Structured Success
@structuredsuccess.ca
ADHD Coach & Academic Strategist | Guiding ADHD, autistic, and neurodivergent clients through lived experience | they/her | #AuDHD | www.structuredsuccess.ca
We 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
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
August 7, 2026 at 4:44 PM
We 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
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
Executive 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
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
August 6, 2026 at 4:40 PM
Executive 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
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
Anxiety 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)
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)
August 5, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Anxiety 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)
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)
Everyone 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
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
August 3, 2026 at 4:44 PM
Everyone 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
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
Behaviour 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.
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.
August 2, 2026 at 8:28 PM
Behaviour 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.
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.
ADHD'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
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
August 1, 2026 at 5:57 PM
ADHD'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
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
Social 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
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
July 31, 2026 at 4:34 PM
Social 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
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
The 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
If our stories disempower us or frame our struggles as moral failings, this can have major implications for our mental health and self-esteem
July 30, 2026 at 8:38 PM
The 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
If our stories disempower us or frame our struggles as moral failings, this can have major implications for our mental health and self-esteem
As 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
Neurotypical standards are so ubiquitous that most neurodivergent people have internalized them to some extent. Measuring our success against these standards dooms to failure
July 28, 2026 at 4:50 PM
As 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
Neurotypical standards are so ubiquitous that most neurodivergent people have internalized them to some extent. Measuring our success against these standards dooms to failure
Being 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
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
July 27, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Being 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
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
Reposted by Structured Success
Awesome 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!
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!
July 25, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Awesome 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!
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!
The 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
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
July 25, 2026 at 8:10 PM
The 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
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
If 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?
It's just not possible. So why feel guilty for not finishing all of the things you (and others) tell yourself you should do?
July 24, 2026 at 4:04 PM
If 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?
It's just not possible. So why feel guilty for not finishing all of the things you (and others) tell yourself you should do?
Reposted by Structured Success
A 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!)
July 23, 2026 at 5:43 PM
A 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!)
And 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
I'm so glad that y'all have found a system that helps keep goals visible, rewarding, and fun :) This is the best
I will say @spiffykt.bsky.social does not have ADHD, but has found a bingo card system very useful. Instead of New Year's resolutions, she fills out a bingo card with stuff like "throw a party" and "finish a sewing project," and then puts it on the fridge and marks it off throughout the year
It'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
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
July 23, 2026 at 7:41 PM
And 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
I'm so glad that y'all have found a system that helps keep goals visible, rewarding, and fun :) This is the best
It'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
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
July 23, 2026 at 5:24 PM
It'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
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
Autistic 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.
Buy the 5 copies of the correct jeans.
Get the comfortable shirt in every color.
You got this.
July 22, 2026 at 6:02 PM
Autistic 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.
Buy the 5 copies of the correct jeans.
Get the comfortable shirt in every color.
You got this.
Hello boss...? I can't make it in today. The brain weasels won today and I am entirely at their mercy.
...please send help.
...please send help.
July 20, 2026 at 5:29 PM
Hello boss...? I can't make it in today. The brain weasels won today and I am entirely at their mercy.
...please send help.
...please send help.
In 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
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
July 20, 2026 at 2:45 PM
In 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
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
Managing 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
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
July 19, 2026 at 3:54 PM
Managing 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
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
A 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
Unfortunately, sometimes those internals rules can outlast their usefulness, and make us feel weird doing things we are very much allowed to do
July 18, 2026 at 9:03 PM
A 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
Unfortunately, sometimes those internals rules can outlast their usefulness, and make us feel weird doing things we are very much allowed to do
It's mindblowing how good my ADHD brain is at remembering that I forgot something, but NOT WHAT I ACTUALLY FORGOT.
WHAT!?!
WHAT!?!
July 16, 2026 at 5:43 PM
It's mindblowing how good my ADHD brain is at remembering that I forgot something, but NOT WHAT I ACTUALLY FORGOT.
WHAT!?!
WHAT!?!
Everyone 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
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
July 15, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Everyone 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
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
It'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?
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?
July 14, 2026 at 8:02 PM
It'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?
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?
We 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
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
July 12, 2026 at 3:37 PM
We 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
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