Driven to Distraction: Recognizing and Coping with Attention Deficit Disorder

by Edward M. Hallowell

Structure refers to essential tools like lists, reminders, notepads, appointment books, filing systems, Rolodexes, bulletin boards, schedules, receipts, IN- and OUT-boxes, answering machines, computer systems, alarm clocks, and alarm watches. Structure refers to the set of external controls that one sets up to compensate for unreliable internal controls. Most people with ADD cannot depend upon their internal controls to keep things organized and to keep themselves on task over time. For them a reliable system of external controls is essential. Setting up a system does not have to be boring; in fact, one can be quite creative in devising a workable structure. And once in place, the system will be calming and confidence-building. We particularly recommend a scheme of reorganizing one’s life that we call pattern planning. This system of time management operates on the same principle as automatic withdrawals from your bank account: by making the withdrawals (of money or time) from your account automatic, you don’t have to plan them every time; they just happen. You plug certain regular appointments or obligations into the pattern of your week so you attend to them automatically. This frees up your limited planning time to focus on other activities. Simple in its conception, pattern planning can reduce the stresses of planning one’s life considerably. It is easy to set up. You start by making a list of all the regular tasks, obligations, and appointments you have every week—you...