 2100
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 03/08/2026Everyone tells themselves a story to explain their thoughts, behaviours, and emotions. Recognizing that we're neurodivergent, or being diagnosed, changes this story; it can re-frame what we thought were moral failings as expected challenges or new strengths and weaknesses 0114
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 02/08/2026Behaviour does not occur in isolation. Internally, behaviour is affected by our goals, values, thoughts, feelings, and even bodily sensations. Externally, behaviour is affected by the situation, environment, social structures, and even social power. 182
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 01/08/2026ADHD'ers tend to experience big, fast emotions that are more intense and easier to trigger than non-ADHD'ers. This also means that our emotions in response to other people's emotions can be bigger and faster too. If we aren't careful, this can make for vicious cycle that escalates conflict 0111
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 31/07/2026Social norms can be so hard for autistic folks. We know social norms exist, and we try to make rules based on our understanding of them. But they often feel like moving targets, like a complex, changing puzzle we need to constantly figure out 072
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 30/07/2026The stories we tell ourselves to explain our thoughts, feelings, and actions are often more important than labels and diagnoses, I feel. If our stories disempower us or frame our struggles as moral failings, this can have major implications for our mental health and self-esteem 0100
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 28/07/2026As neurodivergent people, our first mission is to stop seeing ourselves as failed neurotypicals. Neurotypical standards are so ubiquitous that most neurodivergent people have internalized them to some extent. Measuring our success against these standards dooms to failure 0227
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 27/07/2026Being stressed, in pain, or emotional can make anyone emotionally vulnerable. For ADHD'ers, this is on top of our executive dysfunction, intense emotions, and rejection sensitivity. Sure, checking ourselves and emotionally regulating early and often helps, but it sure is exhausting 0141
Reposted by Structured SuccessPaul Howard @phoward8020.bsky.social · 25/07/2026Awesome ideas! To add one of my own: for those of us who enjoy the shower experience but struggle with time blindness, get a waterproof digital clock with a countdown timer! 021
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 25/07/2026The shower can be such an overwhelming place for folks with sensory issues, such as autistic folks. Remember! You're allowed to make it a better sensory experience. You can add music, incense, or galaxy projector. You're allowed to turn off the lights, reduce water pressure, or use a shower chair 1131
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 24/07/2026If you only do everything you "should" do, you will never have time for anything else… and you probably won't even finish everything you "should" do. It's just not possible. So why feel guilty for not finishing all of the things you (and others) tell yourself you should do? 1165
Reposted by Structured SuccessLawyer in Beta dot com @lawyerinbeta.com · 23/07/2026A big mindset change that’s helped me: accepting that I can change strategies! Accepting that a thing that used to work no longer works, bc something in my life changed! (This was a huge revelation! it feels so simple now in hindsight!) 182
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 23/07/2026And that's the kicker! Executive function supports aren't just for neurodivergent folks, either. They are for everyone! They help everyone! I'm so glad that y'all have found a system that helps keep goals visible, rewarding, and fun :) This is the best 0123
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 23/07/2026It's not childish to adapt child-focused ADHD strategies to work for you as an adult. Visual schedules, sticker charts, token economies, and other strategies get talked about as if they are only for kids, when they could help so many adults as well 14012
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 22/07/2026Autistic folks: Very few people actually care if you wear the same thing every day. Buy the 5 copies of the correct jeans. Get the comfortable shirt in every color. You got this. 3408
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 20/07/2026Hello boss...? I can't make it in today. The brain weasels won today and I am entirely at their mercy. ...please send help. 090
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 20/07/2026In neurodivergent households people often have very different needs and struggles. Sometimes one person's needs can end up getting so much of the attention that other people's needs are left unmet. This can have long-term, lasting impacts on functioning 0182
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 19/07/2026Managing ADHD successfully isn't about being or acting like a neurotypical. Successful ADHD management is about accepting that we work differently, using our different strengths and weaknesses, and making progress towards our goals and living up to our values 0215
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 18/07/2026A lot of autistic people make internal rules to help reduce changing expectations and add predictability to unpredictable situations. Unfortunately, sometimes those internals rules can outlast their usefulness, and make us feel weird doing things we are very much allowed to do 0195
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 16/07/2026It's mindblowing how good my ADHD brain is at remembering that I forgot something, but NOT WHAT I ACTUALLY FORGOT. WHAT!?! 0191
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 15/07/2026Everyone likes to feel like their actions impact the world around them. Unfortunately, this can lead us to misattribute external factors beyond our control as direct consequences of our actions. This misattribution is fundamental to some experiences of OCD 050
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 14/07/2026It's so weird how we moralize other people's behaviour, even when it's not harmful to anyone. People are lazy when they prioritize rest. People are careless because the don't prioritize the things we expect them to. It feels like we're talking about something else entirely, doesn't it? 081
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 12/07/2026We need to plan for the life we have first, before planning for the one we want. We aren't going to wake up a different person tomorrow, so if you regularly need extra sleep, plan that in. If it needs to feel urgent to get out the door, set the remind 5 minutes before not an hour 0142
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 11/07/2026My ADHD brain moves FAST, and that means that I can easily crowd people out of conversations if I'm not careful. To prevent this, I have to be super intentional about letting other people respond before I speak again, ESPECIALLY when I'm interested, passionate, or emotional 1142
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 11/07/2026Me: I've been wanting to do this for ages. Can I please just do it? Just a little bit? My executive function: No do. Only guilt. 2235
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 10/07/2026Being autistic changes how we communicate, how we solve problems, and how we navigate daily life. Learning that we are autistic, or being diagnosed, often changes all of this over again as we develop a better understanding of ourselves and how our brain works 0111
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 09/07/2026Them: The rules are the rules… My autistic ass, making notes: *nods* Them: …unless they're more of a guideline… Me: *nodding slows* Them: …or everyone knows that it's not ACTUALLY a rule Me: wait… WHAT!?!? 0167
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 08/07/2026Wild take. Taking care of yourself is better than not taking care of yourself. There are plenty of times we think "it'd be better if I did it in the morning" or "it'd be better if I did it when I…" STOP! Taking care of yourself now is better than putting it off for some idea of perfect self-care 0121
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 07/07/2026We need to stop focusing exclusively on consequences when it comes to managing ADHD. We need to understand how we got to that outcome. If we change these, we may be able to change the result for the next time. For example: 171
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 06/07/2026If you ask me, the hardest part of accommodating the way your neurodivergent brain works isn't finding the strategies or tools. It's learning to accept that you need the strategies or tools and that it doesn't change your value as a person 2334
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 05/07/2026It's almost never only one person who has ADHD in a family. When one person is diagnosed, it's SO common for parents and siblings to also figure out that their ADHD too. This is the power of knowing what ADHD actually looks like… and, well, genetics 2221
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 04/07/2026Psst. There is no rule that you have to do self-care in a specific way. If it helps you, do it. Yes, even if that means drinking coffee because you can't get yourself to drink water. Yes, even if you brush your teeth at 2pm rather than in the morning 1152
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 03/07/2026Welcome to ADHD club. The first rule of ADHD club is store things where you're going use them~! ...did you think I was going to say something else? 1151
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 03/07/2026A lot of ADHD'ers process information verbally. It can be a super effective strategy, but it also a vulnerable state because our thoughts are still forming and changing. Choosing when, where, and with whom it's safe to be this vulnerable is key to it's success 060
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 02/07/2026Neurodivergent success can't be only be measured by neurotypical standards 031
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 02/07/2026Nothing convinces me that my brain is ACTUALLY different than other people faster than when people say: "Just make an L with your hands. The one that's an L is your left." frfr, my brain sees those as the exact same. My brain immediately says both are 'L' no matter how your rotate or flip it 470
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 01/07/2026We need to stop focusing exclusively on consequences when it comes to managing ADHD. We need to understand how we got to that outcome. If we change these, we may be able to change the result for the next time. For example: 1121
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 29/06/2026Anything worth doing is worth half-assing. I promise. Seriously, if doing something perfectly is going to improve your life or functioning, half-assing it is still going to improve your life or functioning 9 times out of 10 02911
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 26/06/2026Every strength of ADHD can also be a weakness, depending on context. For example ADHD'ers often excel at generating and connecting thoughts in unorthodox ways. This can be a strength when we're brainstorming, but when we're trying to draft a to-do list, this can be overwhelming and paralyzing. 1210
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 25/06/2026For ADHD'ers, it can feel super urgent to say what's on our mind. We worry we'll forget it if we don't. We feel like we're holding back a torrent of thoughts, associations, and feelings. While this can be true, it can also be unsustainable, overwhelming, or dysregulating 1204
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 24/06/2026Judging ourselves for our neurodivergent struggles is nasty feedback loop that destroys self-esteem. Shame actually makes it harder to stay regulated, pay attention, or identify strategies that might help, and then if fail we pile on more shame making it harder again 2124
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 24/06/2026Me: I have such big plans for when I get home from work today. My plans: rotting in a cool, dimly lit room, wearing only the comfiest of clothes, eating my safe foods, and falling down only the finest of Wikipedia rabbit holes 1174
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 23/06/2026Many ADHD and/or autistic people struggle with processing speed. This can impact one area, like auditory or sensory processing; multiple areas; or all types of processing. Knowing our personal strengths and struggles in terms of processing helps us understand and accommodate our needs 1142
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 22/06/2026ADHD coaches generally come from more diverse educational backgrounds than therapists. Some come from an education background and excel at supporting academic goals. Others come from business and support management and workplace executive functioning 140
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 21/06/2026For me, and many ADHD'ers, active listening isn't just about the other person. Summarizing and reflecting what the other person said is also about making it fit in my head, or reducing the amount of information I need to cram into my already limited working memory 081
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 20/06/2026Them: …why do you know that? Me: You mean you don't go on random learning binges at 3am? …sounds fake 0236
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 20/06/2026Coping ahead, or pre-processing, can be a valuable strategy for ADHD and/or autistic people who struggle with processing speed. Understanding the context beforehand, or even scripting responses, can reduce demands on processing speed and prevent cognitive logjams during a meeting or interaction 0162
Structured Success @structuredsuccess.ca · 19/06/2026You want to understand how I got my answer? I have ADHD, so… you get the red string, I'll get the thumb task and random printouts. 1100