30 Jan AI and College ADHD Hacks
Brooklyn Letters
1139 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn
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We would highly recommend Ally! Our son always asks about her, so very thankful to Brooklyn Letters for introducing us.
~ Emily, mom of Brooklyn 2 year old -
Nicole has been an amazing therapist!! She played a tremendous role in our daughter’s speech progress and overall development. She has come such a long way and we are so happy with the therapy she received!
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I cannot express how grateful and rewarding my experience with Brooklyn Letters has been. Her tutor Ms. Daria is so knowledgeable, amazing, kind and awesome. My daughter has made so much progress in Literacy and Math and it's all … More thanks to Ms. Daria. I know my daughter is sad that she can no longer work with Ms. Daria, as she looked forward to their sessions every week. Thank you again!
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Excellent services, caring therapists.
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Christina was absolutely wonderful. She went out of her way to win my son over and it worked. He looked forward to her visits and his speech improved so much under her care. She was super flexible and it’s clear she truly cares. We adore … More Christina and we’re going to miss her. Almost sad he improved so much! She’s simply amazing and we can’t say enough how great she is. I would recommend her services to anyone and everyone, without hesitation. Thank you so much for connecting us with her!
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We could not be happier with the services Valerie provided! She is very thoughtful and knowledgeable and provided significant guidance to support our daughter's speech development outside of our scheduled sessions. She established … More a great working relationship with her, and she will definitely be missed! Your business model is amazing and it was an absolute pleasure working with Valerie. I've referred your organization and Valerie to the Executive Director of our daughter's school and friends/colleagues who are in need of speech therapy services.
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We cannot say enough good things about Effie, the ASL teacher, who was so engaged and effective with our 2 year old daughter from the very first session! Effie gladly included our whole family in the sessions! Her expertise and fantastic … More personality gave our daughter a way to communicate that she was so desperately seeking. The coordinators at Brooklyn Letters were so helpful and communicative…I would highly recommend their services!
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The company is great with outstanding customer service. They keep my horses protected. I have recommended them to other horses trainers as well that are going to get service early next year. Very professional an honest too. Respectfully … More submitted Christopher
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Ron and Ken did a fantastic job with our security system today. Installed everything very quick. Both of them were very polite and asked us throughout if the installation met our needs. Simply fantastic!
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I called Cornerstone Protection to get a Security system at a relatives out of state property, within a week it was installed! The installers worked with the client to help understand her new system and she was happy! Our relative said … More they were courteous, professional and patient! I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection for all of your security needs!
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Had blink cameras; Car was broken into multiple times so I called CornerStone & they were able to install multiple cameras very quickly & for a reasonable price. I am so happy with the app & getting alerts that are not superfluous, … More like they were with Blink. Highly recommend CornerStone & the tech Ronnie.
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Ron and Ken are great guys to work with.
Both were very knowledgeable and got our system back up and running.
Thanks to both for a job well done... -
Samantha Dalmas was fantastic! We saw her for a feeding therapy evaluation and while she doesn’t think my daughter needs more feeding therapy sessions at this time, but she gave me lots of tips to try. If my daughter's doctors want … More to see more progress at her next appointment, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Samantha again.
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Amazing assistance provided by Shannon today on my security system. I’m so grateful for your prompt, efficient, professional, and courteous service. Put me down as a customer for life!
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One of the most painless experiences I've had. They came on time and was over the moon professional with still keeping a level of personability to it. The gentleman also went out of his way to say that my husband and Mines business … More was appreciated. Which is actually rare to be appreciated by such a great company. So thank you and we look forward to continuing services with this company.
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I am so happy we decided to go with cornerstone. They were quick and efficient. Shannon and the installer we very friendly. We got a lot of equipment and it was still within our budget. 10/10 would definitely recommend! Thank you
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Love the customer service and Shanon and his team go above and beyond for my restaurant. Couldn't of asked for a better security system and level of service that his team provides.
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I have been using Cornerstone Protection service for over 5 years and I'm really happy with the service and state-of-the-art equipments and it's futures are so much in advance and friendly, I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection … More Service any and all business that need a security protection days and nights specially after business hours(Cornerstone Protection is perfect solution for your business). Owner of Cornerstone Protection is proactive with their customers and their equipments. Good experienced with Cornerstone Protection!!!
Kanu Patel -
We had a very positive experience with Alissa as a tutor for our pod of 5th grade boys from January - June 2020. She cared a lot about the boys and worked hard to create meaningful activities for them. The pod experience was invaluable … More for all of our families during a difficult year and we were so grateful to have found this partnership! We also want to appreciate Craig for helping to match us with a tutor on very short notice after we had cycled through a few folks who were not able to see the commitment through. Thanks for sticking with us!
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Dusty was the exact person we needed to help our child finish out the school year. So grateful to him for the way he steadily encouraged her and helped her stay on track and organized. He is flexible, responsive to our needs/schedule as … More a family, and a delight to be with. We are also thankful that Craig at Themba Tutors really "gets it" and partnered us with such a wonderful tutor who was a great fit for our girl.
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My child worked with Gillian D virtually for math enrichment. She is an excellent teacher. She took time to understand my child's specific learning style and provided tools that would be engaging. She was kind and empathetic- really … More made it her goal to connect with my child and build trust and rapport. My child started the school year with confidence and without the typically "brain-drain" that occurs over the summer, thanks to Gillian.
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I am going into my second year as a Themba tutor. I have met so many great individuals while working for this company. Craig and the rest of the Themba team do such an excellent job picking and choosing Themba tutors that suit each client's … More individual needs! I look forward to meeting new tutors and clients in the 2021-2022 school year!
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Our son started in a new high school, 100% remote, and was really struggling with Latin and Physics. I found Themba Tudors online and had an initial call with Craig, who was very knowledgeable, responsive, and found 2 amazing tutors for … More us. Both the Latin and the physics tutors were fantastic, connected with my son really well and helped him go from 'failing' grade to 'honors'! I will for sure continue using (and recommending!) Themba Tutors. Thank you, C, K, and W!
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Brian is a fantastic executive functioning coach. Super helpful, flexible with hours, and tailored the experience to our needs.
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Giulia Mercuri is a great Italian tutor! She was very responsive and accessible. Giulia put a ton of effort into preparing for each session and really helped our son with test preparation and projects. We are grateful that she was able … More to help, especially since our son did not receive any live teaching during COVID. We are happy that she was referred to us!
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As an adult student diagnosed with a learning disability during grad school, I knew I needed help dealing with my Master's program's demanding workload. I was seriously considering dropping out when I was referred to Themba Tutors. … More I was paired up with a wonderful tutor, Julie, who was a total lifesaver. I learned many techniques that I can utilize in the future as I embark on the next phase of my career.
I can wholeheartedly say after working with Themba for two years that I would not have finished my program without this organization. And I am so thankful I selected them. -
We were introduced to a wonderful tutor: Mcedwyn. He and our son, a freshman in college, worked well together. As a result, our son’s grades significantly improved. The tutor taught our son subject content and various methods to effectively … More study for quizzes and exams. Our son was also taught time management and organization. My son’s experience with the tutor made the first year of college a less intimidating experience.
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We have been with our tutor, Cailin Schiller, for two years, from 5th - 7th grade. She started as an executive functioning tutor with my daughter. From the start, she demonstrated a depth of expertise and a selective use of techniques skillfully … More adapted to my daughter’s ADHD and Math disability. Cailin made Math accessible and understandable to her in a way that even her teachers had not been able to do. She differentiated reading, writing and math tasks and assignments to tailor them to my daughter’s unique learning differences. Not only did it have an effect on her grades and her work efficiency, but she finally could do her work with less anxiety. Even my daughter’s teachers used Cailin’s guidance to modify their work with her. But most importantly, she became my daughter’s favorite resource. I can’t say how invaluable Cailin has been to my daughter’s progress and well-being. I’d recommend her a million times over. She is a gem.
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Victoria is a superb tutor. She helped my high school age daughter with her writing. Victoria's skills as a tutor, as well as her sense of humor and her engaging personality went a long way with my daughter.
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Themba Tutors provided a leaning specialist that was a perfect fit for my daughter. I told them what we were looking for and they delivered. Our tutor is responsive and flexible and makes it easy for my daughter to reach out to her own … More her own, which gives her an added sense of responsibility over her learning. As a therapist myself, I now regularly recommend Themba to my patients. A much needed and well provided service to the community!!
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The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
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I'm so glad we were referred to Themba Tutors. After a great initial conversation to learn our needs, we were connected with an excellent tutor, Felicia, who is helping our high school daughter learn better organizational and executive … More skills. Highly recommended.
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We had a wonderful experience with our tutor Micaela. She helped our son not only academically but at every level. We will be forever grateful to have her in our lives.
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The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
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Paul Smith at Themba has been an exceptional tutor for my son, both in terms of teaching the subject matter and teaching how best to approach the process of learning math and executing assignments. We feel very fortunate to be working with … More Paul.
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We were very lucky to have found Edwouine Swift, my son's therapist through Themba Tutors. Thomas is 12 years old, and it is extremely difficult to get him to write. Edwouine just works her magic with him, he adores her and is so … More eager to follow her guidance. I have no doubt she will be a positive driving force in his academic future.
COLLEGE ADHD HACKS:
Getting Started with AI to Stay Organized and Focused
AI and College ADHD Hacks
Navigating college life with ADHD can feel overwhelming. Time management, staying focused, and balancing multiple responsibilities can be challenging. Many students struggle with procrastination, forget deadlines, and feel mentally drained from the effort required to keep everything organized.
Recent studies indicate that the prevalence of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) among U.S. college students ranges from approximately 5.6% to 16%. A national cross-sectional study found that 5.6% of U.S. college students reported having ADHD, which is slightly higher than the general U.S. adult prevalence of 4%.
In contrast, a survey conducted in the fall of 2023, involving over 23,000 students from 38 U.S. colleges, reported that nearly 16% of respondents had been diagnosed with ADHD.
The good news? AI (Artificial Intelligence) is a game-changing tool that can help students with ADHD build effective routines, minimize distractions, and stay on top of their studies with less stress. Even better, no tech expertise is required!
This guide will introduce practical ADHD-friendly AI tools and strategies to help students enhance their productivity, boost focus, and reduce anxiety.
Understanding ADHD Challenges for College Students
Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD) is a neurological condition characterized by difficulties in processing nonverbal communication, visual-spatial reasoning, and fine-motor skills. Individuals with NVLD often excel in verbal tasks but may struggle with interpreting social cues, organizing their thoughts, or performing tasks that require spatial understanding.
ADHD impacts executive function, making certain academic tasks harder. Here are the most common struggles and how they affect daily college life:
Procrastination & Motivation Issues
- Difficulty initiating tasks, leading to last-minute stress.
- Struggling to stay engaged, especially with uninteresting assignments.
- Relying on adrenaline (panic mode) to complete work before deadlines.
Disorganization & Forgetfulness
- Losing track of assignments, deadlines, and important dates.
- Misplacing notes, digital files, or materials needed for class.
- Struggling to organize long-term projects effectively.
Focus & Overwhelm
- Easily distracted by external stimuli (phones, noise, social media).
- Mental fatigue from trying to concentrate for long periods.
- Feeling overwhelmed by multiple tasks, leading to shutdown or avoidance.
Emotional Regulation & Burnout
- Increased stress from missing deadlines or falling behind.
- Struggles with self-doubt and frustration over task completion.
- Burnout from hyperfocusing on a single task for too long.
How AI Can Help: AI tools can automate scheduling, prioritize tasks, and create focus-friendly study environments, allowing students to work smarter, not harder.
Students with ADHD often face academic challenges, including lower grades, difficulties with time management, and increased procrastination. Additionally, they may experience social difficulties, a higher likelihood of substance use, and an elevated risk of dropping out of college compared to their neurotypical peers.
How AI Tools Can Help (Without Overwhelming You)
AI is often associated with complex technology, but many AI tools are designed for simplicity and accessibility. For students with ADHD, the key is to use AI as an assistant, not as an additional stressor. The right AI tools will work in the background to help streamline organization, improve time management, and create structured routines. The best part? Many of these tools require minimal setup and work seamlessly on smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
AI can help in multiple ways. AI-powered scheduling tools like OmniSets, Kawaii Tasks, and Goblin Tools can set up automated reminders for classes, deadlines, and study sessions. Smart assistants like Reclaim AI and Motion take things a step further by adjusting your schedule in real-time, ensuring you don’t overbook yourself or forget important commitments. For task prioritization, apps like Trevo, TimeHero, and FlowSavvy break big projects into manageable steps, allowing students to see a clear roadmap of what needs to be done first.
Additionally, AI-powered brain-dumping tools like Saner AI and Notion AI help ADHD students offload ideas, notes, and random thoughts, preventing mental clutter. AI-generated focus boosters like Focuster and Endel create personalized soundscapes that enhance concentration, while AI-driven website blockers like Freedom and Cold Turkey minimize distractions by limiting access to social media or gaming sites during study hours.
The key to using AI effectively is starting small. Instead of trying to integrate multiple tools at once, students should identify one major struggle (e.g., remembering deadlines, staying focused, or organizing study materials) and introduce a single AI tool to address that issue. By taking this gradual approach, students can make AI work for them, rather than feeling overwhelmed by too much change at once.
Tips for Getting Started with AI
Getting started with AI can seem intimidating, but the best approach is to start small and build gradually. The key is to identify one major pain point in your daily routine and find an AI tool to solve it. For example, if you frequently forget deadlines, start by using a simple AI-powered planner like Google Calendar or Todoist to set reminders. If focus is your biggest struggle, an AI-generated music app like Brain.fm can help create a distraction-free study environment.
Once you’ve chosen an AI tool, take the time to learn the basics. Most apps come with built-in tutorials or quick-start guides on YouTube. Spending just 10–15 minutes understanding core features can make the transition much smoother. It’s also a good idea to set up default settings that align with your needs, such as enabling notifications for deadlines or customizing focus sessions.
Next, work on integrating AI into your daily routine. Set aside 5–10 minutes each morning or evening to review your planner, update tasks, and check upcoming assignments. Use AI tools during downtime—like while commuting or in between classes—to quickly organize thoughts, set reminders, or review notes. Making AI a small but consistent part of your routine will help you develop new habits without feeling overwhelmed.
Lastly, embrace trial and error. Not every AI tool will be a perfect fit, and that’s okay. If one tool doesn’t work for you, don’t get discouraged—simply try another. ADHD brains thrive on flexibility, so finding the right mix of AI tools will likely involve experimentation. The key is to keep it simple and focus on small improvements rather than trying to change everything at once.
Advanced AI Strategies for ADHD Productivity
Once you’re comfortable using AI, you can experiment with more advanced strategies to optimize your workflow.
AI-Powered Study Techniques
- Summarizing Notes: Use AI tools like ChatGPT, Notion AI, or Elicit to summarize class lectures.
- AI-Generated Study Plans: Let AI create structured study plans for exams based on your syllabus.
- Spaced Repetition AI: Apps like Anki and Quizlet use AI to reinforce learning at optimal intervals.
AI for Reducing Sensory Overload
- AI-Powered Noise Cancellation: Bose’s AI-powered noise-canceling headphones adjust to your environment.
- Customizable Study Environments: AI apps like Noisli allow you to create personalized soundscapes.
- AI-Generated Mindfulness Breaks: Tools like Headspace use AI to suggest meditation exercises based on stress levels.
The Importance of AI in Enhancing Human Potential
While the human brain excels in creativity and adaptability, it has inherent inefficiencies such as cognitive biases, limited processing power, slow learning, and susceptibility to emotional interference. These limitations hinder decision-making, knowledge retention, and problem-solving in complex situations.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) can overcome these constraints by enhancing data processing, reducing biases, accelerating learning, and expanding human cognitive capabilities. AI-driven education, healthcare, and governance can empower the next generation to tackle global challenges more effectively.
To ensure AI benefits society, it must be integrated responsibly into education and ethical frameworks. Rather than replacing human intelligence, AI should be seen as a collaborative tool that amplifies creativity and problem-solving. By embracing AI, future generations can transcend biological limitations and unlock unprecedented opportunities for progress.
The Emotional Benefits of Using AI
Beyond productivity, AI can provide significant emotional benefits for students with ADHD. One of the most valuable aspects of AI is its ability to reduce mental overload. By automating scheduling, reminders, and organization, students experience less anxiety about forgetting important tasks. The structured support provided by AI tools also gives students a greater sense of control over their time, reducing the feeling of being constantly overwhelmed.
Using AI effectively can also boost confidence. Completing assignments on time, staying on track with coursework, and maintaining an organized study routine help build a sense of competence. When students see progress—whether through an AI-powered habit tracker, a streak in a productivity app, or a reduction in missed deadlines—they start to feel more in control of their academic life.
Finally, AI frees up mental energy for creativity, fun, and self-care. When ADHD students no longer need to constantly worry about planning and organization, they have more time to engage in hobbies, spend time with friends, or simply relax. By integrating AI into their daily routine, students create a sustainable support system that allows them to thrive in college rather than just survive.
Encouragement to Take the First Step
AI may seem like a complex and intimidating tool, but at its core, it is just a helper—one that can work behind the scenes to make college life easier. Many students feel hesitant to adopt AI because they believe they need to be tech-savvy, but the truth is, most AI tools today are designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. The first step is the hardest, but it can also be transformative.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, start small. Pick one AI tool this week and test it out. Whether it’s a simple calendar reminder, an AI-generated focus playlist, or an automatic note-taking app, even a tiny step forward can make a big difference. ADHD challenges don’t disappear overnight, but with the right tools, strategies, and mindset, you can create a system that works for you. Your future self will thank you!
While AI tools can provide valuable support, personalized guidance from experienced professionals can make an even greater impact. Themba Tutors offers 1:1 ADHD coaching and executive function support to help college students build essential skills like time management, organization, and self-advocacy. Our expert tutors work closely with students to develop customized strategies that align with their unique strengths and challenges.
Craig Selinger
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